Bedroom Dream Styling

In today's busy, on-the-go world, having a haven to come home to is a must. And for many people, that sanctuary is the bedroom.

In fact, a recent study found that 90 percent of people surveyed want their master suite to be a tranquil retreat.

Colour really sets the mood for a room. While soft, cool colours and neutrals create a soothing mood, strong colours add drama.

A good rule of thumb when choosing colours is 60-30-10. Sixty percent of the room should be the dominant colour (walls), 30 percent a secondary colour (upholstery) and 10 percent an accent colour (accessories.)

When choosing your colours, start with something you love as your inspiration. It can be a painting, a pillow or even your favourite vase. Use that item to build out the perfect colour palette for your bedroom.

In general, a mattress set that has been in use for seven years should be replaced in order to give you the best comfort and support possible.

Why not consider an upholstered bed for a look that is softer and more cosy; a simple platform bed for something more modern; or an ornate iron bed frame for something more antique and old world.

To get the designer look you see in magazines and on websites for your bed, you need to choose great bedding, and learn how to layer it.

You don't necessarily need a lot of patterns or colours. The key is to contrast textures like wools, linens, cashmeres and knits to make it feel inviting. Remember to keep everything in your colour palette to avoid it looking messy or feeling busy.

Here is her step-by-step guide to layering bedding like a pro:

• Start with sheets - Make sure you have comfortable sheets that feel good against your skin. Sheets with some detailing on the end, such as lace or embroidery, add a nice decorative touch. You can choose a solid colour or a pattern that complements your bedspread.
• Add a blanket - The next layer is a soft blanket. Depending on the season and the climate in your area, you can go with a lighter cotton or fleece blanket, or heavier wool one.
• Top it off - A quilt, duvet or bedspread is the top layer of your bedding and has the most visual impact. It needs to pull together all the layers of your bed and complement the colours of your room.
• Accent each layer - Fold the top layer back about a quarter of the way down the bed. Follow with the blanket and the sheet, leaving each layer visible.
• Add pillows and accessories - Don't overdo it with layers and layers of pillows. Use larger, European style pillows and shams for a backdrop, your sleeping pillows in front of those, then an accent pillow or two. Add a textured throw or silky quilt folded at the end of the bed for a finishing touch.

• A tray on the nightstand that holds a dish for jewellery, scented candle and lamp.
• Small throw rugs for either side of the bed. Rugs add colour, texture and a luxurious feel to a room.
• A collection of small vases or frames in the same colour with various shapes.

Make your bedroom all about you and it will draw you to it at the end of a hard day fighting the crazies out there. Happy Styling!