Thursday 21 February 2013

Attic Bedroom Design Ideas Including Sliding Wardrobes


Creating an attic bedroom is becoming more and more popular and not simply because an extra room is needed. Attic rooms are now being converted into master bedrooms with their own en suite facilities and features.

If you are lucky enough to have the available space to do just that, then here are a few ideas to enhance all of the attic’s best features.

It’s quite likely that most of the walls will have been plastered in order to bring out a more homely, warm feel. However, if you are able to leave one wall exposed with its “brick” textures, this is a really easy way of creating a feature wall as well as adding some character and charm. If you can use this particular wall to frame the headboard of your bed, then even better!

Your choice of colours will be important as many attics, by nature, can feel bare and barren. You could use a cream colour for the wall opposite the brick feature and you could perhaps mix it up with plum coloured side walls, blending the warmth with a modern edge.

It’s not always the case, but many attics possess those wonderful ceiling beams and if they have been left exposed, you can really make the most of them. Create a lovely contrast by painting the ceiling white or cream and leaving the beams exposed in their natural “wooden” state.

Although natural wooden floors are really popular in the attic, they do pose a few problems, namely a lack of warmth and the sound of shoes or heels for any rooms or neighbours on the floor below you. Carpets can solve both of these problems and choosing something neutral coloured will give it real lifespan even if you need to redecorate. If you do choose to keep the wooden flooring exposed, then at least soften it up with some thick rugs.

When introducing furniture, try a metal/brass bed frame which will again help with that contrast of beams and bricks. Dress it with a patchwork quilt to add pattern and the introduction of a few plum scatter cushions will lend a modern element to the overall appearance.

When it comes to the bedside cupboards, dressing tables and wardrobe, a natural wood finish with metal handles would certainly complement.

On the subject of wardrobes, it can not only be very difficult to actually get them into the attic room but you then have the additional problem of fitting them into the difficult angles and sloping ceilings. Using made to measure sliding wardrobe doors can certainly help to solve this problem. Not only do they fit into your available space but they can also be assembled on site, so no problems getting them up there.

To round everything off, try using curtains that are light in colour as many attic windows tend to be small and you want as much light coming through as possible. Accessorise with some stylish lamps, vases, mirrors and even some fresh flowers to help create a feeling of airiness. 

Friday 8 February 2013

How to Make the Most Out of Small Bedrooms


Small bedrooms are common; in fact, we've all probably lived in a house that has had at least one small bedroom in it. The smallest bedroom in the home is often referred to as the “box” room and is often used for storage. However, if designed carefully, even the smallest bedrooms can be effective and useful.

What sort of bedroom will it be? A standard bedroom, perhaps, like all the others, a nursery room or even a spare bedroom that might double up as an office when empty?

Furniture and the layout of it, is the key element in making sure each room reaches its maximum potential.

Spare room – The first thing on your list of “must haves” for this room is a sofa bed. This immediately gives you the option of dressing it as bedroom (bed) or dual purpose room (sofa). Sofa beds are currently very popular and there are many designs, so choosing something that suits the room perfectly will be easy.

When selecting colours, make sure they are light or at least neutral. Lighter colours will help give the room a sense of size, while neutral colours will allow much more flexibility in your design.

Although curtains can often make a room feel cosy, they can also make small rooms feel even smaller. So, as you are trying to create a feeling of space, you could opt for some simple wooden blinds and a small drape, giving a much more airy feel.

Wardrobes with sliding doors will provide many of the answers to your storage questions and with doors opening from side to side, rather than outwards, this can be a great way of saving space.

Choose a bedside table that can be used both for your night light and storage with a few drawers in it.
If the room is going to be an office first and a bedroom second, then instead of the wardrobes, here you could opt for some small pieces of office furniture and equipment.

A nursery room – The beauty of nursery furniture is that by its nature it’s much smaller and is therefore suited to smaller rooms. A cot that doubles up as a small bed will be long lasting and won’t take up as much room as a standard single bed.

You can use a chest of drawers for a nappy changing area, with a changing mat placed on the top. A few well situated shelves can store important items such as wipes, powders etc. Baskets under the bed can be an ideal home for toys.

Nursery designs are of course varied and often childlike, but it’s still important to keep colours light and airy.

A standard bedroom – The same rules apply for a straightforward small bedroom. Keep beds small or have them built in (with storage space underneath), fitted wardrobes and furniture that is generally light in nature to go hand in hand with a light colour scheme.

To find out more about how to incorporate sliding wardrobe doors into your bedroom design, please visit out main website at Slide Wardrobes Direct.