Use The Power Of Colour
Colour is the most powerful tool when it comes to interior decorating and the design element that makes a space come alive. In winter, choose colours from the warm side of the colour wheel (red, orange and yellow) to brighten up your home.
Red is the most stimulating colour and associated with high energy, movement and excitement.
- Reds can be fiery, passionate, sophisticated and warm. There are many shades of red to play with: blood-red, blush, brick, burgundy, flame, scarlet, rose to name a few. Use red as accent in your bedroom to create energy and excitement. Red works well with other warm colours like orange and yellow, the neighbours on the colour wheel.
The colour yellow is associated with optimism, happiness, and the sun.
- It enhances positive thoughts and creativity and signals power. It gives a warm, happy and welcoming feeling to the entrance of a house. Bright yellow works best as accent colour and pairs well with shades of grey for a very contemporary look. Neon yellow is currently very trendy and looks great as accent colour paired with pastels. In general use yellow in artwork, cushions, decor or an area rug to inject a splash of colour to your interior.
Orange is a secondary colour mixed out of red and yellow and therefore combines the energy and drama of red with the happiness of yellow.
- Temperature wise orange is seen as the hottest of all colours and therefore great to fight the winter cold. It induces a feeling of warmth, fun and creativity.
Light Up Your Space
Lighting shapes the interior and can make a huge difference in any space. To create mood and atmosphere in your bedroom use different light sources: a pendant, bedside table lamps, or wall lights forreading, and a floor lamp to illuminate a corner. When assessing your room, think about where you want to have the light distribution. Surfaces like walls, floors and ceilings reflect light. Consider the colour temperature of your light; fittings with warm light will help to beat the winter blues. The easiest and least expensive way to add warm light to any space is using candles. Cluster them on your mantel, a side table or a shelf in your bedroom to create mood and a romantic atmosphere.
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[slideshow_deploy id=’6870′] [hr]Master The Art Of Layering Texture
Cushions and throws are easy to change and replace throughout the year. Consider changing cushions between rooms in your home. Layer different colours and textures (cotton, wool, mohair, linen), combine warm neutrals with reds, oranges or shades of purple to add a splash of vibrant colour.
A good idea is to keep an eye out for cushion warehouse sales where you can grab a bargain.
To layer patterns, choose a common colour scheme. Start with a patterned rug and keep adding cushions, art or accessories. Add one piece at a time and step back to see the overall look. If it doesn’t feel right, change single items and note the difference. Be inspired by renowned interior designer Kit Kemp, who is a master of layering patterns and her bold and eclectic style can be seen in her design hotels.
[pullQuote]“One of my favourite tips is decorating with flowers. Flowers are one of the things that make most impact in interior styling.”[/pullQuote]
Define A Space With A Rug
Use a rug to make a statement and add texture in your bedroom. You can even layer two rugs on top of each other to achieve a wow factor in your space. The choices are endless and I recommend to research online what you like and then go shopping. Otherwise you risk spending endless hours browsing stores and not finding anything.
Let The Sunshine In With Flowers
One of my favourite tips is decorating with flowers. Flowers are one of the things that make most impact in interior styling. They come in a wide range of colours, sizes and shapes and you don’t have to spend a fortune if you buy them at a market.
Be careful with the strength of their scent for use in your bedroom. [hr]
Bedroom Design and Layout
The focal point in a bedroom is usually the bed. You spend a third of your life in it, so invest in a quality mattress first of all! You know how vital it is in today’s hectic world to rest and have a good night’s sleep.
Then, think about how much storage you need. Consider under-bed storage, an ottoman with storage option or a built-in bookshelf around the bed. Going for this option, you can use one compartment of the shelf as a bedside table and a clamp lamp as a reading light. Reading lights also look very stylish when mounted on the wall behind the bed or hung from the ceiling above the bed. With this solution, however, you have to keep in mind that rearranging the furniture will involve changing the position of the pendants as well. Small baskets are great organisers for all the little pieces you keep in your bedroom and can be placed in the shelf. If you can do without bedside tables this will save you space and make your bedroom look larger.
If you can’t do without bedside tables, look for a slim shape with legs or a transparent Perspex cube which can be used to store books and magazines inside it. Alternatively, use a small stool or a stack of books as a table. Be creative and unique in your private space!
For additional storage, a bench at the end of the bed is a stylish (think of a gorgeous fabric!) and practical solution. If the size of your bedroom allows it, create a cosy reading corner with an occasional chair and a little side table.
Another option to make a statement in the bedroom is to use the wall behind the bed as a blank canvas and decorate it with either a gorgeous bed head, wallpaper (very popular and millions of patterns and styles to choose from!) or a couple of shelves above the bed to display art, family photos and treasured objects.
For wardrobes and linen closets, sliding doors are a great option, as they do not hinder furniture placement. Depending on the aspect of your bedroom choose the right window coverings. Do you need light-blocking drapery to keep out the sun or only a decorative sheer? Have a decorative cushion made in the same fabric as your curtains to link your room.
[hr]Bettina Deda is an interior stylist, colour consultant, artist and director of Bettina Deda Colour Design living. Originally from Germany, she moved to Sydney in 2008 and completed several studies including a CERT IV in Colour and Design and a Colour Design Diploma at the International School of Colour and Design (iscd).
As a born organizer, she published an ebook to successfully manage DIY home renovations Style to Impress and is currently working on her second book Downsize in style. In May 2013 she launched her first fabric range for soft furnishings inspired by her hand-painted original artworks.
For more information on Bettina and her work, go to www.bdcolourdesign.net.au
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