It is strange the tradition of having another bedroom, when if you tally up the amount of times it is used, it may not be needed! However, we had a bed and furniture to put somewhere. Our second bedroom is also in the Feng Shui sector of travel and helpful people and we wanted to incorporate the metal elements and colours of grey and silver.

Key decorating tips:

  • Don’t be afraid of large furniture in a small space, if the room is small, it is small – so make it have a presence
  • Try to add a wow factor or one piece that stands out
  • Keep clear of clutter and avoid making it the dumping ground
  • Get the best bed you can if you are buying one – you can always swap mattresses in the future with your main bed
  • Keep to the colour ratio of 60% – the main colour, 30% – second colour, 10% a hint

Colour

First check out the amount of natural light that comes in. The first instinct is to go for a shade of white and this can add a lighter tone to the room. However, I have had a second bedroom with no windows and the white was quite rightly called, Hospital White – giving off a grey and cold feel. Don’t be afraid to chose colours that give a warmth to the room. New York friends have painted their standard NY apartment in a lovely petrol blue and white with hints of orange, with great effect and creating a feeling of warmth and elegance.

 

Is It a Bedroom or An Office?

If this is the main room, Feng Shui would say ideally – no, to working in your bedroom and that includes a TV! Work out what you want to be the function of the room. I did look at making it in to an office as it has a lovely balcony and outlook. Then I realised, I like working on the dining table rather than being enclosed.

If it is going to have a dual purpose, consider the obvious of buying a sofa or day bed and adding good lighting and storage. We chose to keep it as a second bedroom and we have already had several guests to stay. Choose flooring carefully, we pulled up carpet to discover – awful laminate. Using the best floating floorboards we budgeted for, the effect is warm and inviting.

Feature Wall

Some say that this has gone out of fashion, however; in the right room, a painted or painted wall can have a real effect. We chose a Dove Grey for the main wall against the other white walls to give warmth and interest and as a backdrop to Art Deco travel art work.
We have beautiful built in wardrobes in our main bedroom and having saved on furniture, we chose similar built-ins with panels of charcoal and ivory to add a real elegance to the room. They can be pulled down and reinstalled if needed. A great investment.

 

Accessories

Decorating the bed is usually the major accent. We wanted to mirror an Art Deco feel to match the travel art work and the grey globe light that was an instant buy. With cushions, you can have too many, choose between 2-6 maximum. I am a fan of four pillows and two accent cushions.

Curtains or blinds? I am not a fan of curtains and avoid them if possible. They gather dust and can look heavy. Plissee blinds are a favourite as they can be pulled up or down to create different looks. Dove grey blinds were installed and a grey chair was placed on the outside small balcony.