skip to main content
PHOTOS
FIND PROFESSIONALS
View All Pros
View All Services
STORIES
STORIES FROM HOUZZ
HOUZZ RESEARCH
ADVICE
HOUZZ DISCUSSIONS
Houzz Logo Print
Explore Discussions
Design Dilemma
lanc70

Help with a boring bedroom

lanc70
7 years ago
Hi! We are just getting around to doing up our spare room. However I cannot see any way to make it nice and cosy. Anyone have any ideas? I think the paint colour is wrong firstly but don't want to change it until I know where Im going with it. Thanks
Featured Answer
  • minnie101
    7 years ago

    Blues and greens tend to work well in east facing rooms. I would try a duck egg which will work with your grey throw. If not look at farrow and balls pale blues and greens, borrowed light is a good one. I Would have a feature wallpaper behind the bed and add an upholstered headboard in mid grey velvet with some cushions on the bed. The room is long so would also add an upholstered bed end stool. If you don't like them try a rug under the bed to give it a cosy feel. I'd also incorporate a large mirror to bounce some more light around and then obviously furniture (maybe mirrored bedsides) light, window dressing etc.

    Comments (23)

    • Matthew Decorator
      7 years ago
      White walls or perhaps off white with a brave feature wall, think a deep purple, bright red or dull orange etc

      You could alternatively paper the headboard wall instead of painting it
    • minnie101
      7 years ago

      Which way does the room face and how much light do you get?

    • Related Discussions

      Help me finish my bedroom

      Q

      Comments (36)
      I would also definitely go white if the windows are on the green wall. Will be much more natural to tie the accent wall with the stark wht contrasting walls. Always a very chic contemporary look. Also very relaxing as opposed to the treatments standing out when you already have your standout feature- the green accent wall. Great white bed you ordered! Then I love all the blue/green/ silver accent advice. I did a similar room in purples/greys/ whites and we used great posted prints of florals with a little oriental flair in nice big mats w frames. You could do florals or nice big botanicals in greens would be very fresh and modern!! White or silver frames or maybe even the shock of black would be cool.
      ...See More

      Help with bedroom colour

      Q

      Comments (12)
      Hi. I'm not that keen on the paper with the rest of the room, it doesn't look bad at all but it doesn't look stunning either imo. Everything else looks to be more of a greige? I'd look at the same paper in truffle, sable, dark linen or even the pewter may work ( hard to tell colours on screen so would get samples of all!). I agree with the others, would go for plain bed linen and add pattern in cushions and/ or throw. It looks as if a chalk pink would work best with the greige. Maybe a chalky white for the remaining furniture. You could also break up the window ŵall by adding a trim and maybe Pom poms to the bottom of the blind. A little antique gold for accessories, lights etc would also work well.
      ...See More

      i need help for boys bed room age 12 ans 11

      Q

      Comments (0)
      edeldarcy@gmail.com
      ...See More

      Help with bedroom decor

      Q

      Comments (1)
      Cornforth white is one of my go-to colours, matched with a Grey carpet will look stylish and chic. Pairing these with Blush tones and a muted metallic Chrome / Gold or Copper would look perfect. Gold and Brush Steel tend to stand the test of time so either would be a great addition. A bespoke Headboard would make this space elegant and mature. Heavy tracked ceiling to floor length curtains would provide a high-quality finish. If you need further advice and help designing feel free to email me and we can create a service to suit. Email - kerrybryaninteriors@outlook.com Kerry
      ...See More
    • lanc70
      Original Author
      7 years ago
      Its east facing so it gets very little light. Just two small windows in the room.
    • mrsmcee74
      7 years ago
      Agree with Minnie. Eau de nil would also be great as very restful for a bedroom. Recommend Pale Powder by Farrow and Ball and Pale Eau De Nil by Laura Ashley. Laura Ashley have some lovely wallpapers in the Eau de nil. Then add in natural tones, or whites, or greys, or other pastel tones.
    • PRO
      Cheryl Tarbuck Design
      7 years ago

      Be careful adding a feature wall behind the bed as it could make the wall recede further. A lovely head board would be a better feature . Roman blinds set above the windows so when they are up you are not loosing any light. Bedside lights suggest the type that include an LED reading arm too, so you can have the softness of the normal lamp with practicality of the other. Main light fitting perhaps a retro chandelier - plenty of good lighting on line now to suit all budgets. Same for bedsides and mirror - depending on style .What is the rest of your house like - traditional or contemporary ? What is your flooring,bit hard to tell from the picture and what colours do you like, how do you feel about pattern ? The room is basically fine you just need a style direction to go for. It's amazing what a throw , cushions and a bit of pattern can do for a room.

