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How to decorate this neutral master bedroom?

12 years ago
This is our 19x19 new master bedroom. Apart from the bed we have not committed to anything yet.

Looking for decor ideas - nightstands, rug, window treatment and lighting. The room is pre- wired for ceiling lights on either side of the bed. Thinking of mini chandeliers or hundi lanterns for that.

We are leaning towards a softer, neutral feel and am willing to change paint color to cream/ white / off white. No greys please.

Comments (99)

  • 12 years ago
    Search the houzz photos by "bedside ceiling light" for some ideas on how different lighting fixtures would look by your bed.
  • 12 years ago
    Ptmatthews: thanks! Will check on the wiring for the fan. We are painting the room a warm white. I am guessing with white it is okay to paint first?
  • 12 years ago
    The fan is white. No metal in it.
  • 12 years ago
    last modified: 12 years ago
    Really, anything is OK as long as it makes YOU happy. Since you decided on white walls, I would next decide if you want strong contrast in the room (like dark furniture or dark fabrics) or if you want to stick with light colors throughout, and then let that guide your next choices. And remember, furniture can always be painted. Looks like you might like painted furniture. If you find a piece you really like but it's the wrong color, you can decided whether it's worth the time and money to have it painted. You might also search the Houzz pictures for "French provincial" and see if that is your style. Some of your furniture looks French provincial to me, but I'm no expert..
  • 12 years ago
    You nailed it! We do tend towards Provençal pieces. Think painted restoration hardware pieces.

