Serene and Simple Bedrooms

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As a style, minimalism doesn't suit everyone, but as a philosophy we think it makes some important points about the benefits of living with less. If there's one place in the home to implement this idea, it's the bedroom. To create a calm and restful environment, decluttering is key. For inspiration, we've rounded up a few examples of spare and simple bedrooms from our house tours...

The rooms shown above all share a clutter-free aesthetic, with a focus on the basic elements of a functional bedroom: comfortable bed, reading light, alarm clock, pillows, and maybe a rug or reading chair if there's room. Although this bare bones approach to decorating might not be for everyone, it's an interesting way to think about how simplicity can create a calming space.

SHOWN ABOVE
• 1 Dominic's Vintage Gold Coast Gem
• 2 Jacob and Laurie Do It Themselves in West Ridge
• 3 Amy's Vintage Modern Nest
• 4 Kathleen and Alex's Guest-Ready Condo
• 5 Tanis and Terry's Workman's Cottage

Comments (6)

I think more than everywhere else in the house, we need serenity, calmness and peace in the bedroom (and bathroom). It's a place not just to wind down but also to recharge. To sleep and to dream.
We strip everything to the minimum in all our bedrooms including for our 16 month old toddler. We find this approach allow the children to sleep well - both the children sleep through the night from 6 weeks old (not even up for night feeding)
It is very refreshing to learn our daughter who is 9 can now have a *minimalistic* room with shocking pink wall. Not a typical colour for minimalism but when everything else is hushed down, you can even get away with red.

posted by mangolisa on April 8th 2009 at 4:51pm
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Ok, I want the wooden lamp from the first photo and the side table from the second photo

posted by shmoo15 on April 8th 2009 at 4:58pm
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thanks for this post... you've got impeccable timing because this is exactly what i'm trying to do in our bedroom (right now i have a "regal" blue quilt and it is way too loud to communicate "serene").

posted by amber77 on April 8th 2009 at 5:00pm
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these are all exactly what I'd love in my bedroom.

Alas, my boyfriend's style falls, well.... on the opposite end of the simplicity spectrum.

Maybe these pics can help plead my case!

posted by electropositive on April 8th 2009 at 7:45pm
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why does serene have to translate as white/off white walls? I think any cool color on the walls would be serene....some more ideas with color would be great (blue, pale green, lilac, etc.)

posted by kgenesius on April 9th 2009 at 1:18pm
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I still covet Jacob and Laurie's DIY nightstand and retro alarm clock!

posted by FiatLex on April 9th 2009 at 4:04pm
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