All your decor queries answered
I understand that white walls add space to compact bedrooms. Other than this, what can one do to create a more multitasking, large feel bedroom?
— Vandana Sajnani Khattar, via email
It’s actually funny but when a bedroom performs many functions it appears and feels larger. It’s a place that must multitask to make it relevant, or then it just gets sidelined as a room one just sleeps in. My favourite space to design in a home is the master bedroom, as we tend to spend most of our time here sleeping, lounging or unwell. I also feel that it is also viewed with a very narrow approach, which is why I so enjoy breaking the mould. A bedroom needs to act as a lounge, an area where one can read, watch television, work on the internet and unwind from the flurry of the day. To overcome the challenge of going beyond the essential bed I have found successful solutions, which I have executed in various interiors.
An inviting ambience for an intimate tête-à-tête is seating within the bedroom-since it is unlikely that one would malinger on bed at all times one is home.
An intimate, plush sink in, a pin-tucked seating element is great for the visual appeal of comfort but also essential to lounge, read a book, chat with a friend in the privacy of your room. Perhaps, an interesting ottoman, a dramatic Jacobean day-bed or even just a sculptural curvy chair will make a design statement.
Opposite or diagonal to your seating in the master bedroom you could have a credenza for your entertainment system. Added to this or under the credenza you could incorporate fashionable and functional shelving with good organisers and smart chunky drawers. Medicines, remotes, files, bills need to be kept in ones room, and are most unsightly when strewn atop tables.
For me my favourite treasured books and tiny work space with a computer and gizmos are essential in a nook. Not everyone would be open to a dividing wall of glass between the bathroom and bedroom, but I have seen it used effectively in actress Deepti Naval’s home. For those with some adventure and desire to infuse the room with a sense of whimsy it immediately adds to the square feet area but most of all to the charm and quaintness of the room. Especially if the bathroom is maintained like another room in the house, it adds focus.
A screen can be extended when the bathroom is in use but if the allocation of space is such that cubicles and pony walls are used then this too is not necessary.
My favourite touch a breakfast table adds to the charm and doubles as a useful place to hang out with your partner or just read the newspaper with a view and a cuppa tea. This is an interesting idea over the conventional desk since very few people enjoy sitting in a regimented manner against a desk and working. What about that intimate breakfast with your favourite book when you do not necessarily want to face the entire house early in the morning. The use of glass on the surface enhances the look of light and space. A solid surface on the table-top gives a thick heavy feel to the table. When one cannot have a complete round table use a semicircular table against a wall.
About the Author
A popular interior designer and architect, Nisha JamVwal is known for her eclectic style. As the expert panellist at GoodHomes she answers all decor related queries.