This Para Paints bedroom is a shining example of how a few simple design 'tricks' can be used to turn ordinary into extraordinary. Here's how it's done.
Colour
The vivid red backdrop and simple accessories against a neutral palette creates a stunning affect in what would otherwise be a boring room. By using a punch of red fabric behind the neutral bedding and throwing in a few red toss cushions this room went from nice to 'wow' without a lot of fuss and time. By layering the colour and fabrics by way of a third colour on the bed (robin's egg blue) and the white netting in front of the backdrop this room now has dimension and texture. The red artwork and plant on the bedside shelf help bring the red colour throughout the space in a subtle and artful way while still maintaining the simplistic design of the room.
Height
A wonderful way to create a stunning space is through the use of height to create drama. By hanging the red fabric near the ceiling a stunning focal point is made without the use of a headboard. The eye is instantly drawn to the vivid red colour and then upward providing a feeling of grandeur. The mosquito netting hung at ceiling height further supports the look while providing a textural element and a romantic softness to the space. Height is further utilized in the tall sticks used in the oversized vase as well as the room divider at the side of the bed. Another trick of the eye is to further enhance the dramatic height by placing the accessories and artwork low in the room. If, for example, the painting had been hung on the wall to the right of the bed, the effect would not be as dramatic. Placing the accessories close to the floor puts emphasis on the sumptuous bed, which is also situated close to the floor being that it is a platform bed.
Scale
The simple use of scale can also create tons of visual interest. This room does not have a lot of furniture nor bric-a-brac but is still quite stunning. The use of a few oversized accessories is all the dressing that this room needed to enhance its appearance. The modern design and soft lines of the oversized vases provide additional visual interest. Keeping them in a neutral tone softens the space. A large red vase, for instance, might be a little over the top whereas these two pieces provide impact in a subtle yet effective way.
Breaking it down
If you take away all of the colour and accessories you are really just left with a bed on the floor. This room might have been a dorm room or a bachelor apartment that was quickly transformed using fabric and accessories. All of the elements in this room are easily reversible which makes it a great look for the renter. This is an easy look to create if you are expecting overnight guests and are fretting about the state of the guest bedroom.
How to do it
If I were planning to create a similar bedroom I'd start by finding the fabric for behind the bed. It doesn't have to be red so visit the thrift shops and fabric stores and see what you can find in the required quantity. Bed sheets, shower curtains or remnant fabrics are all viable possibilities. If you have a neutral background then the sky is the limit for colour. The mosquito netting is fairly inexpensive at places like JYSK. I've seen them on sale for under $20, in a variety of colours, too. The toss cushions on the bed in the photo are quite plain and easy to make or purchase for a decent price. Remove the dated headboard and bed frame from your current bed and place the box spring and mattress on the floor for instant drama. Sumptuous bedding is necessary but you can put your old quilts and or bedspreads into a new duvet cover if your budget is limited.
If you can't find a large piece of artwork that goes with the room then you can simply frame a piece of the fabric you'll use behind the bed in an oversized frame. Frames can be expensive but if you visit the thrift store you'll find tons of large framed artwork that you can dismantle and reuse the frames for your own purposes. If not, you might consider purchasing an oversized canvas from the art store and creating your own work of art using simple acrylic craft paints.
The wicker basket and plant are an easy find at the thrift store as well. Find a unique basket and pot a colourful plant in it for an inexpensive accessory. The large vases would be an expensive proposition but there are other less expensive large items that would work well in their place. Check around your home for appropriate items like a small slipper chair, two cube ottomans, a grouping of oversized floor cushions, a bean bag chair, a stone bird feeder from the garden, a large floor plant or what have you. Be creative!
You may not have a decorative screen to use and may not even need one for that matter. A tallboy dresser in dark wood tones would provide the visual interest (and storage space) needed. An oversized mirror placed on the floor leaning against the wall could also be used to create a feeling of space and grandeur. Place this behind the bed for use as a headboard or beside the bed as an accent.
A simple room with tons of punch, isn't that what we all want? Try it out and let me know how it goes.
