Hang Large-Scale Artwork

This bedroom is proof that art is the easiest way to transform a space. A large modern painting hung over the bed in lieu of a traditional headboard makes this room feel instantly more contemporary. The thing about art is that it doesn’t exactly have to match your room’s aesthetic in order for it to work. So when it comes to art, get what you love, not what you think will look right.

Whitewash It

Serious question: If this were your bed, how many times would you hit snooze? If you don’t fancy yourself a skilled designer but still want your space to feel stylish and modern, you can’t go wrong with all-white everything. From your bed to the walls, swathing everything in white is actually pretty easy.

That said, you shouldn’t make literally everything white. Instead, choose one or two darker elements that will add some dimension to your space. In this bedroom, it’s a simple black stool.

Place an Unexpected Piece

Take style notes from this modern bedroom, and swap your headboard with a large framed print leaned against the wall instead. Opt for a black-and-white photograph to up the contemporary aesthetic. Another interesting element? The non-traditional nightstand, which adds an instant cool factor to the space.

Add Some Glamour

Although clearly influenced by vintage aesthetics (note the ornate console), the herringbone floors, contemporary light fixture, and velvet headboard make this bedroom decidedly modern. Plus, who says you can’t mix styles and eras? In our opinion, the seamless blending makes this bedroom utterly unique.

Paint One Wall Black

Featuring walls painted in a shade of soft black, as well as white bedding in laid-back linen, this minimalist bedroom boasts a black-and-white color scheme that’s not at all stark. One thing to remember if you’re considering going black-and-white is that you should also have a few organic materials mixed in so that your space doesn’t feel uninviting.

For instance, a wooden bench or nightstand will do the trick.

Make a Gallery Wall

Textured bedding in cool shades of blue and gray paired with complementary curtains in similar hues ensures the exposed brick wall in this bedroom is anything but cold. If your walls feel a bit empty and a giant piece of art isn’t your vibe, consider curating a gallery wall with the art you already have.

Mix-and-Match

A statement-making patterned quilt steals the spotlight in this modern black-and-white bedroom. Throw pillows in a contrasting pattern ensure the quilt has maximum impact on the room. As long as there is at least one common element (color, texture, or scale), you can mix just about anything.

Go Monochrome

Despite the cool color palette, this contemporary bedroom feels anything but cold. This monochromatic room is thoroughly modern, with gray bedding, a geometric light fixture, and an oversized framed photograph. Going monochrome is a super-easy way to elevate your bedroom. Just remember: You should use different shades and tones of your chosen color to add some volume to your space. 

Skip the Table Lamps

Unlike a coffee table, a nightstand’s available space is both limited and precious, so don’t waste it with a clunky table lamp. Instead, opt for sconces that provide just as much light and a touch more style and personality than table lamps do.

Simplify Wherever You Can

Modern bedrooms are all about scaling back. Maximalism has no place in a sleek, modern space. Plus, all-white beds never go out of style, and when paired with a tufted headboard, they’re decidedly modern. A midcentury bedside table boasting a metallic vase full of flowers completes the contemporary look.

Focus on Layout

This modern bedroom is proof that sometimes layout is everything. By making strategic use of floor-to-ceiling windows, this space feels thoroughly contemporary, even when the bed is left unmade. If you want to make your space feel a touch bigger, keep the walls white.

Opt for a Soothing Palette

Just looking at this modern gray bedroom makes us instantly feel 10 times calmer. Moody gray walls paired with complimentary bedding make this monochromatic room an example of contemporary comfort at its finest. When choosing colors that are meant to calm and relax you, stay away from anything bright.

Layer Textures

A bold light fixture stands out in this modern bedroom. Decorated in shades of soft purple-gray, this space is where we’d want to spend the better part of a lazy Sunday. We’re loving the super-soft materials in this space, too. We can’t imagine getting a bad night’s sleep in this space, from the sheer drapes to the plush area rug.

Think Outside the Box

Modern meets traditional in this picture-perfect bedroom. While a textured wall hanging and a not-so-traditional leather headboard lean toward modern aesthetics, the Roman shade and throw pillows offer nods to traditional design. When it comes to decorating, there really are no rules, so get what you like, and you’ll find a way to make everything work together.

Get Dramatic

Nothing invites drama like a glossy black wall, and this chic bedroom is no exception. Note that the bedroom still feels fresh and feminine, courtesy of the muted gold bed frame and soft shades in the space. That said, if black paint feels a little too intense for you, navy is another great option.

Take a Page From the Scandinavians

Scandinavian design is all about minimalism and warmth by way of a muted color palette and organic materials. In this bedroom by Kevin Dumais, the designer seamlessly added unique elements and interesting shapes without losing that sense of European flair.

Install a Barn Door

Even without the untraditional door, this bedroom is super cool. However, the bright yellow barn door makes this space even more interesting. Whether you paint it a bold hue or keep it neutral, we can almost guarantee that it will be the most unique element in the room.

Incorporate Black Accents

Decorating with black can get a bad rap, but we’re here to debunk any myths about this moody hue. Especially if the rest of the space is quite light, black won’t come across as too dramatic. If you’re a little apprehensive, use the shade sparingly. In this space, the storage pieces, lighting, and bench only emphasize the bedroom’s brightness, and we’re loving it.

