Design upgrades for a chic bedroom

Shristi Nangalia

Dead spaces like area under the bed and space above the doors and windows can add bonus storage into the room

Lack of storage, visual clutter, disorganisation and hindered circulation are common problems in a small bedroom. But, some clever hacks and design upgrades can turn any tiny bedroom space into an ample, chic and orderly retreat. Wondering how? Read on.

Keep it simple

A limited colour pallete, a straightforward layout and a minimal décor often works best in a small setting. White, as a colour, directly instills clarity and spaciousness to any volume. A few accent colours over an all-white setting can not only define the high points in the design, but also take the attention away from the tightness without overdoing the setup.

Choose furniture of thin profiles and keep the number to minimum. For instance, rather than having a separate dressing table or study table, try incorporating the same with the TV unit like they do at hotel guest rooms. That way, valuable space is conserved and clutter is cut down. Keep away from bulky, oversized furniture and fittings.

Define focal points

One of the basic philosophies of interior design involves setting up focal points in the view frame. Any room can turn neat and personality-filled when it works around a single or a couple of focal points. A boldly painted wall, a statement lighting fixture, a huge wall painting, a striking headboard, a decorative houseplant, etc. are easy areas to create a focal point in a bedroom. Focal points direct the eye towards the more desirable aspects of the space, and makes sure the room looks chic and dated on an everyday basis.

Create maximum storage

Built-in storage is one of the most practical and logical solutions to address storage dilemmas in a small space. Go for floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall storage to stash every knick-knack that otherwise flood the sidetables and media unit of the room. Make use of the dead spaces like area under the bed and space above the doors and windows to add bonus storage into the room.

Free up the floor

When working with a tight space, it is wise to make the wall and ceiling work hard. Rather than bringing in floor-standing cabinetry or shelving, install them on the walls. Freeing up the floor can instantly ‘lighten’ the look and makes the layout more efficient. Plus, floating shelves are a great way to add vertical interest in petite spaces.

Similarly, hanging pendant lights or fastening sconces on the walls can add mood lighting and free up the space on the side tables at the same time.

Let in natural light

Darkness can make any bedroom feel unfriendly and claustrophobic, let alone small bedrooms. Keeping the window treatments light and guiding the daylight inside can brew a bright and fresh aura to the room, andmake the space looking unconstrained and lively.

Maximise with mirrors

Using a mirror to maximise the sense of space is the oldest trick in the book. If installed strategically, mirrors can instantly instill interest and virtually double any given volume. These can be employed on wardrobes, on the headboard wall, or even on the media unit wall.