Truly feeling at home and comfortable in your living space begins in the master bedroom. Whether it’s a small room that just fits your bed and night table or a grand master suite with walk-in closet, spa-level bathroom, and even a workspace, the right decor and smart design will make it a comfortable place to spend time.

From luxe gold accents to pops of color and neon wall decor, these 10 inspirational bedroom ideas will help you turn a room with a bed into a unique, comfortable master bedroom.

1. Express Your Eclectic Personality

Fill your master bedroom with decor elements that make you happy so that the room expresses your personality.

In this eclectic Austin apartment, hip moon-print wallpaper combines with a rustic bison skull wall mount and gold accents in the bedside tables and lamps. Floor-to-ceiling curtains bring a softness to the space, while crisp white bedding keeps the bed itself feeling clean and classic.

Matching bedside lamps add a secondary source of accent lighting, perfect for reading a book before bed. Magenta velour throw pillows add a sophisticated, luxe feel to balance out the rustic elements.

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2. Balance a Bold Print With Neutral Accents

This bold, geometric wallpaper gives the room a pop. To keep it from feeling overwhelming — the bedroom should be a soothing, comfortable spot — pair an energetic focal point with organic, neutral elements.

In this Boston master bedroom, a large, beige fabric headboard softens the blue patterned wallpaper, while a side chair made of brown, blue, and white rattan pulls the natural and accent elements together. In addition to a neutral palette, sticking to solid colors rather than prints on the bed linens keeps the focus on the accent wall.

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3. Incorporate Soothing Colors

For a space where you spend most of your time sleeping and relaxing, it’s important to incorporate colors that calm and soothe. Experts say tones of blue and grey aid in relaxation, like the calming color combination in this Boston master bedroom.

Shades of grey dominate, from the wall color to the cozy area rug and window treatments. A blue-grey throw blanket across the base of the bed and a mid-century modern style side chair in a cool blue tone keep the space from feeling monochromatic, while throw pillows and an area rug add a warm vibe to the hardwood floors.

4. Go White, Clean, and Calm

The simple palette of this Boston apartment emphasizes the building’s historical accents, from a master bedroom fireplace and mantle to hardwood floors and original molding. Bright whites and beige tones keep this room bright and calming, while a wood and leather chair and black bricks in the fireplace give a rustic edge to this serene retreat.

The faux fur throw pillows and woven rug add texture and softness to the otherwise simple space. Simple black accents — from the slim, modern framed art over the fireplace to the abstract canvas above the bed, contrast from the bright white, traditional bedroom space.

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5. Add a Leaning Floor Mirror

For a simple way to maximize space and reflect light, especially in a small master bedroom, incorporate a leaning floor mirror in the master bedroom. Available in a variety of styles — from rustic wood to sleek metal frames — this easy-to-add decorating idea is as beautiful as it is functional.

In this Nashville bedroom, corner windows offer natural light, while the leaning floor mirror makes the room feel bigger and reflects the large-scale canvas art prints hung on the walls.

6. Stick With an Accent Color

Worried about how to pull together all of the decor pieces in a luxurious master bedroom? To create a cohesive look, pick a color, then find accent pieces in different shades to incorporate into the space.

In this cheery yet relaxing Nashville bedroom, crisp white walls and sheets create a clean palette for pops of blue — in the wall art, bedside table, area rug, and throw pillows. White walls with pops of color make it easy to switch up decor going forward, too — simply pick new colors and swap out the accent pieces for a simple master bedroom decor update.

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7. Play With Texture

Master bedroom feeling a little flat? Give it a dose of texture by incorporating a variety of materials, from a rustic wood bed frame and woven textile wall art to a faux fur throw rug and fluffy accent pillows.

This warm, modern master bedroom in New Orleans feels composed and welcoming thanks to a mix of different materials and textures. The color-blocked, wine-red wall gives a punch of color without overwhelming, while the blue velour headboard adds a richness. The gold bedside lamps feel luxe, while the woven pillowcases next to fluffy faux fur throw pillows are unexpected and fun. The combination leaves the room feeling personal and comfortable.

