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Design & decor

5 tips to add an elegant touch to your bedroom

The word traditional in interior design doesn’t mean outdated or boring; it’s quite the opposite. It means imbuing the space with a retro vibe and a unique flair. If you have a traditional bedroom but want to add a distinctly elegant flair to the space, rest assured you have plenty of beautiful options at your disposal.

From a French provincial bedroom look and feel that focuses on statement furniture and soft shapes, all the way to the little details that make a big impact like a statement wall or a custom made rug, the possibilities here are endless. But that doesn’t mean that you can wing it; instead, it means that you need to take a more calculated approach.

After all, beauty in interior design is a product of meticulous planning and preparation. With that in mind, let’s take a look at the five tips to add an elegant touch to a traditional bedroom.

Creating an elegant neutral foundation

One of the simplest ways to revitalize any room is to give it a fresh paint coat. You can achieve many goals with a new paint job, whether you’re looking to evoke certain emotions or imbue the space with timeless elegance. When you’re revitalizing and upgrading a traditional bedroom, there’s nothing that says elegance like a new coat of neutral paint.

Neutral colours like white and off-white are simple, minimalist, and elegant. Their radiant glow emanates a feeling of sophistication. What’s more, neutral hues work amazingly well will rustic furniture and traditional décor pieces. Choose a pure white colour for the walls and off-white curtains on the windows to complement the distressed bedside cabinets and other wooden elements.

Source: Lindy De Waal Interiors

Playing with textures and patterns

Of course, you can’t just turn your bedroom into a winter wonderland by painting it all white because that would make space look too “clean”, and it might devoid it of its unique charm. There has to be a noticeable contrast for every neutral foundation, a set of textures and patterns that create the perfect juxtaposition and bring a dash of elegance to the space.

Luckily, you can play around with patterns and textures all around the room, but you should respect the theme and colour scheme of the space. Choose pillows and throws in contrasting hues to make them pop and break any monotony in the room. Evoke a sense of casual elegance by letting a faux sheepskin drape over the edge of the bed, and most importantly, focus on the rugs.

Introducing elegance with rugs

The floor plays a crucial role in the overall look and feel of every room in your home, especially the bedroom. You can achieve a lot by introducing the right carpet into your bedroom, invoking a sense of elegance and luxury while at the same time making the room feel welcoming and intimate. The best rug designers try to evoke multiple emotions at the same time and create a sensory experience with their rugs.

For example, the current rug collection at MissAmara focuses on traditional rugs that boast an artisan look and the finest materials to create a sense of luxury through numerous senses. You’re not only supposed to admire the rug with your eyes; you also get that sense of elegance by stepping on the carped and feeling the rich fabrics underneath your feet. This is how you use a rug to complement a traditional bedroom and add a distinct dash of elegance to the space. 

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Bringing in small but impactful accents

The room can only live and breathe if you give it life, and base décor is not enough to achieve that. While you should never clutter the room if you want to portray elegance, you should introduce those little accents around the space to give it an elegant flair.

Aside from the throws and the linens, consider adding accents like a single, luscious potted plant in the corner of the room. Give your light fixtures unique canopies that complement the design of the room and consider more elegant window blinds to boot. Choose gold accents for select décor pieces like a desk lamp or the hardware around the room to make the space feel more elegant without overdoing it. 

Source: Ama Studio Interiors

Scaling the lighting just right

Last but not least, don’t neglect the lighting in your bedroom. You can’t complete an elegant design without addressing the lighting because it can generate the right emotions and frame the ambience. During the day, you want plenty of natural light to saturate your bedroom but keep in mind that the right blinds can help you create a distinct setting for every occasion.

You want the artificial lighting to cast a soft glow in the evening. The lighting hue shouldn’t be white, nor should it be orange or yellow. It should be a soft off-white hue, diffused by the right canopies in a more earthy tone. You can also choose contrasting canopies like pure black to add a dash of luxury. 

Wrapping up

A traditional bedroom is a beautiful way to create a calm and restorative space away from the rest of the world. That said, it can often use a dash of elegance to make the space pop, so be sure to use these tips to bring elegance into your bedroom and give it a unique flair you’ll love.

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Design & decor

How to make your own pallet bed

Buying a new bed frame can cost hundreds of dollars, even if you choose a cheaper material. As long as you can find wood pallets and have some free time, you can use the right tools to build a new frame out of that recycled wood.

What is a pallet bed?

Whether you want to do your part and help the environment through recycling or save some money, consider making a bed from old pallets. This type of bed uses the pallets to create both the base and headboard. While basic designs are suitable for most DIY enthusiasts, you’ll find some complex and intricate designs that you can try too.

