The bedroom is the one place where we can hide and truly be ourselves... away from the outside world. We can decorate it any way we choose, but it must also be functional and fit your lifestyle.
First you have to decide how you're going to use your bedroom. Will you just be sleeping in it, or using it for multiple purposes, such as reading, computer work, exercise, watching movies, or dressing. These multifunctional rooms are likely to be used any time day or night, which not only means comfortable beds and bedding (think of comforters), but comfortable chairs, sofas and flooring. Today this also means having state-of-the-art wiring to accommodate heating, lighting and ventilation as well as entertainment systems, computers, printing equipment and internet access (which brings to mind sufficient sound insulation). Well-organized storage space is also a must. While these considerations may seem like a lot of work, it's important to have a proper plan and that plan can't be realized without necessary groundwork.
Once these basic necessities are considered, you can move forward to decorating, which is where your imagination kicks in! Your bedroom, as well as being attractive, should fit the style and location of your home. Do you live in the country or in town? Your bedroom should be located in the most appropriate room of your home also, while considering your budget.
Some pointers:
* Sliding glass doors are both space-saving and attractive. They also maximize the natural light, allowing it to pass through into the bedroom. On the other hand, if good light is lacking in your room, try bigger windows or an extra window. Floor-to-ceiling windows are a special feature when looking out into pretty scenery outside, as well as making the bedroom seem a great deal larger.
* A room with a fireplace makes for a great focal point in a bedroom while you enjoy the coziness too.
* A comfortable padded headboard with a practical cover can be removed for cleaning ease.
* Floor to ceiling book shelves on both sides of your bed provide a cozy alcove for your reading.
* Because of limited space that exists today, some of us want our bedroom to serve as a bathing area as well. If you opt for a space-saving shower "pod" make sure you have adequate plumbing and drainage installed.
* A good space saver is a handsome filing cabinet to double as a bedside table. You can then store everything away at the end of the day to make your bedroom a place of relaxation. A decorative stand-alone divider would hide everything nicely, too.
* For added space, try simply changing the position of a door or changing the direction it opens to create more space.
If relaxation and exercise are part of your bedroom style, choose your room that has sufficient power sockets and space for your large screen TV, speakers, DVD collection and possibly CD collection, though many of us now have MP3 players or songs on our computer. If you're planning on watching TV from bed, be sure your TV is at a comfortable viewing height and distance.
For those of you who opt to exercise in your bedroom, remember most exercise equipment takes up a lot of room and can overpower your room. So, if possible, consider adding a stand-alone screen or half-wall to hide it when you're not using it.
If you think the room you choose isn't big enough to handle everything and your budget is limited, reconsider your options. Maybe a room on a different floor would work, or consider knocking two rooms into one to accommodate necessary storage, an en-suite bathroom and any non-bedroom activities that you require, or that, with help of partitions, can become a bedroom suite. If doing so, be sure to check out whether that wall is a load-bearing wall. They can be successfully removed, as long as you insert proper support instead. But double-check with your local certified carpenter before knocking walls out.
Consider your current bedroom's assets
If you don't want to make major construction changes and decide to keep your existing bedroom, take some time to assess its pluses and minuses. Often, if you've been in your current bedroom for some time, you've become unaware of its advantages and disadvantages. You might be surprised by the simple changes you could make without spending a lot of money, such as a new bed comforter set with accessories.
What about your lighting? Could the natural light be enhanced by replacing your heavy curtains with simpler window coverings? Flooring? Do you have beautiful flooring under that worn, old carpeting? How about interesting architectural designs in your room? If not, add a cornice or attractive moulding to door frames and skirting boards to make them more impressive. If your closets don't meet your requirements, put in some new closet shelving.
All in all, it boils down to taking the time to plan, plan, plan. Decide your style, function, budget, necessary structural work, and decorating for your bedroom. It will be worth all your planning in the end.
Mary Beth is the author and can provide additional information about your bedroom's decor.
Check out the variety and quality of bed comforter sets and more at http://www.yourchoicecomforters.com including silk, damask, percale and Egyptian cotton.
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