A collection of country bedrooms

I was perusing bedrooms on Country Living's website, and I found some that caught my eye. Altogether they aren't too "Victorian B&B," but rather more like bedrooms you'd find in a country house- relaxed style, linen, vintage touches and handed down furniture and decorative objects. Nothing is too matching or too styled. I like the light use of florals- I'm always afraid of floral prints, but they manage not to convey a matronly or outdated style here, so I'm looking at how and where they should be used. (top photo and tenth photo down: House to Home magazine; last photo from an unknown source; all other photos from Country Living)

The comfort of a lovely bed

Don't you just love bedrooms like this? I could just fall right in to one of these beds. Simple and comfortable but not "done"- love these. (photos in order: top and fifth photo from stylist Twig Hutchinson; 2nd - 4th photos- marie claire maison; the blog absolutely beautiful things, photographer debi treloar)

Colorful bed throws & pillows

I've had all-white bedding for a while, which I've loved. But seeing these bursts of color, I think I may be ready for a change. Candy-colored throws and pillows could really cheer up the room.
(above photos from: House to Home and House Beautiful Feb. 2008)

Found some great throws and pillows online now- there's a lot of suzani-inspired bedding around at the moment. But there are plenty of other patterns to choose from too.

These throws and cushions above are form company c. And below, a couple of cushions in the Santee pattern and a bed in the Hyde pattern from the same store.

Or for quieter patterns, check out the Mirage or Blossom sets from from Sweet Home London.

and this Esperanza pattern from Designer's Guild.

Seems like this bold Cannes pattern from Nancy Koltes would really wake you up! Of course, Designer's Guild also has tons of offerings when it comes to patterns and brights for the bed. I really like this Zenia pattern (below) against the fuschia headboard.

You could even mix several really eye-catching pillows like these (DG "Rocaille" ) with a solid color bed throw. There are so many options- mixing solids with patterns so it's not too busy, or just jumbling several patterns all together. It can really work if there is something consistent like the color or style!

More colorful bedrooms

Whether it's vibrant walls in an unexpected shade or soothing surroundings with a shot of color in the pillows or throws, I love the way bright color is used in bedrooms. These remind me not to be afraid of trying a non-pale color in the room where I sleep. (photos from domino, House and Home, Marie Claire Maison, cookie)

UK Stylist Melanie Molesworth

I discovered Melanie Molesworth's styling through Living Etc. I really like her aesthetic- clean and pretty and slightly comfortable (not too perfect-looking). Here are a few photos from the "Dream Spaces" article in the March 2008 Living Etc. (photography by Penny Wincer), then a few shots from her website below.


She also has a blog where you can check out more of her portfolio of inspiring home photos.

Colorful bedroom walls

I love these candy-color bedrooms. Some stick to the notion that bedrooms should remain white or pastel, but I think a vivid color you really like can be just as soothing & peaceful. I think it's a matter of keeping everything else in the room relatively uncluttered and simple. Photos from Eric Flogny, Aleph ; Marie Claire Maison June/Aug 2003; Lee Matthews, Taverne Agency; UK Country Living.