by Amber Benge

Created on: October 22, 2008

When most people decorate their homes, they focus on the living room or kitchen areas. Bedrooms remain unseen to guests for the most part, so they usually fall last on the list. But you begin and end each day in your bedroom, so it should be your sanctuary of sorts. The bedroom should be the most inviting and comfortable room in your home.

Decorating a bedroom isn't as difficult as it sounds. After all, there are only a few foundational elements to keep it functional. You already have a focal point to work with. Your bed will be the biggest piece of furniture in the room, so use it to your advantage and make it the focus of your decorating process. Start by examining the positioning of your bed. Move it around the room and find a place that gives you maximum floor space. Once you have your furniture positioned as you like it, you can begin to build in the next element of design.

Before you start shopping for paint colors or bedding, take some time to think about how you want your bedroom to look. Instead of designing the room around a wall hanging, design all the decor around the feeling you the room to give you. Imagine a place of relaxation and rest. What colors come to mind? If the beach is your idea of ultimate relaxation, then maybe a soft blue would be your choice for paint. If you are more interested in a mountain getaway, then choose a rich green or gold color for your walls. Once you have a color palette, you can go shopping.

When you hit the mall, think outside the box. If you can't find bedding you love, then consider visiting a fabric store and picking out the perfect look and texture for your taste. Any seamstress can easily make you a duvet cover for a reasonable price. You could also have custom draperies made from a complimentary fabric. If you score your favorite bedding right off the rack, then find unconventional accessories to jazz it up. Think throw pillows in contrasting colors. Balance soft wall color with vibrant accessories. Shop for wall hangings that provoke thought and deep meditation. If you can't find the perfect picture, find a fabric that you love and attach it to a basic artist's canvas with a staple gun. You can hang it unframed if you like, or choose a frame that matches your decor. Check out Ebay to find some great graphic designs on fabric for a modern feel. You can also find some beautiful vintage remnants along the way. Vintage mixed with modern gives a truly timeless feel to any space.

Don't forget lighting when you do your shopping. Search out pretty lamps or decorate your own shades with beads or decoupaged paper. Keep it soft and avoid any harsh or unforgiving light. Candles add a relaxing touch to any room and you can find candles in a wide variety of shapes, colors, and sizes.

When you put it all together, add in some personal touches like framed family pictures or beloved books stacked on the dresser. Surround yourself with all the things you love. Your bedroom should be a comfortable place that you enjoy. This is the one room of your house that is decorated for your pleasure only, so make it your oasis where you feel completely relaxed and at peace.

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