8 Lessons From the Most Popular New Bedrooms on Houzz
These relaxing spaces make us want to dive in and get a good night’s sleep
Becky Harris
October 3, 2017
Houzz Contributor. Hi there! I live in a 1940s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe as "collected."
I got into design via Landscape Architecture, which I studied at the University of Virginia.
Houzz Contributor. Hi there! I live in a 1940s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe... More
When looking at 10 of the most popular bedrooms on Houzz during the last three months (as measured by the number of people who have uploaded them to ideabooks), it’s easy to see what makes them so crowd-pleasing. They’re the kind of rooms where we can picture ourselves diving into bed and having a wonderful night’s sleep. So let’s look at what we can take away from each to help make our own bedrooms the ultimate comfort zone.
1. Layer Textures in a Neutral Space
I’m not sure how many times I’ve called a bedroom a “relaxing retreat,” but I wish I had a nickel for each one. Even though it’s a cliche, it’s still what we all want! The bedroom is the place to shake off your day and get a good night’s rest. Where better to do that than in a relaxing retreat?
A neutral color palette is a good strategy for creating a calm atmosphere. But you don’t want it to be so boring that you fall asleep before you even crawl into bed. By using a thoughtful palette of textiles, other textures (check out that grasscloth-wrapped nightstand) and metal finishes in this room, the designer made it feel relaxing yet interesting.
I’m not sure how many times I’ve called a bedroom a “relaxing retreat,” but I wish I had a nickel for each one. Even though it’s a cliche, it’s still what we all want! The bedroom is the place to shake off your day and get a good night’s rest. Where better to do that than in a relaxing retreat?
A neutral color palette is a good strategy for creating a calm atmosphere. But you don’t want it to be so boring that you fall asleep before you even crawl into bed. By using a thoughtful palette of textiles, other textures (check out that grasscloth-wrapped nightstand) and metal finishes in this room, the designer made it feel relaxing yet interesting.
2. Calm Things With Symmetry
Using symmetry is another good way to make things feel calm. Here, matching bedside tables and lamps, wallpapered panels and a flower over the center of the headboard make it easy to tuck in and fall asleep.
Paint color: Brittany Blue, Benjamin Moore; find bedside tables
Using symmetry is another good way to make things feel calm. Here, matching bedside tables and lamps, wallpapered panels and a flower over the center of the headboard make it easy to tuck in and fall asleep.
Paint color: Brittany Blue, Benjamin Moore; find bedside tables
This popular bedroom also employs symmetry that’s easy on the eyes.
3. Pay Attention to the Ceiling
The bedroom is the room where you notice the ceiling the most, of course, since you spend so much time lying down. Here, rustic wood adds a touch of a cabin vibe to the contemporary space. For different styles, consider finishing the ceiling with tongue-and-groove paneling, coffers, a different paint color or wallpaper.
The bedroom is the room where you notice the ceiling the most, of course, since you spend so much time lying down. Here, rustic wood adds a touch of a cabin vibe to the contemporary space. For different styles, consider finishing the ceiling with tongue-and-groove paneling, coffers, a different paint color or wallpaper.
4. Consider Proportions
A high ceiling in a bedroom is a nice attribute, but if you have low-slung furniture it can make you feel Lilliputian. Note the way the tall headboard and large mirrors in this popular bedroom stand up to the height of the ceiling.
A high ceiling in a bedroom is a nice attribute, but if you have low-slung furniture it can make you feel Lilliputian. Note the way the tall headboard and large mirrors in this popular bedroom stand up to the height of the ceiling.
Another way to handle a high ceiling’s proportions is by adding a large light fixture. This one looks like a classed-up disco ball and draws the eye straight to it. It’s also a fun contrast to the crisp, tailored look of the bedroom.
5. Extend Your Drapery Rods
Going floor-to-ceiling with your drapes is another way to create pleasing proportions and minimize visual clutter. Here, a floating ceiling provides a recess that hides the rods, making for a clean look. And the extension of the draperies up to the ceiling makes the window appear taller.
Note: You certainly don’t have to go rodless. Check out the first photo to see how you can employ the same strategy without having a floating ceiling.
Going floor-to-ceiling with your drapes is another way to create pleasing proportions and minimize visual clutter. Here, a floating ceiling provides a recess that hides the rods, making for a clean look. And the extension of the draperies up to the ceiling makes the window appear taller.
Note: You certainly don’t have to go rodless. Check out the first photo to see how you can employ the same strategy without having a floating ceiling.
6. Hang Pendant Lights
Using ceiling or wall-mounted lights is a great way to save space on your nightstand and provide yourself with ample reading light. And don’t forget to use dimmers so you can change up the mood in your bedroom.
Browse pendant lights
Using ceiling or wall-mounted lights is a great way to save space on your nightstand and provide yourself with ample reading light. And don’t forget to use dimmers so you can change up the mood in your bedroom.
Browse pendant lights
7. Think Beyond the Typical Headboard
Some bedrooms are too tight to fit a bed with a bulky headboard. This DIY one made of wood planks is affixed to the wall, taking up no floor space. You can also use things like shutters, fencing, an iron gate, macrame or a large piece of art to create a wall-hung headboard.
13 Homemade Headboards That Thrill With Creativity
Some bedrooms are too tight to fit a bed with a bulky headboard. This DIY one made of wood planks is affixed to the wall, taking up no floor space. You can also use things like shutters, fencing, an iron gate, macrame or a large piece of art to create a wall-hung headboard.
13 Homemade Headboards That Thrill With Creativity
8. Always Embrace Your Personal Style
While the most popular lists tend to embrace what’s trending today, be sure to be true to your own style. For example, if you’re a Shabby Chic fan for life, go for the ruffles and florals you love. After all, you’ll literally be wrapping yourself up with the things you love in your bedroom.
Share: What’s your secret to creating a relaxing retreat? Is there a favorite color or textile you simply have to have in your bedroom? Please share with us in the Comments.
More
Houzz Quiz: What Color Should You Paint Your Bedroom Walls?
The Cure for Houzz Envy: Master Bedroom Touches Anyone Can Do
While the most popular lists tend to embrace what’s trending today, be sure to be true to your own style. For example, if you’re a Shabby Chic fan for life, go for the ruffles and florals you love. After all, you’ll literally be wrapping yourself up with the things you love in your bedroom.
Share: What’s your secret to creating a relaxing retreat? Is there a favorite color or textile you simply have to have in your bedroom? Please share with us in the Comments.
More
Houzz Quiz: What Color Should You Paint Your Bedroom Walls?
The Cure for Houzz Envy: Master Bedroom Touches Anyone Can Do
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Really like no. 1.
For me, a relaxing bedroom retreat includes artwork featuring nature. These scenes are what I wake to and fall asleep to.
I love #4,6,8!