9 Design Recipes for a Peaceful Bedroom
Find your bliss in these dreamy, relaxing sleep spaces
Laura Gaskill
December 30, 2015
Houzz Contributor. I cover decorating ideas, Houzz tours & the monthly home maintenance checklist. My favorite pieces to write center around the emotional aspects of home and savoring life's simple pleasures. Decluttering course + discount for Houzzers: https://www.lauragaskill.com/welcome-houzzers
Houzz Contributor. I cover decorating ideas, Houzz tours & the monthly home maintenance... More
Close your eyes for a moment and imagine your dream getaway — if you could go anywhere, where would you go? Whether you have in mind a rustic cabin in the woods, a tropical island escape, a cozy B&B or something completely different, you may want to consider channeling the essence of your ultimate getaway in your bedroom. After all, shouldn’t your bedroom be a place where you can completely decompress, relax and recharge? Here are nine design recipes to transform your bedroom into a peaceful, relaxation-inducing retreat.
1. Modern farmhouse. In a warm neutral scheme like this, it’s all about the textures. Think about layering the bed with crisp cotton sheets, a pure linen duvet cover and a chunky knitted throw. Soft carpeting, or wood floors with a cozy area rug, feels delightful on chilly mornings. Keep the space calm and natural with a neutral paint color like warm gray or flax and white trim.
Bring more touchable textures into your space with one or more of these key elements:
- Faux-fur throw or sheepskin
- Rumpled linen sheets or throw
- Nubby linen pillow covers
- Unvarnished wood stool
- Sculptural ceramics in a matte finish
- Exposed wooden beams
- Chunky knits
2. Urban wabi-sabi. For the feel of your own Zen retreat in the middle of the city, this look is all about stripped-down surfaces, natural textures and wide-open space. Pick from among these key elements to create your own take on the look:
- Low-slung platform bed or tatami mat
- Concrete walls or floors
- Raw reclaimed wood
- Pure linen bedding with lots of rustic texture
- Sleek modern lighting
- Cool palette of silvery gray, white and black
- Large-scale abstract art in black and white
3. Bookish retreat. For the feel of cozying up in a private wing of a secret library, this bedroom is a reader’s dream. Get the look with these key elements:
- Bookcases flanking the bed — fill them completely with books, no fussy styling here!
- A deep, rich wall color is cozy and enveloping
- Wall-mounted task lights bring the light right where you need it for reading in bed
- Prop up with an armful of fluffy, comfy pillows in faux fur
- Bring in an old-world vibe with a portrait in an oval frame — bonus points if it’s a portrait of your favorite author
4. Scandinavian simplicity. Scandinavian style is clean and uncluttered, with a focus on boosting light and bringing nature in. Key elements include:
- Wood floors left bare or painted white
- Crisp white walls
- Bedding in serene shades of blue and white
- An oversize paper lantern and twinkle lights to boost light
- Potted plants to bring in nature
5. Cabin in the woods. If your idea of a dream getaway is a back-to-basics cabin in a beautiful natural setting, consider bringing some of the woods home with a simple, rustic bedroom. Bring in these key elements to create the look:
- Less is more: Keep furnishings and decor spare and simple
- A wooden rocking chair by the window makes a comfy reading spot
- Dress the bed simply with solid, ticking stripe or plaid sheets and a quilt or duvet for warmth
- A wood stove will really up the cozy factor
6. Minimalist. If your style leans toward clean-lined, architectural design, a minimalist bedroom may be what you find most soothing. Keep accessories to a minimum and focus on quality over quantity. Key elements include:
- Neat art wall to add visual interest without cluttering surfaces
- Crisp bedding in white and gray that’s simple and modern
- Low-profile platform bed
- Slim lamps on bedside tables or sleek wall-mounted fixtures
- A sculptural modern-icon chair
7. Beach house bliss. Re-create the feeling of that tropical beach getaway with a breezy space that leaves the cares of the modern world behind. Key elements include:
- Breezy white curtains around the bed
- Simple, pure cotton bedding in white or icy blue
- Just a few beach-inspired finds, like a beautiful piece of driftwood, plus a gorgeous photography book
- White walls and floors
- Shutters or lightweight white curtains on windows
- Keep clutter hidden in woven boxes and behind cupboard doors for a serene look
8. Hotel style. Channel that luxury suite with a chic bedroom tailored just for you. Key elements:
- Layered bedding — sateen sheets, wool blanket, duvet, ultrasoft throw and plenty of pillows
- Soft gray or putty wall color with white trim
- Piping details on a chair or bedding for a crisp, tailored look
- Floor-length drapes with blackout liners
- Just a few elegant accessories — a small painting in a gold frame, a potted orchid, a water carafe
9. Traditional comforts. Like your own private B&B, this traditionally appointed bedroom is plush, comfortable and utterly charming. Key elements include:
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- Bed that looks ready to dive into with an extra-soft mattress topper (or feather bed) and lots of layers
- Warm white wall color to make the most of morning light streaming in
- Traditional candlestick-base lamps with cream-colored shades
- Sitting area with a comfy overstuffed roll-arm armchair or wingback chair and stool
- Wood floors, warmed up with antique rugs
- Window seat flanked with bookcases
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Wow, the beach house one is amazing ! Here are other peaceful bedrooms:
Oh my! I LOVE the rustic one the best! Nothing wrong at all with the others. I just love nature and the great outdoors and a big old roaring fire while I was sitting reading a book tucked up on the rocking chair is my kind of bliss! Imagine then hopping into bed with the embers dying down and a glass of wine in hand and finishing that novel.....ah....beautiful!
I would love to paint the bedroom a soft grey, but I now have brown and beige furniture in there. How do you think that would look?