Contemporary Bedroom - How to Keep it Simple and Inviting

Most bedrooms are not just for sleeping. We tend to go there to: relax after work, recuperate when we are sick, or just "hide away" from the world. Whether we read, watch T.V. or just want to be alone, our bedroom is a place that should make us feel comfortable and calm. So how do we maintain such a space and still keep it stylish? Go contemporary. Contemporary designs can be classified as using neutrals with agreeable accent colors. Here are a few tips and ideas for those that want a fashionable contemporary look while still maintaining a cozy relaxing space.

Let us begin with a few no no's (DON'Ts).

Stay away from floral patterns. As pretty as they may be, they don't fit into the contemporary look.
Minimize clutter. Find a place for things, even if it is under the bed or on a table in the closet - this helps maintain a calm atmosphere.

What are some big Yes Yes's (DOs)?

Try neutral colors for main things such as walls, floors, and basic furniture.
Choose textures or materials that are smooth, silky, or soft to the touch.
Identify a few different color schemes that you like and are representative of your personality.
Accent the room using solid colors from step 2 for things such as your comforter or duvet cover, pillows or shams, and pictures.

Depending on the area you live in, you will either have four seasons or two, beautiful weather and HOT. It makes sense to put together 2-4 sets of bedding. This might include at least one set of sheets, a duvet cover (which takes up less space then a comforter), 2 pillow shams, and 1-2 pictures. Rotating these few items around with the changing of the seasons will keep a clean and fresh look to your room while still maintaining that cozy warm feeling you have established.

Texture and colors set the tone and should invite you back to your place of solace. When deciding on a particular texture look at the thread count for cotton materials, the higher the number the softer it is. Bridal Satins are smooth, silky and emphasize a luxurious feeling. Paint swatches can give you a good idea of what solid color families match. Patterned items are harder to color match exactly and will fade over time. A color pattern that once looked good several months ago may not be as appealing now. Also, finding exact color replacements for the patterns may not be easy. Using solid colored items allows you to mix and match many different bedding items in the same color family.

If you order your bedding on-line, the colors you see are pretty close to what you will get. If you order a color swatch, focus on the texture of that swatch not the color. Because unless you get your product made from that exact roll in which the swatch was taken, the product you get can vary up to 20% lighter or darker from the swatch itself.

Texture and colors make the contemporary style room; take time to make it right. By mixing and matching bedroom sets throughout the different seasons you not only keep your room stylish but maintain that cozy feeling as well.