Simple, modern, minimalist bedroom design
A Bedroom Design Primer
Fun fact — Hospitality interiors are what sparked my interest in interior design. While I was growing up I was fortunate enough to travel a lot with my family. We went to Europe, we went to India, we went all over the world and getting to see what restaurants and hotels looked like in those different places was really influential to me.
While hotel design ultimately wasn’t for me, I am still inspired by hotel interiors and I love to incorporate those elements into our designs, especially in bedrooms. Luxurious linens, blackout or light-filtering curtains, wallpaper and layered lighting are all equally at home in a five-star hotel or your own guest bedroom.
Simple Bedroom Design That Stands Out
When a client comes to us for a whole-home renovation or design project, there are usually a number of bedrooms included in the scope. Regardless of who will be sleeping in the space, there are certain elements that every bedroom needs. We’ve put together our list of essentials for a modern bedroom design:
Beds — There are few things more luxurious than a custom upholstered bed. Our favorites are from Hästens. The Swedish brand creates handcrafted beds from ethically-sourced natural materials that are said to “change your life, and alter the way you think about sleep forever.” In addition to this lofty promise (which we assure you they deliver on), they also provide exceptional customer service, allowing us to give you the very best experience possible.
Bedding — Embrace simplicity. Patterns are pretty, but we prefer layers of sumptuous texture; this makes the space feel calm and uncluttered. Cotton and bamboo bedding will always look crisp and a cashmere throw is the perfect finishing touch. [And remember, a bedroom is a place to rest. You wouldn’t want your children or guests stressing out about where to put all of the pillows at bedtime. Don’t overthink it.]
Layered lighting — We have many thoughts on lighting (you can read them here), but nowhere is layered lighting more crucial than in the bedroom. No matter the size, a single ceiling fixture simply isn’t enough. Bedside lights are a must (I mean, who wants to get out of bed to turn off the light? Not us.) We’re partial to sconces, as most designs offer the ability to direct the light, but a table or floor lamp will also do the trick. In terms of bulbs, we recommend using only the most natural looking light, as this can impact circadian rhythms.
Area rugs — If you’ve read any of our other blog posts, then you know that area rugs are a must in each of our designs. Rugs are an opportunity to bring texture, warmth, and style into the space and the right sized rug makes it all click. Besides, there’s nothing quite like stepping out of bed in the morning and having your cold feet land on a nice, warm rug. Given that bedrooms see a bit less foot traffic than other rooms in the house, this is where we can use delicate materials like soft silks or more durable, cushy wool — both of which are renewable resources.
Nightstands — The unsung hero of comfortable bedrooms everywhere. We like simple silhouettes and clean lines for our nightstands. They should have enough room for a glass of water and a tray large enough for jewelry or a pair of glasses.
Art — Art is always the finishing touch in any of our spaces (you can read more about our feelings on art here). Generally speaking, I love art that has texture and interest and I’m partial to playful, unexpected pieces. In the bedroom we might place a piece above the headboard or on the nightstand for a more relaxed feeling. Secondary bedrooms also offer a great opportunity to rehome art from your travels or another time in your life that might feel out of place in the rest of your home.
Large Bedroom Layout Ideas
We love a large bedroom. Here we can once again draw inspiration from hospitality interiors. If you occasionally work from home, placing a desk in the guest bedroom will provide you with an office on an as-needed basis. Looking to store the linens for that room nearby? Let’s add a stylish dresser. And don’t forget seating; chairs, benches and chaise lounges are great ways to use that extra space.
It is always our goal to create an all-encompassing room, but this can be especially important in larger bedrooms. By bringing the wall color to the ceiling we give off the feel of an intimate environment that might otherwise feel cold or empty. Textured wallpaper is another great way to add warmth to a modern or minimalist bedroom design. We can never get enough of the fabulous fabric and textured options from brands like Phillipp Jeffries and Innovations.
If you’re ready to get into bed with us — metaphorically speaking, of course — we would love to hear from you. If you’re still at the inspiration stage, we recommend checking out the following projects which featuring the most beautiful bedrooms:
