Despite the rain that tip-taps on my window sill, there is joy in winter. The coziness of a dreamy bedroom, where fluffy throws envelop frozen feet. The crackle of a fireplace, stacked high with wood, blackening gently in the fuzzy heat. Happiness at home, as you transform yourself into a voluminous blanket, three cats dozing peacefully in a cat tree. The scene is set, winter nights where the bedroom is your favourite place to be. Hours spent snuggling in a friendly bed, curled up watching TV. All your favourites; Ru Paul’s Drag Race, Big Mouth, Rick and Morty, and Bojack too, a kid at heart. But your interiors are uninspiring. Sure, they were magical once upon a time, when summer ruled the roost. But alas the days are shorter, and the nights are longer, a tinge of frost in the air.
I needed to make my bedroom cosier, after all, a whole world of new colours and textures awaited my eagle eye. Burgundies swathed in pumpkin hues, khaki greens caressed in rich ochre tones. There were neutrals too, but I was never one to be a minimalist. A maximalist girl caught in spring, who was forced to surrender to the throes of winter. You best believe that my bedroom would be authentically me. While others opted for minimalism, classicism, and Scandinavian styles, it was colour that drew me in. The richness of autumn hues that went hand in hand with winter, the emerald greens, and the pillarbox reds. The navy blues, and the velvet purples, a combination of maximalist royalty, that was oh so me.
It wasn’t just colour that transformed a bedroom for winter. There were trends that would come and go, luxe layering with a focus on texture and fabric vs mixing light and dark tones in minimalism. A galaxy projector that lit up a bedroom at night, or a bedroom inspired by the great outdoors. Rustic shabby chic, with an antique decorative fireplace or a classical bedroom with grandeur. No matter what aesthetic tribe you were a part of, winter bedroom trends were far more creative than one may think. And so, I conjured up a dreamy bedrooms trends list, where winter nights weren’t bleak, and indescribable. Instead, they were full of life, a chance to reconnect with your higher self.
For someone like me who was always on the go, winter gave me time to reflect in the peace and solitude of my bedroom. Even though the rain was hammering outside, and the light was dark, the bed was an oasis. I would lean against the sturdy Bed Frame, a cup of spearmint and apple digest tea cupped in my hands. Breathe in, breathe out. The bed was a daily reminder to stay grounded, and centred. Even if it was for a short while, I was away from the hustle and bustle of my reality. Being at home was vital for both my physical, and mental health. That much was clear. I didn’t mind the cold when I was at home, bundled in a dressing gown, and unicorn slippers, that my cats were so amused by.
And so the search for a dreamy bedroom began, where warmth and relaxation was at the heart of its interior design. Statement lights to diffuse the cool grey light that tried seeping in. Warm golden yellow tones that were sumptously comforting. A tranquil oasis, where a cozy bed, with the most lucious eco-friendly bedding awaited, in a sea of colour. A new cat house for the kitties, that looked like Winnie The Pooh’s new honey pot. Next to my bed, the cats could comfortably doze, even if they preferred sleeping with me. 1,2,3, the lights go out, and we are plunged into a whole new universe, a thousand galaxies exploding. Reds, blues, greens, and purples in a cosmic haze.
Get Inspired By The Galaxy At Night
Speaking of galaxies, when it comes to transforming your bedroom into a dreamy paradise, there is nothing more transcendant than sleeping under the stars. While sleeping outside star watching might sound romantic, if you live in London like I do, you are very unlikely to see the stars. Plus, with the icy bite that is permeating the air, a galaxy projecter is the next best thing. Although galaxy bedroom decor is often seen as ‘kiddish’, to me tapping into your inner child isn’t neccessarily a bad thing.
I unwrap the projecter nearing midnight, shaped like a quirky dinosaur egg. There is something that is oh so whimsical about its design. I combine the sound of an ocean wave, with blue twinkling stars, that although not accurate, is utterly ethereal. Combining the other wordly, with nature, made for a peaceful nights sleep. I would alternate between the gentle lull of the sea, and the energetic sploosh of running water, as the nebula cloud changed from blue, to purple, to green. Gradually, the sleepier I would get, the dimmer the lights would be, until by morning the bedroom was no longer swathed in galaxies near and far.
