Dreaming Of A New Bedroom

alignleft size-medium...

We spend around a third of our life in our bedrooms - but when it comes to a makeover, it's somewhere that can often take second place behind a revamp of the kitchen or bathroom.

However, whether it's the master suite, a teenage den or the box room, a beautifully designed bedroom can make a huge difference to your home.

Today's bedrooms aren't only for sleeping. They're places to watch TV, read a book or surf on a laptop. So why not make sure that you can carry out these activities in style?

The current trends for bedroom design fall into two categories – the ever popular neutral cream or white designs and, in contrast, an increase in demand for rich, decadent designs with strong feature colours. At the moment designers are complementing both styles with a wide range of textures either in the furnishings themselves or through accessories such as rugs, cushions and lighting.

Leading the way with a simple style that's matched with up-to-date finishes is Ikea's Birkeland range (pictured above) in white. The furniture is all free-standing so can be easily re-arranged as required, but the designer has also introduced texture with the fur finish of the rug and the gloss of the hanging lamps. This bedroom including the bed frame, bedside table, wardrobe and chest costs £963.

For the ultimate in a gloss finish, but also introducing a statement colour is this bold Roma design by Staffordshire Kitchens & Bedrooms. The layout has matched a gloss plum finish with sand beige units to give contrast and the whole look is co-ordinated with the striking blue décor. The fitted wardrobes and shelves also make the very best use of every inch of storage space, perfect for creating a relaxing space. The range comes in 23 different colours and the units shown here cost a total of £4,900, plus installation.

But for those looking for a rich, sumptuous sleeping experience, how about this Sienna mahogany hand carved sleigh bed by luxury specialists, And So To Bed? The Brodsworth bed is a copy of a bedstead at Brodsworth Hall in South Yorkshire, inspired by a Louis Philippe lit bateau but with lions feet to give it a very English twist. The bed is available in four sizes and prices start at £10,750 for a five foot double.

For more details on any of these products please visit www.ikea.co.uk, www.staffordshirekitchens.co.uk and www.andsotobed.co.uk.