How to Create a Colourful, Yet Calm, Bedroom
Let the experts show you how to pep up the palette in your sleeping space like a pro
The trend for a long time has been for pale and neutral bedroom schemes to create a soothing sanctuary. Lately, though, we’ve spotted a shift in the photos uploaded to Houzz by designers from Australia and New Zealand to the UK – suddenly, there’s colour in our sleeping spaces, and lots of it.
How to create symmetry with colour
In this calm and sophisticated bedroom, colour symmetry – in the form of a pair of matching cushions and the cupboards framing the bed – pulls the whole room together neatly. Designed by Brooke Copp-Barton Interiors, the London bedroom features timeless, soothing colours in the fixed elements and furniture, and brighter tones in the decor, which can easily be changed up.
The scheme also works so well because of its limited palette. Red, white and blue dominate, but – thanks to shades of petrol, duck egg and raspberry, as well as the addition of tan, in the form of rattan accents – it sidesteps any echoes of the Union Jack. While there’s nothing wrong with the alternative, vibrant, primary versions of each colour would change the room entirely.
In this calm and sophisticated bedroom, colour symmetry – in the form of a pair of matching cushions and the cupboards framing the bed – pulls the whole room together neatly. Designed by Brooke Copp-Barton Interiors, the London bedroom features timeless, soothing colours in the fixed elements and furniture, and brighter tones in the decor, which can easily be changed up.
The scheme also works so well because of its limited palette. Red, white and blue dominate, but – thanks to shades of petrol, duck egg and raspberry, as well as the addition of tan, in the form of rattan accents – it sidesteps any echoes of the Union Jack. While there’s nothing wrong with the alternative, vibrant, primary versions of each colour would change the room entirely.
Add colours to your bedroom with bold decor
Adding colour doesn’t need to be permanent. Here, a striking, colourful bedspread, pepped up further by bright, striped bolsters, forms the room’s centrepiece.
The designer has also chosen to paint a feature wall in a strong blue shade, tying in with the pattern on the fabric for a cohesive arrangement. This might be too much commitment for a recovering neutrals addict, but white walls would not dampen the effect – in fact, the bedspread would stand out even more.
Adding colour doesn’t need to be permanent. Here, a striking, colourful bedspread, pepped up further by bright, striped bolsters, forms the room’s centrepiece.
The designer has also chosen to paint a feature wall in a strong blue shade, tying in with the pattern on the fabric for a cohesive arrangement. This might be too much commitment for a recovering neutrals addict, but white walls would not dampen the effect – in fact, the bedspread would stand out even more.
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Use contrast
This dramatic design in a Gloucestershire house by Sims Hilditch is dominated by that rich, dark avocado-coloured panelled wall and matching headboard. Purple and pink tones in the artwork – picked up in the cushions – create contrast, which tends to make for a stronger visual impact.
The grey textiles (the curtains and throw) are important here: they temper the effect, so while the design is most definitely bold, it’s also elegant, rather than in-your-face.
This dramatic design in a Gloucestershire house by Sims Hilditch is dominated by that rich, dark avocado-coloured panelled wall and matching headboard. Purple and pink tones in the artwork – picked up in the cushions – create contrast, which tends to make for a stronger visual impact.
The grey textiles (the curtains and throw) are important here: they temper the effect, so while the design is most definitely bold, it’s also elegant, rather than in-your-face.
Combine dark colours with neutral backgrounds
Injecting a neutral space with dark, richly hued flourishes is a quick way to change the feel of a room.
Without the deep blue and rich rust shades of the cushions, headboard and artworks, this minimalist space by Fable Interiors would have a Scandi, monochrome mood. But now, punctuated by the additional colours, there’s more punch.
The design discipline here is strong: the colours in the artwork and the cushions match exactly, resulting in a room that would tick the colour box while pleasing the most ordered of minds.
And because the colour punctuates the decor, rather than the fixed design elements, it can be easily changed up if the owner desires.
Injecting a neutral space with dark, richly hued flourishes is a quick way to change the feel of a room.
