About to embark on a full bedroom makeover or a simple refresh? We’re looking into ways to revamp your sleep space with creative wall ideas.
If you are tired of plain bedroom walls, it might be time to introduce a pop of colour or a splash of pattern. So, to help inspire your transformation, KBB journo Charlotte Luxford has rounded up bold and beautiful decorating ideas and asked the expert for their top tips…
Pick a theme for your bedroom
This bold bedroom scheme was inspired by an escape to ‘paradise’. “The idea was to encapsulate that moment of taking a walk at twilight, just as the sunrise begins,” explains Jo Aynsley of Jeffreys Interiors.
The starting point was a bold mural artwork from Pierre Frey, and Jo chose all colours to complement this. “The pink ceiling softens the room while the yellow accents add warmth and character.” The striking zig-zag headboard in Schumacher’s The Wave fabric adds a modern graphic edge that provides contrast and further interest.
Introduce panelling
Panelling is a great way to add another dimension to a bedroom, especially if you want a calm and minimalist space. Interior stylist and award-winning blogger Luke Arthur Wells (@lukearthurwells) added this reeded wall to bring some texture into the bedroom, while also creating a practical small picture ledge to display artwork and frame the wall lights.
“This reeded wall was created before it was easy to buy ready-made wall panels in this style, so it was made from individual mouldings,” says Luke. “It sits on top of the skirting board, and I created a panelled box around the wall sockets for a tidy finish.” Luke also reupholstered the bed using tablecloths from H&M Home to continue the subtle stripe theme throughout.
Layer textures
Building layers of texture is a smart way to create a neutral space that feels warm and welcoming. Limewashed or bare-plaster walls can add more depth than flat paint, while exposing features such as floorboards and doors highlights the grain and knots of the wood, adding another dimension. Rugs can also soften the space and prevent bare floors from feeling cold aesthetically and underfoot.
“Introducing textiles such as rugs and textured wall art allows you to build on a cohesive, curated aesthetic that adds impact as well as comfort,” says Poppy Munson, product developer at Nkuku. Lastly, a bed layered with rumpled linen bedding and soft furnishings provides a tactile finish, enhancing the rustic look.
Make a statement in your bedroom
Wallpaper can bring visual interest and a sense of escapism to a bedroom, making it feel inviting and unique. K&H Design chose this botanical paper from Woodchip & Magnolia to add depth and character, while complementing it with Farrow & Ball’s serene Green Blue paint on the surrounding walls.
The chosen wallpaper balances sophistication with a touch of whimsy. Keeping it limited to one wall behind the bed also ensures it’s not overwhelming and still restful. To achieve a similar effect, Amelia Brooks, associate at K&H Design, advises considering selecting a wallpaper or mural that aligns with your desired mood.
“Ensure the scale complements your space and balance it with neutral or coordinating tones,” she says. “To make installation seamless, opt for peel-and- stick options or work with a professional for a flawless finish.”
Colour drenching
Colour drenching was huge in 2024 and it seems it’s here to stay – it’s a clever way to create a soothing bedroom environment without visually ‘chopping’ the top of the room off with a bright-white painted ceiling. “Enveloping a room in a single colour, particularly darker shades, creates a cosy and intimate atmosphere that also feels luxurious and dramatic,” says Dominic Myland, CEO of Mylands.
However, if you’re hesitant to commit to a bold hue but want to dip your toe into drenching as a technique, Dominic suggests trying a softer neutral or pastel shade to create a comforting scheme that feels bright and uplifting.
Pattern drenching
The floral wallpaper was the starting point to this loft conversion designed by Studio Milne. “The meadow-themed design used on the walls, ceiling, and into the Velux window reveals, surrounds the bedroom with pattern,” says founder Ruth Milne.
“It creates a relaxing feel, as the eye is not drawn to an end point.” A harmonious pattern clash is achieved by introducing large stripes in the form of a full-width headboard, which both complements and refreshingly contrasts the botanical wallpaper. As a final flourish, the reading light and switches are neatly incorporated into the headboard for a streamlined look.
Highlight architectural details
Accentuating architectural features in a bold shade is a simple yet super-effective way to make a statement. To balance out the plaster pink walls in this bedroom, interior designer Emily Dobbs introduced a rich rust accent on the skirting, coving and window frames, which also adds definition.
“Instead of a stark white ceiling, I used a diluted version of the wall colour to create a harmonious, softer feel,” explains Emily. “I then layered patterns throughout the room; for the blinds I chose a rich decorative fabric by Schumacher, and pulled in the rust tones in a delicate floral wallpaper from Pierre Frey. Finally, a stunning Napoleonic armchair was upholstered in Ceraudo’s Sonia Stripe Ginger fabric to cut through the floral motifs.”
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