Beauty is powerful. In your bedroom, its presence will be a daily gift to your spirit...

Getting Inspiration Choose your colour pallet by identifying one inspirational object in your room - this may include a fabric or rug that you love. Your entire room can be dressed around complimenting its tones, patterns and effect. Just pick one that you naturally gravitate to and a look that truly makes you feel good. If this seems overwhelming, stick to an easy process of eliminating ones you don’t like so much, and see what emerges.

Assembling the Room Your room consists of many elements including drapery, bedding, floors, walls and upholstery. Your inspirational object will suggest a primary colour and be your starting point for adding complementary colours as accents. Now it’s time to choose the rest of your fabrics. Paint and flooring will be easy to select once this is done, as you will know what they must compliment.

In assembling your fabric pallet for the room, follow these professional tips:

Group opposing fabric patterns whenever possible. This eliminates fabrics competing for visual attention. Each individual fabric should look more appealing when put together with another than it was being seen on its own. For example, use large patterns with small ones, or pattern next to solids. Mix stripes with floral or small fine prints next to larger geometric patterns. You might be amazed at what personal style begins to emerge as you experience this process.

This eliminates fabrics competing for visual attention. Each individual fabric should look more appealing when put together with another than it was being seen on its own. For example, use large patterns with small ones, or pattern next to solids. Mix stripes with floral or small fine prints next to larger geometric patterns. You might be amazed at what personal style begins to emerge as you experience this process.

Group opposing surface finishes, revving up visual interest. Pair light-reflecting fabrics such as silks with matte-finished cotton blends. Select heavy textures to accent smooth surfaced ones, such as nubbly, cozy chenille next to smooth satins. Remember, this is your bedroom and everything, including the drapes, should be wonderful to touch .

Pair light-reflecting fabrics such as silks with matte-finished cotton blends. Select heavy textures to accent smooth surfaced ones, such as nubbly, cozy chenille next to smooth satins. Remember, this is your bedroom and everything, including the drapes, should be wonderful to touch

Finally, since drapery, bedding and upholstery have practical requirements of the fabrics that you will use, get some confirmation that your choices are appropriate for where you want to use them. Ex. Silks are more delicate than a micro-fibre.

since drapery, bedding and upholstery have practical requirements of the fabrics that you will use, get some confirmation that your choices are appropriate for where you want to use them. Silks are more delicate than a micro-fibre.

Choosing Floors and Walls Carry fabric swatches with you when you’re shopping for paint and flooring. Getting the colour tones right is easy when you have physical samples to match to. Floors and walls play a significant role in creating a mood for your room. For example, a deep, dark floor provides a sense of anchoring and security, while a light floor offers a feeling of relief and space. Darker walls embrace while lighter shades sooth. Creating mood with your floors and walls is a profound way to add beauty to your bedroom. This kind of beauty will be very personal to you and in a powerful way make you pause in its presence to soak it in.

Providing Effective Lighting Lighting also contributes to mood and must be flexible . Installing dimmer switches is an easy way of changing the mood of the room as intimate moments, reading to unwind, and dressing all have different lighting requirements. Think of lamps and fixtures as an opportunity to begin accessorizing while providing for each functional need in your bedroom. Choose a piece that has some character and then try putting it on a dimmer switch.

Layer your window treatments. Unique blinds with a sheer component or drapery sheers give you the option of enjoying daylight while retaining an element of privacy. Layering also helps you achieve more versatile levels of darkness based on your sleeping needs and the changing seasons. Finally, layered window treatments will provide a sense of sumptuousness to your bedroom.

Unique blinds with a sheer component or drapery sheers give you the option of enjoying daylight while retaining an element of privacy. Layering also helps you achieve more versatile levels of darkness based on your sleeping needs and the changing seasons. Finally, layered window treatments will provide a sense of sumptuousness to your bedroom.

Dressing with Accessories Accessories transform a bedroom from plain to luxurious. Here is one of my favourite tips – think of placing accessories as if you were merchandizing your room for presentation. Look at the finished space and identify several focal points. Next, assemble groups of items together as a single display:

Hedge in the bed with lamps, artwork and accent toss cushions.

Surround a draped window with framed photos or wall sconce lighting.

Accent an armchair with a throw, small table, plant and lamp.

Remember that when grouping multiple objects, work in odd numbers to achieve an eclectic, attractive look.

Knowing Yourself You don’t have to be a professional designer to know your own tastes. If you’re willing to put in the time to fall in love with an inspirational fabric and follow the professional methods I’ve described, you’ll have your own beautiful bedroom in no time! Providing beauty in this most personal space of your home will influence your frame of mind and create a sense of well-being every day.

By Louanne Litke , decorator for Arlene’s Interiors and HGTV’s Love It or Lose It. You can reach Louanne at Arlene’s Vancouver store at 604-608-1177