    Since the floor is dark I want to keep the fabric light. I am open to dark colored nightstands though. Not dark woods but distressed black, I love.
  • 12 years ago
    Yeah - that RH furniture is cool, but pricey! Also keep in mind that if you find a basic nightstand that you like, you may be able to change out the legs and/or hardware to give it the style you want. Depends on how it is made. You might want to cruise antique stores, consignment stores, second-hand furniture stores, or auction houses if there are any near you. I think the dark floor, with a light patterned rug, and dark night stands would look great! Then you might need to use some more dark wood or metal somewhere higher in the room for balance - maybe in a picture or mirror frame, or in the ceiling fixtures by the bed. But again, whatever looks good to YOU is what you should do.
  • 12 years ago
    Go for a silver sage/ blue Damask pattern wallpaper behind the bed, or, alternately a grasscloth wallpaper. Plug-in Wall sconce lights flanking the bed (Pottery Barn has a few good options).. which given they are wired, can actually be operated from the wall switch. Install a dimmer switch for mood. Two dark colored side tables with drawers. Vintage Green or black or dark wood. Large area rug with geometric pattern, pulling colors from the silversage/blue wallpaper, or the side tables. Arm chair off to one side. Provencal. Silver curtain rod with square or rounded finnials, silver sage silk drapes and silver polished tie back holders. Horizontal dresser in a dark wood (not the same as the side tables) opposite the bed with some classic black and white architectural artwork, or.. a forested modernist landscape painting above. Finish with a few books and other decor details and a neutral/linen duvet cover with colored silk accent pillows and a variety of different colored sheet sets... chocolate brown, coffee, pale blue, offwhite.
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    last modified: 12 years ago
    The first bed is closer to grey, but wanted to show what a pop color could do with an upholstered bed frame. Also, we think mirrored tables add a certain elegance to a bedroom. The second room is a little more traditional and hopefully will inspire you.
  • 12 years ago
    I would pick a color you love for the walls and keep the accents neutral or white. Too many people are afraid of color! Just go for it.
  • 12 years ago
    Alaque: I LOVE white. It's a "color" I am obsessed with.
  • 12 years ago
    Living spaces: I quite like the second neutral room. Should check those nightstands out.
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    @wardrobemenu Thank you! They are available on our site: http://www.livingspaces.com/ProductView.aspx?productId=77360
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    you can always use black lampshades - maybe crystal bases - I use black as an accent all the time - they are especially pretty if painted gold inside - gives off a beautiful sight
  • 12 years ago
    Jan Moyer...you rock girl.
    Decorating ANY room needs ALL of your questions answered.
    If people have not asked how they will use a room...any room they will have not have used their design money well.
    I've said it so often to clients....please live in the room and live how you want...not how the room has made you live....before you invest in anything.
    Also I will throw this out...in the course of getting ideas you will see something that makes your heart sing...use it as your jumping off point for colors. It can be as simple as a note card or a small box.
    Thanks again Jan for your time and post.
  • 12 years ago
    Go for a Zen look
  • 12 years ago
    Idpram: I almost bought a pair of black and gold lamps for this room six months ago but decided to wait until I picked the nightstands. I have been slow in committing on anything for this room and I hope it will eventually be worth the wait.
  • 12 years ago
    When you get your room the way you want it, have some fun and buy a big stuffed dog to put in the middle of your bed. He (the dog) will put a smile on your face when you get home from a tough day. Put some daring and playfulness in your life. Sometimes we get to serious with decorating, and our rooms reflect that rigidity. Good luck!
  • 12 years ago
    If you love white, maybe you would like an all white room with just a few dark accents - the floor, the nightstands, and the lamp shades.
  • 12 years ago
    Daplewell: ha ha so true! Yet I have had buyers remorse way too often to not think hard this time around.
  • 12 years ago
    I would keep the fan, maybe paint the walls a soft bluish color...
  • 12 years ago
    First thing I'd do is change the wall color to a shade or two lighter of the color of your bed. Check out Pottery Barn's Sherman Williams' pallets for this season. Here are a couple that might work. Then I'd start accenting the room in muted colors of aqua/teal. It will liven it up but still keep it relatively neutral. Check out Joss & Main and One Kings Lane apps for ideas. Here are just a couple I pulled...
  • 12 years ago
    Some more examples from J&M and
    OKL...
  • 12 years ago
    More...
  • 12 years ago
    Then I'd dress the bed in all white linens:)
  • 12 years ago
    Hello, I recently did my large neutral bedroom in a new house. It may sound silly but my scheme was based on an extensive search for a duvet cover that I loved. It then becomes easier to choose everything else once you have the tones and style you are after. All the best.
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    One of my clients from SA had me make her a quilt, in low volume neutral tones, to add texture to her bed. Similarly, she had white walls and needed something to add interest and lift the room - a quilt with large patches and huge white border, cushions to prop herself up against whilst reading in bed/enjoying an early morning cuppa, did it for her. There are some photos of her quilt here (sadly not from her bedroom, but in a holiday cottage - patches, and in our garden with my son holding it up)! Maybe choose something for your bed as it's the focus of the room and work around that?
  • 12 years ago
    the first thing I would do is look at the compass and find out what options you have for the head of the bed that feels best to you and whomever is sleeping in that room. I would also make sure that the foot of the bed is not pointing toward the door. The colors in your room should be calming, neutrals are ok but look at light tones of other colors too. Whatever you do - do not put a mirror opposite your bed - you do not want to see yourself first thing in the morning and please, for safety sake, do not hang anything heavy at the head of your bed. A nice soft head board is your best bet there. You might think of draping the entire wall where the window is if you have that possibility - it will add cush
  • 12 years ago
    Patty Reuter: So good to see those Feng Shui tips. I am a believer of feng shui and Vastu which is an ancient Indian science of decor and architecture. So the bed is solid wood, room will be in softer tones with some dark accents and yes, no mirrors in the room.

    Thanks for bringing in the feng shui element to your advice!
  • 12 years ago
    Courtney: Thanks for those pictures especially the shades of white. We are heading to Dunn edwards for picking our white amongst hundreds today!
  • 12 years ago
    I've only skimmed the comments, but saw the wall color is changing. I bought a headboard in a very similar color and it got kind of lost on my beige walls. So, I ended up painting a dark chocolate accent wall and I love the room now. I see someone mentioned an accent wall in wallpaper. That would work too. I think you'll love the room if you provide good contrast behind the headboard.
  • 12 years ago
    I change my bedroom .like your is small space. grey and beige
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    Hey, Our collection of 100% Belgian linen drapes might go really well with the decor that you are trying to create for your room. Feel free to checkout these drapes @ barnandwillow.com. We can always custom make these drapes to fit your windows/doors. looking forward to connecting.
  • 12 years ago
    Thank goodness you haven't run out and purchased a matching set of bedroom furniture. Pair unmatched pieces for a more interesting look. Start with your bedding and let that be your guide for paint. RH has some beautiful linen duvets and shams in subtile yummy colors.
  • 12 years ago
    Leelee: Love the second picture. Thanks!
  • 12 years ago
    I would do an accent wall behind the bed. Wallpaper a funky pattern just on that one wall. Then throw an ottoman/bench at the foot of the bed and take it from there. Use complimentary furniture of course, and remember, it's a bedroom; not an office. So don't overcrowd it with a desk or bookshelves.
  • 12 years ago
    Consider "Tea Chest" color from Sherwin Williams. It's a brown and is a beautiful backdrop to our neutral tones in the bedroom. To change your look - all you have to do is paint and add a couple different throw pillows!
  • 12 years ago
    Justin: The walls Are being painted white. Will consider a wall paper once the paint job is done. With you on the no desk or bookshelves!
  • 12 years ago
    Lynda: I am not a dark paint color person. I like whites and neutrals :)

