Master bedroom magic
It’s the room where you start and end each day — a peaceful retreat from all the noise and activity of day-to-day life.
But the master bedroom is becoming more than just the hideaway we retreat to, to get some peaceful shut-eye, according to leading Perth interior designers.
“Our bedroom is a sanctuary from our often crazy-busy and demanding lives,” interior designer Kim Pearson, of Kim Pearson Design and Decoration, says. “It’s a place to hang out as much as sleep.”
Interior designer David Hicks, of David Hicks Design, says bedrooms are larger and integrating sitting areas and even retreat/study areas.
“More clients are looking for something unique, a space that they sleep in but also enjoy as another living space — elegant, streamlined hotel-inspired bedroom suites,” he says.
YOUR GARDENING QUESTIONS ANSWERED
When it comes to creating a dreamy master bedroom you never want to leave, Ms Pearson says it’s all about styling it in a way that brings you the most joy, comfort and respite.
“Colour is back in the bedroom but I feel it’s never left,” she says.
While white and neutrals will always be considered timeless, Ms Pearson says layering with gentle to strong palettes of earthy pinks, lilacs, greens and blues offers myriad opportunities to freshen the look of your room according to your mood.
This can be done by simply swapping out your bed linen — “a bit like creating a wardrobe for your room”, Ms Pearson says.
According to Bedshed merchandise manager Les Sevel, who recently returned from the Milan Furniture Fair showcasing the latest bedroom trends, upholstered fabric continues to be the main trend but hues of mid-blue and forest green indicate a strong colour shift.
“In relation to design, we have also observed wider headboards contrasted with fine legs on bases,” he says.
“Upholstered beds, in various woven fabrics, are without doubt the strongest trend in the market.
“Dusty pinks and petrol blues feature as accents and trim colours.
Light oak timbers have proved popular in bedroom furniture, Mr Sevel says.
“We are also now starting to see the emergence of beautiful walnut timbers, which give a warm, rich feel to any bedroom,” he says.
LAYERS OF COMFORT AND STYLE
Creating a beautiful bedroom is about layering.
Mr Hicks recommends using a layered but subtle colour and material palette.
“The bedroom is a soothing space and the decoration needs to reflect that. Have a balance of texture, so if you are using a timber floor, have a large, soft rug under the bed as this will provide some warmth and comfort but also anchor the bed within the room,” he says.
Ms Pearson says relaxed layering is heaven in the bedroom — mixing textiles with cottons, linens and wools. She recommends keeping it simple and letting beautiful quality bed linens take centre stage.
According to the team at Adairs, cushions and throws are an affordable way to change up your bedroom decor.
“Add a cosy chunky knit rib throw to create textured layering and add a touch of glamour with fringing and tassels,” an Adairs spokesperson says.
FINISHING TOUCHES
Bedrooms rely heavily on unique pieces and artwork, otherwise they become just a room with a bed, Mr Hicks says.
“I always steer clients towards killer side lamps and a feature pendant along with fabric- upholstered walls behind the bed to add some softness,” he says.
“A beautiful mid-century curved French style sofa also works beautifully.”
At Adairs, subtle additions of colour help personalise the bedroom, such as coloured pots for your plants, and statement wall art with floral designs.
Ms Pearson also recommends simple touches such as picking flowers or lighting a candle.
PICKING THE PERFECT MATTRESS
We spend a third of our day in bed, so choosing a great mattress makes the world of difference, Ms Pearson says. She recommends going with the best mattress you can afford and taking advantage of great year- round deals.
With developments in spring and foam technology in recent years, Mr Sevel says “traditionally sprung mattresses have improved a step further and many are now available with the latest advancements in technology”.
High-tech features include sleep tracker technology which allows you to monitor and measure your sleep quality using a phone app, which provides information such as your mattress and body temperatures, humidity, light levels, noise levels and how much you move during the night. There are also mattresses that enable you to adjust the comfort feel on each side of the mattress via a smartphone app or cabled remote.
DESIGNER TIPS
“Don’t clutter the room and use only key pieces such as bedside tables, lamps, pendants and, depending on room size, incorporate a beautiful freestanding desk or sofa to create another living dimension to the room.” — David Hicks
“Build your collection of bed linen and you’ll never run out of options to respond to your mood — serene and calm one week; bright and fun the next.” — Kim Pearson
SHOPPING INSPIRATION
Adding some finishing touches to your bedroom will let your personality and mood shine through.
Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.
Sign up for our emails