Canadian Home Trends Colour & Trends 2014 | Page 44

Eileen’s Design School
how to design a

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BEDROOM

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013W)
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Text Eileen Marshall | Photography Scott Shipley

It’s a fact that we sleep away one-third of our lives! With this in mind, what better way is there to
end the day than in a cozy, comfortable bedroom? To achieve an inviting and well-decorated
bedroom, be it a master, guest, teenager or child’s room, consider the following helpful tips:

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m

colour is a huge influence in our lives so it is prudent to choose
a colour for your bedroom that will entice sleep. Soft, light, muted,
cool and calming colours such as creams, warm whites, taupes and
beiges are known to be soothing. Blue and green hues are said to
lower one’s heart rate and blood pressure, whereas lively red and
orange colours evoke energy. Colour does not necessarily have to
just be found on the walls or ceiling. It can be incorporated into bed
linens, wall art, area rugs, throws and accessories. This is a great
way to add splashes of colour for an extra punch, or change up your
colour accents seasonally.
fabrics and bed linens will add colour to a space, as
well as soften the overall look. It is also a great medium in which to
add texture and pattern, be it a medley of designs or alternatively,
a selection of plain and subtle hues. Adding different materials,
such as Egyptian cotton, linen, silk, cashmere and matelassé, will
further enrich a bed’s appearance. Different sized cushions will
plump it up and create both visual and physical comfort. Don’t
forget the headboard; this is a great way to incorporate fabric.
Headboards come in many shapes and sizes and are a great way
to draw attention to the bed itself. Think about a tufted or paneled
headboard colour coordinated with your walls and linens. Fabricated
window treatments are also a wonderful way to diminish noise and
create soft lines.
lighting is key in any room and in particular the bedroom. The

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Designed by, Janie K. Hirsch, J. Hirsch Interior Design, www.jhirschin

last thing one needs is harsh, overhead lighting before going to sleep,
or a bright, disruptive light in the morning from an undressed wi ndow.
Consider a dimmer system for the pot lights to promote a gentle and
calming effect and use table lamps for task lighting such as reading.
Black-out lining on draperies will ensure a room is kept in complete
darkness, which is known to encourage a great sleep.

decorative finishes, such as flowers, soft fragrant

candles, ornaments with a special meaning, a cluster of good books
or a grouping of personal photos are a wonderful way to create a
beautiful bedroom.

The bed is the most significant
and often the largest furniture
piece in the bedroom. It
automatically takes on the
focal point and dictates the
style and flavour of the room
(modern, romantic, traditional,
cottage, country, industrial , to
name a few).

The second most important
furniture pieces in the bedroom
(not including storage) are
the side tables. If there is
not enough space for a side
table(s), consider a headboard
with shelving or alternatively
installing a shelf either side
or above the bed. It is always
handy to have a place on which
As a crucial piece of furniture,
to put your bits and pieces:
the bed should be in proportion
alarm clock, lamp, reading
to the size of the room and the
books, etc.
remaining pieces of furniture
should be scaled to the bed.

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It is worth investing in the best bed possible.
Custom mattresses, like those available from
Vi-Spring, can be built to suit your height, weight
and support requirements. A good quality
mattress will contribute to your long-term
well-being.

The five standard mattress sizes
Twin Bed
Double Bed
Queen Bed
King Bed
California King Bed

39” (w) x 75” (l)
54” (w) x 75” (l)
60” (w) x 80” (l)
76” (w) x 80” (l)
72” (w) x 84” (l)