Sourcing out a pallet

Where can you find pallets?

Home improvement stores now sell pallets that you can take apart and put back together again. However, finding free pallets can help you save money on your project. The best place to find free pallets is through small business parks in your area. Distribution companies often give away pallets too. Don’t forget to use the internet to find companies giving away pallets.

How many pallets do you need?

The number of pallets that you need to make a wood pallet bed depends on the size that you need. For a queen size pallet bed, you need at least four. Complex and intricate designs, as well as those with a headboard, will need more pallets. You only need two wood pallets to make a twin bed.

A bedroom with a desk and a pallet bed
You need multiple pallets to create a double bed / Source: Shutterstock

How to choose safe pallets

Companies often use pallets treated with chemical solvents that protect the wood from water damage. To choose safe pallets, look for any letters stamped on the surface. The initials MB stand for methyl bromide and indicate that the pallets aren’t safe for home use. You can also buy pallets from home improvement stores that are brand new.

Turning a pallet into a bed frame

Learning how to make a pallet bed is easy when you know what steps to follow. Check out the steps below and make sure you understand what to do before you start

Sand and wipe down

To make a DIY pallet bed, you need to sand the pallets first. Even if you choose new pallets, sanding the wood is important because it gives the wood a smooth surface and reduces your risk of getting splinters. An electric sander is the best tool for the job because it fits in one hand and works quickly. Make sure that you wear protective gear when sanding, including a mask and goggles. After you finish sanding, wipe off the pallets to remove any excess wood dust.

Paint

You do not need to paint a pallet bed base, especially if you have longer blankets or plan to use a bed skirt. Painting lets you add a personal touch though and make the bed yours. If you decide to paint, choose between spray paint or a brush application. Brushes allow you to add just enough colour that you can still see the natural wood grain through the topcoat. Using spray paint ensures that you get the even coverage that you want and will completely hide the wood grain.

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Secure the pallets together

For a basic DIY wood base, you only need four pallets. Place the pallets on the ground in a two by two layout. Though you do not need to secure the pallets for this type of bed, you may want to use screws to keep the pallets from shifting as you get in and out of bed. If you use wood screws, make sure that the screws are long enough to go through the wood in two pallets.

Securing the pallets is necessary if you want a bed with some height. As pallets are relatively short, you can stack two or more and get as high off the ground as you wish. Use a power tool to sink the screws through the top of one pallet into the pallet below. 

When you get to the top level, put down some material that keeps your mattress from snagging on the wood. A thick piece of cardboard or some felt will work. Those who like sleeping on a firmer mattress can use a piece of plywood cut to the same size as the bed.

Create a pallet headboard

Though you don’t need a headboard for your bed, making one to go along with your wood pallet bed frame is as simple as securing a pallet to the wall. You’ll want to sand and paint the pallet to make it match the bed. Have someone hold the pallet flush against the wall as you sink wood screws through the surface and into the wall, which keeps the pallet bed headboard from falling. You can easily use the slats in the headboard as extra storage for everything from books and lights to clothing and decorations.

If you want to create a different look, try adding some fabric. Simply wrapping the wood in fabric before you hang it creates a fun and functional headboard. You can also secure slats of wood from a second pallet to the front of the headboard to create extra shelves. With another pallet, you can even make a matching footboard to go with your pallet bed base.

Optional decorations

Once you have a pallet bed frame, consider adding some optional decorations to make the bed look different from those that others created. You can go with something basic such as lights. Fairy lights add a nice touch of atmosphere and are small enough that you can weave them through the slats in the bed. If you don’t have a nearby outlet and don’t want to use an extension cord, look for fairy lights that run on a battery. Larger lights create a fantastic look too when suspended on the wall and above the bed. Twinkle lights placed inside the pallet below your bed adds a small amount of light also.

A bed with a pallet bedhead and lights
Lights can add a personal touch to the bedhead / Source: Shutterstock

Decorations can include extra wood that you source from other pallets. Consider cutting down some of the slats and turning them into tiny bedside tables that attach to the side of the headboard. You’ll have more than enough space for a glass of water and your cell phone. Some create beds that include a built-in section on the base for storing their shoes or slippers. You may add cutouts to the wood that lets you run cables through the bed too. Those cutouts are perfect for charging your phone or powering a laptop.

How to make a pallet bed with storage

Making a pallet bed with storage gives you more room for your belongings. It’s easy to make a bed that fits in a small room and has more storage space.

