More often than not, most of us leave the onus of designing our homes to the Architect. No doubt, the Architect is the most qualified person to do so – but it is worthwhile to augment his ideas with your own. Ultimately, it is you who is going to live in this house! To begin with, here are some practical ideas for a utilitarian bedroom design.
Bedroom design ideas
Importance of location in bedroom design
Being the most private area of any house, bedroom design should ensure it should stay that way- private. It is the place where major domestic decisions are made over the years. A place where the most personal interactions occur and of course, where families are planned!
Bedroom design needs to ensure maximum privacy to the occupants. Hence it is important to keep bedrooms away from the ‘noisy’ areas – like overlooking the driveway or road. They should be located away from work areas like kitchens and should as far as possible secluded from the living rooms. Take care to ensure that there is no direct visibility of the bedroom from the living or general purpose rooms. For this purpose, it would be worthwhile to have an ante-room or foyer at the entrance of the bedroom. This space could double up for wardrobe area or a ‘powder room’.
Additional Reading: How to choose an Architect for your dream home?
At it’s best, bedroom design should ensure that they are tucked away to a corner of the house, with a view to ensure that at least two walls have windows. The added advantage of natural circulation of breeze and light in such cases is obvious.
And if the layout permits it, having your bedroom windows opening out to a garden or green area would keep your mood sublime at all times!
Additional Reading: Tips to consider while creating a house plan
Aesthetics in bedroom design
Being the location where one spends the longest hours, it is common sense to ensure pleasing surroundings. Light or bright coloured walls go a long way to create a genial atmosphere in the bedroom. It is best to avoid dark colours. Bedroom design experts opine that blues (aqua or sapphire) and silver/grey tend to add a romantic flavour to the bedroom. Colours conducive to sleep are blue, yellow and green.
In case of children’s bedrooms, flowery wall papers could add to the brightness of the room. But bear in mind that children’s tastes change faster than they grow up and be prepared to change the décor intermittently!
Wall niches could provide space to locate pleasing artefacts which can enhance the general ‘feel’ of the bedroom. Floor tiles to complement the walls are a must to complete the aesthetics.
Additional Reading: Techniques to Evaluate your Floor Plan
Interiors and furniture in bedroom design
Often neglected, the interiors and furniture have a great say in bedroom design. Select your furniture that does
not look overbearing to the bedroom. Beds occupy the largest space and need to be located in such a way as to allow access on three sides. Locate your night light stand or bedside table not to cause any inconvenience to movement. Pushing your bed to a corner could entail jumping over your partner on days where he/she falls asleep earlier than you! Not a pleasant proposition, surely!
Children’s bedrooms could feature bunk beds; with a provision to remove and replace with regular beds as they grow up. A work table or activity space will be a good idea for growing children. As the years roll on, this could double as a study table.
Avoid harsh and bright lighting. Concealed or reflective light could add to the ambience of the room. Ensure that at least access to one reading light switch, the fan and AC is possible from the bed itself, without having to search your way in the darkness.
Full length mirrors add to the feel of space in addition to its utility. Other essentials like wardrobes (preferably separate for ‘he’ and ‘she’ for obvious reasons!), overhead loft space to store up those never ending odds and ends and storage space below your beds are much needed essentials.
Have a music system to play light soothing music to ensure bedtime relaxation.
Ornamental plants play a great role in enhancing the mood of the residents and improving their quality of sleep. Some examples are Lavender, Jasmine, Rosemary, Snake plant, Spider plant, Gardenia, English Ivy and Aloe vera. It also helps to suppress air borne germs, remove indoor air pollutants and neutralize the stress caused by electronic gadgets. Moreover these plants are easy to grow and doesn’t require much maintenance.
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You are now ready ….to meet your Architect and Interior designer for that brainstorming session!!
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This is actually useful, thanks.