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8. Highlight Rustic Spaces With Natural Materials

If you’re lucky enough to have exposed brick, rustic hardwood floors, or industrial beams in the master bedroom, play up those unique features.

Take inspiration from this rustic New Orleans loft, where industrial elements like whitewashed brick walls and metal sliding doors create an industrial backdrop that’s balanced by organic, earth-toned linen pillowcases and a beige area rug. A charcoal grey fabric platform bed anchors the room, while a tufted blue bench along the end of the bed adds a pop of deep color.

Gold toned accents on a trio of circular mirrors hung above the bed and the bedside table lamp add a refined edge, while indigo-dyed fabric in natural wood frames continue the natural material theme.

9. Add Luxe Elements

To create a luxurious master bedroom, incorporate rich jewel tones and metallic accents. This Austin townhouse combines elements of mid-century modern decor with glamorous gold and jewel-toned accents. The wooden bed frame, wallpaper, and gold bedside lamps evoke a mid-century feel.

Floor-to-ceiling drapes, accent pillows and walls painted at chair-rail height in blue and green tones keep the space feeling modern and fresh. An extra-large, blue woven area rug grounds the room, which opens up to a private patio with french doors.

10. Make it Fun and Funky

A neon sign above the bed? If it’s your style, embrace it. The master bedroom in this Austin home is all whimsy with cactus-print wallpaper, neon wall art, and a modern, gold pendant light with exposed bulbs. While this room may defy the “expert” notion of a calming, relaxing bedroom, the master suite should be a place that reflects your personality, so surround yourself with objects that you love.

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This article originally appeared at Domio.

Maybe you can’t knock down the wall between your kitchen and dining room or pull up the wall-to-wall carpet, but there are many less permanent ways to make a rental apartment feel like home.

With a few easy decorating tips, you can keep your landlord happy, get your security deposit back, and have a home that expresses your personal style — until you’re ready to move out, that is.

Before you pull out the paint roller or start online shopping for light fixtures, be sure to get your landlord’s permission for any updates you plan to make. Chances are if the change increases the value of the property or you agree to put things back to their original state before moving out, your landlord will give you the green light.

10 Expert Hacks for Decorating a Rental Apartment

** Links provided may be affiliate links to products I suggest or recommend. You can read more about these links HERE.**

1. Go Big With Wall Art

You may not be able to paint the walls (it never hurts to ask!), but don’t be afraid to hang art on the walls — the bigger the better.

Select a large-format canvas, like in this space, a world map, or trio of posters to create an eye-catching focal point. For an even bigger impact, try hanging a large tapestry, rug, or patterned fabric to create interest and cover boring white walls.

Don’t have any large pieces of art? Get the same effect by combining many smaller items into a gallery wall. While spackling over nail holes is one of the easiest fixes before moving out, if you’re worried about nailing into walls, use Command hooks or other easily removable hanging devices that won’t damage paint.

2. Upgrade Bath or Kitchen Fixtures

With your landlord’s permission, swap out the lackluster bath or kitchen faucet for a better-looking version. If you plan on making your rental apartment home for a few years and enjoy cooking, updating the faucet is a medium-difficulty task that packs a big punch.

While quality faucets don’t come cheap, it’s something you can remove and take with you to your next home. And if you’re relatively handy, the update should take less than an hour. Be sure to store the old faucet in a safe place to be reinstalled when you move out.

These updated options are all under $200!

3. Hang Curtains Over Blinds

The right window treatments add instant coziness to your rental home. Stuck with cheap plastic blinds? Don’t worry — you can hang curtains right over them.

Mount your curtain rod as close to the ceiling as possible above the window, then let the curtain fabric brush the floor to maximize the appearance of tall ceilings, like in this property. To jazz up a plain room, choose a patterned or bold curtain fabric.

