The restful retreat

A bedroom, for me, should be a calm, clutter-free, organised and comfortable space in which to relax and re-energise. Along with a well-positioned bed, the foundation of this is storage: assess whether you’ll have additional storage for clothes in a dressing room or bathroom, which will allow the bedroom to be a restful space devoted to sleeping. If you are renovating a house, remember that if bedrooms are well planned, they don’t have to be large; you might decide to make a bedroom smaller, or sacrifice one entirely, to create a dressing room.

Upgrading architectural details such as cornices, deep skirting boards and door architraves can enhance the room with a classical element. Wallpaper, a rough-board ceiling and panelling will all add warmth and interest.

Soft neutrals and watery shades have a soothing effect; if you are keen for a darker hue, botanical greens will make a room feel restful and nurturing. In a north-facing bedroom, white walls can feel cold and unwelcoming, so opt for a warmer colour with greater depth. For a calm effect, consider painting all surfaces, including the ceiling, in a single colour. If a room has a high ceiling, painting it and the cornice the same colour will make it seem lower; conversely, painting the walls and cornice the same colour will make the ceiling seem higher.

If space allows, I place a chest of drawers beside the bed. In this context, symmetry is less important than people think: a chest of drawers on one side looks good partnered with a table on the other. Playing with scale will also make a statement: for example, large lamps by the bed. You also need downlights, decorative lighting such as pendants, wall lights, and mini LED lights for nighttime reading.

When planning a small bedroom, it’s tempting to think you must have a small double bed. In fact, it’s often better to choose the largest possible size and turn it into a hotel-style feature by adding an overscale headboard in a bold pattern, to add a sense of escapism.