Bedrooms are not simply a place to rest a weary head. They are our sanctuary – a place to express personal style, relax with a book and display treasured possessions. So it makes sense to create a bedroom that is inspiring, peaceful and practical.

If your bedroom is dated, cluttered or barely functional, transforming it into a private retreat can feel daunting. Here is how to approach it.

Start with a plan

If you are starting from scratch, choose a look that suits you and build a cohesive scheme around it. A mood board of reference pictures and swatches helps make sure every element works together.

Storage is vital for a serene bedroom. If there is an opportunity for built-in or walk-in robes, it will make a big difference to the end result.

Whether you are starting fresh or keeping some existing pieces, an interior designer can help you edit what you have, make decisions and stay on track. Designers can also recommend good tradespeople and suggest products and finishes you may not have known about.

Edit the furniture

Interior designer Rebecca Sheridan suggests starting by carefully assessing each piece of furniture in the room. “Anything that is outdated and not required can go,” she says.

“Obviously the bed is the most important item, so it is important to have a good bedhead and a bed base that is comfortable and practical.”

Add layers and interest

Adriana Peci of Hatch Interiors says artwork, linen, cushions, bedheads and lighting are all important, and each should be chosen with an overall theme in mind.

Wallpaper is a great way to quickly revive a tired bedroom. “It is an easy, simple and cheap option that will really help to make over a bedroom,” Adriana says. “It will help create a softer look and it will also add interest to blank walls.”

If the budget stretches, Rebecca recommends updating the floors. “These span over a large area in the room and can help to create a better overall impact, especially when the bed and bed linen are new.”

Choose bed linen and a bedhead

Bed linen can brighten a room very quickly. “New bed linen, window coverings and styling pieces will transform your room fast. Adding art and decor pieces may be all that is needed to really create a room with wow factor,” Rebecca says.

When buying linen, consider the bedhead and the overall colours and patterns in the room. “Be sure to buy quality sheet sets that contrast and complement each other and your quilt cover set,” she says. “Having a clean, less patterned quilt cover will allow you to use patterned cushions and introduce other textures.”

A bedhead is not essential, but it helps create a mood. “There are some great DIY ideas for creating a bedhead – using reclaimed timber such as old doors or timber planks can look really effective,” Rebecca says.

“If you really want to create a bold statement, consider an entire textured wall with tiles, stacked stone, multi-toned timber planks, an impressive wallpaper or even a painted design over the entire wall.”

Your guide to bedroom bliss

• Do a complete clean-out, or decide which items can stay and get rid of the clutter.
• Choose an overall theme and select samples and swatches that work together.
• If you can replace the flooring, choose something neutral and soft. Timber floors look beautiful in bedrooms, especially topped with a luxurious rug.
• If you can install built-in or walk-in robes, call in the experts. Clever robe design makes it a cinch to keep a bedroom tidy, and there is a solution for every budget.
• Once the floors and storage are sorted, think about aesthetics. A bedhead can make a real statement.
• Consider a feature wall in wallpaper or a printed mural.
• Choose a colour for the other walls. Neutral colours let you change the look easily with accessories.
• Look at window treatments. New blinds or curtains freshen up the space, and shutters look spectacular in bedrooms and are practical too.
• Add feature lighting, such as pendant lights or statement bedside lamps, for ambience.
• Finish with bed linen and decorator items – cushions, throws, lamps and bedside tables. On a tight budget, look for second-hand finds and DIY projects.

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