Contemporary Bedroom Transformation

The brief from our clients was to transform their primary bedroom into a calm, unfussy yet contemporary space where they could retreat for a good night’s sleep at the end of the day.

Although the room had great potential our clients were convinced there was one thing we would not be able to change without major upheaval. An entire wall of fitted wardrobes and drawers dominated the room, and whilst they provided excellent storage their dark grey colour and blocky shape gave the space a heavy feeling. Our clients had resigned themselves to living with them, but we saw an opportunity to turn these wardrobes into a real design feature.

Read on to find out how with a little creative thinking we turned this design challenge into one of the room’s greatest assets.

East Bridgford, Nottinghamshire

The Before

  • Before: bedroom with dated window treatments and lack of cohesive design scheme, Nottinghamshire
  • Before: dark grey fitted wardrobes and drawers giving heavy feel to primary bedroom, East Bridgford
  • Before: primary bedroom window before bespoke roman blind and curtain installation by LuLa Interior Design
  • Before: primary bedroom with dark grey fitted wardrobes and heavy blocky shape, East Bridgford Nottinghamshire
  • Before: primary bedroom showing dark grey wardrobe wall dominating the space before LuLa redesign
  • Before: primary bedroom lacking atmosphere and warmth before transformation by LuLa Interior Design

The Design Process

The starting point, as always, was understanding how our clients wanted to feel in the space. Cosy, calm and contemporary were the words that kept coming up. They didn't want a bedroom that felt too functional but did want to block out as much light at night as possible.

From there we began developing the colour palette, layering warm neutrals with earthy, nature-inspired tones. We introduced a Light Bronze Green ceiling to draw the eye upward and create a cocooning, enveloping atmosphere that subtly shifts with the light throughout the day. Textured wallpaper on the walls adds depth without pattern, keeping the scheme calm and unfussy just as our clients asked.

Next our attention turned to the wardrobes, we developed an ambitious design that would completely transform the existing carcasses without replacing them entirely. Our joiner Simon and decorator Tom both rose to the challenge! Elegant arched decorative moulding was added to each section before being painted in Cargo by COAT Paints — a soft, greeny greige, which was chosen for its ability to feel both rich and relaxed. Tactile wallpaper inserts were added, and a central arch was created over the drawers with the same textured wallpaper set behind it to add softness and interest. Sophisticated new dark oak handles from Matilda Goad provide an indulgent finishing touch.

For the bed, we chose a sumptuous olive green velvet frame with a soft, low headboard from Loaf, fluted oak bedside tables compliment the wardrobe handles beautifully.

The window treatments were carefully considered to work hard both practically and aesthetically. Handmade blackout roman blinds in a rich green sit within the window recesses, while floor-length curtains in a painterly iLiv fabric frame the garden view and add movement and softness to the room. Together they create a beautifully layered look that keeps the room dark and restful at night without sacrificing style during the day.

We reupholstered the client’s existing chair in an abstract floral fabric and commissioned a bespoke storage ottoman to complete the scheme.

The result is everything our clients hoped for and more - a bedroom that feels considered, warm and restful, and a wall of wardrobes that went from being the room’s biggest problem to it’s most admired feature.

The Results

  • Interior image of a room with large white double glass doors leading outside, a table with a computer monitor, a leather chair, a colorful abstract painting on the wall, a black fireplace, and a windowless black bookshelf with a plant. The room has dark hardwood floors and a beige area rug.
  • A modern office with a white desk, computer monitor, keyboard, mouse, a green desk mat, and a black ergonomic chair. In the background, there is a green shelving unit with books, a vintage typewriter, a clock, and some decorative items. A colorful abstract painting hangs on the wall, and a small plant is on top of the shelving unit. The ceiling has a decorative light fixture, and the room has a wooden floor with a light-colored rug.
  • A modern home office with white walls and dark wooden floor. There is a white desk with a computer monitor and keyboard, an orange chair, and a rolling black cart. Behind the desk is a black fireplace with a marble mantle. On the wall above the fireplace is an abstract colorful painting. On either side of the fireplace are built-in shelves with decorative objects, books, and plants. Overhead is a contemporary chandelier with multiple round lights.
  • Interior of a room with a black metal and colored wood cabinet, two plants, a white candle holder, and a large painting on the wall. The room has a hardwood floor with a light-colored rug.
  • Living room corner with a large open window with dark blue trim, a brown armchair with a book on its armrest, a round table with a magazine, a black fireplace mantel with plants and decorative items, a large round mirror, and a wood and metal firewood holder with logs
  • Close-up of a chandelier with glass globes and gold accents hanging from a decorative ceiling medallion.
  • A cozy indoor scene with a round wooden table near a window overlooking a green garden, a beige leather chair, books, open magazines, a small laptop, and decorative items including a plant in a black pot and a blue and white vase.
  • A side table with a white marble top and a black, ribbed base, holding a clear glass decanter and a glass, placed in front of a beige sofa with pillows, a tall green plant, and a gold and black floor lamp against a textured wall.