Going global
Be inspired by the latest home-grown trends as well as those from around the world that are guaranteed to whet the appetite for an all-new bedroom scheme.
Our fascination with travelling the world, seeking new adventures and soaking up the sights and sounds of many different cultures strongly influences the way we decorate our homes. In our most personal of spaces, there's free reign to reflect what inspires and captivates us. Whether you've visited another country and fallen in love with everything about it, stayed in the most fabulous hotel and want to recreate its décor, or crave a complete change, injecting international accents has never been so easy. From Oriental, Scandinavian and African to French and the best of British, there's sure to be a design to suit you.
A taste of the orient
Showcasing the richness and diversity of Japan, China, Vietnam and Thailand, Asian-style interior design is adaptable and easily translated into the British home. Our enthrallment with the Far East is so strong that there's never a shortage of great products available in the UK. You might decide to devote your bedroom to one look, or, perhaps, create an exciting blend of two or more cultural identities such as Chinese and Japanese. Bold and beautiful, the former is illustrated by ornate furniture with high gloss lacquered surfaces and hand-painted details, large murals abound with striking colour choices and dramatic accessories that depict vivid historical scenes or animal motifs.
Although this approach is highly decorative, you should avoid clashing patterns and cluttering your room scheme. Red, an indicator of good fortune in these countries, is key to taking on an Oriental décor. Why not use it as an accent
via a floorstanding lamp, ottoman, or easy chair? Relaxing, Zen-like and gently understated, the Japanese-feel boudoir is a soothing mix of natural materials, subdued tones and floral prints. For a ‘back to basics' appeal, turn to bamboo and stone and sign up to the principle of clean living with some low-level furniture. A minimal futon or bed is a real must, complemented by side tables and huge cushions scattered across the floor. When selecting fabrics, choose organic fibres such as silk and search for intricate pieces that take their inspiration from gorgeous Geisha kimonos. To achieve this pared-down appearance, sound storage is vital, but keep it unobtrusive to avoid jeopardising the harmonious ambience. Darker furniture and bare floorboards will work towards ensuring the desired simplicity while adding depth, richness and contrast to pale cotton bedlinens.
It's also worth remember the principles of Feng Shui here, which examine how the placement of things and objects within a space affect the energy flow in your living environment, and how these objects interact with and influence a person's energy. Get this totally right and your space will
be beautifully balanced and always calm to enjoy.
Scandinavian chic
Instantly recognisable and without the slightest hint of pretension, elegant Scandinavian design emerged in the 1950's, when furniture makers were creating pieces that were uncomplicated, functional and attractive - all rolled into one!
Going from strength to strength and into the present day, this popular style brings together influences from Denmark, Sweden, Finland and Norway, with a heavenly blend of simple forms and organic materials for freshness and vitality.
Inspired by nature and the characteristics of the Nordic environment, climate and landscape, this easy-to-achieve look is perfectly suited to bedrooms. One trip to the High Street and you'll see we're spoilt for choice with the splendid array of beautiful wooden beds and crisp white linens.
Lighter toned woods such as elm, beech, ash and birch are ideal for furnishings, shutters and flooring whether kept natural or painted, but you should stay faithful to one choice throughout. Your aim is for a relaxed, streamlined appearance, so now is not the time to mix and match at all. Scandinavian products are acutely eco-aware, so shop around for furniture that is sustainable and has been responsibly sourced. In order to let the subtle charm of wood shine through, keep your scheme as fresh, airy and serene as you can. Plain pale walls will help reflect natural light while ensuring the best backdrop for introducing shade and motif via rugs, textiles and accessories if you wish. By opting for neutral hues on the bed, add further depth, texture and interest via a quilted bedspread or large chunky-knit throw, for example.
Out of africa
Anyone who has been on an African excursion cannot deny its natural beauty...the picturesque landscapes, deserts, jungles, grassy plains and magnificent sunsets. With its vast history and colourful culture, it can offer ample inspiration for interior designers as well as homeowners wanting to recreate the look in their own retreats.
