BO N U S TOP IC :

30 TIPS FOR CREATING

THE ULTIMATE BEDROOM
2 — THE RENO SCHOOL 30 TIPS FOR CREATING THE ULTIMATE BEDROOM — 3

30 TIPS FOR CREATING THE

ULTIMATE BEDROOM
fatigue’. We get it. After all, these aren’t the
MODULE THREE - BONUS TOPIC

spaces that visitors will see, so by the time

you’ve agonised over every last detail of a
kitchen, bathroom or lounge room and spent
IMAGE GOES HERE
hours of your life selecting taps, drains, lighting,
appliances, tiles … you might get around to
the bedroom and think, ‘You know what, I’ll

By Bonnie just chuck a bed in there with some nice side

tables. Job done.’ Right? WRONG!
It’s time to push through that fatigue and dig
deep because investing time into designing
and styling bedrooms pays off big time. Think of
it this way: a bedroom isn’t just where someone
Even if you’re not planning a whole house
sleeps; it’s the only room in the house that’s
reno, bedrooms should be on your hit list for a
really theirs – it’s an escape from the noise
makeover as they’re one of the easiest spaces
of life, a place to be quiet and have their own
to refresh and renew. I guess that’s because
things around them. Injecting some personality
it’s a confined area that doesn’t need to be
and luxury into these rooms isn’t hard and if
designed with the adjacent rooms in mind,
you’re ever planning to sell your home, a killer
unlike the kitchen or living and dining rooms.
master suite will always add value. So grab a
You can create your own vibe in a bedroom –
coffee, make it a double-shot because we’re
one that’s unique to you.
doing this!
But if you are undertaking a massive reno or
Here are 30 tips to create the ultimate bedroom.
perhaps building a new home from scratch,
Mix and match to figure out which ones could
beware that bedrooms can fall victim to ‘reno
work for you.
4 — THE RENO SCHOOL 30 TIPS FOR CREATING THE ULTIMATE BEDROOM — 5

1. NOBODY PUTS BABY IN THE CORNER

Unless that corner has a gorgeous occasional chair in it! Just this simple idea can take a bedroom
from good to great by creating an additional zone (and doubling as a coat hanger). Sure, it’s more
about how it looks than how it functions, but I’ll bet some of you would love to read a mag in that spot
or toss your jacket and jeans over it after a big night out.
Here are 4 corner-styling ideas to inspire you:
MODULE THREE - BONUS TOPIC

Tip: IF YOU’VE GOT THE RIGHT WINDOW, WHY NOT BUILD A DAMN BENCH
SEAT LIKE THIS? I MEAN, SERIOUSLY, HOW GOOD DOES IT LOOK?
#NEXTLEVELCORNERSTYLING
6 — THE RENO SCHOOL 30 TIPS FOR CREATING THE ULTIMATE BEDROOM — 7

P O S I TI O N : Regardless of the size of the
bed, avoid the temptation to push it into a
corner against a wall to create more space
#hardnottoiknow. Instead, centre it on a wall or
place it under a window so it’s possible to walk
around both sides. That said, I’m going to eat my
hat and in the same breath give you permission
to push the bed against the wall if space is
really tight … especially if your daughter needs
extra floor space to practice her ‘walk-over-into-
MODULE THREE - BONUS TOPIC
STY L E : Your linen and cushion choice will
ultimately create the style of your bed, but the
bed frame plays an important role too. My advice
here is similar to the advice I give about choosing
frames for artwork in Topic 2 - the colour needs
to complement the rest of the room so if you opt
for a timber frame, make sure it works with the
colour of your floors – especially if they are also
timber. I find black or wrought-iron frames less
versatile than white or timber ones. If in doubt,

bridge’. It’s not what I’d suggest for a magazine it’s hard to go wrong with a white bed frame
shoot, but in certain situations it is definitely the or, even safer, an ensemble (where there is no
best space-saving option. frame at all). The best thing about an ensemble
is that it often takes up less space than a frame,
so that’s a great option if space is tight. We’ve
styled all the properties we’ve flipped with
IF YOU’RE SELLING YOUR
FLIP ensembles.
TIP HOUSE, IT IS PARTICULARLY
IMPORTANT YOU GET THE SIZE
AND LOCATION OF THE BEDS
RIGHT BECAUSE YOU WANT
POTENTIAL BUYERS TO SEE B-I-G
BEDROOMS. DOWNSIZE THE

