8 Biggest Bedroom Mistakes that are Making Your Space Look Outdated
The bedroom is one of the most private and intimate rooms in the house. It should be a sanctuary—a place to relax and get a good night’s rest at the end of each day. However, it’s usually the last room to get attention since it’s one of the lower-traffic areas of the house and a space that guests don’t see.
If your room is not the welcome reprieve you crave, there’s a good chance you’re participating in one of these outdated bedroom trends. A little tweaking (and perhaps a can of paint or two) can make your room look fresh without breaking the bank.
Outdated Bedroom Trends
Bedroom trends come and go, and no one should feel obligated to change their own design preferences or room design if they enjoy what they have. If you do want to give your bedroom a makeover, have a look at these suggestions to get a sense of where trends and styles are headed in the future.
Matching Furniture Sets
Matching bedroom sets make it easy to shop for furniture: you purchase the bed, side tables, and dresser, which all work together to form a cohesive design. However, with the growing desire for individuality, there has been a steady shift away from matching furniture sets.
The current trend is to mix and match different styles to create a more layered and textured design. This also means you do not have to purchase all your pieces at once. Instead, choose pieces that are high quality and have a timeless design. This way, your bedroom style will transcend trends and remain fresh.
Heavy Drapes and Valances
Heavy drapes and valances, once popular for creating a dramatic look in the bedroom, now feel cumbersome and too ornate for everyday use. Even though privacy and darkness are understandable in the bedroom, the trend is moving toward lighter and more functional window coverings.
Contemporary bedroom design values natural light and seeks to maximize it during daylight hours for a greater sense of well-being and health. Light window curtains, like sheers, are useful for covering windows during the day. These still provide privacy but allow sunlight to filter through. Shades and blinds are useful to adjust the amount of light throughout the day and provide more privacy in the evening.
Lack of Color Personality
You may have heard that colors are in and neutrals are out. There is a growing trend toward using more color rather than all-white and gray interior designs. Designers are using colors in bedrooms to create rich, layered spaces that are both welcoming and personal. Earthy and natural colors such as blue, green, and brown are among the most popular in interior design.
While vibrant and striking colors are certainly making a comeback, neutrals will never truly go out of style. Warm neutrals such as ivory, beige, ecru, and warm gray help to create contrast in colorful designs while also serving as the foundation for layered palettes that use texture and various materials to create interest.
Cluttered Spaces
Cluttered spaces were never a design goal, but filling empty space has always been a tempation for homeowners and designers alike. Rather than decorating every inch of the room with furniture and decor (such as in maximalist design), leave some space for the eye to rest.
Decluttering may entail investing more in bedroom storage options. Consider multi-functional furniture such as storage beds, ottomans, and benches for keeping out-of-season clothing, shoes, and other personal items. Use the vertical space in the bedroom by utilizing options like bookcases, cabinets, and shelves.
Neglecting the Ceiling
Neglecting the ceiling as a design surface is a missed opportunity to improve the bedroom’s aesthetics and atmosphere. Previously, the ceiling was painted neutral or finished with traditional white ceiling paint. Today, the ceiling is increasingly seen as a fifth wall.
People use the ceiling to incorporate more color, pattern, and texture into their bedrooms. Ceilings are painted in vibrant colors, covered in wallpaper designs and textures, or enhanced with elements like exposed beams or wood paneling.
No Limits of Technology
Technology will follow us everywhere we let it, even into our most private spaces. We also know that technology does not help us unwind. New design trends aim to create bedroom spaces that limit the use of technology, resulting in better sleep and more restful environments. For some, this may mean not including a television in the bedroom design, whereas for others, it may imply limiting phone use and not having charging stations in the bedroom.
For people who love to relax in bed with the television, consider a design that hides the TV when it is not in use so that it does not become the focal point of the room. Place the TV in a cabinet or behind sliding doors to minimize its impact on the overall space.
Ultra Modern Design
Design preferences have shifted away from ultra-sleek and modern styles to more layered and comfortable designs. Ultra-modern designs are characterized by stark minimalism, sharp lines, and futuristic elements. Some perceive these designs as cold and impersonal. Bedrooms are all about relaxation, so creating an inviting space is the key to a design you will love over time.
Many people love modern design, so you should never abandon a style you love to follow a trend. If you want to create a modern-style bedroom with a fresh look, consider adding some curves and softness, which will help to make the space more practical and comfortable. Opt for natural materials over synthetics for a more organic and sustainable design.
Large and Open Bedrooms
Large, open bedroom designs that were once a staple of luxurious homes can now feel generic and purposeless. The current trend is to create smaller, cozier spaces that encourage rest and relaxation. This trend is promoted by an increasing desire to build more sustainable homes that make better use of space.
People with large bedrooms who want to create a cozier atmosphere should create functional zones in their bedrooms. Rugs, room dividers, light fixtures, and furniture groups can all help to define and separate your space into zones that give your room a more defined look.