Sure, you can tell that I am a dreamer. However, to me, this is the cheapest way of hopping onto the galaxy trend. However, if you want a galaxy themed dreamy bedroom, that is far from subtle, then I am your gal. A galaxy inspired feature wall behind your bed could be quite magical, blues and whites that fade into reds, and purples. If you are feeling extra, you could create a moving image wall, but it all depends on what budget you have. Match the feature wall, with a statement lampshade, that glows in the dark at night for that galaxy feel. To complete the look, you could even add drifting clouds, that give you the illusion of floating into space. If you want a more adult, modern themed galaxy bedroom, then why not tap into ‘Spacecore’?
A dreamy bedroom couldn’t be complete without a galaxy light projector.
Spacecore activities include ‘stargazing, astronomy, and astral projecting’, which can be the ultimate inspiration for your galaxy meets space room. Add a telescope to see the stars, as a decorative touch, while framing prints that includes books about the universe, and maps of the stars. I promise, your decor will be out of this world. If you don’t want to be too obvert, and are against galaxy feature walls, using space colours like ‘dark blues, and purples’ lend a galaxy vibe. Spacecore visuals are another thing to take into consideration. Whether you are a fan of aliens, are fascinated by other planets, or love observatories, let it be your designing guiding force.
Unwind And Relax In A Tranquil Oasis
Spacecore is ethereal, and magical, but sometimes you just need to get back to the basics. Even if you change your bed this season, that can do wonders for your dreamy bedroom. Why? Because you can’t have dreams without the ultimate bed. The right bed depends on your personal needs and wants. For me, my bed needs to be comfortable, but it also needs to have the right support, as I have back, muscle and joint issues. I need a bed that is sturdy, high-quality, and pairs well with my supportive mattress. Of course choosing the right mattress is what is going to help you sleep at night. For me, because I have both upper, and lower back pain, I find that a medium-firm mattress, hugs the grooves of my body at night.
However, when it comes to a bed that turns my bedroom into a tranquil oasis, an Ottoman bed has it in spades. Space-saving, discreet and stylish, Ottoman beds are the perfect addition to any dreamy bedroom. Why? The frames are super supportive, and are constracted from the best materials to give you a great night’s sleep. As someone who has struggled to get into the land of nod in the past, the right bed has always been my priority. After all, your bedroom quite literally wouldn’t be complete without the perfect bed. No matter how big or small your bedroom is, the storage saving bed helps clear any clutter you have in your bedroom. This allows you to make more space for the things that matter. For me, that is making sure my cats have enough space to roam, when they get the zoomies at night.
Enter a plethora of unicorn cat beds, carrot themed cat scratchers, and plush blankets for them to make biscuits at their hearts content. Sure, the bedroom is meant to be tranquil and peaceful. But for me and my partner there is nothing more comforting than the sound of cat paws racing across the surface, until they tucker themselves out. Then, when their playtime is over, they curl up next to us, our littlest one vibrating and purring like a mini hoover. What a blissful sound to fall asleep to. Whether you have pets or not, are a single sleeper, or have room for more, choosing the right bed is so important!
Get Inspired By Nature With Green Interiors
As the rich hues of autumn fade into icy grey, the world outside starts to lose its shine and sparkle. But your bedroom dosen’t have to! If you are a fan of nature like I am, then bringing the great outdoors will have you smiling from ear to ear. In the summer, I had a botanical theme in my bedroom, including a palm print bedding set, an LED cactus light, and a green orientated mantlepiece with plants, accessories, and titbits. Although the weather might be cooler, your bedroom can still embrace the warmth of the natural world. Think creeping wall plants that sprawl tantalizingly in a showy dance, and a leafy printed wallpaper that is oh so relaxing.
But what is it about plants that gets me so inspired? Well, plants are soothing, help purify the air, and is a natural way to relax passively without having to think of it. Sometimes when I practice self-care it can seem like a chore. When you introduce passive elements that naturally faciliate self-care without you realizing, it helps you become calmer naturally. You can start big or small. It can be something as small as an indoor plant like ‘The Rattlesnake Plant’ on your windowsill. Just make sure, if you have pets that you research which indoor plants are pet-safe. Hint. This is one of them.
Another subtle decor change, would be to add pressed plants or flower prints to your dreamy bedroom walls. Just make sure you add leaves, plants and flowers that are easy to dry. Pop them under a couple of heavy books, spray the leaves, and then frame the arrangements together in a frame of your choice. If you are looking for a bolder way to get inspired by the outdoors, then why not create a botanical accent wall. This is actually something I am planning to do myself, with pet-friendly plants like Ponytail Palms, Spider Plant, Watermelon Peperomia, and Succulents like Haworthia. You can frame them in quirky clay pots for a splash of earthen colour, and design a shelf centered around plants, books, and plant themed accessories. If green isn’t your colour, why not strip it back, with earthen tones this winter. Think rich brown, muted blacks, terracotta, and sprinklings of dark grays, for a new take on the ‘earth aesthetic’.
