The bedroom is a place of rest and relaxation, and the room that eventually sends us into a deep slumber. Interior designer Julia Kendell says “the focus for the year ahead will be on functionality in the bedroom”, which brings us to question, how exactly do we use this space that is constantly referred to as our sanctuary?
Well it turns out the bedroom is quite the hub of activity these days – we’re spending more time in it and we’re doing more activities in it – because we’re treating it as our haven; as a place of calm, and for some of us, the only room where we can get some peace and quiet.
“Amidst our fast-paced lives, our bedrooms are one of our most sacred downtime spaces, yet so often they are overlooked and not conducive to a good night’s kip,” says Wayfair’s resident style advisor, Nadia McCowan Hill. “In 2018, we predict all will want to take back this sacred space to help better rest and recharge.”
But how we style and decorate our bedroom is important, too. Simon Bodsworth, managing director at Daval, says in terms of aesthetics, the bedroom will be “comfortable and restful, simple and opulent and unquestionably bespoke”, explaining that there has been a notable resurgence for tailor-made furniture over “off-the-peg”.
From design to lifestyle influences, take a look at the biggest bedroom trends for 2018.
1. A hub of activity
In research from online bed retailer, Time 4 Sleep, one in five Brits (21%) feel that their bedroom is a more comfortable space to relax in than other areas of the home. For us, the bedroom has always been a relaxing sanctuary and a retreat to escape the hustle and bustle, so it’s unsurprising that’s it’s now becoming a hub of activity. The research revealed that reading (59%), watching TV or a film (41%), scrolling through a phone (40%), talking on the phone (21%) and listening to music or podcasts (20%) are the top social activities adults are likely to do in the bedroom.
2. Wellness in the bedroom
Wellness for the home has emerged as a standout trend that focuses not just on what we buy, but how to curate a happier and more mindful space. “For a soothing bedroom that promotes relaxation and recalibration, decorate in soothing shades of lilac and grey, plump for tactile fabrics and introduce sleep-promoting scents like lavender,” advises McCowan Hill. “To help disconnect and re-energise, keep screen-time to a minimum and weave in 10-15 minutes of meditation twice a day.”
3. Textures and materials
Bodsworth explains: “Conservative design with modern clean lines is currently defining the contemporary bedroom furniture market this 2018. Highly tactile, textured handles are being considered for depth and character, with integrated accessories such as full length mirrors and lighting being built-in to the front of wardrobes for added value and practicality. Evoking texture, depth and character, we are noting combinations of Grey Oak and Blonde woods.
“In terms of more traditional bedroom design, this style of décor is taking a ‘less is more’ approach with visually quiet, painted wood grain effect furniture and clean lines being used to create a timeless feel, even in the modern home. No longer should you look towards decorative pediments or cornices, instead opt for more transitional shapes, colours and designs.”
4. Personalisation
“There is a desire for the home to be designed with more individuality. With this in mind, the bedroom should be the most personable space within the home,” says Andy Briggs, head creative and resident interior designer for Spaceslide. “You can effortlessly achieve uniqueness by mixing and matching bedroom finishes – something we’ve already seen our customers doing with our popular three panel doors, with a variation of textures being chosen to create a bespoke look that incorporates the latest fashions.”
5. Fitted furniture and storage
“Did you know that fitted furniture will create significantly more storage space thanks to its tailor-made qualities? Creating up to three times more space depending on application, fitted furniture is set to be huge in 2018 able to fit around you and your home: rather than remain a fixed shape and/or size,” explains Bodsworth. “Providing you with an undefined level of creativity when deciding on the design and interior arrangement of a custom fitted wardrobe, new options like “his and her” drawer fitments for personal storage, innovative compartments, hanging rails, shoe and trouser racks and specialist pull-out shelving should definitely be on your 2018 bedroom wishlist.”
6. We’re buying bigger beds
Research from the Sleep Council’s 2017 Great British Bedtime Report revealed that more people are buying bigger beds. The number of respondents who bought a king sized bed increased from 20% in 2013 to 32% in 2017, indicating a change in consumer behaviour. Sales of standard doubles still make up the bulk of sales (47%).
7. Wabi-sabi and the imperfectly made bed
Ancient Japanese tradition wabi-sabi is the 2018 interiors trend that celebrates authenticity and imperfection. A simple way to achieve the wabi-sabi look is through an imperfectly made bed, which lends a relaxed and casual look to your bedroom.
“While hygge has dominated as an approach to interiors in recent years, 2018 is all about wabi-sabi, which is an easy, carefree concept to apply,” says Mike Stephen from Apollo Blinds. “Wabi-sabi finds beauty in imperfection. Life isn’t perfect, our homes aren’t perfect – and that’s okay.
“What’s important when following the wabi-sabi way is authenticity, staying true to oneself and celebrating life’s flaws. Beds can messy and crumpled rather than primped, plumped and tucked. Homes are homely. Natural fabrics, frayed edges, uneven surfaces and unfinished asymmetrical objects are commended and brought to the fore.”
8. The bedroom meets luxury
“Practical and indulgent features such as a pull-out tea tray that disappears when not in use, slim line link drawer solutions, leather interior inserts and felt-lining are a prerequisite in the bedroom for 2018,” reveals Bodsworth. “Creating an added sense of luxury through form and function is where we will see the most development. Simple touch control operation and integral lighting systems, along with custom-made accessory space for belts, shoes, jewellery and integrated media device power points are all key considerations for the bedroom this year.”
