news-record.com

Dear Jessica,

I'd like to get your ideas for redecorating my bedroom, which tends to be a magnet for clutter and laundry that needs to be sorted. My bedroom is always the messiest room in the house, despite my best efforts to keep it neat and organized. My goal is for this room to be a soothing retreat. Thank you for your help. -- Marianne, Greensboro

Dear Marianne,

Clutter is a common problem and when it migrates into the bedroom, it can be particularly bothersome. The mess is there when you go to sleep, and it greets you in the morning as soon as you open our eyes.

Problems with clutter are compounded when storage options are limited. Before you start making any changes, try to assess your space from a totally objective point of view. It helps to first determine what you really need in your room and what you want in your room. Most of us get so used to seeing our stuff that we can't see past it.

You mentioned that you would like this room to have the feeling of a tranquil retreat, so go for a spa look with clean lines, soft colors, crisp bed linens and window treatments. You can accent the space with simple but interesting accessories and art. To achieve a spa look, less is definitely more, so you'll want to consider removing items to create a calm, relaxed environment.

Clearing the decks is the first chore on your to do list. There appears to be a lot of furniture in your room. Having a dresser and chest lined up furniture gallery-style creates a heavy, cluttered feeling. Try to find a new home for your clothing armoire. If you don't have another room available to move this piece to, you might immediately disregard this advice, but there really are other options for finding hidden storage.

You have a nice-sized closet in this room. If your closet is stuffed, you probably can't possibly see storing items from your armoire in this space. But if you haven't enlisted the help of a professional closet organizer, then I highly recommend it. A professional can deck out your closet with custom shelves, rods and drawers. A redesign will allow you to maximize this space. You will be surprised at how much more you will be able to fit in your closet.

Another possibility for storing items is right under your bed. I see that you have a headboard and a footboard on your bed. With a room this narrow, you are unknowingly dividing your space with your footboard. Give your room a more open, airy feeling by giving your bed a makeover. I recommend removing the footboard; most of these style beds mount onto a standard bed frame that makes removal relatively easy. After removing this piece, put your bed frame on risers, which are available at your local bed and bath retailer. Stores also have rolling storage bins that fit neatly under the bed, a perfect place for seasonal clothing or rarely used items.

I also noticed that you have a club chair near the window. If you use this chair for relaxation, then keep it. If, however, this chair serves as a laundry station or a shelf for miscellaneous storage, then it might be best to move the chair into another room. Once you open up this space, you can add long drapery panels, which will provide the illusion of height, making this room appear larger.

I also see a TV on your dresser. By relocating this TV to a wall-mounted shelf, you will open up the space visually. Hanging shelves mount easily onto walls, tuck nicely into corners and can be painted to match your walls, making them disappear into your décor.

Once you have conquered the clutter, it's time to begin transforming your space into the tranquil haven that you desire. Incorporate soft colors into your design plan with new bedding. Spa colors like blue, brown and white are everywhere in the marketplace, allowing for a quick and easy makeover.

I think this room has a lot of potential. A soft cocoa-colored paint would warm up the space, and the trim could be painted a crisp white. If you're willing to make a more drastic change without a large investment, you could paint the furniture chocolate brown. Spray painting the headboard white would complement the look. Your framed photographs could be arranged asymmetrically on a wall. A light-colored area rug, silver lamps and new hardware would give your room a whole new look. Floating shelves with baskets can be used for any overflow from the armoire.

Having limited space requires a certain amount of restraint when decorating. Try to enjoy the purging process; it can be very liberating. Room makeovers are fun to see, so please send some "after" photos.

Jessica Dauray is owner of Elements of Style Interiors, a full-service interior design firm with offices in Greensboro and Wilmington. Visit her Web site at www.elementsofstyleinteriors.com. Have questions for Jessica? E-mail her at jessicaofeos@bellsouth.net.