    Yes to the pillows!
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    Boy you have received a lot of advice! Be careful what you ask for...lol. Anyway, i notice that it is regular outlets that are wired, not wall outlets. With such a pretty headboard I think I would choose to use two matching lamps on either side and hang a single sconce to the right of the window where you could place a chair an ottoman. I would continue your neutral theme and maybe paint the bed wall a light sage to create some contrast between the wall and the headboard. You could use that color as your accent for pillows, throws etc. I always prefer neutral bedding which is elegant and sophisticated and soothing. A pair of stationary drapery panels on either side of the window will bring in pattern but not if you hang a wall sconce. If you use green and cream as a color scheme introduce some brass in lamps, accessories, hardware etc. A fluffy shag rug under the bed will up the cozy and romantic factor. Good luck
  • 12 years ago
    Sorry about the confusion but the room measures 15x15. Messed up the measurement with our living area.
  • 12 years ago
    Diane Hayne: Shag rug sounds nice. Especially with fall/winter coming up. White paint underway. Will post updated pictures soon.
  • 12 years ago
    French, and luxurious with a sparkle...your my kind of style...Enjoy the process...lots of good ideas here...mirrored end tables...Glass lamps...creamy bedding...linen covered bench at end of bed...chair and metal table at the window...The world is your oyster...can't wait to see more pics...I love the tables you posted from Lake Residence...
  • 12 years ago
    Color
    Asian Bedroom
  • 12 years ago
    Asian Bedroom
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    Here are some images you might find helpful...... Collecting images or cutting them out from gazines and making a collection of ideas that you like, should show a repetition of patterns, colors and similar items which can help you "nail down" the exact look you want....
  • 12 years ago
    I saw this on z. Galleries Instagram and thought of this post.

    http://instagram.com/p/tGqiF-CqqR/
  • PRO
    12 years ago
    For window treatment hang light color curtain on the window. use more pillows on the bed. put nightstand both side of the bed and put night lamp on it. use rug under the bed. for bedroom seating arrange loveseat or chaise. white color vanity or mirror dresser good match with your room. see master bedroom idea http://www.theclassyhome.com/comersus_listItems.asp?idCategory=229&Furniture=Master+Bedrooms
  • 12 years ago
    Michelle: thanks! These pics draw me back to mirrored nightstands.
  • 7 years ago
    Do you have a preferred style? The hanging fixtures are very different in style....bling and crystal on one, matte black metal on the other. Are you willing to replace or reupholster the headboard? Is the bed large enough?
    Go through your bedroom ideabook and make a separate ideabook of ten or twelve of your favorite photos to help you narrow things down. Then take the number of photos down to five. Now, which photo or two are your favorites?
    Is there one element of your inspiration photos that really speaks to you?....color of walls, bedding, lighting, a rug, the furniture (suite or mixed pieces), for example.
    That one element can be your starting point, and if you post that photo here and give us a measured drawing of your room showing doors and windows, we will have more to go on and can help you better.
  • PRO
    7 years ago
    last modified: 7 years ago

    The question is from 2014!!! And @Claire Emerson : Yes, I am getting that comment ditched to a drain again. The spam, if Houzz continues to allow you an account is absurd. Your ONE answer to all with an obvious promotion of "Outsource WHATEVER it is?" Is getting beyond annoying. Buy some advertising.

    "THEIR" site is clearly yours or a family member. If yours? Show an OP what you can do with some RELEVANCE to their question If not? Stop posting it as the answer to all questions within this forum.