    • lanc70
      Original Author
      7 years ago
      Thanks so much for the suggestions, really appreciate the time taken. The floor is a dark brown laminate which I really regret putting in, I wish I put in light floorboards or carpet. The house is modern but I love the traditional style.The pictures in that mood board are fab, I think there is no avoiding having to paint the room as my first step. Thanks again!
    • mrsmcee74
      7 years ago
      The dark floor would actually be really nice with the colours we've mentioned. If budget allows you could always put a pale rug down which always gives a luxury look. Good luck, please post pictures when it's all done :)
    • PRO
      Pavilion Broadway
      7 years ago
      last modified: 7 years ago

      Ok so we can definitely give you a few pointers.... fear not, help is here!

      We like to call your spare room a typical "blank canvas".

      1st, when designing any room you need to think who is going to be using it, what's its purpose and then build your scheme around its function!

      Guest rooms often need to be unisex so boys like it as much a girls and it can also be a place for a couple to use.

      Guest rooms can be fun because your friends/family do not need to live in them, a bit like hotel room, a guest room can provide your guest with a bit of extra style that they might not have everyday but might relish the thought of being spoilt with a fun design occasionally.

      Firstly looking at your room specifically we would say that there are a few things we would recommend -

      1. Feature wall behind your bed, this is a very good idea but PLEASE DO NOT paint it. Painted feature walls are a little bit passé, its now all about the WALLPAPER Feature wall, like we have recently done in a bedroom where we used a fun Timorous Beasties wallpaper behind the bed:

      Please see our large range of wallpaper on our website: Wallpapers at Pavilion Broadway

      2. HEADBOARD

      Head boards are a great way to add lots of style into the room. You can have these made up by an upholsterer or you can buy them. We had this headboard made and it injected sophisticated elegance into the room. You can have the Headboard made to any shape and height that you like and have it wall mounted.

      2. BEDSIDE TABLES & LAMPS

      Bedside tables are crucial as are lamps as your guests will appreciate bedside lighting and this will make the room cozy.

      3. DRESSING TABLE & CHEST OF DRAWS

      The room appears to have a large amount of space at the end of the bed so it would be a really thoughtful feature to supply your guests with a dressing table, chest of draws and somewhere to hang their clothes. Like we did recently in this Country Retreat in the Cotswolds:

      4. RUGS & ARTWORK

      Try not to forget to add a rug, at the end of the bed would be good, and artwork!

      We wish you luck and if you need any further advise please feel free to contact us!

      PB

    • Najeebah
      7 years ago
      hi lanc. how about an art piece between the windows. you can also have one on the wall opposite. or, if space allows, have some display shelves there. if the room feels too narrow, you may try a large mirror on that wall (but that doesn't really give a traditional feel) I agree with painting, headboard and such. Also, if you can, consider getting a dresser and /or cupboard/chest of drawers for the wall opposite the bed/ wall of the windows, and a bench to be placed at the foot of the bed. side tables/pedestals matching the other furniture can be used
    • Natalie Patton
      7 years ago
      I would go with duck egg blue or mint green or both since they work well together they're some beautiful feature wallpapers you could use to incorporate both colours and I'd use white furniture to give the room a modern cottage feel
    • PRO
      colourhappy
      7 years ago

      Sorry to throw a spanner in the works but duck egg blue is such a cold colour and may not make it cosy. I actually like the colour it is now but it needs to be complemented with a warm indian red or something similar. I would paper the headboard wall with real grasscloth wallpaper and add texture (perhaps a huge wicker pendant lampshade) and maybe an antique rug. Agree with idea Roman blinds. You could also add low sidetables in a warm wood and a huge distressed wood mirror.

