And so to bed

The bedroom is your oasis, so consider all the design options, says Melonie Clarke
When it comes to decorating a bedroom, design wise, the trends tend to be at either end of the spectrum. At one end, many go for a modern, clean  nish, using a neutral colour palette with little fuss, while at the other end, bold wallpapers, clashing patterns and statement pieces such as custom-made headboards are increasingly popular.

Simon Meyrick of Neville Johnson – 0161-873 8333, www.nevillejohnson.co.uk – says that one of the most popular new trends is a walk-in wardrobe or dressing space. ‘This trend is no longer con ned to larger houses. People now transform a small space, such as a “box” bedroom, into a designated dressing area.’

Before you start to buy paint or new bedding though, first you must decide if your bedroom will be a bedroom only or a multifunctional space. There is an increasing desire to create an almost hotel-like suite in your own room, designing the space so you can watch TV, work and of course, relax.

Every room should have one highvalue item. In the sitting room for example, a good-quality sofa is something you can build the rest of the room around. In the bedroom, storage should be the key item. If you have a separate dressing room you can store all of your clothes and shoes in there, but if not, well-thought-out storage solutions in the bedroom are essential.

Bedrooms-Bathrooms-02-590Clockwise from left: Oak dressing room and Sky Loft, Duravit's 2nd floor bathroom and Bette inset Ocean bath both from CP Hart

Overhead storage works well in any room, but if you lack space, storing things o’ the ground is a great idea. If you are a shoe  end, consider a fitted wardrobe with a special shoe rack. Not only will it mean you can display your shoes beautifully, but they will look tidy, and if stored well, will last longer . Shoes and clothes are the primary cause of clutter in the bedroom, so invest well in storage and avoid the problem.

If you have an en suite attached to your bedroom, there are di’ erent rules when designing this bathroom as opposed to the family bathroom. An en suite tends to be smaller, so go for wall-hung appliances to maximise the “ oor space. If you need space for beauty products and toothbrushes, a wall-hung cupboard or shelf is the best option.

When it comes to colour, Sally Cutchie and Dan Cook, of CP Hart Bathrooms – 0845-873 1121, www.cphart.co.uk – say that lighter tones from a grey palette are popular right now but darker hues in a small bathroom can create the illusion of space, especially when you hang a large mirror. But, if there is a lack of natural light, steer clear of darker colours.

As with a family bathroom, the toilet will normally dictate the position of the bath and the rest of the suite. So when designing your en suite, or any bathroom, use it as your starting point.