Without the deep blue and rich rust shades of the cushions, headboard and artworks, this minimalist space by Fable Interiors would have a Scandi, monochrome mood. But now, punctuated by the additional colours, there’s more punch.
The design discipline here is strong: the colours in the artwork and the cushions match exactly, resulting in a room that would tick the colour box while pleasing the most ordered of minds.
And because the colour punctuates the decor, rather than the fixed design elements, it can be easily changed up if the owner desires.
Stay on the soft side
If your comfort tones are neutrals, but you’re game for a small change, take inspiration from the peaceful palette in this bedroom in a 1930s home, created by Drawn London.
On this side of the room there are muted blues and plaster pink, given a crisp finish by the addition of clean whites and anchoring black accents. The result is super-soothing.
For those brave enough to go a little bolder, check out the other side of the room…
If your comfort tones are neutrals, but you’re game for a small change, take inspiration from the peaceful palette in this bedroom in a 1930s home, created by Drawn London.
On this side of the room there are muted blues and plaster pink, given a crisp finish by the addition of clean whites and anchoring black accents. The result is super-soothing.
For those brave enough to go a little bolder, check out the other side of the room…
…Where a rich mustard carpet, warm brick zellige tiles around the fireplace and petrol velvet curtains (see previous photo) add a little more zing.
Browse more bedrooms with pops of yellow
Browse more bedrooms with pops of yellow
Take your cue from nature
Combining colours can be intimidating, especially when you want to keep the result understated. And choosing wall paint to complement your flooring requires quite an art. So where to start?
Picking a palette from nature is often a winner. Here, you can imagine returning from a country walk by the sea and coming up with the earthy green and soft, rich blue that form the backdrop for this relaxing room, designed by Matteo Bianchi Studio.
Add in plenty of natural textures – plants, rattan, solid timber – and a couple of accent colours inspired by wildflowers – buttery yellow yarrow and ripening blackberries, say – and the result is strong but calm, just like its natural inspiration.
Combining colours can be intimidating, especially when you want to keep the result understated. And choosing wall paint to complement your flooring requires quite an art. So where to start?
Picking a palette from nature is often a winner. Here, you can imagine returning from a country walk by the sea and coming up with the earthy green and soft, rich blue that form the backdrop for this relaxing room, designed by Matteo Bianchi Studio.
Add in plenty of natural textures – plants, rattan, solid timber – and a couple of accent colours inspired by wildflowers – buttery yellow yarrow and ripening blackberries, say – and the result is strong but calm, just like its natural inspiration.
Confine it to the cushions
While the design of this Art Deco room, created by Fab My Life, layers a number of colours, the difference between a pastel palette and a brightly colourful one is all down to a single accessory – those vibrant orange-red velvet cushions.
Using the framed artwork above the fireplace as a reference point for every other shade here makes for a very pulled-together scheme.
Cover up the bright cushions and see how the feel of the room changes. And if the owner fancies a different look, they can just move them to another room.
While the design of this Art Deco room, created by Fab My Life, layers a number of colours, the difference between a pastel palette and a brightly colourful one is all down to a single accessory – those vibrant orange-red velvet cushions.
Using the framed artwork above the fireplace as a reference point for every other shade here makes for a very pulled-together scheme.
Cover up the bright cushions and see how the feel of the room changes. And if the owner fancies a different look, they can just move them to another room.
Your turn
Have you been inspired by any of these colourful bedroom ideas? Share your thoughts in the Comments, like this story, save the images for inspiration and join the conversation.
More
For more great design, dip your toe into Houzz’s Most-Saved Photos: Your Fave Outdoor Spaces From Around the World
Have you been inspired by any of these colourful bedroom ideas? Share your thoughts in the Comments, like this story, save the images for inspiration and join the conversation.
More
For more great design, dip your toe into Houzz’s Most-Saved Photos: Your Fave Outdoor Spaces From Around the World
Tempted to welcome colour into your home? Find interior designers and decorators near you on Houzz to achieve a timeless interior palette