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7 Ways to Add Character to a New-build Bedroom
Looking to give an uninspiring bedroom a little warmth and personality? Here are some ideas to get you started
If you’ve just moved into a new-build home, you might be looking for ways to add your own stamp to the decor. The good news is, bringing interesting design details into a bedroom can often be easier than with a kitchen or bathroom, as most of its character comes from elements such as bed linen, lighting and furniture that are relatively easy to add after the home is already built.
This means there’s a lot of opportunity to craft a sumptuous, cosy bedroom, even if you’re starting out with a standard white box. Read on for some achievable ideas.
More in this series: 8 Ways to Add Character to a New-build Kitchen
This means there’s a lot of opportunity to craft a sumptuous, cosy bedroom, even if you’re starting out with a standard white box. Read on for some achievable ideas.
More in this series: 8 Ways to Add Character to a New-build Kitchen
2. Go big with your bed frame
While many bed frames are designed to be invisible, receding under the mattress and bed linen, some are interesting decor features in their own right. Going for a more visually appealing bed frame is a good way to add some sculptural interest to a room that lacks architectural features, whether in a new-build or not.
In this bedroom, Fable Interiors has opted for a modern version of a four-poster bed for a graphic statement.
Looking to update your bedroom? Find interior designers on Houzz.
While many bed frames are designed to be invisible, receding under the mattress and bed linen, some are interesting decor features in their own right. Going for a more visually appealing bed frame is a good way to add some sculptural interest to a room that lacks architectural features, whether in a new-build or not.
In this bedroom, Fable Interiors has opted for a modern version of a four-poster bed for a graphic statement.
Looking to update your bedroom? Find interior designers on Houzz.
3. Make it colourful
Gone are the days when interiors magazines were filled with all-white schemes. While calming neutral palettes will always be a good choice for a bedroom, playing with colour is a great way to add instant character. From wall paint to headboards, bed linen, accent pieces and artwork, there are plenty of ways to inject different shades into a bedroom.
To avoid a colourful scheme becoming overwhelming, think about balance and coherence when planning the room. Pick a palette of two to three colours and repeat them throughout the space.
In this bedroom by Hilary Marconetto, the teal of the walls reappears on the headboard and cushions, while the bedspread, cushions and jewellery box bring in the contrasting pink. The cushion trim and stool provide a mustard accent.
Gone are the days when interiors magazines were filled with all-white schemes. While calming neutral palettes will always be a good choice for a bedroom, playing with colour is a great way to add instant character. From wall paint to headboards, bed linen, accent pieces and artwork, there are plenty of ways to inject different shades into a bedroom.
To avoid a colourful scheme becoming overwhelming, think about balance and coherence when planning the room. Pick a palette of two to three colours and repeat them throughout the space.
In this bedroom by Hilary Marconetto, the teal of the walls reappears on the headboard and cushions, while the bedspread, cushions and jewellery box bring in the contrasting pink. The cushion trim and stool provide a mustard accent.
4. Indulge in sumptuous textures
What ‘sumptuous’ means, of course, comes down to individual preference, but the key is to be deliberate about the textures and tactility in your bedroom.
In this scheme by MH Costa Construction, the subtle texture of the fluted panelling adds an instant luxurious touch. Note also how different fabrics are layered here to create that indulgent feel: the crisp white sheets, plush duvet and pillows, the soft velvet headboard, and the light and airy curtains. The glass chandelier and wood built-in cabinets and shelves contrast with the softness to sharpen up the scheme.
What ‘sumptuous’ means, of course, comes down to individual preference, but the key is to be deliberate about the textures and tactility in your bedroom.
In this scheme by MH Costa Construction, the subtle texture of the fluted panelling adds an instant luxurious touch. Note also how different fabrics are layered here to create that indulgent feel: the crisp white sheets, plush duvet and pillows, the soft velvet headboard, and the light and airy curtains. The glass chandelier and wood built-in cabinets and shelves contrast with the softness to sharpen up the scheme.
5. Commission bespoke furniture
Bespoke wardrobes, shelving, headboards and storage units can elevate and personalise a space.
In this room by Studio Fabbri, a built-in wardrobe incorporates clothes storage on one side and open shelving on the other. Note the pink finish, a big trend at the moment, which adds more character than you might get with neutral joinery.
Bespoke wardrobes, shelving, headboards and storage units can elevate and personalise a space.
In this room by Studio Fabbri, a built-in wardrobe incorporates clothes storage on one side and open shelving on the other. Note the pink finish, a big trend at the moment, which adds more character than you might get with neutral joinery.
6. Get creative with statement lighting
It’s relatively easy to update a light fixture or add table lamps or plug-in wall sconces, and small changes can have a big effect. So go for interesting accents or dramatic statement pieces that drive the sense of style in your room.
This bedroom by San Stae is not in a new build, but it’s the choice of fixtures that give it its impact – something that could be replicated in a plain room. And while it’s the blood-orange/green contrast that jumps out at first glance, notice how the glass fixtures once again contrast with the soft fabrics and subtle colour scheme of the rest of the space.
Remember that statement lighting still has to be functional: here, the chandelier provides ambient light, while the wall lights are perfect for reading in bed.
It’s relatively easy to update a light fixture or add table lamps or plug-in wall sconces, and small changes can have a big effect. So go for interesting accents or dramatic statement pieces that drive the sense of style in your room.
This bedroom by San Stae is not in a new build, but it’s the choice of fixtures that give it its impact – something that could be replicated in a plain room. And while it’s the blood-orange/green contrast that jumps out at first glance, notice how the glass fixtures once again contrast with the soft fabrics and subtle colour scheme of the rest of the space.
Remember that statement lighting still has to be functional: here, the chandelier provides ambient light, while the wall lights are perfect for reading in bed.
7. Play with symmetry
Symmetry is often a good way to create a sense of calm and coherence in a space, while breaking it creates dramatic tension. This bedroom by Black & Milk is a masterclass in doing both.
It’s set up for perfect symmetry with the two artworks, cameos and identical bedside tables, but subtle contrasts keep things interesting, with the plain white but differently shaped bedside lights adding just the right off-kilter note.
Tell us…
How have you added personality to your bedroom? Share your ideas and photos in the Comments.
Symmetry is often a good way to create a sense of calm and coherence in a space, while breaking it creates dramatic tension. This bedroom by Black & Milk is a masterclass in doing both.
It’s set up for perfect symmetry with the two artworks, cameos and identical bedside tables, but subtle contrasts keep things interesting, with the plain white but differently shaped bedside lights adding just the right off-kilter note.
Tell us…
How have you added personality to your bedroom? Share your ideas and photos in the Comments.
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The bed is the main piece of furniture in the room, so it’s a great place to start when adding character. This room by Cat Dal Interiors shows how a headboard can really dictate the feel of a room, with the scalloped edges and polka dots adding whimsy and a retro feel.
Think about the best material when selecting a headboard, too. Rattan and velvet are having a moment, but there are plenty of alternative options, including other fabrics, wood and wood panelling, and reclaimed materials.