A post about bedroom design and how to find your inspiration.
You know what I have decided? That I am more of a creature of comfort and habit than I realized. I like what I like and I definitely have retreated more back into my ‘shell’ and cozy comfortable design the past couple of years and have not done any big decor changes in awhile.
I like what I like so I created the space that makes me happy and that I don’t feel the need to change. That is a good thing. But just like anything else, it can start to feel a little stale sometimes. Basically, I like the design and details in the bedroom currently. I like the furniture, the layout and layers. -but I am craving something different. And you know how when you refresh a room and then walk in and get a little giddy and dance when you see it? Well, that is the goal. I guess you could say I am bringing ‘giddy’ back. haha.
Bedroom Design Inspiration
Maybe you are feeling a bit of the same lack of enthusiasm for a space in your home too- but aren’t sure where to begin. Sometimes when starting a room refresh or redesign- it can feel a little overwhelming with where to start. Do you move the furniture, paint the walls, etc. And I get asked questions all the time about how to start a refresh- where to begin, what inspires it, etc. So today, I am sharing a little of the method to my madness and a few tips that might help when looking at making an update.
Take a page
Remember how before Pinterest we used to look through the pages of a magazine for inspiration? You would tear one out when you found it and put it on the fridge with a magnet or tuck it into a book to refer back to. Now we ‘save’ the photo to a board at Pinterest which is a whole lot like a book full of inspiring magazine pages.
So start by taking a closer look at those magazine pages. What is it that is inspiring to you? Colors, patterns, design styles – all play a part in how a room comes together and sometimes you just see the room as a whole rather than the details. Take a romantic english country style room for example. If you love the look and that is your inspiration- the key is noticing what it is about the look that you love. Maybe you love the cozy, warm, nurturing feeling it has or the rich colors and patterns and layers of lovely in the wallpaper, bedding, rug, etc. Or maybe it is simply the shade of olive green velvet on the sofa with the gold mirror in the background.
Edit
At the same time- something else that helps refine your vision is to also notice what you don’t necessarily love about the room. Maybe the furniture is too dark. Or the colors are too bold. Or you really don’t care for the ‘modern’ style nightstand or tufted bed. Simply edit those out of your inspiration. Focus on the elements that inspire and leave the others behind.
3 Things
Okay, sure there are more than 3 things to think about – but I start with these.
- Walls
- Layout
- Layers
The ‘backdrop or background‘ aka your walls and the colors on your walls are going to set the tone for the room. Maybe you want something serene and simple and choose to stay with a white or cream. Maybe you want that floral wallpaper floor to ceiling for a cozy look. Or maybe it is somewhere in between. Start with the walls and define what you want that to look like first to create the perfect backdrop.
Layout plays a part in how the room feels. If you have options for moving the bed to different walls- think about what works best for the flow of the room. I look at the walkable areas in the room and also what is on both sides of the bed and across from the bed. Currently, our bed faces the French doors- which I love. But something to consider is that if you don’t want a burst of early morning sun dancing across the bed in the morning and waking you up before you are ready to get up- you will need to add curtains or consider a different bed placement. The easiest way to decide the layout is to sketch it on a paper- unless you have some willing help to move big pieces around while you try to see what you like.
Layers are like icing on a cake. You start with the background, figure out the placement of furniture (the cake) and then add all the lovely icing and embellishments. This is where your other overall design style and other patterns come in- bedding, curtains, rugs. And where the furniture you decide to use chimes in as well. Those painted nightstands and vintage mirrors for example. The floral bedding and velvet quilt. The breezy curtains and type of rug underfoot. The lighting and artwork on the wall, etc. The layers are really like a fabulous party outfit. They are fun to play with and you can dress them up or keep them casual.
Our Bedroom & More
So, where am I in the whole room refresh? Well, I am in those magazine pages just a bit yet- but I do have an idea of the look I am after. I am starting with a pattern on the antique chairs above- as well as some vintage curtains as one of the inspirations- you might remember these from awhile back- they were up in my moms house for years. I just had them cleaned and aired out on the clothesline.
I am also planning to incorporate a new sitting area as well- maybe that vintage table I am working on would fit here?
I hope this helps to find just what it is that inspires you and to use that to create the room you are dreaming of. Stay tuned for more as I delve into the bedroom refresh- starting with the walls.
Happy Monday all.
Get the Look Inspirations
Sharing a couple things I have been saving as inspiration for several rooms – and stay tuned for a post all about crystal chandeliers and some amazing get the expensive look options for less. *affiliate links
franki Parde says
Alas…it’s sheets & pillows…living in a log cabin limits placements…franki
Courtney says
Oh but a log cabin has so much personality!
Juli says
Looking forward to seeing the changes!
Frances Batson says
Love. Love the curtains
Mary Anne Russo says
Your bedroom is just so lovely, also thank you for the great tips you shared on decor.
Lori says
we are working on our bedroom next so this helps a great deal courtney. I just know that I can’t do too frilly as my husband probably won’t be all in but I can add some pretty things in the seating area or nook. Flowers he can handle so that’s a given..
Diane Ruebel says
Dear courtney,
A downsizing move is coming up this summer so your “3 things” is now in my mood board. The way you categorized and simply explained, is inspiring.
Thank you,
Diney on Camano Island
Aussie Jo says
Oh so nice
ROSINA V JACKSON says
I want those curtains..!!! Where are they? Do they have a name?
Help..!!!
Rosina
Courtney says
They are from probably 40 years ago so I am not sure.
Barbara says
I would love to know where those blue and burlap chairs and table came from. They are gorgeous!