4. Make It Cozy With Rugs

Area rugs transform a rental space from cold and sterile to personalized and cozy. While rugs are a no-brainer in a wood-floored living room, they can be added to any room in the house, from the kitchen and hallways to bedrooms and dining rooms.

These flat-lay synthetic rugs are comfy, stylish, and a great deal!

If your walls and floors are neutral, picking a large rug in a bold pattern or bright colors is an easy opportunity to make a big impact in the room. Even if you have wall-to-wall carpet, adding an area rug on top helps to define the space — just make sure you anchor the area rug with furniture or a non-slip pad underneath to prevent wrinkling as the rug shifts.

5. Paint a Small Accent Wall

If you want to paint and your landlord gives you the OK, go with a bold color on a small area. Not only will a splash of color make a huge difference, it will be less work to paint over when you move out. Try a vibrant orange in a hallway or nook, or paint the lower portion of the wall, where chair rail molding would usually appear, like in this warehouse.

6. Hang Temporary Wallpaper

Long avoided for being a pain to take down, removable wallpaper has opened up new home decor options for renters and homeowners alike. To save money and time, pick an accent wall to cover in a bold print, like this luxe vacation space. Behind the bed, or the dining room are great places to consider wallpaper. If you want to wallpaper an entire room, pick a smaller space like a bathroom or office.

7. Hide What You Don’t Like

Sometimes, the worst part about renting is living with quirks you don’t like and can’t change. But that doesn’t mean you have to stare at them every day. Disguise the ugly backsplash in your rental kitchen with removable tile stickers, toss a rug over a stained carpet, or hang a large piece of art over an awkward opening in the wall.

8. Incorporate Hobbies as Art

Worried about where you’ll store your bike or surfboard in a small rental apartment? Instead of hiding them away in a small space, think of them as part of the decor.

A colorful bike or guitar hung on the wall or a surfboard leaning in the corner adds personality and immediately signifies to guests that you love adventure. If you love to travel, frame photos from your travels and make them into a conversation-starting gallery wall. Personal touches make a rental feel like home.

9. Upgrade Lighting

Staring up at an ugly ‘90s-era ceiling light that’s not meshing with your decor style? Replace it with a new light fixture to instantly upgrade and personalize your space. A modern chandelier becomes the focus of the dining room in this vacation rental.

If you don’t want to remove the offending light, get creative and disguise it with a DIY lampshade that fits over the original fixture. More lighting options will make your rental apartment more comfortable. Even if your rooms have existing overhead lighting, adding table and floor lamps will amp up the ambiance.

10. Don’t Forget About the Front Door

Especially if you rent an apartment in a large building with identical doors, don’t neglect your entryway decor. Putting out a doormat or hanging a wreath differentiates your home from your neighbors, and makes a great first impression on guests before they even step foot in your apartment.

Thanks go to Domio for contributing to this blog!

 

 

When you walk through your front door, do you fall in love with your home again every time? 

Or, like many of us, do you just rush in, trip over the pile of shoes by the door, throw your keys on the cluttered kitchen counter, and sigh because your house is just another frustration in your already busy and hectic life? 

i understand, and i want to help you love your home!

Before I had the experience of managing a home renovation and planning a major home improvement project- I felt the same way. I didn’t know what was wrong with my house, and it seemed like I would never figure it out. Over the last few years, I’ve focused intently on what it means to optimize my home for myself and my family- and I want to help you figure it out, too!

Because I have a background in education and teaching, I wrote you a course! 😉 Each module includes an activity to help you understand your home in a new way, and by the end of the course- you should have a clear definition of what HOME means to you, a list of the minimum requirements you have in any house, and a direction to go with your design plan that will make you obsess over living in your home.

We’re all in this together!

This course is also supported by a free Facebook Group where we are chatting about all-things-home-improvement, and sharing before and after stories of our latest projects! Come on in and join the discussion. I can’t wait to see what you’re working on!