2. BED: NAIL THE RIGHT SIZE, POSITION AND STYLE

BED WHEREVER YOU CAN BUT
THAT DOESN’T MEAN PUTTING
SINGLE BEDS IN EVERY ROOM.
S I ZE : Who doesn’t love a king size bed? They’re luxurious and if you’ve got heaps of space, a #EEK BACKPACKERSLODGE
king bed would be my recommendation. If, however, you’re styling an average-sized bedroom, be
realistic and consider how the room will function when all of the furniture is in place. The number
of people that are willing to shove a huge bed into a tiny room always amazes us – it looks awful
and kills the flow of the room completely. If space is tight, use a single bed. If you’re working with a
smaller master suite, opt for a queen rather than king bed … and consider that a double bed would
make the room feel even bigger. To be honest, the bed in this picture is probably a tad too big for
that particular room.
8 — THE RENO SCHOOL 30 TIPS FOR CREATING THE ULTIMATE BEDROOM — 9

4. WALK-AROUND-ROBE

Build a floating wall with dual purpose: the

perfect feature wall to anchor the bed and
a robe with a dressing area concealed
behind the wall. We love this one.
MODULE THREE - BONUS TOPIC

3. LIFT YOUR LIGHTS

I’m yet to find a bedroom

that wouldn’t benefit from
replacing table lamps with
wall sconces or pendants.
Both of these options are
elevated so they don’t
clutter up bedside tables
the way reading lamps can.
They also look beautiful 5. CHEAP-AS-CHIPS WARDROBE DOORS
and provide warm, intimate
lighting that’s perfect for Cabinetry costs add up fast but you
a bedroom. can pick up some great alternatives
for around $50 each. Check out
these IKEA doors called BERGSBO. To
make sure they fit, have your builder
construct a frame to fit the doors, not
the other way around.
10 — THE RENO SCHOOL 30 TIPS FOR CREATING THE ULTIMATE BEDROOM — 11

6. BLOCKOUT BLINDS 9. PAINT IT... WHITE PERHAPS?

You can’t argue with the power of paint. It’s the
I’m the ultimate sun-lover, but
even I need blockout blinds in cheapest, fastest route to freshening up a room,
my bedroom for those mornings AND if you choose a light colour, it’s bound to make
when I need a few extra hours it feel larger. If you have a particular paint colour in
of sleep. And the great thing is mind (other than white) go with that (after testing
you can now get two different with swatches on your wall first). But, if in doubt, we
types of blinds on the one recommend white (#cantgowrong). Ideally, you’ll
window so you can switch from match this white to the one you’re painting the rest
whimsy sheers to blockouts just of the house with, but if it’s just a bedroom you’re
by pulling the cord. updating, try cool whites like Dulux Vivid White or
Check out the insider guide for White on White. If you want a slightly warmer feel, go
more info on what to consider for Natural White, then sigh a happy sigh as you stand
MODULE THREE - BONUS TOPIC

for your window coverings. back and take it all in.

7. DECLUTTER THAT CLUTTER!

Get everything out of the room. Channel your
inner Marie Kondo and declutter like your life
depends on it! Be ruthless when deciding
what gets to come back in. I say it’s best to
start fresh and keep only a few necessities and
homewares that fit with the new look you have in
mind. If you’re styling a small bedroom, be even
more ruthless. There’s zero scope for hoarding
in small spaces. Fill up the car and head off to
Vinnie’s or chuck some stuff into storage.
8. GREEN GOODNESS
Nothing says ‘tranquil retreat’ quite like a pop of
greenery #fresh #calming. If you can’t fit a floor-
standing palm or fig, there are loads of small
succulents you can buy that come pre-planted in
lust-worthy glass terrariums – ideal for a bedside
or window sill.
10. BLOW YOUR HAIR BACK
Is it possible for a ceiling fan to be the
hero of the room? I didn’t think so, until
we started to put these leaf-shaped fans
in our houses and we’ve been inundated
with ‘Where did you get those gorgeous
fans from?’ and ‘OMG – THOSE fans!’
type of comments ever since. Regardless
which style of room you’re going for, most
people want their bedroom to be relaxing
and nothing says ‘close your eyes, breathe
in and relax’ more than a ceiling fan. And
I don’t know about you, but I’m not a fan
(excuse the pun) of sleeping in an air-
conditioned bedroom. Yes, it’s good to
have air con installed for those extremely

