Decor & Renovation

Sarah Richardson's tips for creating a functional and pretty bedroom

Sarah Richardson's tips for creating a functional and pretty bedroom

Photography: Stacey Brandford

Decor & Renovation

Sarah Richardson's tips for creating a functional and pretty bedroom

From paint colours to pillows, Sarah Richardson reveals her tips and tricks for decorating your bedroom.

You asked: Once you’ve chosen a bed, how do you pick complementary pieces of furniture?
Sarah says: Bedroom furniture should all work together to project a uniform statement. Is your room classic, contemporary, country or bohemian? Try to choose furnishings that are the right size and scale for the room and for your bed. As a rule, your bedside tables should be at least as high as the top of your mattress, and the top of your lampshades should be roughly in line with the top of your headboard.

You asked: How do you choose a paint colour?
Sarah says: Choosing a patterned fabric will help you establish the colour palette. Simply match paint colours to the array of hues that appears in your key fabric and you’ll be amazed at the options you have. Try to go two shades lighter and two shades “muddier” than the colour you think you want in order to create the perfect tone for a restful environment.

You asked: How many pillows does a bed need?
Sarah says: My personal preference is a pair of 26- by 26-inch Euro pillows in front of the sleeping pillows, along with a long rectangle (or a pair of smaller 24- by 16-inch cushions) in front. The Euro pillows allow you to prop yourself up while reading in bed, while the smaller ones are placed in front as a decorative accent and an additional hit of colour.

You asked: What small change has the biggest impact?
Sarah says: Get in the habit of making your bed every day! I’ve always liked to pretend that I am coming back to a hotel room at the end of a long day, so a tailored, neat bed has always been a must. The bed doesn’t have to be fussy to be fabulous: A comfy mattress, crisp cotton sheets, a decorative blanket or a coverlet for cooler nights and a few beautiful pillows will make any bed look luxurious.

You asked: What’s the easiest way to refresh your bedroom?
Sarah says:  Commit to a good weekend purge. Empty out the contents of every closet and drawer and decide if you really need each item. Recycle stacks of old magazines and pare down everything in your wardrobe. If you haven’t worn a garment in a year or more, donate it to a local women’s shelter. Try to live a “less is more” existence. I guarantee your room will feel fresh and new when you’re done.

 

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Decor & Renovation

Sarah Richardson's tips for creating a functional and pretty bedroom

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