Wizards Mountain, Byron Bay

Show off. The Queen Peacock headboard in this Byron Bay bedroom is all the more attention-getting set against its black backdrop.More: The Burning Bedhead Question: To Blend In or Stand Out?

BLACKInterior designer: Kit Scholley of Alida and Miller in Bangalow, NSWThis paint is actually a very, very dark shade of grey, but it’s so close to black we’ve decided to include it in this category. “My partner was shocked when I told him I was going to paint the bedroom almost black,” says Scholley. “He was worried that the room would feel too dark and heavy. He was happily surprised with the end result, and couldn’t quite believe how light and airy the room felt.“I chose such a dark colour for our bedroom because I had purchased a fresh white ‘70s-style ornate cane bedhead, and I felt this piece of furniture was quite feminine, so I wanted the wall colour to have a masculine feel to create a perfect balance for myself and my partner.With the combination of white cane furniture, polished concrete floors, grey/pink and maroon Afghani rug, a fun magenta velvet bed end ottoman, and a white raw linen doona cover, the bedroom has a great balance and flow to it.” Wall paint: Taubmans ‘Trendy’

9. Create visual impactThis room is tiny – just look at the size of those bedside tables – and yet it seems generous in its proportions. The trick lies in the ornate peacock bedhead in brilliant white. Placing it against black walls creates movement and space. The eye has so much to look at that it doesn’t even register the dimensions of the room.More: Interior Designers Share the Best Colours to Paint Your Bedroom Walls

There’s no set rule on where they need to be hung. You’ll see in contemporary design that it’s quite common to have a pair set above each bedside table or an oversized pendant directly over the bed. You can opt for a light fitting that picks up on other elements in your room such as fabric, copper or timber.

2. Use soft, warm lighting Lighting is often an after thought when planning the decor for a room, but used in the right way it can make or break a space. Soft, warm lights will make a room feel more intimate and cosy. This cosy bedroom makes great use of space by hanging the lighting from the ceiling. This creates more surface space on the bedside tables for books, flowers or other accessories.

6. Resolve to upgrade your bedroomOne common personal resolution is to get more sleep. If that sounds familiar, the best way to start is by turning your bedroom into a haven. Buy fresh new sheets, add soft lighting and make sure you have your bed in a position that best blocks noise and light.See how you can make your dream bedroom come to life.

A dark wall treatment can be edgy, but it’s easy to live with in a bedroom, where you spend most of your time in the dark anyway. Here a white bed frame helps give the room some sense of visual definition and balances the mood with a sense of softness.More: Dark Walls? Bring Out Their Best With These Perfect Pairings

Scour the clearance section of online and brick and mortar storesMy daughter recently became the proud owner of a stunning peacock bedhead similar to the one above. I had my eye on one for years but the pricetag had always been an issue. During the post-Christmas sales, they were marked down by more than 50 per cent, so I decided to bite the bullet and invest in a key furniture piece for my daughter’s room. The only problem I encountered was the choice of colours. The colour I was really after was not in the clearance. I opted for a different choice in a lighter colour that I knew could be painted over. The end result was a gorgeous peacock bedhead purchased on clearance (at more than 50 per cent off!), which I then spray painted to suit the space it was in. A much better option than forking out more cash! More: Bedheads on a Budget

Break the rulesIf matchy-matchy style is just a little too stifling for your eclectic tastebuds, then do your own thing and dress your bed with your own unique look.Clash colour and print with abandon and let vibrant shades nestle up with geometric prints and fancy patterns. The jet-black backdrop is a genius touch that anchors the heady concoction of colour and print with ease.TELL USHow do you like dressing your bed? Please share your images and ideas in the Comments.MOREMake Your Bed and Lie in It: Baffling Bed Terms DemystifiedOutside the Square: Beds That Are as Individual as You AreSpend More Time in Bed … With the Right Bedside Table

The case for seven to tenThis is the realm of our the true throw-pillow aficionados on Houzz, those who love to make their bed a comfy paradise. User Mary Langley says that she keeps nine on her bed. “I use four and when it’s time to sleep, I pop the rest of the decorative cushions on a chair … it’s nice to come home to a well-made bed.”TELL USWhat’s the right number of throw pillows on the bed? Let us know your thoughts in the Comments section.MOREMake Your Bed and Lie in It: Baffling Bed Terms DemystifiedForever Furniture: A Buyer’s Guide to ‘The Bed’Breakfast in Bed … and Other Important Activities

black wall white bed pop of colour

Highlight something eye-catching in a small room

White against black, other colors

Love the bed frame and the eclectic layers that work well.

I love this bed head. Beautiful

Bedroom: 7. Go Bold Highlighting something eye-catching in a small room will not only radiate personality and style, but also take the focus off the size of the room. So make a bold choice in your bedroom. You could select a distinct paint color for your bed wall or opt for a distinctive wallpaper like grasscloth. Other details to spotlight can be a special furniture item, a large piece of art or a standout light fixture. Design tip: For a cost-effective bold statement, use your throw pillows as the centerpiece of the room. A curated collection of patterns and textures that are distinct from the rest of the room can really steal the show. For example, in an all-white room, a collection of brightly colored pillows grabs the eye. Similarly, in a room with a dark wall and bedding, try an assortment of either colorful patterned pillows or metallic hues for a dramatic palette.

Dark wall (black or dark brown) and light headboard

Go bold with color light fixtures and art

Peacock headboard! Amazing contrast with black walls and eclectic decor

Design tip: For a cost-effective bold statement, use your throw pillows as the centerpiece of the room. A curated collection of patterns and textures that are distinct from the rest of the room can really steal the show. For example, in an all-white room, a collection of brightly colored pillows grabs the eye. Similarly, in a room with a dark wall and bedding, try an assortment of either colorful patterned pillows or metallic hues for a dramatic palette.