French Renovation – The Bedroom

I am going to start with the bedroom first as that had the most challenges.

Challenges

It was a small room and we weren’t sure about the bed size and how to have bed side tables. Measuring was important down to the last centimetre. A strange step platform also existed in the far top left corner that we didn’t have a clue how to manage. This is where the wardrobe would go. After much thought, we selected adjustable feet for the wardrobe and it worked but we do need to add a piece of wood to stabilise it at the back.

In addition, there is a strange alcove that was the remains of a small entrance down to steps. There are also bright down lights with no windows and according to Feng Shui the alcove needed to be painted a pale pink! Some issues to solve.

In the end, the decision was to add a soft white single curtain from a rod to give a sense of a window and also to add softness to the overall feeling. A shelf was added and it is a perfect space for beach bags, bed linen, a vacuum cleaner and an iron. We hung a full length curtain which gave the added effect of height.

Shades of Grey

It is in the Travel and People sector according to Feng Shui principles. That made the choices of colour and the element of metal as an easy selection – white, grey, black and any tones in between. Using the colour ratio of 60% for the dominant colour, 30% for the accent colour and 10% for balance, white and shades of grey were chosen. The room is white with faux wood, pale grey ceramic tiles. It was still a bedroom and would need some warmth.

The theme was centred around two grey cushions from Zara which have a lovely white leaf relief. We chose to paint the dark brown beam with a soft white wash blending with the wall but still showing. A bed was bought with a grey base and although it would have been great to have a bedhead it fits snugly in the space. Then a dove grey Zara throw was added to the end of the bed to give softness to the room. Two elegant grey faux leather lamps were placed on two bedside floating shelves. A wardrobe that was small enough was needed. After much research, we wandered in to IKEA’s wardrobe selection and chose a single cupboard from a group of built-ins. This is where looking away from the obvious can provide a solution. Roll out baskets were placed inside and a rod and a single silver Zara leaf handle was added.

Art Work

Being the travel sector in the Feng Shui Bagua map, this was an easy selection from my photos. However; it is still a bedroom and careful selection including hobbies and activities we both love, music, brocantes/flea markets and classic cars around the world. Using inexpensive different grey, silver, black and white photo frames from a general store, added the collage effect. A favourite brocante bought print was hung opposite.