This document provides guidance on essential elements for interior bedroom design. It recommends including a soft rug near the bed for comfort, window treatments to frame views simply without being focal points, and nightstands with storage for necessities. Layered lighting including lamps, sconces, and potentially a chandelier are suggested for lighting control and atmosphere. Color palettes in soft earth tones, blues, and lavenders are recommended for a restful space. The overall message is that the bedroom should be a private oasis designed for relaxation and renewal.

1. Interior Design Room of the Month - Bedroom Essentials
by Robin Lechner Designs / www.RobinLechnerDesigns.com / Robin@RobinLechnerDesigns.com
So although general rules of design don’t apply, there are certain key elements to include that will
achieve the perfect retreat for relaxation and renewal, not just for sleeping.
Top on my list of interior room design
schemes that brings out the romantic in
me is the bedroom. While some
constraint must be exercised in a home’s
public spaces, those design rules need
not apply in the bedroom. It’s a private
oasis, an inner sanctum that few are
given entrée and so gives license for
complete personal expression. A
bedroom can exude your character and
personality, designed any way you want.
A soft, warm rug to greet your feet when first getting out of bed
mornings is far more pleasant than stepping onto a cold, hard floor.
Wall to wall carpeting is one option, but many of my clients prefer to
maintain continuity and install stone or wood flooring throughout
their homes. One solution is the addition of an area rug that creates
a neat border around the bed, although ¾ of it is under the bed,
thus lost from view. A less expensive and more practical alternative
are runners or small area rugs placed on each side of the bed. This
choice is also preferable if you plan to use a bench at the foot of
the bed.
Clients who opt for a single area rug often make the mistake of
purchasing one that’s too large. A border of 30-36” is all that’s
needed on the bed’s sides and foot end. It should reach up to
the night stands without extending under them. It gives the
arrangement a trim, more contemporary look.

2. The purpose of window treatments is to augment the bedroom’s design scheme or to frame a
beautiful view. Keep them simple but interesting; they shouldn’t be a focal point. Choices are limitless.
Some options include drapery panels, shades, and shutters in fabrics, matchstick, or wood. Choices
depend on the style of the window and personal preference. If you want the room to appear larger,
opt for a color that blends with the wall, but use textured or patterned fabrications to avoid the room
from looking bland. Window treatments in contrasting colors break up long stretches of walls of a
large room. Small windows can be made to appear larger; uneven windows can be camouflaged to
look symmetrical. Blackout shades need not be heavy or cumbersome for light control. Light weight
shades provide complete darkness, and roll up out of sight when unneeded.
Wasted space is one of the biggest bedroom
design issues. With the availability of
building well-outfitted closets, and
purchasing night stands with drawers, there's
no need for traditional bedroom furniture -
dressers, armoires, and the like. By
eliminating these oversized, unnecessary
case goods, There’s plenty of space
available to create a cozy
conversation/reading area or add a
desk/vanity.
Night tables flanking the bed are a must
for storage, and easy access for things
needed during the course of an evening. I
place an alarm clock, note pad and pen for
midnight inspirations, a coaster for a glass
of water on top, and keep a box of tissues,
book, flashlight, remotes, and other
necessities in a drawer. Reading lamps
are essential whether placed on the tables,
or if space I want to save space, I wall-
mount swing arm lamps or install recessed
ceiling pinpoint lights with a bedside
switch.
On the topic of lamps, layered lighting
offers total control of the bedroom’s
atmosphere. All fixtures should be on
dimmers. For drama and romance, I
love the look of a chandelier in the
center of the ceiling. A floor lamp or
table fixture is needed to illuminate the
desk or reading area. Sconces would
look charming flanking a mirror hung
over a vanity table.

3. If I were to have a signature element, something I use consistently in every interior design project, it’s
a mirror. I believe almost every room should have one, if not for checking out your image, but for
reflecting a beautiful view, reflecting light, adding a sense of space and sparkle to a room. Standing
screens, decorative or fully mirrored, can be moved anywhere, and are very effective in brightening a
dark corner.
Upholstered headboards work for any interior design style. They add a feeling of soft luxury to the
room. For a cohesive and trim look, I like to have the headboard and box upholstered in the same
fabric, and avoid using a dust ruffle. Tufted textured fabric adds interest and is both tailored and
elegant. Leather tends to look masculine while jacquards and prints are more feminine.
This brings us to color. Both body and mind need rest and the opportunity to unwind. One way to
achieve both is a space for the eyes to gaze in a quiet way, moving gently around the space without
anything jarring to interrupt the flow. I use few colors in bedrooms. For walls, I use colors like the soft,
mellow yellow of the sun, the blue of the gentle movement of water, rolling hills of lavender, or vast
fields of lazily swaying stalks of wheat. Perhaps wallpaper in a soft toile, a tone on tone stripe, or
diamond pattern in calming earth tones. All provide soothing and restful images.
Regardless of the design scheme or color palette, I use bed linens in shades that range from pure
white to creamy ivory. White, yes… bland, no! Textural interest, colorful taping or embroidery,
passementerie, and other unique touches add a beautifully custom look.
A bedroom is your private domain. It is here where design expresses its greatest value and supports
our deepest needs.