10 Interior Design Ideas for Bedrooms

Elissa Morgante, AIA

Elissa Morgante, AIA
Founding Partner at Award Winning Chicago Architects, Morgante Wilson

Jul 26, 2021 - 5 min read

10 Interior Design Ideas for Bedrooms

We all know a good night’s sleep is the foundation of a productive, meaningful day. To get that good night’s sleep, experts advise saving beds for rest (not work) and making sure your bedroom is quiet and serene. At Morgante Wilson Architects, we’ve designed hundreds of bedrooms over the years and have learned a few things about creating a bedroom that will both calm you and fill you with happiness. Here are a few of our favorite design ideas.

When space allows, it’s nice to create two distinct areas in a bedroom: one dedicated to sleep, and one for relaxation. Here, the two zones are defined by a laser cut screen. It allows views and connection between the two halves of the room but makes each feel just a little bit cozier and more special.

In this mountain getaway home, design is all about maximizing views – and this small-scale master bedroom is no exception. Its size is an acknowledgement that no one’s really going to be spending a whole lot of awake time here, yet it’s big enough for all the creature comforts you expect from a well-appointed bedroom. Walls are papered in custom grass-cloth for extra texture, while muted pastel pillows add just the softest hint of color.

Here’s another getaway bedroom, this time on St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Again, views are paramount and there was no way we were going to take away from their grandeur. Instead, we positioned a pair of small, tufted lounge chairs so they can easily be turned to admire the scenery. (If you’re building a warm-weather home, be sure to include ceiling fans in all the bedrooms to provide gentle breezes – there’s no better way to fall asleep!)

This bedroom is in the same St. John home, but provides a different take on relaxed island style. Here, the subtle, organic patterning of a Lightwave Laser wall screen defines a wall without a view, while across from the bed, the water beckons.

This bedroom is in a gentleman’s home intended to be unabashedly masculine. Yet it feels light and inviting, not dark or heavy. Traditional millwork details create architectural interest, while texture, in the form of the leather-upholstered bed and subtly striped carpet, cozies it all up. Take note of the ebony-toned accents, too: the nightstands and the metal finish of the reading lamps add just a bit of welcome drama. Black also repeats in the picture frame and plant pot, proving thoughtful attention to detail can really make a big impact.

I wanted to include this bedroom to demonstrate the importance of architecture even in private spaces not typically seen by guests. Here, the drama comes primarily from two elements: an imaginatively shaped and outlined bed, and the arched ceiling above it. Neither scream for attention, yet both have a lot to do with the way this quiet space feels customized and luxurious.

If you’ve got the room, we often advise placing a furniture piece at the end of a bed. Sometimes it’s an upholstered bench; other times, it’s a loveseat that may or may not be part of a dedicated seating area. Either way, it’s a practical touch that’s supremely gracious at the same time.

I love this bedroom for so many reasons. First, there’s the deep blue walls, which speak to the lakeside location of the house it’s in. (They’re a good example of how you can make a bold design statement with color, and still end up with a bedroom that feels relaxing.) Then of course there’s the lofted space above, which offers another idea for creating space for reading, guitar-playing, or other hobbies without encroaching on the sleeping area itself. You may not often think of bedrooms as being multi-functional, but this one certainly is.

It may not be on an island or a mountaintop, but really, can you imagine a more pleasant view to awaken to each morning? Naturally we wanted it to be the star of the room, and so we lined the space with traditional, divided light windows and doors that truly welcome the outdoors in. (This is easier to do when privacy isn’t much of an issue – so if you have a big yard or the neighbors aren’t close by, consider doing the same!) Extra-tall ceilings are another trick we employed to maximize the amount of natural light throughout this bedroom.

Last, one of our favorite bedroom ideas of all-time is to incorporate a bunk room into your home. You’ve read about our love of bunk rooms on this blog before – we know of no easier way to host visiting friends, family, sleepover parties, college reunion weekends, team overnights, you name it! This one is punchy and colorful – but that’s mostly because of the candy-colored bedding. Replace that with something soft and floral, or a delicate neutral, and a space like this would take on a whole different feel. We recommend full size beds if you’ve got the room. That way, people can double up if necessary or desired. I mean, this room can sleep 16. Can you imagine?!

Check us out on Facebook and Instagram for more great design ideas for your bedrooms and more – we’ve got plenty to inspire you!

Morgante Wilson Architects provides architectural and interior design services in Chicago, Deerfield, Evanston, Glencoe, Glenview, Highland Park, Kenilworth, Lake Bluff, Lake Forest, Northbrook, Northfield, Ravinia, Wilmette, and Winnetka – along with Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Utah, Wisconsin and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Elissa Morgante, AIA

Elissa Morgante, AIA

Founding Partner at Award Winning Chicago Architects, Morgante Wilson