Tip: IT DOESN’T HAVE TO BE GREEN. LAVENDER WILL REDUCE

STRESS AND JASMINE APPARENTLY PROMOTES SLEEP
hot nights, but otherwise I’d much prefer
to blow my hair back with a ceiling fan.
#winwin
12 — THE RENO SCHOOL 30 TIPS FOR CREATING THE ULTIMATE BEDROOM — 13

11. DON’T IGNORE THE FLOOR

13. PITCH THE CEILING
What’s the first thing you do when you roll out of bed in the morning? Put your feet on the floor. So,
have a think about how you want that experience to feel every day. Personally, I find soft carpet hard
Could you make structural
to beat but if you have hard flooring, try placing the bed on a large rug so that you still have a soft
changes and pitch the
surface around the bed.
ceiling like we did in one of
the kids’ rooms in House
5? Even the smallest room
can feel generous when
12. BREAKING NEWS ON BEDSIDES! you go up a few feet.

You DON’T have to

buy matching bedside
Tip: THESE TYPE OF STRUCTURAL CHANGES WILL NEED TO TAKE PLACE AT THE
MODULE THREE - BONUS TOPIC

tables! Even though they are SAME TIME AS THE REST OF YOUR RENO SO MAKE SURE YOU HAVE THESE
often sold in pairs, you’re best
CONVERSATIONS WITH YOUR BUILDER, ARCHITECT AND/OR DESIGNER NICE
to leave one behind in the
AND EARLY, IDEALLY AS YOUR PLANS ARE BEING DRAWN UP.
store. In small rooms, I suggest
you only have one bedside
table and in larger rooms
that can accommodate two
tables, I often like to mix and
match to add a bit of variety.
When choosing a bedside
14. OPT FOR CLEVER STORAGE SOLUTIONS
table, consider how it’s going
to be used. Does it need to
be big enough to fit a lamp,
a cup of tea and a book, or
will a tiny round table do the
trick? Bedside tables are
classic clutter-collectors, so
if the person who’ll be using
the table has a tendency to
leave magazines, piles of mail,
cold cups of tea and other When we design bedrooms, we try to avoid taking up floor space with furniture – that means we
non-stylish items piled next don’t go for chests of drawers or freestanding wardrobes. Instead, we look for every opportunity
to their bed, opt for a small, to create ‘out of sight’ storage; whether that’s built-in wardrobes, walk-in dressing rooms, linen
simple table that offers minimal cupboards in the hallway or (one of our favourites) under-bed storage, like we used in Heath’s
‘storage’ opportunities. s bedroom. There are loads of beds with pull out drawers around now, and these drawers often offer
MORE storage than a chest of drawers. It’s a great place to stash linens, pyjamas, towels and extra
bedding without crowding the room.
14 — THE RENO SCHOOL 30 TIPS FOR CREATING THE ULTIMATE BEDROOM — 15

16. GO BOLD BEHIND THE BED

The blank space above a bed
is an area that can handle a
lot of drama. Bedheads look
amazing, but don’t feel you
need to have one in order
to create a luxurious look. A
beautiful piece of art above
the bed can have just as much
impact. Choose a piece that
works with the overall theme
of the room and mood you
want to create. At The Beach
MODULE THREE - BONUS TOPIC

Shack we wanted to create a

relaxed mood related to water.

Tip: IF YOU USE ARTWORK BEHIND A BED, MAP OUT THE

SIZE OF THE PIECE TO ENSURE IT WILL WORK WITH
YOUR PILLOW PLANS. AND IF YOU PLAN TO SIT UP IN
BED READING, WATCHING TV OR SURFING ON INSTA
(LIKE ME EVERY NIGHT), CHECK THAT YOU’RE NOT
GOING TO BE LEANING ON THE ARTWORK (#AWKWARD).
IF YOU HAVE A REALLY LOW BED, SOMETIMES LEANING
ARTWORK NEXT TO IT CAN LOOK THE GOODS – IT’S A

15. MIRROR MANIA (BUT DON’T GO TOO CRAZY)

RELAXED ALTERNATIVE TO HANGING IT.

