6 modern bedroom ideas to suit every style

A well-designed modern bedroom is welcoming and relaxing. “The most special bedrooms exude an irresistible warmth,” says interior designer Anna Williams of Your Beautiful Home, who’s not just talking about that cosy down quilt. “That could be through gorgeous coloured bedlinen or wallpaper, layered throws, luxurious curtains or a carefully chosen artwork that has meaning.” In short, it should be an expression of you and your personality. These six modern bedroom ideas are a joy to wake up to, setting the mood for the rest of your day.

velvet pink bed with floral wallpaper — Schumacher ‘Betty’ wallpaper (from Orient House), is a standout feature in this room. *(Credit: Photography: Maree Homer / Styling: Kate Nixon)*

1. Period style

This beautiful space, designed by Lauren Mahoney of Studio Trio, reflects the Sydney heritage house in which it belongs. Wallpaper brings instant personality to a bedroom, and forget the feature wall – go for all four, for a cocooning effect. Then take your decorating cues from the wallpaper with a carefully curated furniture selection, including a bedhead to suit the style. “This palette is a soft Eau de Nil – calm, restful and so well-suited to a heritage home,” says Lauren. “I paired it with dark walnut furniture to add contrast. The vintage chandelier sets a glamour to the space and further elevates the wallpaper.”

bedroom with antique mirror and black chest of drawers — This period-like style of bedroom includes a Bernhardt ‘Miramont’ dresser and nightstand (try Ke-Zu) and Warranbrooke ‘Audrey’ mirror with the original chandelier. *(Credit: Photography: Maree Homer / Styling: Kate Nixon)*

2. Country comfort

Take your cues from the country for instant calm. This room evokes the spirit of an English country house, with a spring pastel palette that transports you deep into the countryside. Again, the base colour is Eau de Nil – a hue having a moment, at the moment – offset by peachy pink like a delicate herbaceous border. Other charming rural touches include the cane laundry baskets, a four-poster modern bed design (try Temple & Webster), Shaker-style freestanding wardrobes, tongue-and-groove-style ceiling, floral curtains and the grass-weave floorcovering…

black iron poster bed — Accessories such as artworks lend the individual touch to a bedroom, as does a practical, sculptural armchair (Brosa’s ‘Nottage’ armchair is similar). *(Credit: Photography: John Paul Urizar)*

3. Coastal vibes

Sea’s the moment… Or go for a barefoot coastal theme with an open-plan bedroom and ensuite. The VJ panelling and informal layout of this bedroom design set in the Gold Coast hinterland evokes the nearby seaside, as do the navy-and-white palette with ecru for warmth, the mosaics in the ensuite and the wall sconce. The textured bedlinen and woven throw emphasise how vital tactility is in a space. Artwork delivers the individual finishing touch – but opt for low-key, nothing too dramatic. Save that for the living areas.

bedroom with white VJ panelling and navy and caramel bedding — VJ grooved wall cladding brings texture to your room and introduces a relaxed, laid-back feel. The artwork is a framed family photo. *(Credit: Photography: John Downs / Styling: Kylie Jackes)*

4. Natural materials

Texture and pattern are great bedfellows in this tranquil space, designed by Anna Williams of Your Beautiful Home. “The bedlinen adds a welcome sense of colour and fun – the owners had been living overseas for a long time so they loved the distinctly local feel of this waratah print,” she says. Anna also used a potpourri of tantalising textures. “The carved timber bedside and brass lamp subtly reference the Asian countries they had been living in,” she says. “These combine beautifully with the grasscloth wallpaper, linen bedhead and plush carpet to create an inviting room that is special.”

jute grasscloth wallpaper in bedroom — Jute grasscloth wallpaper from Style Revolution, a bedhead in Warwick ‘Regis’ linen, a ‘Harper’ bedside table from Globe West, a ‘Crochet’ pendant from Urban Lighting and the Home Republic ‘Tully’ quilt set from Adairs bring a beguiling interplay of textures to this bedroom in Sydney’s north. *(Credit: Photography: Simon Whitbread / Styling: Lisa Hilton)*

5. Lots of white

This parents’ retreat in Perth’s coastal suburbs is just that – a sanctuary. It even has its own sitting area, with ‘Maxime’ armchairs from Coco Republic, ottomans and plenty of natural light thanks to crisp white walls and glazing – Luxaflex louvres protect against glare and shut in the warmth at night. A fireplace, table and floor lamps, and lush carpet further boost the cosiness factor. Of all the modern master bedroom ideas, this one’s the most minimal in its palette. “Lighting makes such a difference in a bedroom,” says interior designer Kate Walker of KWD & Co. “Mood lighting that creates a soothing atmosphere is a must, as is task lighting for reading. Use lamps, pendants, wall sconces and downlights to achieve the desired effect.” Top tip: don’t overdo the downlights!

white bedroom with black accents — A white palette with pops of colour for interest creates instant calm in this parents’ retreat. With the muted palette, texture does all the talking. *(Credit: Photography: Jody D’Arcy )*

6. Resort look

The striking outlook enjoyed by this modern bedroom at Victoria’s Point Leo warranted a guest bedroom to match – and KWD & Co delivered the goods. The spectacular bedhead, made by Sorrento Furniture and upholstered in Kravet ‘Moro’ linen in Blue (try Elliott Clarke), shares the stage with the view, which is framed by full-length curtains that provide insulation (try Wynstan). “The bedhead was designed for a 1980s-resort feel,” says Kate. It’s balanced by a custom ottoman in Kravet ‘Izora’ linen. “An ottoman provides a comfy seat where you can put on your shoes or lay out your clothes,” says Kate. The subtle oak floor acts as a backdrop for a ‘Hamptons’ rug from KWD & Co.