Bedroom

Renew and refresh

Written by Shereen Lurie

Your bedroom needs to be a space where you can completely relax and unwind, and the right décor is essential to create a tranquil and calm room. We share expert advice on how to turn your bedroom into a sanctuary.

Envelop the room with fragrance

“Fill your space with fragrances that you adore. There is an elegance to a beautifully scented room, especially in a personal space such as your bedroom. The power of fragrance should not be underestimated. Create calm and tranquillity with Botany Home Floral Diffusers.” – Susan McNair, company director of Silk by Design

Silk by Design

Feature flowers

“A gorgeous bunch of flowers is a must-have when creating a luxurious space. There is nothing more classic and feminine. Opt for artificial blooms in your bedroom and enjoy their long-lasting calm beauty. Our white Peony arrangement is perfect for your dressing table.” – Susan McNair, company director of Silk by Design

Silk by Design

It’s about the details

“To make your bedroom more luxurious, focus on the accessories. Cushions with piping, an impressive chandelier, wall sconces inside bedside lamps. Ambient lighting and a selection of mirrors can also make a huge difference.” – Christelle Afana Fonkem, interior designer and owner of At Home With Christelle

At Home With Christelle

Display art

“The times when the Kentridge must match the drapes are long gone – there is no reason why you can’t display a bold contemporary abstract painting against the backdrop of Dutch Golden Age-inspired floral wallpaper. Make a statement with a cobalt blue Ming Chinese porcelain plate by juxtaposing it with a Walter Battiss limited-edition print in contrasting colours.

“Display pre-war artists next to contemporary ones and abstract non-figurative work alongside more traditional still lifes. Many of Strauss & Co’s art specialists have curated retrospectives and themed exhibitions and will offer advice on how to exhibit your art in your home.” – Suzie Goodman, executive director of Strauss & Co Johannesburg

Flowers in a Vase – Cecil Higgs – available from Strauss & Co online sale (18-25 April 2022)

Layer your linen

“Curating a luxurious winter bedroom is all about layering. Up the cosy factor by adding overlays of different weight and texture: think throws, faux furs, quilts and scatters. When including these accents, remember to choose warm earthy tones to ensure that you create a snug, tranquil space.

Opt for unfussy but inviting bedding – our Cotton Wash range, with its 100% percale cotton composition, 200 thread count and muted tones, will impart a feeling of casual luxury.” – Olivia Jordaan, homeware buyer at Hertex

Herte

Incorporate natural elements

“Cool colours create a sense of rest and peace – think being at the sea on holiday! A striped wallpaper in a soft tone, such as a light grey, combined with blues and whites is a wonderful combination to ensure a light and calm interior.

“Layer this with gorgeous prints framed in a soft oak or use basketware in neutral tones above the bed to add extra warmth to your bedroom. Opt for side tables that have a point of interest and enough storage so that the surface is not cluttered. Capture the essence of nature by picking leaves or stems from your garden and display them in fun and interesting vessels.” – Taryn Swanepoel, owner of The Silk & Cotton Co.

The Silk & Cotton Co.

Something old, something new

“Vintage is the new buzzword. With climate change so evident, the one thing we can all do is reduce our carbon footprint by using reclaimed wood and existing furnishings. It’s not always necessary to buy new.

“More and more people are visiting auctions, junk shops and online platforms like Facebook Marketplace, looking for second-hand pieces to give the warmth and soul of their home. An added advantage is that a mix of styles and eras creates a ‘uniquely yours’ look.” – the team at Volpes

Volpes

Incorporate custom furniture

“Use textures, luxe wallpaper and sumptuous fabrics with custom designed and manufactured furniture, and you have a room fit for a princess! A pale dusky pink and black Chanel theme was used in this bedroom. The room features Christian Lacroix wallpaper and an artwork by Danielle Hewitt, hung especially low for her to enjoy. The black and gold accents of the custom-made Olala Interiors bedroom suite is reinforced by iconic Kartell Bourgie lamps and an All Saints mirror from Kartell, gold poodles and Nika Zupanc’s The Golden Chair.” – Schanè Anderson, founder & creative director of Olala Interiors

Layer your lighting

“Warm, soft lighting in your bedroom sets the right tone to relax and unwind. Start by layering your lighting – look at using some dimmer lights such as quality lamp shades or wall lights for your bedside lights to cast a soft glow. Alternatively, place smaller lamps around the room – the key is placing the lamps at different heights to achieve that soft glow throughout your bedroom.” – Jamie Aucamp and Yoivani Govender, interior designers at Design Hatch

Design Hatch

THE AUTHOR

Shereen Lurie

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