pimp your bedroom

Enough about perfecting, or not perfecting ourselves. I mean, there’s only so much internal change and deep thinking we can take in one week!
It’s time to break it up with a little home decorating convo. If you know me at all, you know by now that home decorating and home decor blogs make me happy. Very happy. A second close to chocolate actually.
So with spring on the way, I’ve decided it’s time to brighten up my life and make some changes. We all know that a little change does a home (and a heart) some good, and after a long winter, there’s no time like the present to make those changes. Since the first thing I wake up to is my bedroom, I’m starting there. Now, if there’s anything Thom from Dress My Nest (love you Thom!!!) has taught us, it’s that you should always transfer personal style into your home’s decor.  Jamie, from one of my favorite home decor blogs, Modern Design Blog, graciously agreed to help me come up with some ideas in order to do just that.  She says to first start by adding modern furniture, mix in some bright colors, eliminate excess clutter…and BAM! creating your very own modern bedroom is a cinch!  I know, it can sound overwhelming, no clutter, what?!?  So I’m going to let Jamie break it down for you. Bonk chicka wow wow, get ready to pimp your bedroom!
Don’t Be Afraid Of Color:

When it comes to painting your bedroom, don’t be afraid of a little color. With the way the economy is looking these days, combined with the toll that the winter took on many of us, think bright, happy thoughts. Color is in for 2009. Purples, blues, greens, and yellows all would provide you with visual cheer every time you walk into the room. While you don’t want to go too bright, muted down, mellow versions of all of these colors will definitely have you thinking of spring in no time!
Out With The Old, In With The New:
If you can swing it, consider updating that old bedroom set! Modern and contemporary furniture by nature is more minimalist in style with sleek lines and smooth contours. If your walls are using colors, dark hardwood bedroom furniture is a great way to tone things down a bit. Replacing your existing bed frame with a low profile platform bed is a great way to create a modern style in your bedroom. Platform beds eliminate the need for the box spring and allow you to sleep closer to the ground. Platform beds by nature give off a modern look and feel which is why you see so many featured in magazines like Domino and Elle Decor.
As for the rest of your bedroom, only furnish it with what you need. Depending on the size of your closet, you’re going to need 1 – 2 bureaus (1 tall and one long) as well as a couple of night stands. A coordinating storage chest is a good piece to have at the foot of your bed for extra blankets and bedding. If you don’t want to completely replace all of your furniture no problem. Just make sure that any new pieces you buy match both in style and finish and look into donating whatever stuff you do replace to a local charity.
Dress Up That Bed:

The bed should be the center of attention in your bedroom. Sprucing up your top of bed is a great way to keep things fresh and vibrant. Changing up your comforter or duvet a couple of times a year isn’t a bad idea. In the fall and winter, earthy or warm tones are nice, while in the spring and summer, you’re going to want something a bit cooler. Reversible comforters are great for quick changes, in case you get bored and can’t wait for the seasons to change. If painting your walls is too extreme, use your bedding to experiment with colors. Get some coordinating throw pillows of different shapes and sizes and liven things up a bit.
Ditch The Clutter:
Pack rats aren’t going to like this advice. With the fast approaching change in season, consider now the perfect time to start spring cleaning! A modern-looking bedroom needs to be free from excess clutter. This includes chachkes displayed on your dresser or vanity, books piled up on the floor, etc. If you’ve got clothes pouring out of your closet, perhaps it’s time to consider a closet organizer of some kind. Don’t be afraid to get rid of some stuff too. Reduce, reuse and recycle! Look into charities in your area that accept used clothing, shoes, books and whatever else you have to give.
Finishing Touches:

Once your floors are clear, you can start thinking about the finishing touches. Add a couple of nice, soft area rugs in colors that complement your walls and bedding. Put up some nice framed photographs or prints to decorate your bare walls. You don’t have to go too crazy with the decorations – just make it tasteful and simple. Bring in some fresh flowers from time to time. This will be a nice, fragrant addition to your space.
If all of this still seems overwhelming – never fear! You don’t have to tackle it all at once. Start out by painting, or replacing some of your furniture. Rest assured, with this change in scenery, you’ll be sleeping easier at night.
© 2009 “Le Musings of Moi”
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Comments

  1. i really need to de-clutter and bring in some color. ever since i moved home from college all my belongings have been in boxes and i sleep on a mattress on the floor. my space needs a hard-core makeover. haha

  2. Ah.. decorating. Makes me as happy as chocolate too. I cannot wait to move so I can start decorating our new house. Those are some great tips!

  3. I gave up on my bedroom long ago. My man is a pack rat and it drives me insane.

  4. Ditching the clutter is probably the most important and most difficult part. We are working on that around here. Nothing says fresh like NO clutter!

  5. Hi! Loved this post- great ideas! Loved the others one, too, of course. I hear ya on the anti-“normal” and “perfection” fronts! You always nail it.

    I mentioned you on my latest post! 🙂

    Miss you!

  6. Ooh decorating. One of my favs. You offered up some great tips. My house is very small and a lot of misfit things end up in my bedroom, since we don’t have storage space. We build up our bed, put up shelves, still need more storage. Or perhaps just a bigger house.

  7. Ugh! I hate decluttering…it’s so overwhelming. Yes. I have a problem.

  8. Oh I so need to redo our bedroom….it seems to have been put on the back burner.

  9. You are missing the obvious de-cluttering. A few sacks and a couple of sleeping bags and you are done. Walls and furniture are purely optional. {*grin*}

    (Couldn’t resist twiting – it is the male anti-decoration gene coming to the fore.)

  10. I look at all the piles and I get so overwhelmed that I jump in the bed for a nap. That’s good, right?

  11. Ch-ch-check you out! Love the new look!

  12. oooh im in the middle of doing some redecorating and sprucing up myself! im almost done my bathroom and now im heading into my bedroom. fortunately my hubby LOVES pink!!!!

  13. Like the new blog design!!

    I love decorating and adding colour!! Always can use more colour in my life!