Classic elements warm up a contemporary bedroom.
In the past, purists insisted on keeping a room's decor style consistent with its design. But if you feel daunted by the minimalist design of a contemporary bedroom, consider integrating architectural features, paint, finishes, furnishings, textiles and accessories that give it timeless, classic style. Choose simple solutions such as wallpapering an accent wall and switching out furniture hardware, or invest more time and money in a full bedroom update.
Instructions
1. Add traditional architectural features to your bedroom. You can treat contemporary rooms as a blank palette, adding accents that give the space a different look. The addition of a dark wooden door frame and window frames lends the space sculptural interest. For more intensive renovations, consider adding crown molding, hardwood floors or wainscoting. Attach a narrow floating shelf across the length of a wall to evoke the look of a picture rail.
2. Set the tone with traditional color and finishes. Stark and semi-glossy white and black look too contemporary for a traditional bedroom. Soften the palette with cream, sophisticated stone gray or espresso brown. Paint with matte or eggshell finishes for a more textured look. Consider creating an accent wall with a traditional jewel tone such as peacock or burgundy, or use wallpaper in a small floral, striped or paisley pattern.
3. Invest in focal-point furnishings that transition the bedroom to a more traditional look. An ornate headboard, bed posts or canopy give your bedroom's central piece of furniture more prominence. Furniture frames in dark, solid wood evoke an English Victorian bedroom, while vintage pieces with a coat of antique whitewash have a shabby-chic aesthetic. Prominent pieces such as an armoire, framed full-length mirror, desk with sculpted legs or a round, glass-topped table personalize the space.
4. Consider symmetrical layouts. Asymmetry is a hallmark of modern and contemporary bedrooms, so a balanced bedroom makes the space appear more traditional. Flank your bed with nightstands and glass or brass lamps with coordinating lampshades. Center an Oriental rug under the bed and a large painting over the headboard. Large vases with similar shapes, materials and colors can hold coordinating flower arrangements.
5. Illuminate your bedroom with accent and ambient lighting in traditional fixtures. A chandelier over the bed has rococo style. Frame a window or large painting with wall sconces holding electric fixtures or candles. Table and floor lamps have a more classic look than built-in fixtures such as track or recessed lighting.
Tags: your bedroom, accent wall, architectural features, contemporary bedroom, large painting, , with traditional