Beauty sleep

With the freezing nights and flannel sheets behind us, now is the perfect time to update your bedroom style.

“With almost a third of our time spent sleeping, it’s important the environment in which we do so is appealing, yet relaxing and comfortable, ” said Kara Norris, of Forty Winks.

“Updating the bedroom can be easily achieved through a few simple design updates. Clever colour selections and complementing surrounding furniture and furnishings can transform a dull and uninviting space into a bedroom sanctuary.”

Here, we ask the experts for their tips on getting your place of rest summer-ready.

THE LATEST IN LINEN

“Refreshing a bedroom can often be as simple as dressing up your bed with a few bright, stylish cushions or updating your bed linen, ” said Candice Deale, of Fantastic Furniture.

“Quilts can transform the look and feel of your bedroom in an instant. Try reversible quilts so you can refresh your bedroom decor and instantly re-design your entire colour scheme.”

Morten Nielsen, from The Bedroom Gallery, said the latest linen trends included monochrome or Aztec prints of bold black and whites, lemons, teals and greys, while the chevron trend remained a popular print for bedding. It had also branched off into geometric zigzag and triangular patterns, and even eye- catching foil prints in silver, gold and bronze.

“To cater for the shabby chic styles . . . there are elegant floral prints which, when used with a soft palette of muted pale neutrals, create a luxurious timeless combination, ” Mr Nielsen added.

Bedshed spokewoman Sarah Herzberger said soft candy pastels in pinks and mint greens provided a lovely summer feel. “Or be bold with your pastels, using geometric aqua shapes with Equinox in Smoke by Linen House, as styled on Bedshed’s Louise linen bed, ” she suggested.

Snooze’s Adrian Galiazzo said now was also a good time to store away heavier bedding. “As the weather gets warmer, it’s time to opt for a lighter- weight quilt which may in turn help to give you a more comfortable night’s sleep, ” he said.

“Remove any unnecessary winter throws and cushions from the bed.

“Taking down any heavy curtains and replacing with a lighter alternative or blinds will open up the room with natural light and provide a more spacious look.”

BEDROOM STYLE TRENDS

“With the many varied choices now available in bedroom furnishings the bedroom is not only a room where you can express your sense of decor and style, it can also be place of absolute comfort and a place of true sanctuary, ” Mr Nielsen said.

“Marri and jarrah are still a popular choice, providing that classic sense of quality.

“Some designs now provide a more contemporary look with leather inserts being added to the head and footboards, this softens the look and fits in with the more modern styles of home.”

Ms Herzberger said vintage white and industrial-style bedroom furniture were key trends, while Ms Norris said upholstered beds and retro styles were popular.

According to Mr Nielsen, modern, crisp white- lacquered suites, shabby-chic and French provincial themes were also still big sellers.

“There are many beautiful suites offering timeless styles of yesteryear with their curves, ornate feet, finials and scrolls reflecting the elegance of the Queen Anne style, ” he said. “Some of these suites have the sought-after kneehole dressers with winged mirrors and come complete with matching plush stool, which is so convenient to use that it makes us wonder why this style was overlooked for so many years, it has certainly seen a welcome return.”

TIP: To make your bedroom appear bigger, Mr Galiazzo suggested using a mirror to brighten up the space. “The best way to get this effect is to use a large mirror that covers most of one wall — preferably opposite a window so as to reflect the light, ” he said. “Alternatively, mirrored wardrobes are also a great option.”

TIP: “A tip for bringing colour into your bedroom is to first find that picture or piece of art that you really love . . . and you take inspiration from that using the colours when selecting your bed linen, bedside lamps, rugs and so on, ” Mr Nielsen said. “This will give a beautiful balanced and co-ordinated look.”