Leave extra room

Leaving extra room around the edges of the bed is the best way to make a frame with storage. Those spaces give you room for a potted plant or a few books. You also have enough space for a light and anything else you would display on a bedside table.

There are endless ideas for projects that you can do with a few wood pallets. Once you find pallets, you can make a DIY bed base and dozens of other items for your home.

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Design & decor

How to achieve a French provincial bedroom look

French provincial style originated from, as the name suggests, various provinces in France during the 1700’s. People in Bordeaux, Brittany, Normandy and Provence began to incorporate the opulence of chateaux and estates into their own homes, with the style now being known for its warmth and elegance.

Key components of the French provincial style include marble, wrought iron, carved or rustic timber, stone and lightly distressed materials, mirroring the materials found in French villages. French provincial style can be considered feminine, favouring muted, soft colours and textured fabrics. However, the style avoids gaudiness, opting for sophistication instead.

Source: Lindy De Waal Interiors

Linen

Soft, high-quality linen and textiles are a hallmark of the French provincial style. If you can, opt for authentic French linen, as it’s guaranteed to be a worthwhile investment. French provincial textiles will often give off a “romantic” feeling, but try to avoid excessive frills and ruffles.

Muted colours

French provincial style is synonymous with muted colours like ivory, taupe, sage and other natural tones, with black even being incorporated into many French provincial homes. This colour palette will instantly create a warm and soft environment that embodies the atmosphere of the French countryside.

Statement furniture

Although French provincial style places an emphasis on subtlety, the furniture pieces are always prominent and commanding. Perhaps one of the best areas of the home to express the French provincial style is the bedroom. After all, no other area of the home is better suited to luxury, opulence and comfort than the bedroom. For this, invest in a French provincial bed as the statement piece in the room.

Eye for detail

Although showcase furniture items are key in the French provincial style, nuanced ornate moulding is also considered highly. This means fireplaces, walls, skirting boards or cornices with decorative details are preferred over bold prints and artworks. Furniture and cabinetry also tend to feature striking elements, which help to create an authentic vintage look.

Attention to detail is also important beyond just the furniture, with the French believing that everything in the home should be beautiful. Expect to find fresh flowers and thoughtful touches added to side tables throughout the home.

Wallpaper

Wallpaper is something you can choose to skip if you like how your walls look currently, but can be used to great effect when added to a French provincial style home. A faded fleur-de-lis or damask pattern, stripes or even country scenes can all add a creative touch to your home, but remember that subtlety is key.

A fleur-de-lis wallpaper design can add interest and colour to your muted palette / Source: In Design International Pty Ltd

Soft shapes

Like the colour scheme, shapes and lines are also soft in French provincial style. A distinctive feature of French provincial furniture are the curved legs, which provide a sense of elegance and femininity. French provincial chairs with curved, carved legs are particularly popular pieces.

Tasteful lighting

Lighting is an element that is sometimes overlooked when decorating a space. Wrought iron scones, brass lamps and those capped with glass or fabric lampshades will all bring a touch of the French countryside to your home. The most complementary of all lighting options, however, has to be the classic chandelier. Opt for a statement chandelier that will be the dazzling centre of your room when lit up. Also make sure to dot candles around the home for a constant sense of warmth.

Continuity

If adopting the French provincial style, ensure that each of your rooms tie together cohesively. Having just one room decorated in the style will look jarring and unsophisticated. Mix old and new items throughout the home to seamlessly blend the vintage style into the modern world.

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A touch of the rustic

Of course, the French provincial style is not all about pomp and circumstance. Integrating rustic elements allows you to honour the rural origin of the style while allowing for a more natural look. Try incorporating stone, metal (particularly wrought-iron), timber and distressed painted furnishings to add interest while complementing the overall style.

Be eclectic, not matchy-matchy

Your home should not look like it’s been taken out of a furniture catalogue. Naturally curate items over time, as opposed to buying all the items from a vintage replica furniture store at once. Mismatched yet complementary items add the sense authenticity and merry happen chance evoked by the French provincial style.

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Design & decor

How to: Use bedroom décor to improve sleep

Sleep plays a substantial role in your health and wellbeing. People are not able to take the required amount of sleep every night. According to the Sleep Health Foundation, the amount of inadequate sleep in Australia was around $66.3 billion dollars in 2017 to 2018. So, how do we improve our sleep?

Researchers believe that the bedroom has a substantial impact on an individual’s sleep. Despite how frustrating having sleeping issues can be, one thing you can look forward to is refurbishing your bedroom décor. The idea is beneficial in several ways.

