Because of the business I am in, I’ve had the opportunity to see hundreds, maybe thousands of bedrooms during the last 13 years. You would think by now I would get used to seeing cluttered, disorganized spaces that have about as much resemblance to romance as I do to Halle Berry. I think sometimes people just don’t realize how really easy it is to have a lovely bedroom, one in which you can actually relax and unwind rather than feel like you’re walking into a war zone. Maybe they just feel it’s not an important part of the house because it’s not an area most visitors see. To that I say PHOOEY! (I don’t REALLY say that, but I can’t print what I do say so indulge me.)
What exactly makes a bedroom, or any room for that matter, romantic? It’s really quite simple. A romantic room is one which appeals to all your senses. Not someone else’s. If you like the smell of dirty gym socks, then by all means tuck a few under your pillow and fly your freak flag. I’m not here to judge.
When you saw the title of this post you probably thought you would be seeing ruffles and lace, tulle and satin and lots of girly girl stuff. Yup, I got that coming. But in my effort to debunk the theory that romantic rooms need frills and lace, I also have this…
Nothing frilly about this room, but it IS romantic. A neutral palette, textural fabrics, flowers and soft lighting all come together to help make this room a place you would enjoy spending time in.
This lovely room, while decidedly more feminine than the first, is not ‘over the top’ girly. Again, a neutral palette and high quality bedding make you want to make yourself at home and take a nap.
Ok, so now we’re heading into girly territory, but seriously, is this not just lovely? I adore the light wood ceiling, sparkling chandelier and beautiful four poster.
When I saw this room I was intrigued by how much it resembles my bedroom so I included it along with a picture of my bedroom below. The color palette, the layout, the ceilings, even the furniture placement. Don’t you agree?
Isn’t it interesting how even the vanity is in the same place (on the left)? This room was done exactly 10 years ago. Nothing has been changed or replaced except the comforter, and I am still not tired of it and I don’t think it looks dated. If you buy classic, well made pieces that you love, there is no reason to change things up every couple of years unless you want to. Even the paint is the same, and yes, this is what it looks like ALL.THE.TIME. 😉
This room bridges the divide between masculine and feminine quite nicely. Which reminds me…remember that show on HGTV where the husband and wife had completely different styles and the designer had to come up with something that would please them both? What was the name of that show and whatever happened to it? I liked it.
The color palette in this room is stunning, and the idea of using two chandeliers in place of lamps is simply genius. And speaking of chandeliers! SWOON!
Are you ready to make some changes to your bedroom? I hope so. Here are a few tips to get you started.
- Start with the obvious. GET RID OF CLUTTER. Papers, bills, clothes on the floor, gym equipment (you know you only use it as a clothesline)…gone.
- Purchase some good quality sheets. These don’t have to cost a fortune. HomeGoods has excellent quality sheets at reasonable prices.
- If you’re starting from scratch and don’t feel confident about making color choices, neutrals are best. In fact, even if you are confident with color, neutral colors, i.e., cream, beige, pale yellow, khaki, grey, white and brown are all good choices.
- Cater to your sense of smell. If your bedroom smells like the Jets locker room, it’s a problem. (Unless you’re that weirdo who likes that stuff. Ooops, I said I wasn’t going to judge. I lied). Lightly scented candles, sachets tucked into drawers, lightbulbs sprayed with your favorite scent or fresh flowers will do the trick.
- A room can’t be romantic if it’s not comfortable. If you have the room, an inviting chaise, a down filled comfy chair or a window seat would be a welcomed addition. At the very least, make sure your mattress and pillow are the best you can afford.
Your bedroom should be a place that revives you in the morning, and relaxes you in the evening. Make it something you love!
Rita says
Dooreen, love all the bedroom ideas! Makes me want to revamp mine a bit. I don’t need a complete overhaul, but I could use a little sprucing up! Thanks for the fun ideas!
Kelly @ Corner of Main says
Was it designing for the sexes? That was a good show =)
I really like your bedroom, so pretty!
Thanks for visiting Corner of Main, I am happy to have found your blog!