Whether you need a cosy cocoon to retreat to or simply crave a scheme refresh, we reveal how to turn a bedroom into a thoughtful space you, your family, and guests will want to unwind in.

Do you feel like your sleep space is lacking charm? KBB journo Charlotte Luxford has rounded up real design inspiration to help you transform your bedroom into a stylish sanctuary. Ready? Read on…

1. Light it right

Consider adding an impactful design detail with pendant lights above your bedside tables, rather than run-of-the-mill lamps or wall lights. “Hanging lights will frame the bed, save space on bedside tables, and create a zoned space within a bedroom,” says Hollie Moreland, creative director at David Hunt Lighting.

Choose something sculptural or – even better – colourful to add an element of surprise, but make sure it’s still harmonious with the rest of the scheme. “This rich aubergine colourway works beautifully alongside elegant greys, olive, and forest green, or calming and feminine dusky pinks,” adds Hollie.

2. Dial up the glamour

Looking for some retro bedroom design inspiration? This generously sized sleep space designed by Cigal Kaplan exudes a 1970s-inspired luxe aesthetic. The hero is the dark green velvet bed from Soho Home, which has been set against silk wallpaper from Arte that adds both a subtle sheen and texture.

Metallic details, including the statement oversized chandelier and pendant lights create a sense of glamour, while the brass wall strips add further interest to the space. The patterned soft furnishings, including the Dedar curtains, matching throw, and abstract rug, add a dynamism that keeps the overall scheme fresh and contemporary.

3. Cover all angles

This Edwardian house in Marlow, nicknamed Toady after The Wind in the Willows novel character, has been transformed by interior designer Lucy Cunningham, who was tasked with bringing in colour, texture, and personality.

“I love taking wallpaper all the way to the ceiling, for the soft, enveloping atmosphere it creates,” she says. “In a house with this kind of history, all-over wallpaper adds depth and warmth while still feeling timeless.”

Lucy used Common Room’s Lucky Leaf to cover every inch of the walls and ceiling. She says it’s perfect for an attic bedroom with awkwardly-shaped ceilings, masking any imperfection that might otherwise be visible.

4. Work with a theme

This bedroom was blessed with a sea view. So, interior designer Fiona Duke was briefed to create a scheme that felt rich in colour and pattern, but not necessarily screaming quintessential ‘home by the sea’. “The house had retained some wonderful features, including the fireplace and architectural details. So we embraced these and wrapped the room with a softly patterned wallpaper to cocoon it in instant warmth,” explains Fiona.

The cushioned, wavy headboard is a subtle yet playful nod to the sea, while the use of earthy tones was chosen “as a wonderfully calm, inviting way of acknowledging the natural landscape of the beaches a mere stone’s throw away,” says Fiona.

5. Pile on the pattern

“Cottagecore blends vintage-inspired charm with joyful self-expression. It’s all about creating a personal, lived-in, and whimsical space. Start by layering tactile textures and heritage-inspired prints – ditsy florals, crochet trims, and scalloped edges. Furniture should feel familiar and inviting,” says Shelley Cochrane, accessories buyer at Furniture Village.

She also recommends warm colours, such as butter yellows and leafy greens, and pattern-on-pattern pairings, like gingham with chintz or checks with toile. “Finish with treasured trinkets and vintage books.”

6. Embrace the dark side

This bedroom forms part of a full townhouse renovation, where a cocooning atmosphere was introduced across the lower floors, contrasting with the bright openness of the upper levels and roof terrace. “Sitting between these two zones, the master bedroom was designed to reflect both moods,” says Caroline Milns, head of interior design at Zulufish.

The brief was to create an indulgent and restful environment, with a rich palette of deep browns and warm golds. Tactile elements, including a dark timber headboard, plaster-like mural, and plush furnishings, infuse the space with quiet luxury and a touch of drama, while the floating bed maintains a clean, elevated aesthetic.

7. Design inspiration for maximising the bedroom layout

In this project by Pfeiffer Design, every element of the layout was carefully considered to maximise the room’s compact footprint. The bed is thoughtfully tucked into a bespoke nook, framed by elegant joinery that blends seamlessly with the overall design.

“We integrated shelves to ensure it was functional yet sophisticated, while the fluted feature wall behind the bed, enhanced by subtle LED lighting, introduces depth and dynamism,” says interior designer Eloise Pfeiffer.

To add interest without overwhelming the space, Eloise introduced layered textures in soft neutrals with deep charcoal accents. “The result is a serene, timeless bedroom that feels efficient and effortlessly inviting,” she adds.

8. Make it multifunctional

Multi-use zones, built-in joinery, and clever storage can help maximise the footprint of a child’s room. Mia Karlsson designed a joyful yet considered interior that utilises every square inch of space. “We build with future flexibility in mind,” she says. “Raised platforms with integrated drawers, mezzanines for reading, and modular shelving units all help ensure the space matures with the child.”

Mia also steers away from age-specific ‘themes’ for the fixed elements and, instead, uses accessories or wallpaper to reflect the child’s stage of life. “We often stick to hand-painted joinery so it can be touched up if any damage occurs, and repainted when their taste inevitably changes.”

9. Sleepover-ready bedroom

The following kids’ bedrooms were designed to feel fun but also timeless enough to grow with them over the years. “Both rooms sit on the top floor where the sloping eaves could have been tricky, but instead they became an opportunity to create clever storage and cosy corners that really utilise the space,” explains interior designer Sean Symington.

In the girl’s bedroom, a trundle daybed was chosen for its flexibility. It offers space for sleepovers and future use as she grows. Its compact form ensures the room remains open and playful, yet it can adapt seamlessly as her needs change.

10. Playful and practical

In the boy’s bedroom (also designed by Sean Symington), the bed was tucked neatly beneath the eaves to maximise floor space. Here, bespoke drawers built underneath provide essential storage for toys and treasures. This clever use of joinery not only makes the most of an awkward corner but also creates a cocoon-like spot for rest.

“The result is two bedrooms that feel full of character and charm, perfect for a little boy and girl now, but adaptable as they get older,” notes Sean.

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