ANATOMY OF A BEDROOM
I might have a preternatural knack for entering a room and knowing what feels off in a space. Maybe we all do, but we can’t always pinpoint exactly what is making our spaces feel so blah! I remember doing this very thing as a teenager, shuffling furniture around in my grandmother’s house so that the room felt just right.
Rooms are a lot like people—multifaceted, layered, and sometimes just in need of a little jushing to become their best selves. I wanted to use this very generic before image (which is AI-generated) to show how common challenges we all face can be addressed.
BEFORE (AI)
Adding Texture to Overcome Monotony
I think we can all agree this room is reading very monotonous! It has everything to do with that millennial shade of grey. Adding texture can solve a lot of this! And it can be as simple as the way you style your bed. For example, here I chose really lovely textural elements like a striped quilt, velvet pillows in a punchy colour, and a great floral lumbar. Remember, it’s not about being matchy matchy. This is a great formula you can steal for your own spaces.
Unifying Colours for Ceiling Design
Also, the tray ceiling is sticking out way too much. Painting everything a unifying colour and letting the textural elements do the work was really what I was going for. It allows the ceiling to recede, so it’s not such a choppy look. Speaking of the ceiling, the fan is one of those eyesores that I’m sure everyone who has lived in a builder-grade home has had to deal with. I say, if you don’t live in a tropical climate and it’s not an absolute necessity, ditch it! There are so many beautiful, elegant lighting fixtures out there. Having great statement lighting will really create a focal point. I chose a particularly elegant one with great conical linen shades.
Mixing Furniture Styles for Visual Interest
Also, in the vein of not being matchy matchy, you know when you can immediately tell that everything was bought from the same store! It might seem like a great idea, but it’s actually dragging your space down because there is just a lack of visual interest. , I married a really traditional antique-style dresser in a dark tone with lighter, more organic modern nightstands—completely different in form, but that’s the key to a great mix-and-match look.
Enhancing Depth With Art and Drapery
Art and drapery aren’t just finishing touches—they’re essential. They add depth, warmth, and personality to your space. Choose art that speaks to you. Here, I lowered the height of the headboard because it was out of scale and felt a little dated. This gave ample room to create a special moment with art above the bed. The drapery adds another textural element while also completing the room. It’s one of those things that makes everything feel more intentional.
For more edits like this and me applying my preternatural skills (haha) to your space, check out my Room Review. It’s one of the most affordable yet impactful services that I offer.