Does your bedroom need a new look?
Something as simple as bedding might be enough. Sheets, pillowcases, comforters and maybe shams can be expensive, but if a major remodeling isn't in the plans, a little investment in bedding can refresh the bedroom.
Find a color or pattern that is appealing and go for it. A bed skirt and comforter will probably be the most expensive items, so choose wisely. The sheets and pillowcases can be a complementary pattern or solid color. Changing the sheets each week with a new color or new pattern will keep the room looking new all the time.
The headboard can be the focal point in your bedroom. Upholstered headboards are popular, but if an upholstered headboard isn't for you, choose an impressive stand-alone headboard that grabs your attention. It doesn't have to match the rest of the bedroom furniture — it can be a style and color all its own.
The foot of the bed can be spruced up with a seat. A bench, with or without a back, will bring interest to the room, plus give you a place to sit and put your shoes on. If not a bench, how about two ottomans side by side? And if they are storage ottomans, you have a bonus. If the setting is right, a storage trunk will work beautifully at the foot of the bed.
What about nightstands? They don't have to match each other, so you can have a table on one side of the bed and a storage night table on the other. Or you can have a desk on one side and a nightstand on the other.
Lighting is important in any room. In the bedroom there should be enough light for reading, plus soft lighting just for atmosphere. Overhead lighting isn't always necessary, but it's still nice to have when you need more illumination.
ROSEMARY SADEZ FRIEDMANN, Scripps Howard News Service