Sustainable Bedding Helps The Planet
You can’t talk about a botanical bedroom, without sustainable bedding. Why? Because saving the planet is a neccessity, especially in winter. So how can you choose the right bedding to support the environment? Whether you choose bedding made from organic linen, hemp, bamboo or eco-cotton, just make sure you are aware of greenwashing. Greenwashing is when a company or organisation spends more time and money on marketing themselves as being sustainable than actually minimising their environmental impact.
One of my favourite eco-friendly materials for bedding is organic linen, made from the flax plant. It requires very little pesticides or fertilizers, while needing less water than its more popular counterpart organic cotton. Linen is super breathable making it an ideal choice for winter if you have allergies like I do. Linen gets softer with each wash, and has temperature regulating properties. This means it is the ultimate sustainable bedding for all year round. In the summer it is cool, and is more resistant to sunlight. In winter, it helps keep you warm. While it isn’t cheap, linen is an investment that is worth making.
Just picture the scene, you curled up reading your favourite novel, surrounded by loved ones during snuggle time. Its quarter past 9, and your favourite TV show is on. Before you know it, the times fades into dreamland, and you have the most joyous sleep. In fact, you have never felt better. That’s the celebratory feeling you could be having. Knowing that you are one step closer to being eco-friendly. So what fabrics are a firm no?
Polyester, acrilyc, and nylon are toxic synthetic materials, that are not only bad for the environment, but for our health too. For example polyester carries carcinogens. Researchers have confirmed that excessive wear of polyester fabrics can generate problems such as skin, lung and heart cancer, among others. It can cause respiratory issues, skin conditions, and is shown to affect our immune systems. According to The House Of Pillows, ‘polyester can take up to 200 years to biodegrade, while its production disposes toxins in the water and emits lots of pollutants in the air’. So what materials apart from linen are eco-conscious? Organic cotton (breathable and not genetically modified), Tencel (which wicks moisture) and Bamboo Lyocell (vegan and antimicrobial) are all great alternatives your dreamy bedroom.
Layer Textures And Fabric For A Cozy Bedroom
For those of us who might not have a fireplace, creating a cozy dreamy bedroom is a neccessity for winter. Whether you add a thick faux fur throw to your bed to add heat, drape blankets, switch up your lightweight summer bedding, or add big pillows, more is always best in winter. For me, I’ll be changing my duvet to a higher tog, swapping my organic cotton sheets to linen to match my bedding, and making use of as many blankets as humanly possible.
Layering textures and fabrics will not only make your bedroom warmer, but it will make it look incredibly inviting. After all, placing a blanket strategically on your bed, alongside a throw, and some matching cushions, will make you dive straight into bed. For me, I like using prints like Tartan in winter, because it makes the bedroom look incredibly festive. Colours I typically use include bold reds, burgundies, deep purples and dark greens that instantly remind me of Christmas cheer, but in a less overt way. I swap out my customized graffiti print rug, for one that is more plush for the colder seaon. Its an instant hit with my cats, who love anything that is soft and fluffy. It’s a faux fur rug that is vegan and cruelty-free, and does a great job of adding luxe to the dreamy bedroom.
After all, what could be dreamier than sinking your feet into a soft plush rug. Especially when you have spent all night in your Divan Bed being cuddled by blankets, cats, and your forever human? I can’t think of anything better honestly! Adding blankets and throws instantly makes me feel like I am hibernating. However, curtains, and blinds can also be a big part of the texture vs fabric clan. We need to insulate our windows, in order to stop the cold from getting in. I like to use the heating as little as possible to minimize our costs, so we will be investing in window care this winter. One of our windows upstairs is a skylight, and the other is a window that seemingly lets in the cold, and the wind. We are going to replace the blinds, but ensure that the blinds are open during the daytime, for much needed natural light.
Use Warm Lighting To Create Warmth
During the winter natural light is hard to come by. I mentioned that keeping your curtains or blinds open is important to let natural light flow into your bedroom. However with the days getting shorter, and the nights getting longer, how can you create sunny warmth? Use statement light that emits yellow, glowy light, to create your perfect winter bedroom. When we first moved into our flat, we replaced the white light emitting bulbs, with yellow light, to create richness. Because we have a loft bedroom, the natural light isn’t as strong as it is downstairs, so we try and make up for that.
