At their best, bedrooms offer calm, serene escapes from the chaos of everyday life. And while interior design trends are fun to follow, bedrooms thrive on timeless simplicity. Every element matters in the bedroom, from color scheme and lighting to furniture and texture.
But what makes a timeless bedroom? Introducing the classic, long-lasting style is easier said than done. That's why we spoke with interior designers, who shared their top tips for making your bedroom a tranquil getaway for the ages. Here's what they had to say.
How to design a timeless bedroom
Like any room of the house, quite a bit goes into designing a bedroom. Choosing a bedroom color scheme, bedroom furniture, and how to light the space takes time. Luckily, though, with these designer-approved tips, you'll be well on your way to creating a timeless bedroom that withstands the ever-changing interior design trends.
1. Focus on the feeling
Joshua Smith, principal designer and founder of Joshua Smith Inc, says there are three simple questions to keep in mind when designing a bedroom to stand the test of time: How does it look? How does it feel? How does it sound? Focusing on these senses will allow you to feel rested and at ease in your space – and everything from clutter to bedding can influence your state of mind.
When it comes to appearances, Joshua suggests sticking with neutral colors and simple patterns to keep the space calm. Get rid of distractions like work and electronics for a rest-forward space, and make sure to keep your bedroom relatively clean.
'Keeping a tidy space is essential for allowing your thoughts to settle and your body to wind down. Be sure to keep surfaces clutter-free and make your bed in the morning to create a welcoming experience after a long day,' says Joshua.
It's important to invest in quality bedding, from the best mattress to the pillowcases, and to set up a serene lighting scheme that doesn't rely on harsh overheads. Joshua says that managing noise can also go a long way when creating a serene space.
'Carpeting your bedroom or adding a soft area rug helps soften any harsh noises like footsteps. Window drapery also helps to dampen any outside noises. Consider long-flowing treatments for a soft, ethereal vibe,' he says.
New York based interior designer, life coach and meditation teacher Joshua Smith began his journey with an eight-year tenure in residential real estate in his home state of Texas. After graduating from the New York School of Interior Design, he joined Steven Gambrel, an influential interior design firm specializing in high-end residential and commercial commissions worldwide. It was the inspiration he needed to create Joshua Smith, Inc. in 2013, earning national accolades.
2. Invest in quality furniture
When a design style is trending, it's easy to make snap decisions and buy furniture that might not last through the year. But timeless bedrooms rely on high-quality, long-lasting pieces. Holly Beazley, creative director of Elicyon, says that selecting furniture mindfully will make designing the rest of your space a breeze.
'Instead of buying pieces that fit a certain furniture trend, invest in high-quality furniture that can either be a stand-out piece, or that is easily complemented by other styles or schemes. Think modern eclecticism, not every piece within the scheme needs to match, but when paired with the right tones, textures and design accents, they will tie together to create a timeless and elegant scheme,' she says.
If the timeless furniture you find isn't bringing the level of depth and dynamism you crave in interior design, Holly suggests bringing in classic patterns like checks, toile, damasks or stripes.
'Classic pieces, well-chosen accessories and a balance of comfort and style will all contribute to creating a timeless look,' she says.
Holly Beazley is a London-based interior designer and creative director of Elicyon, a luxury interior design and architecture studio.
3. Be intentional when picking patterns
Pattern plays a large role in interior design, and it can really make a room shine. But the timeless look requires thoughtful pattern planning. Victoria Holly, principal designer and founder of Los Angeles-based Victoria Holly Interiors, says to avoid dated patterns when putting your bedroom together.
'We're already seeing a move away from high-contrast patterns such as Moroccan trellis or lattice prints, which feel very reminiscent of the early 2000s,' she says.
When you've picked a pattern you love, Victoria suggests pairing it with others, plus with different textures, for a cohesive and elevated look.
'We always recommend mixing a more intricate pattern with a more open or negative space pattern to help break things up and provide construction. We love mixing tight textures with larger patterns too, along with the same color utilized across the patterns as a tie-in. This will help your selections feel contemporary while standing the test of time.'
Victoria Holly Interiors is led by experienced designer Victoria Holly, who boasts an impressive reputation in the field of interior design. With over a decade of experience, Victoria Holly is known for her artistic skill, meticulous attention to detail, and exceptional talent for curation.
4. Keep it simple
Keeping your design scheme simple and classic will ensure that even as trends come and go, your space continues to feel like home. Rushda Hakim, interior designer and founder of Rushda Hakim Design, says that intentional choices lead to a composed space.
'Establish a serene oasis by embracing simplicity, opting for neutral tones, and incorporating elevated materials within your budget. Arrange furniture strategically, ensuring that the bed remains discreetly out of sight when the bedroom door is opened, preferably facing a window or capturing a scenic view for added tranquility,' she says.
Rushda also suggests making an investment in your bedding. Opt for high-end materials when possible, and maintain a comfort-first mindset.
'Select down inserts for duvets and pillows, paired with crisp, high-thread-count white sheets to evoke a luxurious hotel-like atmosphere in the comfort of your home. We like to use Frette or Matouk for higher-end projects and Brooklinen or Parachute for more casual spaces,' she says.
After you've set up your furniture, introducing a soft, glowy bedroom lighting scheme can 'transform your bedroom into a tranquil heaven,' says Rushda. She suggests indirect, ambient lighting for a calm and homey feel that will last.
Rushda is an award-winning interior designer with training in Mumbai and London. She now owns her own women-led firm in New York City.
5. Blend the old with the new
Audrey Scheck, interior designer and founder of Audrey Scheck Design, says combining modern and vintage elements in the bedroom is a surefire way to achieve a timeless look. Beyond channeling a neutral color palette and integrating durable materials, she suggests sourcing your furniture from different eras of design.
'Enhance the timeless appeal by blending new and vintage elements to add depth, character, and unique charm. Heritage pieces are becoming increasingly popular in 2024, especially in bedroom design. Try mixing a sturdy, aged piece of furniture alongside a more modern accent piece like a bench or side table,' says Audrey.
Beyond visual appeal, consider the functionality of your space. Audrey suggests practical storage solutions and placing furniture mindfully so your space is both beautiful and easy to use.
'The bedroom layout can also help exude the feeling of timelessness. Try configuring your furniture to allow for ample movement between pieces to ensure that the flow is easy to navigate,' she says.
With more than a half-dozen years of experience in remodels and renovations, Audrey Scheck leads Audrey Scheck Design, a full-service interior design firm based in Austin, Texas.
6. Let the room flow
Every room is different, so pay attention to the layout you're starting with before making big choices. According to Holly, keeping proportions in mind can help you make some of the bigger design decisions.
In a large room with high ceilings, a four-poster bed may work well, drawing eyes upward. In a smaller space, however, opting for a low-level headboard that spans across the room and covers both the bed and the side table can help minimize busyness, she says.
'Always pay attention to the flow of the room, ensuring a harmonious balance between different elements such as light, the feel of the room – both visually and physically and even the scent. Emphasize comfort without sacrificing style. A bedroom should be both welcoming and comfortable,' says Holly.
Making thoughtful and intentional interior design choices in the bedroom might just transform your evening routine – or even your sleep. By keeping a classic design scheme and paying attention to flow, your bedroom will be feeling fresh for years to come.
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