Ask A Designer: Calming Principal Bedroom

Q. Do you have advice on how to improve our small principal bedroom? I’d like to change the wall colour and get new bedside tables, but keep the lamps. Is painting the dresser a good idea? I’d also like a neutral upholstered headboard, something that will let me switch the bedding with the seasons.

— M.M., Toronto (To submit your own question, see our Ask A Designer™ page.)

A. I like the mix of pastels in your duvet. They made me think of the room in our inspiration shot, a calm and casual space with some pretty elements. It’s a look that would work nicely in your bedroom.

Start by going with a very soft pink, like Behr’s Crushed Peony (UL250-12) (shown, left), on your walls. That easy change will go along way toward creating a serene spot. If you prefer something more neutral, go with Behr’s Bleached Linen (UL140-13) (shown, middle).

An upholstered headboard is a welcome addition to any bedroom. Pair the Raleigh headboard (shown) from Pottery Barn, with its curved silhouette and nailhead detailing, with Bemz’s loose-fit bedskirt in Sage Brown linen (shown in inspiration). The casual fit of the skirt makes it look relaxed but not messy.

Painting your dresser is a smart idea. Classic Silver (UL260-18) (shown) by Behr is a lovely mid-tone grey similar to that of the chest (shown) from Chelsea Textiles. Add new warm brass hardware to complement the new colour and update the look.

Ikea’s Lindved table (shown) is one of my favourite bedside tables because of its spare frame. Consider buying new table lamps; yours don’t appear to be great for reading. Something more directional like the Industrial task lamp (shown) in black from West Elm would work well here.

A throw at the end of the bed is always a good way to layer in colour. Any of Serena & Lily’s cotton herringbone throws (shown) will fit in nicely with your duvet. Finally, create DIY art with pretty wrapping paper. At $5 per sheet, Cavallini’s Natural History Birds paper (shown) would look amazing in a vintage frame hung above one of the bedside tables.

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1. Headboard, Pottery Barn. 2. Table, Ikea. 3. Bedskirt, Bemz. 4. Lamp, West Elm. 5. Throws, Serena & Lily. 6. Cavallini gift wrap, Paper Papier. 7. Chest, Chelsea Textiles. 8. Paints, Behr.