As well as replacing your light bulbs, investing in statement lighting can add character to your bedroom in winter. I like to add floor, and table lamps to add warmth in my bedroom. It means that we don’t have the brightness of the yellow overhead light, but is an ideal lighting solution when I went to read in bed, or simply sit alone with my thoughts. Obviously, they are all novelty lights (enter the cactus, cat light, and the whimisical mermaid lamp), but yours dosen’t have to be so extra.
Seriously though, the bedroom is magical at night. With the yellow light, everything feels dreamy, and glowy. With the statement lights it invokes relaxation, in a stress-free environment. As for the Galaxy light projector? It truly is out of this world. Ethereal, trance-like, a beautiful fever dream. Speaking of dreamy, wall sconces, dimmer switches, and candles can all create ambient mood lighting. They boost your mood, while relaxing your mind, body and soul. Or if you want something a little more different, LED lights, SMART LED mood lights, paper lanterns and twinkle lights can add a touch of the whimsy in your home.
Eyecatching Fireplaces Add Ambience
Whimsy, and fireplaces often go hand in hand. For my birthday a few years ago, my partner took me on a magical staycation to a wooden cabin that had the most incredible rustic fireplace. We would collect wood from the Airbnb owner, and watch it crackle deliciously under the heat of an open flame. It was incredibly warming, inviting, and made the cold autumn night much more enjoyable. Just to be sure that you have enough space in your bedroom to add a fireplace!
If you have a loft bedroom like we do, wood burning stoves are a great idea. Why? Because you don’t need a chimney to install a stove, and it has fuss free-installation. It is a great way to instantly increase the value of your bedroom, while being cozy. If you are a fan of vintage, you might like an antique cast iron Victorian fireplace for ol’ timey vibes. Other popular vintage styles include Regency, Art Nouveau and Art Deco. If you are after something a little more modern, polished albaster on the fireplace surround or sleek limestone, make for a great bedroom aesthetic.
A romantic fireplace isn’t just for couples. Even if you are on your own, a fireplace can bring you joy, and boost your mood. After all, there is nothing more enticing then sitting in front of the fireplace, wrapped in your favourite Oodie. A cup of herbal tea in one hand, and a plate of cookies in the other. Oh, how they melt in your mouth. Psychologically, fireplaces elevate consciousnes, and moods. I have often found that the longer I have sat in front of a fireplace, the more relaxed I feel. After all, there is something quite comforting about the sound of wood burning, contrasting with the roar of flames. Its almost like AMSR for your senses. Frankly, its delicious.
Want to create a unique dreamy bedroom? A fireplace creates ambience and warmth in winter!
Update Your Colour Scheme
It goes without saying that the colours you choose for winter, can have a dramatic impact on your bedroom. It depends on what your definition of dreamy is. To be a dreamy bedroom is characterized by soft gentle colours like blues, and greens that are vivid but comforting. They can be transcendent one minute, and spunky the next. I tend to go for bold, brighter variations of greens and blues like emerald, parakeet, teal and aqua, because pastels are washed out in winter. So what are the best colour palettes to use in your winter bedroom?
Rich jewel tones like ruby, magenta, forest green, and burgundy are some of my favourites to use in winter. You can use them as accent colours against a neutral backdrop. For example incorporating them in your bedding, your furniture or even your book shelf. Pops of colour in your bedroom is ideal for people who are new to using colour, and want a subtle colour scheme. However if you are a loud and proud maximalist like me, then go nuts. Your bedroom is your easel. Just make sure that you balance your darker colours with light neutrals. For example greens, and blues with whites and grays. Updating your colour scheme isn’t just about painting your bedroom either.
Using flowers, and plants is a great way of bring vitality and warmth into your bedroom. Your pets will love them too! Framed wall art, DIY shelves, prints, and mantlepieces are another great way of updating your colour scheme without being too drastic of a change. As we can’t paint our bedroom, we use art, and accessirories to add colour into the bedroom. While we have a dedicated art wall space downstairs, we are starting to build one upstairs too, albeit smaller. This is a great way of adding art and culture into the bedroom, while adding a pop of colour.
What Would Your Dreamy Bedroom Look Like?
*Disclaimer
Please note this is a collaborative post, but all thoughts are my own, and are not affected by monetary compensation.
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