The term modern when used to describe a bedroom might elicit images of a severe white box with a few pieces of angular furniture within. Sure, that’s a look some people like, but it’s the exception, not the rule. A modern bedroom can be so much more than that aesthetically. You should think of it more as having a sleek look replete with present-day comforts to whit: conducive to getting that beauty rest. “The key,” says designer Jayne Michaels of 2Michaels, “is investing in quality bedding. What’s better than getting into bed at night with crisp cotton sheets and a soft bedspread that can be kicked off easily.”
That seems simple enough. But what makes the bedroom look modern? Creating a polished vibe that’s also cozy means incorporating rich materials, dramatic textiles and art, and the occasional pop of color. “Also, find a sculptural element, a chair or chaise that will add mystery and romance,” Michaels says. From beach-house chic to industrial glamour, here are modern bedroom ideas that will help you transform your space into a clean and cozy calming environment.
1. Frey All Day
Every house should include some Pierre Frey fabrics. They’re chic, they’re classic, and they’re extremely well made. Patrick Frey, of Pierre Frey, just went all out in his use of the family product in his house in the south of France. The bedcover, canopy, and pillows are all in Pierre Frey fabrics. The rattan trunk is vintage, and the rug is by you guessed it Pierre Frey.
2. Infinite Headboard
Where does a headboard stop and a room begin? That’s not easy to answer. Ashe Leandro provides a new twist in an Upper East Side apartment with one that wraps around the periphery of the room. The custom nightstand is by Rob Pluhowski, the sconce is from Lites on West, the bed linens are by Matteo, and the throw is from Area Home.
3. Timber Trifecta
Rattan and pine and mahogany! Oh my! Who says brown is dead? Jacques Grange proves that tired conceit wrong with this calmly sophisticated bedroom in a Comporta, Portugal, house. A pendant from Loja de Cá hangs from a soaring pine ceiling. The rattan screen and floor lamp are both from Paris flea markets; the vintage Mozambique mahogany cabinet is from Santa Maria Velharias. The artwork is by Ophélie Asch.
4. Lower The Pendant
In Milan, anything goes. Case in point: Designer Paolo Castellarin installed a Flos pendant to hover next to the pillows. Some might have an issue with this, but stylishly irreverent is something we should all aspire to be. The Vico Magistretti bed from Flou is topped with Loro Piana throws and Fornasetti pillows. The wall paint is RAL Pale Brown, and the window paint is RAL Green Beige.
5. Repurposed Door Headboard
A headboard doesn’t need to be upholstered, tufted or a headboard at all, for that matter. In a Brooklyn brownstone designed by Ishka Designs, carved wooden doors from Morocco make a perfect decorative headboard. The pouf is from CB2, the pendant light by Workstead. The carpet is from Nourison, and the curtains are from the Shade Store.
6. Modernized Antiques
With accents like a 1960s wall sculpture and antique French tole clocks, this bedroom manages to exude modern elegance. Thanks to a palette of rich grays, a layering of textures, and clean-lined silhouettes, the space has an overarching sense of modernity.
7. Industrial Cool
In the Brooklyn apartment of blogger Natalie Lim Suarez, custom sliding-glass doors lead into the bedroom, which maintains a pared-down appeal with minimal furniture and a monochromatic palette.
8. Beach Escape
For this Miami Beach getaway, designer Lee F. Mindel fused modern and Pop Art sensibilities. The headboard, in a Chapas Textiles fabric, and bench are custom, the nightstands are by Atelier Prelati, and the vintage Max Ingrand pendant is by FontanaArte.
9. Warm Tones
A blue-and-orange color scheme adds richness to this New York City bedroom by designer Danielle Colding. An upholstered bed is topped with blue velvet throw pillows, and a pendant hanging above a cobalt side table makes for an unexpected bedside lamp.
