It was such an honor to be included in the group of talented designers that Apartment Therapy brought together for their annual Small/Cool NYC event in Brooklyn. I had the opportunity to design a "Restful Retreat" in partnership with Serta, putting some of my very favorite small space decorating tricks to use in this compact but mighty bedroom.
My room was inspired by the color of the sky at dusk and the feeling of watching clouds pass overhead—that magical moment when everything feels calm and serene. Discover all of my small bedroom decorating tips and design details for this space below.
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The Paint Color: Clare Cloud Watching
The beautiful color I chose for this bedroom is Clare's Cloud Watching blue paint. This medium blue leans more purple than green, which really emphasized the dusky twilight palette I wanted to create. This cozier, slightly moodier blue adds a subdued sensibility to the room that I love paired with the classic ticking stripes and quilted textures on the bed.
Small Space Tip #1: Embrace Symmetry
(Languedoc Ikat wallpaper, Sorenson mirror, SUNSERIES artwork, mohair blanket)
My first small space decorating tip—especially for bedrooms—is to implement symmetry as much as possible. Symmetry is one of those innate design principles that immediately brings a sense of order, allowing your eyes to make sense of the space quickly and easily. This is perfect for small rooms where you want to emphasize visual coherence, so I used symmetrical arrangements on all sides of this room.
The Wallpaper Panel Hack
My new SUNSERIES framed studies made their debut in this space, hanging within framed wallpaper panels. I love this wallpaper hack because it adds architectural detailing and visual interest to a plain wall without overwhelming the room with pattern. It's a great way to introduce texture and depth in small spaces.
Small Space Tip #2: Stick to a Monochrome Palette
(Baywood quilt & shams, white lantern, Languedoc Ikat curtains, Oscar wall sconce, velvet lumbars)
The second small space decorating trick I used was sticking to a monochrome color palette. This is another tool to create visual order and emphasize cohesiveness and calm in a room. Blues and greens are ideal for bedrooms since they're psychologically tied to feelings of calm and peace—and can even help lower your blood pressure in some cases.
I paired light wood bookshelves on either side of the bed to bring vertical storage to the small floorplan without taking up precious floor space. The warm wood tones also provide a nice contrast to the cool blue walls.
Invest in a Great Mattress
I always emphasize bedding and textiles in bedrooms because rest is their primary function—so it's key to invest wisely, starting with a great mattress. This room came together with the Serta Perfect Sleeper, which features layers of quilting, memory foam, and inner springs. I tend to opt for this hybrid construction to stay cooler at night while still getting that supportive, comfortable sleep.
Work With Us
Whether you're designing a small bedroom, maximizing a compact apartment, or looking to create a restful retreat in your home, Atlanta interior designer Kevin Francis O'Gara can help bring your vision to life.
