8 Steps to Designing Your Dream Bedroom

Before you can start building your bedroom design, you need to have a pretty good idea about your style and what you want. Shelly from Canter Lane Interiors suggests turning to Pinterest or design magazines for inspiration. She says to ask yourself, "What are the recurring themes that you are drawn toward?" Once you start to become aware of your favorite aesthetics, you will have a more centered focus throughout the rest of your design pursuits.

Once you get your inspirational vibes flowing, you will then need to take some time to look at your bedroom space from a completely logistical standpoint. Carrie from Carrie Moore Interior Design recommends to "measure and analyze your space, and determine what furnishings are going to fit nicely in the room and not be too cramped." While you may love that large statement dresser, you need to be cognizant of room flow and overall spacial harmony.

An amazing rule of thumb when you're ready to begin shopping is to start with the star of the bedroom: the bed frame and of course the mattress! Carrie says, "Since beds are so large, and are generally the most prominent feature in a bedroom, picking this first and investing more in this piece makes sense."

Shelly, too, agrees that this big decision is a great kicking-off point when starting from scratch. She explains, "[Picking out a bed] is a superimportant point that I cannot stress enough, as the bed size will greatly affect every other purchase you make. Since beds vary in mattress size, height, and scale, make this your first purchase, and fill the space with remaining pieces after."

Adding in storage pieces naturally comes next in line. And just like the bed, these additional furnishings also need to pass the ever-important scale test. Shelly says, "Nightstands should be appropriately scaled for the space, and their height should complement the overall height of the bed. Dressers, armoires, and other storage furniture should be selected at this time as well. Make sure that you leave enough clearance around your bed for accessing drawers and doors when selecting these pieces." Considering the functional purpose of an item and how it will work with your living habits should always be just as important as choosing for the style alone.

Some people might get tripped up on this step, especially with so many prepackaged bedroom sets available on the market. And while your personal style may lean on the more matchy-matchy side, Shelly encourages you to mix it up! She says, "Don't be afraid to mismatch pieces, wood species, or colors and finishes."

Carrie, too, agrees: "I advise people not to buy matching bedroom sets. Instead, mix materials and styles to create a more interesting and textured room."

So while you may be a bit hesitant, don't let that stop you from getting creative with it and really making this special space your own.

As you start to pick out furnishings here and there, it may become more and more difficult to decide where you need to splurge and where you need to save. Shelly advises that you "invest in the important pieces, like your mattress and case goods. A good quality dresser or armoire is a must, as these are items that you will be interacting with daily. Cheaply made storage furniture often doesn't hold up to the daily opening and closing of drawers and use."

And if what you are finding is still outside your budget, Shelly's insider tip is to "check out Craigslist or [the] local newspaper for used pieces that you can gently refurbish. There are so many great DIY furniture paint products and tutorials out there, the sky is the limit on what you can create."

After you have gathered your larger statement pieces, you can then start to browse for those smaller decorative accents. Plus, this is a prime area of your bedroom design where you can save some of your money! Shelly says, "Don't worry about splurging on your high-functioning items because you can save on decorative pieces like table lamps, pillows, linens, and artwork. Shop local flea markets or online retailers like World Market or Etsy for great decor finds." Finding unique or possibly one-of-a-kind items can be just the right way to personalize this space!

As you complete your bedroom design journey, it is also worth noting that you should not forget the main purpose of your bedroom: sleeping! Carrie says, "When it comes to bedrooms, quality of sleep is important, and the design of the room can have an impact on this. Window treatments that block or limit morning light can let us sleep a bit longer. Not having a TV in the bedroom can also help us get better sleep. Natural fibers that are breathable, like cotton and linen, are great for sheets." So, while it is fun to pick out all of the many decorative accents, you will thank yourself later when your newly designed space is conducive to taking a great snooze.

Shelly also notes that if at any point you find yourself stuck and unsure, it never hurts to reach out to a design professional. "Don't be afraid to reach out to an online or local designer for help! Whether your budget is $500 or $50,000, a designer can help you make the informed decisions needed to pull together your dream space."