Your bedroom is not just a dominant place in your house to keep all your personal belongings. An individual spends most of the night in this single room. From the luxury lighting to the traditional furnishings, you must be conscious of everything. Keep on reading to learn how to improve sleep.

Bedroom decor can have a strong affect on sleeping habits / Source: DK Lifestyles

Things that affect your sleep

Here are some points to help you redesign your room. Learn how to improve sleep by acknowledging the significant obstacles and exclude them.

Electronics around you

Studies state that 75% of children and 89% of adults are most likely to carry electronic gadgets in their bedrooms. Such devices, like smartphones, laptops, and tablets, can harm our sleeping behaviour.

It happens because these electronics emit a blue light, which disrupts the circadian rhythm of people. It is the natural process that significantly estimates the sleep-wake cycle. As a result, the human body starts to think it needs to stay awake, and you later face difficulties in coping up with sleep.

Mattress in your bedroom

It is not essential to own a luxury mattress for your bedroom. Your primary focus must be on the quality of it. New beds are reported to have better sleep and lower stress as compared to sleeping on standard beds.

A mattress is a lifetime investment that can transform your health and body. Be sure to test out mattresses at a store or purchase one from companies that allow you to return it if you’re not satisfied. Beds can be an expensive investment, so be sure to look out for different mattress specials and deals to find the best one for you. A right bed will add to your hours of adequate sleep and keep you healthy and productive all day.

Room temperature

Whenever you slip in your bed for sleeping, the body temperature drops slightly. Henceforth, it is essential to have an adjustable bedroom temperature too. If this does not happen, your body does not relax, and you often have a hard time falling asleep.

Sleeping takes time. Researchers believe temperature has a stronger effect on sleep in comparison to light. In case you feel like struggling for a night of sleep, think of adjusting your thermostat. It may help you in relaxing back into a blissful slumber.

How to improve sleep with bedroom décor?

After a long, disturbing day, the essential thing you need is comfort. Most probably, people spend around eight hours in their bedrooms. These hours majorly impact the way an individual behaved the other day. For this reason, focus on your bedroom and plan to decorate every corner in the right manner.

Choose a worthy headboard

Often people believe that headboards are just for the decorative purpose. However, they create a sense of support to the room owner. Try to select a bedding style that has a stylish but sturdy headboard. Most probably, the wooden ones are preferable as they look comforting, and you can settle yourself on them smoothly.

Another option includes upholstered headboards as they can be soft and supportive. You can look forward to a headboard with Benson for Beds voucher codes as it offers a five-year guarantee.

It’s important to select a sturdy and supportive headboard for your bed / Source: Of Object Home

Select the appropriate colours

Colours have a substantial impact on the mood of an individual. Often the colour red attracts people from a far-off distance. It is why emergencies always prefer this shade. Similarly, blue and green and soothing and friendly colours. They create a sense of relaxation to the viewer.

Learn how to improve sleep by choosing the right wall paint for your bedroom. Preferring lighter shades in the room makes it look bigger and comfortable. However, darker ones can give a warm ad intimate guise to the room.

Focus on the air quality

Poor air quality in your room will lead to a night of poor sleep. Your bedroom has a lot of sources of indoor air pollution. People often overlook these and end up in trouble.

Take great care of the carpets, furnishings, upholstery, insulation, as well as the heating and cooling system. Try to introduce plants and fresh flowers in your bedroom. Make it attractive, appealing, and comfortable for a restful sleep.

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Exclude all electronic devices

The concept of a TV screen in your room may entertain you and assist you in watching your favourite shows effortlessly. Yet, it steals your sleep at night. The lights and sounds eventually stimulate your mind and keep you from resting.

Similarly, other electronics stated above also prevent you from sleeping all night. Try to ban these devices in your bedroom at least an hour before slipping in your bed. Activate the “do not disturb” mode in your phone while sleeping and block unwanted notifications all night.

Wrap up

Clutter is also a worthy cause for disturbing your sleep. A neat and tidy bedroom makes the best of a relaxing night. You must know how to improve sleep with a décor that you can handle and maintain.

Bedroom time is the quiet and soothing hour of your overall day. Henceforth, focus on your bedroom space and avoid turning it to a sanctuary. Here’s a recap of the tips mentioned in this article:

  • Remember to dim lights of your room to make a peaceful ambience for the slumber.
  • Maintain room temperature degrees for extra comfort and choose your mattresses, sheets, and pillows wisely.
  • Reduce all the noises and try to surround yourself with soothing scents at night.
  • Always focus on your bedroom, and it’s every corner if you ever face trouble while sleeping.

Try adding these tips slowly into your bedroom so it’s not overwhelming to your current routine.