Modern bedroom designs

When it comes to updating your bedroom design, recent trends are moving away from the minimalist look that has been so popular in recent times. Today's modern bedroom designs embrace colour, pattern and texture, but you don't have to go overboard.

According to architect Sarah Morrison of Kneeler Design, people want a bit more warmth in their more intimate rooms. "We're tending toward designs that are about warmth, and getting away from anything too stark," she says. "But this doesn't mean you have to forfeit clean lines or simplicity."

Fabrics for colourful modern bedroom design

Using richly coloured fabric is one way to create a warm effect, Sarah reveals. "Fabrics are a great way to create highlights with accessories such as throws, cushions and curtains," she says. "Using a great piece of padded fabric to create a feature wall can be lots of fun, and wallpapers have also made a big comeback, with some really lovely choices now available."

When it comes to linen, Sarah suggests keeping the colour quite plain, while opting for some interesting textures. This will help tie in with the modern feel of the room and give you greater flexibility to build some interesting features around the bed and other furniture.

Of course, if you prefer a subdued colour palette or if you are on a budget, Sarah recommends keeping your colours simple. "You don't have to go all out," she says. "You can achieve some great results by spending your money on one beautiful piece of modern bedroom furniture, such as a wardrobe, or even a great piece of art, and keeping the colours simple."

Modern bedroom design - suites and sets

Finding modern bedroom furniture that is sleek and stylish is now easier than ever with the increase in the availability of retro furniture and well-priced and smartly designed contemporary pieces. But whatever you choose, you still need to be practical and make sure it meets your storage needs.

Updated bedroom layouts and designs

Layouts for modern bedroom designs are also changing, says Sarah. "We recently designed a room where the bed was in a semi-alcove with wardrobes on either side, with good mood lighting and a fabric-backed wall, echoing a more traditional bedhead," she says. "This created a lovely, intimate feel to the room."

Many people are also dividing the space differently for a more modern feel to their bedroom. "It is becoming more common to place the bed in the middle of the room with a divider, such as a wardrobe, behind it and using the space created as a dressing area," says Sarah. "This can create a really nice flow around the room."

For some great ideas on what you can achieve in your bedroom, contact a local furniture or home-maker store.