If your bedroom still looks like it did when you first moved in a few years ago, you’re not alone. Decorating a bedroom is something most people only dream about doing. While it does take time and a bit of money, you would be surprised at how quickly and easily your bedroom can take on a whole new look. If you don’t feel that inspired, picture your dream vacation. Where would you go? Would the hotel room feel deep and luxurious or smooth and contemporary? Whether you would be in a coastline chalet on the Caribbean, the Paris Ritz Hotel or a tree house in the African jungle, use your dream vacation spot as inspiration for your bedroom. After all, your bedroom should feel like an escape from the stresses of life. There is no correct style in which to decorate your bedroom except your own personal taste. Here are a few ideas to get you thinking about what you like and dislike.

Let’s start with the bed which should not only be comfortable but should look comfortable as well. Embellish it with a generous amount of different-sized pillows and bedcovers that are perfect for cuddling such as a down comforter. Don’t be afraid to use a combination of different patterns and designs. Sometimes, when everything matches, your personal touch is lost. Venture out, and try new things. For example, a wooden headboard may be a great place to paint a mural, or perhaps you would like the look of covering it with an attractive material. The important thing for a bedroom is for it to have a soft touch, and this comes easily by paying attention to floor rugs, curtains and throw pillows which just make you want to kick back and relax.

Perhaps the easiest and most striking way to give your bedroom a new look is by adding a splash of colour. You may want to take your favourite colour and paint the entire room or only one accent wall. Nothing brings a new feel like a fresh coat of paint. If your favourite colour is too bold or too boring and you’re not sure how to decide, here are some tips on colour. Red and purple encourage intimacy, and yellow and orange can actually make you feel energized. Green and blue not only have a calming effect, but they will also make the room feel bigger. Another way to make a room seem bigger is to choose a paint that has a high-gloss content; this will cause light to reflect slightly off the walls – making the space seem more spacious.

When considering the lighting of your bedroom, make sure that there is both natural light streaming in through the windows as well as artificial light. Different lamp bases on either side of the bed can be brought to a uniform look with the same tassel fringe lampshade. If you’re looking for something more unique than a bedside lamp, check out wall sconces which seem to bathe the wall in soft light. Fixtures with candle designs are lovely on the wall even when they’re not lit, and they give the ready-option of lighting for special occasions. You can mix and match different types of light fixtures to soften the room with ambient light, and you may even want to add a bit of romance by hanging a chandelier. For an extra romantic touch, hang a small chandelier inside your bed canopy to cast a soft glow on your bed.

Now it’s time to imagine how you would like to add some personal touches. One stunning piece of art displayed in the right spot can transform a room. Whether your taste is fine art or modern art, find a piece to feature in a prominent place in your bedroom. Keep in mind that there’s no reason for you to spend loads of money on something like this. You can often find great pieces of art at a student exhibition at a much better price than you would at a museum, so take the time to shop around for something that you not only love but that’s affordable. Lastly, consider putting together a family collage of significant moments such as weddings, birthday parties or family holidays to display in a stunning frame. Visit African Furniture Merchant for more on furnishing and decorating your home.