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In the bedroom with Justin and Colin

29th July 2008

Just as we tend to seasonally adjust our bedrooms for the winter by adding fluffy blankets and rough knitted throws, then so too should we create our 'look' this summer.

And TV's interior design duo Justin Ryan and Colin McAllister have a few tips to get you started:

Colours for the bedroom
Make sure you tie any changes into this season's hottest colour - pink! But, if required, tone it all down a wee bit with smart grey masculine fabrics. Darlings, it's all in the balance! Think Ying and Yang to create perfect results every time.

Benjamin Moore, one of the world's largest paint manufacturers, has broken down this season's 'direction' into three main categories: Modern Tranquillity (think whispery, beach inspired shades with a splash of watery turquoise), Organic Comforts (take your cue from Mother Nature and employ earthy delights such as fern and olive), and finally Pure Opulence (be inspired by indulgent shades like French Violet and Teal). We love each of these options, but there's no reason why you can't marry different categories together - French Violet from Pure Opulence would look great combined with Fern from Organic Comforts. Our best advice is to buy sample pots and paint large sections of card to find a look you love.

Discrete Technology
If you can, try to hide away TVs and computers so as not to detract from the feeling of 'domestic haven'. Big bulky TVs are a definite no-no, although cooler, wall mounted, wireless media screens (that look more like art) are good as far as we're concerned. If you want to elicit a more traditional feel then most department stores have a selection of TV cabinets.

Traditional Values
Traditional crafting, summer quilting and delicate lace work will all be big news this summer because, these days, they've all become veritable art forms. Although quilts look particularly at home in bedrooms, they're now moving into all areas of home décor so, with this in mind, try quilted panels as wall hangings, or add quilted throws and pillows to enliven a plain sofa. More sophisticated looks are also emerging, with today's styles being sassier, more urban and more unique to the creator. The new 'direction' doesn't follow a set or standard pattern, which means there's room for self-expression and creativity on the part of the designer.

Hotel Style
Don't we just love that 'hotel at home' feel? All about luxury and indulgence, and not simply décor. We predict that, as the summer months roll forward, we'll be maxing up the thread count of sheets, adding comfy seating and really going to town with designer detailing. Yup, bring on the fluffy dressing gowns and pour that glass of bubbly! And where once there were 'after thought' ensuites, we predict that Britain will soon be adding eye popping bathing facilities to really evoke the feeling of 'spa at home'. Come on, why pay for Champneys when you can do it all yourself!?

Wallpaper
Wallpaper will continue to grow in popularity with the emphasis being on big, bold and confident patterns. Personally speaking, we're using less 'accent' walls and, instead, letting our decorating confidence run wild by covering every wall! Our top tip is - if you're opting for a seriously dramatic colour scheme then perhaps opt for a less in your face pattern, and vice versa.

Understated 'soft' luxury
More is more! But… be careful; ensure your design is seriously elegant though not too 'showy'. Luxury is a summer holiday byword but, to properly indulge, opt for less in your face glitz and instead select quality fabrics and simple, beautiful items that 'whisper' high spend, rather than shout it from the roof tops like some crazed Joan Collins! High-count cotton sheets, cashmere throws and smart, tailored glamour are the way forward!

Keep it light, fresh and dreamy with cosy, natural, breathable cottons so you can really keep your cool. Relaxation is simple with Lavender so why not try Ambi Pur 3volution Relaxing Countryside; a treat for your beak in the best in olfactory fashion! Ambi Pur 3volution combines three complementary but alternating perfumes, which are released every 45 minutes, so your nose never gets used to the aroma and you can always smell it. And Relaxing Countryside is made with lavender essential oils for a superior fragrance, making your bedroom a calm haven. Ambi Pur 3volution is available from all good supermarkets for £7.99 (RRSP).

Scandinavian Style
Pine plank chairs, organically shaped stools, timber framed light shades, elegant hall stands and cute little treasure boxes are all characteristically blonde and beautiful and a great way to indulge your home! Try framing your rooms by using simple tongue and groove (T&G) panelling on the bottom third of the wall, and top it all off with a cute shelf to display treasures and ornaments. Create a lived in look by keeping furniture 'time washed' white and consider a soft duck egg shade for your T&G woodwork. Remember our motto; KISS - Keep It Seriously Simple.

Clean and Fresh
Summertime in the bedroom is all about floaty fabrics, fresh laundry and sunshine! So, with this in mind, paint walls in softest green and add natural timber elements to elicit a cool, casual feel. But please take our advice; avoid a 'deliberately co-ordinated' shop bought look - we tend to advocate mixing furniture to create surprising designer juxtaposition. Try a timber bed but, rather than opting for timber bedside tables, jazz it all up by selecting mirrored nightstands. Select lightweight satin throws and cushions and keep the atmosphere perfect with Ambi Pur perfume plug-in Innocence, just £3.99 (RRSP) for a primary unit. A pure and light fragrance inspired by fresh linen, Innocence is designed to lift and invigorate.



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