However, because the country is so diverse, don't throw caution to the wind - plenty of careful planning and consideration is needed to get the style just right. As too much colour and pattern will overpower, warm neutrals such as creams, beige, coffee and taupe are safe options, restricting bold tones to a single feature wall or throw. A soft green is a possibility if you wish to capture a feel of the Serengeti (grassy or olive toned linens may be easier to live with) and rustic furniture in dark woods like mahogany or teak will ensure an exotic edge.
Keep an eye out for handmade designs that make for an instant centrepiece and are colonial in style, together with plain, hardwood flooring that will enhance the feel of warmth. To further the natural theme, chocolate toned Venetian blinds or flowing curtains are great choices for windows and can be layered with white floaty voiles for an earthy appeal. Storage can take the form of tactile seagrass baskets, trunks and chests - all ready to be filled with your treasures.
With a basic framework in place, now's the time to experiment with graphic patterns and tones through accessories. Search for hand woven fabrics and tribal textiles that boast bold colour and abstract motifs, introducing them in the form of cushions, throws and wall hangings. While some animal prints and faux furs may be at home in an African décor, it's wise not to overdo
it, as the result may be a touch on the gaudy side.
French flair
When describing Parisian style, mystery, luxury and romance must be at the core, with a helping of sophistication and impeccable taste thrown in for good measure. Whether you wish to create an idyllic retreat reminiscent of an ancient chateau, the effortless elegance of a city apartment or the pure glamour of a refined hotel suite, these basic rules show it's easy to translate this much-loved look across the Channel - here's how to do it...
Continental chic has a lasting appeal due to its ornate carvings and its antique character that sit beautifully with other original features of our homes. This is a very satisfying look to live with, and one that homeowners are unlikely to grow tired of. So, don't hesitate in choosing lavish and decadent pieces. When shopping for furniture, consider the decorative charms of Neo-Classical, Baroque and Rococo styles. Have some real fun looking for vintage finds but be careful that items aren't at all shabby. Make sure to think Champs élysées splendour rather than the Moulin Rouge! Treat your room to quality woods in distressed or white finishes, or, alternatively, go a bit glam with the odd touch of gilt for mirrors and mantelpieces. Opt for boudoir chairs, chaises and elegant chests of drawers that give a nod to timeless French design. When buying a bed, be sure to choose upholstered headboards along with four-poster varieties. There are no set rules when it comes
to selecting your colour scheme. Pale or deeper opulent hues work equally well - just ensure you go for a tone that is very luxurious-looking. Creams, mint, dusty lilac, eau-de-nil, metallics and cool greys are gorgeous options, with floral details providing an added charm. Don't forget that exquisite fabrics are the key to a glamorous Gallic interior, especially when dressing windows. So, go to town with silk, satin, velvet, damask, toile de jouy and brocade, that can be introduced through throws and cushions too. Accessories should be the most irresistible on the market, from delicate lamps to super-chic, shapely vases in which to arrange fresh flowers as a final touch.
Best of british
Constantly changing and re-inventing itself, UK's home-grown design is a melting pot of richness and eclectic choice. Boasting the cream of the crop when it comes to fresh talent, we're continually surprising the rest of the world with our exciting innovations, and it's never been easier to update our personal retreats thanks to the vast options.
The fantastic selection could be down to the fact that there are so many different styles on our doorstep, from the up-to-the-minute London loft apartment to the quintessentially English country cottage. So, there is massive demand here in the UK for an array of products to meet all our needs.
A theme that continually occurs in the British bedroom is our dedication to taking real pride in its appearance and a willingness to experiment. When focusing on furniture, go as contemporary, classic or period as you desire, in any variety of materials, but, for a real distinctness, search for pieces that have been handcrafted in the UK.
We have a history of being influenced by Georgian, Victorian, Gothic, Arts & Craft, Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles, and you'll find they are regularly updated and reinterpreted for the modern scene.
For an instant sense of nostalgia, indulge in a richly patterned fabric or wallpaper as seen in many a 50's or 60's home or embrace heritage paints that are now popularised as we return to a more traditional décor, acting as a dramatic backdrop for eclectic furniture. What's more, hotel chic is a look that many of us are craving, opting for all-out luxury for linens, accessories and flooring. If you favour a timeless appeal that will reappear from one season to the next, a classically neutral palette is the answer. Just update it with on-trend buys of your liking. So now you've seen the most splendid styles from around the world, have you decided on your favourite?
