Unlike the common spaces in a home, bedrooms should be individual havens for the people who occupy them. Comfort is key, of course, so we say be as indulgent as you want to when personalizing your space. Sleep sounder under luxurious linens? Go ahead and splurge on those Egyptian cotton sheets! Outdoor light make you wake up cranky? Don’t hesitate—get those blackout drapes! The important thing is to create a retreat where you can leave the stresses of the day behind and settle in for a night of sweet dreams.

Go Minimal

It’s true that the bedroom is your sanctuary. As such, it should reflect who you really are, so make sure the space represents what is peaceful for you. Here, these rooms create the perfect environment
for restful sleep with their clean aesthetics and soft tones—no distractions to be found. 

David Cadwallader embraced an Italian modern aesthetic with neutral shades of taupe and white for his Uptown loft.

Why it works: The simple, clean lines—down to the concrete ceiling—make for an easy place to rest your mind.

Jan/Feb 2003

Eames chairs create the perfect spot to watch the birds in Emily and David Corrigan’s Preston Hollow home, designed by Emily Summers.

Why it works: The stark-white interiors allow the exterior to do all the visual work.

May/Jun 2010

Designer Donna Fadal made this pristine headboard and paired it with the perfect sheets and pillows in Maleiah and Ryan Rogers’ Park Cities home.

Why it works: This extreme example of monotone design is the epitome of serenity.

If You Love a Pattern, Go All In

Those who say less is more have no sense of adventure. In the right hands, we adore a maximalist approach. These three bedrooms embrace repetition, incorporating the same patterns in bed linens, drapes, wallcoverings, and even lamp shades for a uniform look.

Where to shop for bedding:

Casa di Lino
Dallas Luxury Beds
Duxiana
Peacock Alley
The Linen Boutique
The Pillow Bar

Head of the Class

Headboards can really set the tone for your bedroom, but don’t think you have to go with a standard four-poster. These rooms present a wide range of eye-catching pieces, from antique screens to delicately carved woodwork and intricate fabric panels. Remember, your headboard can make a showcase statement, too.

Clockwise from top left:

1. Designer Tyler Cobb used a 19th-century Chinese court painting as a headboard in antiques dealer Carter Bowden’s Fort Worth home. Why it works: The ornate detail work of the painting steals the show. May/Jun 2007
2. Homeowner Regan Carlile has used this 19th-century Portuguese church artifact—found in Round Top—as a headboard in three homes. Why it works: The drama of the piece is too good not to find new ways to incorporate it with each new space. Mar/Apr 2011
3. Designer Rob Dailey constructed this plush headboard for his Kessler Park home. Why it works: The wine-red tone plays off the otherwise neutral space. May/Jun 2010
4. Handley Drive creative director Rick Janecek used a bright Gracie mural in the master bedroom of his North Dallas home. Why it works: The eye-popping hue matches perfectly with the bedding and allows the rest of the space to take a backseat. Jul/Aug 2012

All Kidding Aside

This is no joke—kids’ rooms can be just as sophisticated as adults’ and still allow for play. Create a space with room to grow by selecting hallmark pieces that aren’t too saccharine. A signature bed or interesting wall decor can be conversation starters that will outlast their elementary school years.

Designer Leigh Taylor went for a “Palm Springs–inspired oasis” in this Fort Worth nursery, using a mural from UK-based Surface View.

Why it works: The retro vibes of the piece will last well past the crib phase.

Jul/Aug 2011

Designer Brittany Cobb used bedding from Target and West Elm for this eclectic bedroom.

Why it works: The whole room uses a mix of textures and colors appropriate for any age group.

Nov/Dec 2016