[ad_1]
Your bedroom is your haven, an extension of your individuality. Make it sparsely furnished- essentially a quiet, restful space. A wellplanned bedroom effectively spaces space and colors; it can even alter the mood of individuals and rooms.
Lighting:
Initially viewed purely as a source of illumination, this is today an important design accessory. The right lighting sets the ambience and creates the necessary atmosphere. Recessed lighting, especially near the windows at two extremes of the room under pelmets, lends a romantic touch to curtains, creating a dramatic effect. Localized lighting creates little spaces for oneself, highlighting the use of color in the room and ensuring a romantic setting at all times. Avoid tube-lights. They are not just harsh, they also lend an almost dreary and unflattering uniformity to the room.
Use lamps – big, small, wall brackets, lanterns, antique looking pieces (good old Manish market, Lohar Chawl or Heera Panna, starting at Rs. 300 upwards and do test your negotiating skills here) or even convert an artifact, eg. a wooden carving into a trendy wall bracket with a shade to match. Adjustable reading lamps come in various styles and metal finishes to complement the décor.
One suggestion for a soft, dreamy bedroom atmosphere is the use of bedside lamps with a large shade surrounding one in its golden shadows. Floor lamps and concealed spotlights strategically placed just over the dresser or wardrobe are alternatives.
Dimmers:
The use of a dimmer serves functional as well as aesthetic considerations. Uplighters in wall mounted fittings serve as beautiful accompaniments to other accessories strewn over the bedroom. They are particularly efficient at lighting art effects or highlighting a cherished nook. Use easy to maintain fittings – it's best to wipe the fittings with a soft dry cloth to prevent dust accumulation. An elegant glass wall bracket creates a spacious effect. Use bright pillows, colors like peach and gray with chandeliers …
Mattress:
Use approved varieties and save your back – coir, or a combination of coir and foam, but definitely go in for branded ones like Kurl-On: costing Rs. 6000 and more, it is worth the investment. Want to splurge on a water bed? Go on, fuel your pleasures …
Curtains and drapes:
One has a varied range to choose from – white lacy, see-through curtains, heavy drapes that keep the sunlight out during harsh afternoon or even your good old organzas in vibrant colors. Heavy layers of drapes help in keeping sounds low and subdued. Fab India, Cotton Décor have a good choice ranging from Rs. 250 and upwards a piece.
Dress it up:
Bed spreads and quilts in sparkling tones and exotic designs. Patchwork, embroidered patterns in shades of blues, greens, stunning combinations of black and gold, satin sheets, cotton sheets or even velvet ones for the royal touch … Explore Spaces – Bombay Dyeing, Zeba and Yamini at leisure.
Dresser:
Most astrologers and space consultants will tell you that a mirror in front of your bed is inauspicious. Here designers have eliminated the need of an individual dresser and incorporated the full length mirror inside the wardrobe.
Drawers:
A necessity to house your personal belongings that you need to access every day, a little pull out trolley to dump used laundry for wash, cabinets for your daily wear like lingerie, towels and personal effects.
Side table and chairs:
A little glass table top, with a couple of cushioned poofies or modas in a cozy corner of your bedroom, preferably facing the blue skies and the greens, could make this an ideal place for your morning Earl Gray cuppa.
Private pictures:
Imagine not smiling to yourself while looking at your wedding or honeymoon pictures or even snaps of your toddler. The nostalgia immediately transports you to happier times and your mood is eased for the night ahead! So, while you may be possessive about not letting everyone visiting your house catch a glimpse of your most intimate pictures, the bedroom becomes the ideal setting to either frame blow ups or place pictures in pretty frames by your bedside.
Books:
A little private collection, your favorites pages to get lost in … You could house them on a simple glass bracket on the wall, easily accessible.
Wardrobe:
Choose between metal cupboards or the built in wooden wardrobe. A young interior designer had inherited metal cupboards from her parents, when she moved to Mumbai. She jazzed them up by painting abstracts in zany, whacky colors and that has become the highlight of her one-bedroom apartment.
Air conditioner or heaters:
It is imperative to maintain the right temperature. Keep filters of ACs clean to avoid dust allergies and service regularly.
Green rule:
It is advisable to keep plants out of your bedroom or transfer them out at least during late evenings. They release carbon-dioxide that our systems can do well without.
Electronics- forget it !:
Research has indicated that it is not healthy to have gadgets like the TV or cell phones around while you are sleeping.
Avoid clutter:
Do not relegate your bedroom into a junk yard, just because it's out of visitor's view. Magazines have to go into a rack, old newspapers have to be rid off, and clothes must never be strewn around. Take care of little things to make your bedroom pleasant.
Color schemes:
Pale colors like beige, pink, mauve, greens put you at peace; whereas the ones on the other extreme of the palette like reds, oranges, yellows, purples energize you. At the end of the day, it is a matter of personal choice of what you prefer.
Costing:
When homemaker Beena and husband Mathews from Goregaon W, wanted to revamp their master bedroom they approached their interior decorator with a clear cut idea of a simple, warm bedroom. The color would be light blue – Mathew's favorite – a huge bed, wardrobe with built in mirror-dresser, a CD rack, side tables and drawers. At the end of a month's labor, they had their fantasy land ready, all under Rs. 60,000.
Simplistic pleasures:
If nothing else, try the Spartan look – a mattress on the floor, with cotton sheets, fluffy pillows, music, dim lights and give in to life's most basic delight – deep slumber!
[ad_2]
