A sweet reader named Debbie wrote in recently, and asked a question:
“…I’m looking to update my bedroom. Are there some good tips you can give for a refresh? You guys are the masters of color and I love what you’ve done to your entire house. I’m really not sure where to start. Any tips for bringing colors into your bedroom?…”
We thought this question was oh so appropriate for the new year. While we’re so glad to ring in 2021, never has creating a respite from the world meant so much. And since it’s still cold out, this is the perfect time to cozy up the bedroom for all things winter, and give it a fresh look. Here are a few of our best tips for an easy bedroom refresh: how to bring colors into your bedroom.
Once upon a time, we went through an entire overhaul with our house. We added a few before photos in here, so that you can see how far we’ve come with this particular room. We have some plans for this space in the future, but for now, this room has been updated a little over the years, with simple finds. Here are a few of our best tips.
• Neutrals are great, but have you tried color?
I’m going to say it here: A lot of people are afraid of color. So they default to neutrals. If neutrals are your thing, then by all means, do it! Colors are definitely a more complex element to work with, when it comes to the world of design.
We took a smaller space, and had a lot of fun by making it ours and adding color. It’s a great way to bring in your personality and make the room one of a kind just for you. Neutrals are wonderful too, and if they’re you, then you do you. But I believe it’s high time someone argued for the sake of color. We also say a new year is a great opportunity to dive right into something fresh and new with hues.
• Start with something you love
The best motivator for starting with color, is building off of something that you love. This stained glass door was probably the catalyst for all things color in an otherwise simple room, for us. At first, we weren’t sure where we wanted to use it {you can find the sister windows in our kitchen} and we loved using them throughout our home.
Maybe it’s not stained glass. Start with a pattern that you like, and then play it up from there. Let that begin with your inspiration, and use it to your advantage. Something that inspires you, is the very best place to start. Find what you love, and build it from there.
PS. If you’re looking for amazing hardware OR barn doors, Artisan Hardware does beautiful work! They’ll even create a custom piece with you – so be sure to check them out here.
Total side note: See more of our bath renovation {check it out here!}
• Strike a balance
We think that the key to working with them is to have colors that fade softly into the background, {i.e. softer walls} so that you can play bold up front. That way, especially if you’re kind of hesitant to work with color, it’s easy to replace down the road without an entire redo. We also know that some people love to refresh seasonally, so this makes it easier, too.
You can see how we started with softer walls and white bedding, and built it up from there. Neutrals are our very favorites when mixed in with some good color!
Use repetition to create balance in your space. We updated recently with navy blue throughout, so you can see it in our side tables, as well as our quilt. Then we echoed the colors multiple times in different ways, from pillows to art and beyond.
• Go for contrast
This is a wonderful solution if you’re a little hesitant to work with color. Every design should have contrast and interest, otherwise it’s just, well, boring. No matter what your taste, this works to help keep colors from becoming too overwhelming in a room.
Here you can see we struck a balance between colors with neutrals in the backdrop, {as mentioned above} and in the white bedding. It’s important to give the eye a place to rest, while also creating an interesting room. Neutrals can work beautifully with color, when given the chance.
• One of a kind finds
We love quirky things that make spaces unique. Maybe not everyone would choose a green tufted headboard. Maybe not everyone would choose a glass bust or reclaimed stained glass in a sliding barn door. But it ‘s fun materials found throughout that make a space really fun, and very us.
So start with what you love, and then build your room from there. The more unique and more you, the better.
This applies, no matter what color scheme you choose to work with.
• It’s doesn’t have to be pricey
This space is a combination of JC Penney rehabs {see: painted dresser with new knobs} flea market lamps that cost five dollars each, topped with Target shades, and a rug that we scored on sale. Our kiddos are careful in the house, but they’re also comfortable. We’ve always said it’s not worth it to have some pricey, invaluable object that can’t be easily replaced. A colorful bedroom update can happen slowly over time, as you find the things you love.
We recommend creating a Pinterest board, and finding what you love over time, for a great look. Shop your house. {Splurge on your bedding, because you won’t regret it, but the rest can all be finds over time.} This space is definitely a hybrid of our last move and a few updates over time, along with creative pieces that we loved adding.
• Layer up
The coziest spaces are generous on the layers. This is another great opportunity to introduce colors, as well. We think that every bedroom should have a nice option when it comes to escaping the real world. That’s part of what makes it such a great retreat. It’s also an awesome opportunity to mix up your colors and introduce them in fun ways. AND go for that balance I was mentioning, earlier.
{For great bedding options, be sure to check out Crane and Canopy. We adore their wonderful creations for our layered bedding! They have amazing options for both staple and statement pieces.}
• Be fearless
We think that a few of the tips above are great little safety nets if you’re a little unsure about color. Working with color doesn’t mean that you’re building PeeWee’s Playhouse in your bedroom, but it also doesn’t mean everything has to stay white and grey. It’s fun to bring in a little of the unexpected, and have fun in the process. If you enjoy it, the end product can’t help but shine through.
Our whole house has come such a long way from the beginning! I have to say, I love how far we’ve come.
We hope that this little visit on the topic of color has helped anyone who is ready to dive in, but not sure where to begin. Thank you so much for tuning in! And as always, let us know if we can answer any questions that you may have!
Pssst…. we’re having an art sale. Check it out here – Just use code ART40 at checkout – we have more coming your way oh so soon, to add to our selection!
Annndddd… be sure to check out our design services, here!
Have an inspired day!
Jen says
I love the statement of your headboard–it adds color without being overwhelming. I am looking for something similar for our bedroom. I love white sheets/comforters, but I definitely want a big statement of color for our headboard. As always, everything you touch looks amazing!
Oven Fresh Cake says
Appealing information! Sounds Good.
Mandy says
I love neutral colors, especially light gray tones. But I am not gonna lie, I love color too! I been working on each room of my home and a color that I always try to add among all the neutrals is tiffany blue. I don’t abuse it but I add accents here and there. for example, my kitchen has white, gray, and driftwood tones too. But I painted my old wooden dinning chairs blue and used some cookie jars the same color to make it uniform. I also added some blue candles on my neutral table runner. I am not a designer by no means, but I like to add a little bit of color to break the calm tones, and it does give personality to any room. Also adding oil paintings as wall décor can break add personality to the space. I loved your ideas I cant to see more