If you really want to have

some fun, you can go extra-
bold by using floor-to-ceiling
wallpaper behind the bed.
IMAGE C R EDIT: GEOR GE GITTANY
I took this idea to the next
level at The River Shack by
Mirrors are a fairly inexpensive way to make a bedroom look so much brighter and bigger, which is a using a gorgeous botanical
huge bonus if you’re dealing with a small one. If there’s a large blank wall (preferably not above the print wallpaper behind the
bed), hang or lean a mirror there rather than a piece of art to help bounce light around the space, like bed and across the ceiling!
we did in the master suite of House 3. And then there’s the mirrored wardrobe we all grew up with. Whaaat? (#youknowidid) Talk
While it wouldn’t be my first choice when designing a bedroom, I recognise there are times where it about impact!
can make a big, positive impact, so let’s not rule it out completely.
16 — THE RENO SCHOOL
17. NOTHIN’ BUT NEUTRAL COLOURS
The bedding department of any home store can be a Mardi Gras of prints, patterns and colours but
trust me when I say you’ll create a calmer, more upmarket look if you stay fairly neutral with the colour
choices for the sheets and drop a little bang in here and there using brightly-coloured accent pillows.
This works especially well if you’ve got a bold piece of art or other feature behind the bed.
MODULE THREE - BONUS TOPIC
Tip: I LOVE COTTON BUT GIVE ME LINEN SHEETS ANY DAY OF THE WEEK
AND THRICE ON ‘SLEEP-IN SUNDAYS’! LINEN IS LUXURIOUS AND
MORE AFFORDABLE THESE DAYS. NOT ONLY DOES IT GET SOFTER
THE MORE YOU WASH IT, BUT IT ALSO HAS THAT SLIGHTLY RUMPLED
LOOK THAT’S RELAXED, INVITING AND MORE FORGIVING ON THOSE
MORNINGS OF SLAP-DASH BED-MAKING WHEN YOU’RE TRYING TO
GET 4 BOYS, 3 DOGS AND 2 COWS READY FOR THE DAY. #ISITJUSTME?
30 TIPS FOR CREATING THE ULTIMATE BEDROOM — 17
18. ONIONS HAVE LAYERS
Tip: UPSIZE YOUR DOONA TO GUARANTEE GOOD OVERHANG.
Why on earth am I talking about onions? For no reason other than I love that part of the movie where
Shrek explains to Donkey that ogres ‘have layers’. So now that we’re talking about layers, you want
your bed to have some too (layers that is, not onions!). Layers will make your bedroom look multi-
dimensional AND feel cosier. Nothing looks sadder than a bed with just a sheet and two pillows. I
see it on Airbnb all the time and wonder if the owners realise how many more enquiries they’d get
if that bed had some layers #moreismore. Be generous with your bedding. In a master, I suggest 2
doonas (for that extra fluffy look) + 6 pillows (a combo of Euro and standard) + 3 decorative cushions
+ 1 throw or blanket for the end of the bed. Each layer needs to work with the overall colour palette
of the room. Look for opportunities to add texture to the bed rather than just colour. This could be
through introducing a chunky knit blanket or embellished sequined cushion. Don’t overdo the pops
of colour or the patterns – when it comes to making a statement, less is more.
18 — THE RENO SCHOOL 30 TIPS FOR CREATING THE ULTIMATE BEDROOM — 19

20. RUGS... AGAIN

I love how often rugs pop up as a styling solution.

It’s because they’re just so damn versatile. And
don’t think they’re just for bedrooms with hard
flooring. Rugs on top of carpet are also a winner
to add texture and interest. They’re particularly
fun in kids’ rooms.
MODULE THREE - BONUS TOPIC