Go Against the Grain

Even in a studio apartment, the bathroom is usually in its own area, and until now, that’s how we liked it. However, this free-spirited space dotted with natural tones and bright white paint is making us reconsider. The clawfoot tub that’s in full view from the bed is almost too cool not to try.

Limit the Colors to the Floor

At first glance, this looks like a classic white bedroom with soothing neutral accents. However, the vintage blue and white area rug adds a much-welcomed moment of color that disrupts the neutral color scheme in all the right ways: It’s not overpowering, but it makes a big statement.

Try Traditional

Becca Casey’s style is a case study in traditional design, and this fresh bedroom is a perfect example of her work. In some spaces, traditional elements can weigh a room down, but her brilliant use of light colors and organic materials makes this bedroom feel light and airy.

Consider an Accent Wall

If you want to refresh your space without having to do a whole lot, consider removable wallpaper to create an accent wall. Wallpaper is one of the easiest ways to totally transform your space without having to spend too much. Plus, if you opt for peel-and-stick, you can switch up the look whenever you’re in the mood to try something new.

Get Creative With Storage

Some bedrooms are so small that ample storage isn’t exactly an option. In that case, go ahead and hang a few shelves on the wall. It’s easier than you think, and you’ll probably feel so proud of your handiness when you’re finished.

Create a Seating Area

On the contrary, if your bedroom is big and you’re not sure what to do with the empty space, get a few lounge chairs and maybe an ottoman (that you can also use as a coffee table). We can’t think of anything better than sipping our morning coffee in a plush chair in the comfort of the bedroom.

Let the Bedding Do the Talking

If you’re someone who doesn’t like to commit to a color scheme, consider keeping the furniture, walls, and décor neutral, and opt for color when it comes to bedding. After all, bedding is the least committal element in the whole bedroom. If you have a few different-colored duvets and pillow covers, you can change up the color scheme whenever you want.

Relax in a Window Seat

If you have enough space, build a window seat under your bedroom’s biggest window. These charming areas provide the perfect nap spot.

Don’t Be Afraid of Pink

Pink is definitely considered a more feminine hue, but it doesn’t have to be. In fact, in this black-and-white space, it almost works as a neutral. It’s so light that it works as the perfect transition shade.

Skip the Benches

Bedroom benches are usually at the foot of the bed in larger bedrooms, but not so much in this space. Here, Laura Brophy opted for two iconic Pierre Jeanneret cane lounge chairs, which steal the show in the best way.

Remember: Chambray Goes With Everything

A chambray duvet cover is the move in just about any space because, like a good pair of blue jeans, it goes with everything. Plus, in this space, it adds a coastal feel which pairs perfectly with the matte black door frames.

Separate Each Area

Jules Interiors skipped traditional closet doors in this glamorous space and opted for a partial wall, complete with a large-scale, chevron-patterned window. If this feels like too big of a project, a unique screen or room divider will definitely do the trick.

Choose Your Lighting Carefully

There are so many cool fixtures out there, so if you’re in the market for a statement-making chandelier or pendant, don’t settle for one you don’t love. In this sprawling space by Jules Interiors, a super-delicate, out-of-this-world chandelier completely sets the tone. Whether you go vintage, antique, or contemporary, you can’t go wrong by picking an extraordinary light for your bedroom.

Add Some Glamour

In this beautiful and luxe bedroom, glamorous elements come into play by way of metallic accents. Shiny gold-toned sconces and nightstands make this otherwise quiet space a bit more contemporary.

Pile On the Pillows

It’s our personal belief that you can never have too many pillows on the bed. Pillows add charisma and personality in a big way. As long as they share a color or texture, there’s no need to make sure they all match.

Mismatch the Décor

In this Katie Hackworth-designed bedroom, she opted for very different nightstands and lamps, and it totally works. If the idea of keeping your space symmetrical and matching doesn’t sound very appealing, rest assured; you can outfit your bedroom with your favorite pieces (regardless of whether they technically match).

Take a Nontraditional Route

Rattan peacock headboards were a staple in Old Hollywood, and they’re making a comeback. Case in point: This contemporary bedroom features a curved bed frame against a blue-and-white floral wallpaper. This look is so eclectic, and we love it.

Don’t Block the Light

Sometimes the only place to put your bed is in front of the only window in the room, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you are losing all of the light. Opt for a four-poster or canopy bed that still lets the light shine through.

Make a Statement Ceiling

You heard it here first: Statement ceilings are in style. Whether you simply paint the ceiling a different shade than the walls or go big and use a fun wallpaper, you can’t go wrong.

Put a Pendant Where It Doesn’t Belong

When it comes to bedside lighting, we thought we’d seen it all. However, this bedroom’s unique use of a large-scale pendant light is a new one. Generally, a pendant this size would be hanging in the middle of the room and would serve as the primary light source, but we’re absolutely loving it above the nightstand.

Add Some Antiques

Sasha Bikoff is a maximalist through-and-through, and her super-feminine bedroom is proof. Here, she swathed the tall walls in a blush pink and dotted the space with gorgeous antiques, including the embroidered chair, nightstand, and bench. This space is giving us Marie Antoinette vibes in the best way possible.

Prioritize the View

If you’re lucky enough to have an unparalleled view, don’t incorporate any decor or art that will compete with it. Keep the lines simple, allowing what’s outside to enhance what you’ve done inside.