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His and Hers Décor

As it has become more acceptable to mix and match furniture styles and colors, it's made it easier for married couples who have different tastes. Combining styles also adds depth and diversity to your bedroom sanctuary. "It is harder to get the eclectic look right," explains Wesley Sawan, director of operations for Wesley Allen, "but when it is done properly, it looks amazing."

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  • Shopping for Your Dream Bedroom

    Tips to help you select furniture that will turn your bedroom into your favorite room.

    by Tracy A. Mozingo

    Your bedroom is the most intimate and familiar room in your home, so it should be both comfortable and beckoning. "Your bedroom is your own little corner of the world," says Wanda Cockrell, interior designer and owner of The Stedman House in Fayetteville, N.C. "When you walk through that door, you want to take the weight off your shoulders. I like to create bedrooms that have a spa feel to them so my clients can breathe deep and let go of the day."

     

    The Selection Process

    When shopping for bedroom furniture, ask yourself: 

    • How do I spend most of my time in this room?
    • Do I want a matching suite of furniture, or do I prefer to mix and match?
    • Is this my personal style?
    • Will these pieces fit my bedroom's dimensions?

    There's no one particular way to go; it all depends on your preferences. "Ask yourself, 'Do I want my room to say something about who I am?' or 'Do I want my furniture to make my life easier?' or 'Do I want furniture that puts me at ease?'" says Adam Tilley, Stanley Furniture's vice president of product management.

     

    Your Floor Plan

    Once you have a sense of the kind of furniture you like, you'll also want to ensure it fits practically in your room. Take measurements of your room and draft a map of where you want the furniture to go, or use the Room Planner here on HomeFurnishings.com (under PLAN) to take the guesswork out of space planning.

    "Once a room floor plan is developed (allowing for closets, door swings, windows and heat, etc.), then you should prioritize the storage requirements and buy the important pieces first—starting with the bed," explains Jena Hall, Aspenhome executive vice president of merchandising and product development for bedroom, dining and occasional. "Night tables are important, but if space is limited, you can substitute the bedside table with a desk or chest if storage or a work surface is required."

     

    Bed Matters

    The bed is typically the signature feature in a bedroom. "The No. 1 attraction in the bedroom is, of course, the bed," says Cockrell. "The items that dress the bed and the style of the bed will dictate everything else in the room. Even the bedding influences the color of walls and window treatments. All of these elements can help set the mood of the room."

    As important as the bed is, scale is important—you don't want it to dominate your room. "The larger the room, the larger the scale of the bed you may wish to use," says Wesley Sawan, director of operations for Wesley Allen. "Thicker tubing and larger castings can help you achieve a higher degree of visual balance, for example. In a smaller room, an open footboard like our Chelsea style is perfect for creating your own little romantic sanctuary, as well as for making the room seem larger and less cluttered than if you had a full footboard."

     

    Personalizing Your Space

    After you've selected a bed and storage pieces, you can customize your bedroom further by adding comfortable seating, bookcases, an armoire and or a TV/media center. Then comes the fun part: personalizing your space. Adding personal touches to a room is like choosing which necklace, earrings and bracelet best accent your attire and attitude. "Framed family photos and an upholstered reading chair provide both visual softness as well as comfort," Hall adds. "Interesting bedding and accent pillows are another way of putting your personal stamp on a room."

    Cockrell adds that nontraditional lighting choices can add luxury and elegance to your bedroom. Using a striking chandelier instead of a lighted ceiling fan makes a bold statement and can accent your ornate bedroom nicely. "I also adhere to the philosophy that 'less is best' when it comes to the bedroom linens and accessories," she says. "Patterns are busy, and you don't want that to follow you to your bedroom. After all, you're busy all day long."