    • lanc70
      Original Author
      7 years ago
      Wow! Such detailed replys, and so helpful - thank you all so much. So I went into Laura Ashley yesterday and picked up a duck egg paint sample and a few sample wallpapers. I am going to play around with them for a while before I decide. I am a little worried about the room being too blue but when the accessories and all are put in im sure it will even out. Thanks again!
    • Najeebah
      7 years ago
      welcome :) let us know how it goes
    • Jonathan
      7 years ago

      http://www.fashionwallpaper.co.uk/orla-kiely-multi-stem-wallpaper-110384.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=shopping&utm_campaign=product&gclid=CIDmkYfY3MYCFSXJtAodIUkDSg


      choose a wallpaper for inspiration and necessary pattern. I would paper the bed head wall, paint the walls an off white then go shopping for: Plain full length eyelet curtains in an fresh green, a pale headboard, white bedside tables, bedside lights with pale blue shades, white duvet but pale blue accents in the sheets, a bed throw in a pale blue, patterned cushions in green, a pale rug with texture and somewhere for guests to store clothes- either a tallboy or perhaps a peg rail on the wall and a chair.

    • PRO
      Secret Linen Store
      7 years ago

      How lovely to have such a blank canvas to work with! A statement wall is always fantastic, especially in a guest room as you don't have to live with it day to day and therefore there is less chance of you changing your mind on the colour / print. If you do opt for a feature wall make sure you keep all your soft furnishings neutral. Another option is to go for plain white walls and add pattern and fun through the furniture pieces and the bed linen (we LOVE pattern). You can stick with neutral colours but adding a pattern creates a fun element for the room and adds to the hotel feel you want to create in a guest room.


    • PRO
      Mellow Duck
      7 years ago

      You could always add a splash of interest with a Muscovy at the end of the bed - great to add colour but also useful to sit on, put your clothes on etc etc. Other shapes such as the Bali or Saxony also make great bedside tables.......lots of different fabrics to choose from too.


    • maradadidesignandstyling
      7 years ago

      Adding width BEHIND THE BED - with a headboard (which doesn't have to be a "headboard"; it could be fabric, collection of mirrors, collection of pictures, a farm gate!, small chairs or stools) across the entire width.

      Matching bedside tables/bookcases/chests/ with LAMPS - useful storage for extra books, extra bedding, etc.

      CURTAINS always warm up a room. People will always feel colder away from home - provide an extra blanket or duvet to add to the bed.

      I notice there is no WARDROBE. Not really necessary for overnight guests (provide hooks on the back of the door) but useful for storing your out-of-season coats, etc. There is plenty of room behind the door. Buy one on eBay and paint it to suit your colour scheme.


    • maradadidesignandstyling
      7 years ago

      Bring the ceiling colour about 20cm down the walls to make the room seem wider and more airy.

    • Gemma Nixon
      7 years ago
      I'd go for very pale grey/white to keep it light and airy but with some bold coloured accessories to brighten and add warmth.
    • Tom Flanagan
      7 years ago

      Hey!

      If you're not sure what to do with the window, we might be able to help you out - we're hosting a [Live Chat this Friday on window dressings at 3pm[(https://www.houzz.co.uk/discussions/houzz-live-chat-tips-for-dressing-your-windows-september-4th-3pm-dsvw-vd~3329526), where some of our experts will be answering your dilemmas! Feel free to leave a question for them and hopefully they can help you out.

    • User
      7 years ago
      I'm sure you've had some brill advice but it's a spare room and if you want to keep costs to a minimum I'd keep the wall colour, push the bed to the side wall and buy a cream sheepskin rug to brighten the floor, a cream bedside cabinet and lovely bedside lamp. A couple of cushions to dress the bed that included sequins to add sparkle and dress the window with a Roman blind. Oh and a bit of art on a wall goes a long way to warming a room up.
    • PRO
      Akiva Projects Ltd
      7 years ago

      Hello,

      First of all start thinking what style would you like this room to feature, do you like contemporary, minimalistic, traditional? what your favourite colours are? It is not necessary to change the colour of walls just to create a feature wall. You can decorate a wall with wallpaper, paint it in different colour or you could add some framed artwork, canvas or multiple framed images.

    More Discussions
    What is a nice light grey for interior window frames?
    0
    best option to leave some of joining wall between rooms
    0
    Arkansas Rose Brick-Need coordinating colors
    0
    Interior Design Classes (10 Weeks) 2023
    0
    Interior Design Classes (10 Weeks) 2023
    0
    Ireland
    Tailor my experience with cookies

    Houzz uses cookies and similar technologies to personalise my experience, serve me relevant content, and improve Houzz products and services. By clicking ‘Accept’ I agree to this, as further described in the Houzz Cookie Policy. I can reject non-essential cookies by clicking ‘Manage Preferences’.