The kids are moving back home
Many university graduates are finding that tough economic times and a competitive entry-level job market means moving back in with Mom and Dad. Moving back home doesn’t have to mean a return to the childish bedroom you grew up in.
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Clever design ideas combined with a DIY mindset can transform this space into a glamorous, sophisticated sanctuary without breaking the bank.
Dual-purpose furniture
If the budget allows, look at the option for having a wall-bed installed in the room. These nifty beds are lifted up and stored out of sight when not in use, freeing up valuable floor space that can be used for seating or a small home office.
Measure up
Start out by examining your space. Take measurements, and draw up a sketch of what you would like your new retreat to look like. Next, get rid of any clutter - especially important in small spaces. This includes your collection of stuffed animals. Keep those items boxed-up and out of site. A well-organised living space is a great way to help manage stress and anxiety.
Create an accent wall
Start by setting a focal point. Wallpaper has made a serious comeback and will create a dramatic effect. Choose a large-scale pattern. Cover one wall with the wallpaper, and paint the other walls and the ceiling a corresponding soft colour. Alternatively, use large stencils to create a custom design, or a define the wall in a bold colour.
Light up the night
Nothing sets the tone, nor the mood of a room like lighting. Adding a dimmer switch to overhead lights is a simple and inexpensive way to keep control of the room. A light sconce mounted next to the bed saves space, is convenient for reading at night, and there are no messy lamp wires to get tangled in. Secure to wall high enough to allow for headroom while reading in bed and the mounting kit hides messy wires.
A single light mounted to a ceiling fan does nothing for the mood of a bedroom. A super stylish fitting in place of an outdated ceiling fan light casts the perfect soft glow over the room.
Sheer style
Any designer will tell you that when hanging curtains, hang ’em high. Curtains mounted as high as possible over a window make the room look and feel larger. Sheer white panels add a soft, feminine touch.
Make a sofa bed
Turn a basic single bed into a sofa-like bed. An oversize, white, textured quilt tucked neatly around a single mattress sets the stage for a clean, tailored effect. Chic throw pillows in a uniform colour scheme dress it up when company comes over. Your guests will feel like they’re lounging on a couch rather than lying in your bed. A sauper soft throw blanket pulls the whole look together.
Here's how:
Give the bed a contemporaryl lift using concrete blocks, a sheet of plywood and five metres faux suede, faux leather or metallic vinyl.
Begin by gift wrapping the concrete blocks in fabric vinyl - using a glue gun to secure edges. Only 3 sides will show when assembled. Next, cover a sheet of plywood with the same fabric using a heavy-duty staple gun. Only a small amount of edge will be visible when complete so only a 10cm border is required around the bottom of the board. Measure and place covered blocks topped with board so the bed loft will be at centre of wall. (Add a fifth block in the centre for extra support.) Throw on the mattress and viola!
Accent pillows
Dreamy bed accessories add to the cosy feel of any boudoir. Sometime these touches can be a bit pricey, so keep an eye out for bargain look-alikes or make your own.
A burst of vibrant purple, blended with mellow lavender in mini-geometric and softly sculptured textured accent pillows adds a trendy punch.
A practical space
An adjustable shelving unit easily evolves into a space-saving and practical workspace and entertainment centre.
Custom arrange shelf heights starting at the bottom to allow feet to easily slip under. The next shelf will be your main desk surface. The third shelf should be affixed high enough to allow for headroom, while leaving enough room for entertainment equipment. Be sure to measure how much room your TV will need before assembling the final shelf.