Design is a powerful tool. Beyond the idea of pleasing aesthetics, it can modulate our feeling states. Each choice, from the colors of the walls to the materials of a rug, can be thoughtfully made to elicit an emotional response, allowing us to control how we move throughout our homes and our lives.
In no space do I find this to be truer than in a bedroom.
While the entirety of your home should feel like a sanctuary, your bedroom should feel like the safest haven of all. It is the one space in your home completely dedicated to rest and rejuvenation, and with the help of intentional design, you can curate a room that invites you to leave all the stresses of the day at the door so you can find stillness within its walls.
PALETTE & TEXTURE
To achieve the emotional stillness and tranquility we wish for, opt for a limited palette of neutrals that relies on texture for visual interest rather than color. Choosing neutral, soothing colors like washed-out whites, earthy greens, or faded blues will ensure a visually calming environment.
The textural element is even more important in this space, as it will inform your ability to get comfortable. Antique pieces are a wonderful way to keep the calm but add a touch of elevated beauty.
BEDDING
Comfort is king in this realm. Supple sheets in calming colors, crafted from natural materials that get softer with every wash, make for the ideal choice.
We like to keep it simple when it comes to bedding, adding interest with accent pillows made of velvet or patinated textiles that can be placed aside when it is time to rest.
HEADBOARDS
In most of our bedroom designs, we do not want the headboard to be the design focal point of the room, so instead, we pick an option that almost disappears, like a simple linen headboard.
But if we do want it to make a statement, one of our favorite things to do in design is to utilize the unexpected for the ordinary. In our bedroom here at Patina Meadow, we chose an antique Verdure tapestry to ground the bed.
BEDSIDE TABLE
Though we keep it simple when it comes to the bed, beside it, to keep things interesting, we avoid matching side tables. Instead, we pick mismatched pieces that complement one another, selecting options that are the same height and provide a drawer or two for storage to hide away any nighttime necessities. If you share a room with a partner, this is a wonderful place for you to showcase your unique but complementary styles.
LIGHTING
As I mentioned in my first Patina Principles postcard, lighting should be utilized only where it is truly needed. This is especially true for a bedroom, as lighting is one of the most important aspects in our pursuit of sleep.
Opt for bedside table lamps with warm lightbulbs rather than overhead lamps with cool-toned LEDs to lull yourself to sleep more easily.
DESIGN YOUR DREAMS
As I said, your bedroom should be your most sacred space. Once you’ve designated the location for your bed, any extra room should be used according to how you wish to live your life.
If you want to cultivate a love for reading, a cozy chair next to a sprawling book collection will nurture that passion. If you wish to spend more time daydreaming with your partner, two cozy chairs set side by side create a space that will encourage that connection. This may be the one space in your home that is truly yours, so make it count.
I hope these principles help guide you in curating a space that brings your soul peace. Though for some of you, it may feel selfish to pour so much thought into the space in your home where you may spend the least waking hours, it is important to create a bedroom that speaks to you. You cannot pour from an empty cup, and this is the room you can rely on to fill you up.
If you have any questions, please feel free to leave them in the comments below. For more of our Patina Principles, you can check out our first book, Patina Style. I hope it helps you design a life you love.
xx,
Brooke
