When considering colour choices for your modern bedroom ideas, it’s good to focus on how a particular hue makes you feel. Colour influences us in far more ways than we think.
Rather than be led just by how a colour looks or if it’s trending on social media, engage all of your senses. Aim to really hone in on what you like, can live with and the atmosphere it creates, before settling on the shades for your bedroom ideas.
‘We’re big believers in the power that colours have on your wellbeing and how they can be used to transform your home, and your mood,’ says Natasha Bradley, Head Colour Specialist at Lick. ‘There’s so much joy to be found with colours that make us feel happier, romantic and energised.’
Unless you’re starting from scratch, think about the furniture that already exists in your bedroom and which colours it will work with. It’s possible to completely transform the look of a room without replacing the larger items. What’s more, with a lick of paint, or some new wallpaper and cushions, a bedroom refresh is a project that can be completed in a weekend.
Image credit: Future PLC / Dominic Blackmore
Choosing a wallpaper or paint effect with a mottled or ombre finish, instead of a solid block of colour, has a more calming and modern feel. It also allows you to repeat any number of tones across the palette through accessories. This bold look is one that is best suited to master bedroom ideas to get the full effect.
To balance and ground the room scheme include those tones that are at the darkest and lightest end of the colour spectrum, as well as some in the middle. The tasselled terracotta cushion and pale white pendants play a big part in pulling the look together.
Image credit: Future PLC / Dominic Blackmore
Most shades of green are great for a bedroom, as the colours of nature have been shown to have a soothing effect on our nervous systems. Sage green kitchens might be trending but sage green bedroom ideas are popular too. Especially those accented with pastel shades of pink.
‘Sage is a calming colour that is helping designers and homeowners ‘cocoon’ with nature in a room,’ says interior designer, Megan Baker, My Fitted Wardrobe.
‘Because it’s a versatile shade, it can be used at scale, and this colour blocking effect can have transformative results, by fully immersing people in what could be one of the natural world’s most soothing shades.
‘This feeling of being in nature is said to be great for our mental health. As such the colour has growing associations with self-care, making it a popular choice for the bedroom.
‘If used correctly this non-stimulating shade could even help to promote enhanced sleep. Sage, whether it’s a light sage or darker hue, is a relaxing and soothing colour that can help people unwind after a long day, supporting a sleep and self-care routine.’
Image credit: Future PLC / Colin Poole
White is always a good choice for your bedroom walls. Not only does it look clean and fresh, it’s a versatile backdrop that can work with a number of styles, including modern bedroom ideas.
According to psychologist, Lee Chambers who analysed the effects of eight colours for inciting romance for TheDozyOwl. ‘White is known for being bright and creating space but can also be peaceful and clinical. What it does in a bedroom is provide a blank canvas for couples to express their creativity.
‘This colour is better for those with strong personalities and brave temperaments. As even when the lights are low, it will still be a bright environment.’
Image credit: Future PLC / Dominic Blackmore
For many of us shades of terracotta are a reminder of relaxing summer holidays in sunny places. Terracotta tiles and rows of pretty earthy red plant pots are a staple in many a hot destination.
Partly for this reason, these subtle associations make terracotta a good colour choice for a modern bedroom. Add interest by painting the dado a few shades darker than the walls. Then introduce darker and lighter tones through furniture, as well as patterned blinds, rugs and accessories.
Image credit: Future PLC / Tim Young
Simple Scandinavian style is a look that we never tire of. With its clean lines, unfussy shapes and natural tones it has an enduring appeal that doesn’t date quickly, it is also perfect for small bedroom ideas.
‘Simple yet stunning, Scandi-style interiors are perfect for creating a serene and peaceful sanctuary to relax in,’ says Georgia Metcalfe, co-founder of The French Bedroom Company. ‘Focus on earthy neutrals and muted natural tones when choosing your Scandi colour scheme.’
Image credit: Dominic Blackmore Stylist: Carol Wortley
We tend to think of coastal style as summery but it can still look cosy if you include plenty of texture. As well as bed linen and blinds, consider wall-panelling and bedroom wallpaper ideas too.
‘When choosing a wallpaper, whilst it is important to choose the right colour and pattern to tie into your interior design scheme. Adding a wallpaper with a unique texture to it will add major depth and warmth to a space,’ says Ann Marie Cousins, founder of AMC Design. ‘This is ideal for a cosy room like a bedroom or a snug.’
Image credit: Future PLC / Colin Poole
Interior designer, Yoko Kloeden used dark and moody colours to create a cocooning effect in this blue bedroom idea, which is the result of a loft conversion. She even painted the window frames and woodwork in a dark tone.
‘In our previous home the bedroom was white and Scandinavian in style. We had blackout blinds but it was still very bright,’ says Yoko. ‘As this room was at the top of the house, I wanted to create an escape from daily life. I’d used the blue on client’s project, and liked it, so chose layers of deep ocean shades here.’
Image credit: Future PLC / Colin Poole
No matter what colour the skies where you live, it’s easy to wake up with sunshine everyday, with a splash of yellow. Although, as it’s an energising colour, use it sparingly in the bedroom, if you want to relax when you turn in for the night.
For a stylish, grown-up modern take, choose mustard yellows and ochres, rather than primary tones, as an accent shade. Mix them with charcoal, pale grey and white bedroom ideas to provide a scheme that’s bright and cheerful, without being over-stimulating.
Image credit: Future PLC / Colin Poole
The trend for biophilic design is one that is unlikely to disappear anytime soon. It’s rooted in our connection to nature and has come about as so many of us now live in towns and cities.
Botanical prints and shades of green are a great way to introduce this ethos into the home. Evoking a similar feeling to being in green spaces, the effects manage to be relaxing and refreshing at the same time.
Image credit: Future PLC / Colin Poole
If you don’t fancy the upheaval of decorating every few years, a neutral plain white palette will stand you in good stead. White walls certainly don’t equal boring. It makes it far easier to give your bedroom little seasonal refreshes with sets of spring-summer or autumn-winter bed linen.
Contrast and clash patterns and prints with those on curtains or blinds and blankets or throws. To make it look calming rather than chaotic, pick out a colour or two that repeats in each pattern. That way you’ll have a common thread that ties them all together.