Almost everyone out there fantasizes about a romantic bedroom. Many of us crave a room that puts us in the mood for love, a place to relax after a long day, a sanctuary for two, or sometimes just for one. The problem is, we spend more time fantasizing and little if any time actually planning to turn those fantasies into a reality! We often live with what we've got, occasionally changing the linens or curtains and just accepting the reality of a bleak bedroom as our only option. We figure the real "escapes" are reserved for outside the home through vacations and the like, and sadly, those are too few and too far between.
Enter our Jane-In-Training, Brely. There was nothing wrong with her current bedroom-it was a great size, the furnishings are fine, there was ample light pouring in from a single window, and the walls were painted a warm color. However, she wanted a bedroom that inspired romance and passion. "I feel like a new sexy bedroom would probably give me a new sexy attitude," she said. She also wanted to feel like this room was completely hers-as if she were a queen reigning over her territory, while at the same time giving her a place to relax, replenish and rejuvenate at the end of the day.
So, that's exactly what we set out to give her!
One of the hurdles Brely faced in getting the romantic bedroom of her dreams was the current lighting. Although the natural light from the window was fantastic, the electric lighting left a lot to be desired. A very unromantic, standard issue white ceiling fan was the central light piece for the room. Not only did the aura that this light created spoil the notion of a passionate moment, the fan looked like it belonged outdoors! It was an easy decision to take out the practical yet unappealing ceiling fan in favor of a romantic lighting fixture ( in this case, from Z Gallerie). The fixture's warm color and subtle shell texture transformed the room instantly and the light it cast gave the room a truly romantic feel. But we weren't done, yet!
Next up was Brely's window. Her existing plantation shutters were elegant and offered privacy, but their hard lines were not very romantic. We wanted to soften them up and give them a sort of fluttery feeling. With a piece of plywood and a little fabric and batting, we built a cornice that fit over the window. Under it we mounted a curtain rod and outfitted it with delicate sheers, which tied the cornice together and muted the shutters' harsh lines.
The bed is the focal point of any bedroom so we knew we had to make it super special. Brely admitted that she was not at all attached to her old bed frame, so we gave it the old heave-ho. We created a headboard made from some basic plywood, foam and micro-fiber faux suede. For added interest, we took apart a Moroccan-themed room divider and "framed" the upholstered portion of the headboard. The result? A dramatic centerpiece for the room that was easy to make and completely unique.
Of course, no room makeover is complete without a few finishing touches. We wanted Brely to feel that her new romantic bedroom was a warm, cozy and safe place. But because her bedroom is rather spacious, we had to go "big." So, we went with big, heavy furnishings to make her feel warm and protected.
If you're fantasizing about turning your bedroom from a place you sleep to a place that makes your romantic dreams a reality then get started now. Make a commitment-to your bedroom. There is no reason to live in a plain, uninspired bedroom for another day. Remember, romance means different things to different people, so we urge you to explore your fantasies to help you create the ideal bedroom by getting ideas and inspiration from magazines, books, showrooms, or by browsing through our other ideas. Never be afraid to let that creative, passionate person out. After all, she deserves the best!
