Home UK Magazine's editor Marie Carter interviews bed and furniture retailer Warren Evans on key design elements for creating the perfect bedroom.
What is the best way to approach the planning of a large master bedroom?
The master bedroom is one of the most important, and most used, rooms in the house. So it’s important to create a warming and cosy atmosphere in here. What you don’t want is too much open space, as this can look bare and unwelcoming. So go for a king-size bed as the focal point of the room; with plump pillows, cushions and fluffy throws on top. Other bits of furniture should complement this, and should be in proportion to your bed, as you don’t want this to dwarf the rest of your furniture. A table at the end of the bed often works well.
A small seating area with a comfy chair and perhaps a table in one corner of the room again breaks up the large space, and creates a relaxing environment.
If white walls are your thing, then hang some art on your walls with a hint of colour.
Similarly what would be the best approach for planning a small guest bedroom?
Always remember that less is more, so don’t go overboard with the decorative accessories, as this can make the room look cluttered.
Creating a simple but intimate environment in your guest room will help to maximise your space – go for soft furniture that doesn’t block out any of the light from the windows; warm, complementary colours that will make the space feel airy; and soft, natural lighting for example from shutters or blinds, avoiding heavy curtains that can feel quite stuffy.
It’s vital that you choose a bed that maximises space too; I designed my space-saving beds with this in mind. Each space-saving bed is based upon a floating design where the frame is tucked away neatly under the mattress. This creates a unique sense of space, whilst allowing for a hidden storage area for your guests’ suitcases and bags. These beds are ideal for sloping attic rooms and can fit neatly up against the wall under a windowsill.
Another way to make the most of our space is to stick to fabrics and furniture that are similar, complementary colours. Also putting up wall mirrors will naturally create the illusion of space.
What are the important considerations when planning storage for your room?
Your bedroom should be a haven, a place to relax in. So the last thing you want is unnecessary mess cluttering up the room. Clever storage solutions are a must.
First off, it’s useful to list exactly what needs to be stored in your bedroom, so that you know just how much hanging and drawer space you will need.
Have a look through magazines and online design sites to get a feel for the different storage options and also what would best suit your personal taste and the room itself.
Invest in efficient furniture, for example beds with space to fit under-bed storage boxes. At Warren Evans we also design a range of under-bed storage boxes that complement our beds. The Siesta, Daydream, Trinity, Brahms and Slatted beds are deliberately raised to accommodate deeper under-bed storage boxes, tucked neatly underneath.
Make use out of any unusual architectural feature in the room; for example, an alcove or a bay window could fit a bespoke storage box.
If you have lots of books, why not go for some shallow wall shelves, which are very easy to fit and won’t protrude too far into your space.
Warren Evans is an award winning bed and furniture retailer. Founded over 35 years ago, the company is well-known for his high quality, stylish wooden beds handmade out of sustainable Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified wood. Distinctively designed with clean lines, Warren Evans’ collection features an exclusive selection of handcrafted wooden beds, furniture and luxurious mattresses at affordable prices.Go to the website for more interior and lifestyle tips: https://www.warrenevans.com/inspire_me/
Photo: Warren Evan’s Classic Bed Frame: The clean modern lines of this Warren Evans Day Dream bed work effortlessly in an industrial setting.