Daydreaming Designs. Bedroom Make Up to Daytime Activities.

A bedroom can be all things to all people who use it. It can be a retreat from the world and a place to pursue hobbies, such as reading, writing and sewing, which flourish in an atmosphere of peace and quiet.

It doesn’t even have to look like a bedroom. Murphy or sofa beds combined with multi-purpose built-in cabinets create a den by day, bedroom by night.

If the room is small, use a monochromatic color scheme and large expanses of mirrors to visually expand it. A large room can be partitioned for multi-purposes with folding screens or plant groupings.

Before selecting a decorating theme, keep the following tips in mind:

• Try before you buy a bed. Don’t be shy. Take off your shoes and lie down. After a few tries, you’ll know which one will give you sweet dreams all night.
• Colors, finishes and lighting should flow from the bedroom to the bath, creating a “suite” effect.
• Arrange furniture to leave a clear route to the bathroom. If you have to get out of bed from a deep sleep, you do not want to fall over a chair or knock over a potted palm.
• If you like to read or write in bed, provide good lighting on both sides.

To personalize your bedroom, adapt one of the following styles or mix and match for an eclectic hideaway.

ROMANTIC

• Choose pastel wallpaper patterns and chintz or cotton fabrics. The coordinating carpeting should be in prints or solid tones.
• Floors should be buffed and sealed reflecting white woodwork surrounding the doors and windows.
• Large framed mirrors flanked by framed prints of birds and flowers are perfect. Try covering windows with lacy curtains or flowered-print shades.
• Table lamps with fabric shades and pink bulbs are flattering to the room and the complexion.
• Place lots of silver-framed photographs of friends and family next to bowls of potpourri and candles on a circular muslin skirted table.
• Bed of choice is an ornate brass or enamel four poster. White linen sheets with lace trim add the finishing touch.

CLASSIC

• Dark, lustrous woodwork in oak or mahogany accents, deeps rich tones for fabrics and wall coverings are the norm here. The carpet should be quietly patterned.
• An upholstered headboard with braid edge detail combined with tailored sheets and duvet add to the rich look this style warrants.
• Artwork should be illuminated with concealed spotlights. Hang sporting prints in natural wood frames or black and white “photo art” in large mats.
• Use blinds, to diffuse the light, framed by soft folds of fabric. Choose lamps, swing arm and adjustable, in chrome or brass.

DELUXE

• This style relies on space with the bed dominating and other furniture arranged in islands.
• Select deep, thick carpeting and color combination of bisque and rose, accented with pink and celery. Drape windows with pastel silk cascading to the floor.
• Plush rolls of buttoned upholstery head the bed covered with fabric cascading to the floor. Night tables are curved wood consoles topped with marble and silk-shaded lamps. Large mirror panels reflect the beautiful surroundings.
• Soft sheer curtains frame the window and shade the sun.
• A chaise lounge perfects the mood.

MEDITERRANEAN

• Combine shades of blue, white and yellow with nature’s textures to create a Mediterranean mood.
• Scatter cotton area rugs for color on tiled or wood flooring.
• Use furniture in pine or bleached silver oak wood. Natural wood shutters control the sunlight.
• A large carved poster bed is ideal.
• Decorate with linen fabrics in natural tones with checked and striped patterns.
• Accessorize with stoneware lamps with fabric shades and pots or urns of flowers that accent the room’s color scheme.

With a little planning and a lot of creativity, you can create a room that offers more than just a good night’s sleep.

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