19. DOUBLE DOONA

In case you missed it in number 18, this tip is one

of my favourites. Use two doonas for extra fluff.
Style one as you would a normal doona (folded DON’T SCRIMP ON YOUR STYLING.
FLIP
out) then place the second doona folded in half TIP THERE ARE LOTS OF BUDGET BUYS
at the base of the bed like this. OUT THERE. #KMARTANYONE ?
20 — THE RENO SCHOOL
JUST FOR KIDS
Creating a knockout kids room is a very different
styling challenge but it’s just as achievable as
styling an adult space, and it doesn’t have to
bust the budget. The focus should be on making
the room feel special – a place your child will be
happy to be alone in.
Here’s what we did for a few of our fave kids rooms.
21. THINK AHEAD
MODULE THREE - BONUS TOPIC
Don’t just design for the child they are now, think
long term to their teenage years, because that’s
coming sooner than you may think! In Lana’s
reno, she realised that her kids would soon be
leaving their tweens for their teens, so we avoided
anything too kiddie. The overall palette was muted
with pops of fun added through wall art.
22. MAKE IT A DOUBLE
Most parents will buy their kids a standard single
bed after they’ve outgrown their cot, but this will
likely lead to another bed purchase down the
track as the kids get bigger. If the room size is
generous enough, consider jumping straight to
a king single or even a double.
23. LAYER THOSE LITTLE LINENS
Just because they’re kids doesn’t mean a
basic sheet set will do. Splurge on extra
pillows, throws and even a second doona
(#doubledoonastrikesagain) to add layers of
softness. With this little girl’s room, we went for
some bows and cute details that made it feel
girly, but still sweet and definitely not childish. It
30 TIPS FOR CREATING THE ULTIMATE BEDROOM — 21
Tween girls room
turned out to be the kind of space we would have
loved when we were little. Plenty of texture, and a
bit ‘gritty pretty’ thanks to a few rattan and timber
details. A few pops of gold and pink balanced
things out nicely and made it really special.
24. WISHING CHAIR:
What little girl or boy could resist a hanging chair!
It’s magical and fun whether you’re 6 or 16. If you
go for this, just make sure it’s attached to a stud
in the ceiling or you’ll find it ripped out and lying
on the floor!
25. ENCOURAGE SOME DESK TIME
If you set up a clean and fun desk, complete with
compartments and stationery, it’s a great way to
get kids into the groove of doing arts and crafts,
and the inevitable … homework!
26. TRY TIMBER AND RATTAN
Furniture for kids is often (sensibly) hard-
wearing and easy to clean – think MDF, think
IKEA. That’s why adding textured elements in
muted tones can often be such a win; things
like rattan furniture, woven baskets and timber
are unexpected in a child’s room, but they look
great and provide textures and a style that
can grow with the child. Quality cabinetry can
break the bank so consider picking up second-
hand timber louvre doors on Gumtree or eBay
instead. In this room, we nabbed them for $40
each. After giving them a light sand, we rubbed
white paint onto them with a rag to create a
softer, aged look … just like Lana’s inspo shots
from Pinterest.
22 — THE RENO SCHOOL
Little boy’s room
MODULE THREE - BONUS TOPIC
27. GET CREATIVE WITH SHELVING
Shelves shouldn’t be boring! You can pick up fun
floating shelves from specialist boutiques like
In My Hood to display colourful items or pictures
that are personal to your child. You can also buy
great bookshelves that can be mounted low on
the walls, at kiddie level. These not only eliminate
the need for a standing bookcase or cupboard,
they also mean the book covers are on display,
which adds colour and fun to the room in a way
that’s easily updateable.
30 TIPS FOR CREATING THE ULTIMATE BEDROOM — 23
29. WINDOW COVERINGS FOR LITTLE PEOPLE
Blinds are not top of mind when you think about styling a kid’s room but window coverings can be key.
Once your kids are old enough, make sure the curtains or blinds can be opened and closed by your
child (to avoid you having to open them every morning). The cords need to be within reach but they
also HAVE to be safe. In this room, the plantation shutters above the bed are safe and easy-as-pie to
open for little hands and the other blind has a special retractable ultra-glide cord compliant with the
latest ACCC Child Safety Regulations. If you want to find out more about child-safe options click here.
Last, but not least..
30. TREAT THEM TO SOME ART
Gorgeous wall art isn’t just for adults. Don’t underestimate
28. GO SUPER-SOFT ON THE FLOORS how great beautifully framed art can look in your kids’ rooms
or how much they might appreciate it, even as bubbas.
A sure-fire way to update your kids’ bedrooms is
Again, think long term when looking for the perfect piece.
with new flooring, and there’s nothing better for
Remember that you don’t have to choose something too
childish shenanigans than super-soft carpet (stain-
childish; something with an element of fun that you both
resistant is preferable), layered with a rug (or two)
love looking at will be a much better investment.
to encourage playtime on the floor.
 THERENOSCHOOL.COM
#THERENOSCHOOL

© T H R E E B I R D S ​R E N O V A T I O N S P T Y L T D 2 0 1 9