Create Your Own Oasis In The Bedroom

Yorkshire Post - 24th October 2007 - Life & Style Section: Homes

Interiors

Jamie Hempsall explains how to turn your bedroom into a haven of tranquility

Take a hard look where you woke up this morning - it is really a place you enjoy spending time? The adult bedroom (which is hopefully where most were looking) is one of the most neglected rooms in the majority of homes, often because it is not on public view.

Take a step back though and think about the logic of not saving the best for yourself. Children’s bedrooms are often a miasma of favourite bright colours and cartoon characters, decorated to make them feel safe and secure – a space where they can express their individuality why not afford yourself the same luxury?

Your bedroom is not just a place to sleep, but also room to relax in comfort: read a book, watch TV or enjoy a cuddle. It should be an oasis of calm where you go to relax and escape the stresses and strains of the day. What ever your bedroom becomes, it must be a place that you love to visit! The more tranquil you feel, the better you will sleep.

What ever you do, invest in a good bed. We are talking quality mattress and divan, which you really do need to replace after 10 years. I have just done it and the difference is amazing. Consider what size bed you want, especially if you have a partner. If you enjoy snuggling close a normal double is fine, but actually affords you less sleeping space than two standard singles! Otherwise get the largest bed you can, whilst still giving you room to move around and accommodate other bedroom furniture.

The same with pillows and duvets – quality is very affordable and aids sleep. There are some amazing man-made fibre filled products available on the High Street that replicate the luxury of sleeping under duck down at a fraction of the cost of the real thing. Ideally, purchase a duvet larger than your bed (e.g. king size if you have a double), this reduces the inevitable fight for cover and adds an aesthetic air of luxury by draping down the sides of the bed.

When you think of the decorating scheme remember that your room serves a multiple of purposes and must function appropriately for all of these. It must also look as good during the day, as in the evening.

Your essential aids here are lighting and good curtains & blinds (all of which I have covered in previous articles). A single ceiling light with a standard white lampshade will not cut it! Choose interesting overhead fittings to give you something great to look at from all viewpoints and to create pools of light. You also need functional, but attractive bedside lighting that adds ambiance, but that you can still read by.

Avoid going over-board with soft furnishings, cushions make a nice statement, but too many will feel fussy and eventually become a chore to take off and put back. Avoid bare walls by adding artwork and mirrors to bring warmth and complement your design.

Symmetry is vital so choose matching bedside cabinets and lamps for either side of the bed. A good cabinet will allow you enough space on top for the essentials (book, lamp and clock), with drawers to give you additional room for clutter keeping the place looking a joy to enter.

Finally, ensure that your scheme links with the rest of your house, but ultimately has that extra air of individuality and sensuality to make it your own personal sanctuary.

Jamie Hempsall is one of the region’s leading Interior Designers and a BIDA associate. For an appointment to view his showroom or a consultation, call Jamie Hempsall Interior Design on 01777 248463 or visit www.jamiehempsall.com