Since it’s one of the places people spend the most time, one of the most satisfying home makeovers is the main bedroom. Here are three ideas for creating a dynamic new main bedroom space:

The Passion Boudoir

The French have always led the world in designing sexy bedrooms, and now homemakers all over the world have followed their lead and begun decorating their bedrooms for sex and sensuality.

Use emotionally appealing colors that will enhance your beauty and sensuousness. Be daring; use bold colors. Examples of seductive colors are rouge or lipstick reds, creamy peaches, and subtle pink tones.

Prints such as animals or florals can suggest exotic locales, and mirrors placed in unusual places can reflect seductive candlelight. Tropic plants add mystery, and dressing tables filled with feminine accessories and intimate objects create a romantic mood.

The Reading Room

For many people, the bedroom is a place to lounge and read a good book. If you're one of those people, you'll want to create a space that will enhance your reading pleasure. For instance, adding padded headboards will make it easy to maintain proper posture while reading.

When painting your reading room, choose soft colors that reflect light without glare and also support peaceful feelings. Good colors choices would be old world ivory, antique amber, sage green, or slate blue.

Soft, pliable pillows, luxurious Afghans or throws, paintings featuring wide-ranging vistas, and mirrors will promote private reflection and add feelings of indulgence. A comfortable lounge chair with a floor lamp and tea table also work great in a reading room.

Be sure to provide enough light for reading, which can be done without having to flood the room with harsh reading lights. You can enhance the overall light by placing softer lighting throughout the room.

The Private Sanctuary

This type of bedroom, designed to create a place where you retreat from the world and unwind, provides total privacy. Display photos of friends, family, and places you love. Also display meaningful mementos and souvenirs to remind you of happy times, but don't go overboard and clutter your calming serenity. Exchanging these personal keepsakes often with ones in storage helps counter the clutter and gives added significance when next viewed.

Colors that work well in private sanctuaries include navy or cobalt blues, deep chocolates, and forest greens. Darker colors create a womb or cave like feeling and aid deep sleep.

A writing desk, small refrigerator, and television all contribute to the feeling of being able to shut out the world and luxuriate in your own private space, without interruption.

You spend a great deal of time in your bedroom, so no matter what type of feeling you're trying to create, remodeling your main bedroom to reflect your lifestyle is one of the best projects to undertake.

Copyright c. 2004 by Jeanette J. Fisher. All rights reserved.