It’s said you end up spending one-third of your life sleeping, so it’s in your best interest to create a bedroom that’s truly relaxing.
Can you say your bedroom is a safe haven? A luxurious room that’s yours and only yours? A cosy space that allows you to truly unwind and feel at peace?
If you hesitated in saying yes to any of the above, then it might be time for a bedroom makeover.
Here to talk through the latest bedroom trends is Joanna Ross, general manager of design at Sheridan, and Pravesh Datt, founder of Five Fables.
Ornate bedheads are making a resurgence in 2018. Picture: Heatherly Design
1. Neutrals paired with bold hues
“Your bedroom is your haven and one of the only rooms in the house that you can truly express yourself, and in 2018, we are seeing that in pops of bright colour anchored by neutrals,” says Pravesh.
“Jewel tones like deep-red, blue and emerald-green set against the calm of natural woods and warm creams add a touch of personality to bedrooms.”
Earthy reds inspired by the Australian landscape pair well with neutrals. Styling: Bree Leech. Photographer: Mike Baker
Joanna agrees, and suggests we consider incorporating colours like carbon-blue, earthy-rose and olive-greens, which she believes make the most impact against neutrals.
“These tones add drama, warmth and have the ability to make other colours pop,” Joanna says.
“Whether you want to add a little or a lot of colour in your room, these hues will complement a simple, neutral interior while adding a seasonal update to your bedroom.”
Go for a neutral palette and add depth with on-trend tones. Picture: Heatherly Design
Related: How to turn your bedroom into a wanderlust wonderland
2. Linen with a touch of luxury
“During the summer months it was all about clean crisp textures and cool pared-back style,” says Pravesh.
“With the colder months fast approaching, however, we’re starting to see a switch back to cosy, layered textures.”
Texture is a great way to up the cosiness in a bedroom. Picture: Linen House
Pravesh suggests bringing some warmth with oversized plush rugs, jewel-toned cushions and ornate bedheads in natural wood or velvet.
Dramatic faux furs and lush velvets, by way of throws and cushions, are two fabrics Joanna says are here to stay, and work beautifully paired with the crisp linen or bamboo sheets.
“Both of these plush trends sit beautifully alongside linen,” she says.
“A quality velvet finish can be used in a ‘maximalist’ way, adding a clever twist in a nest of cushions or accessories.”
Pair practical linens with luxurious textures. Picture: Heatherly Design
3. 80s revival
Popular design elements from the past are making a triumphant return in the bedroom, says Pravesh.
“I’m starting to see a strong 80s influence and I’m loving it! They say everything old is new again, and I can see nostalgic hints of this era coming back in a big way.”
“Sherbet colours, pastels, cubism art, bold geometric patterns and over-scale upholstery is amazing when used with some restraint,” he says.
The 80s are back in a big way. Design: Austin Maynard Architects. Photographer: Tess Kelly
Related: Guest bedroom ideas
4. Bring the outdoors in
Nature is creeping into the bedroom in more ways than one. The trend has evolved from indoor plants as our experts begin embracing green in more extreme ways.
“We’re seeing more and more designers take that next step in embracing nature with textiles wall-art and wallpaper – even on the ceiling,” Pravesh says.
“Tropical vibes work well with rich vibrant accents and natural wood finishes.”
Of course, the days of real plants are not numbered, and Joanna suggests adding a cluster of lush greenery to soften a space and improve air quality.
This Cairns treehouse in the rainforest brings the outdoors in with a jungle-inspired mural. Picture: Sean Fennessy/realestate.com.au/buy
5. Hotel-style living
There’s a reason why we consider a stay in a hotel so relaxing. Aside from the unlimited wifi, mini bar and room service, Pravesh believes it’s the breakout living spaces that make a hotel feel so opulent.
“Bedrooms aren’t just for sleeping anymore. We’re starting to see the introduction of small sofas, benches, coffee tables and occasional chairs becoming part of a traditional bedroom space.
“Not unlike a hotel suite, bedrooms are becoming more luxurious, taking on their own personality that is unique from the rest of the house.”
Breakout living spaces add an extra space to relax in a bedroom. Picture: Sheridan
Related: How to style your bedroom for a better sleep
Originally published as 5 bedroom trends for 2018 by Katie Skelly. Author at realestate.com.au.
