The Design Files: Three Bedroom Looks We Love

The Look: Sweet Suite

When it came time to design this 130-square-foot bedroom, Phyllis Lui and Aleem Kassam of Kalu Interiors turned to luxury hotels for inspiration.

Take time to reflect

Mirrored Willow nightstands from Mobilia do double duty: “They offer an illusion of space and light in otherwise dark corners and edges of the room, while providing ample storage,” says Lui.

Get the skinny

Lui selected these table lamps for their sleek and narrow profile. The barely there base frees up space, allowing more room for plants and decor (along with bedtime reads).

Layer up

The best way to zhuzh up a streamlined colour palette? Adding layers of texture and pattern, achieved here with the geometric wallpaper, tiger-print throw pillow and ribbed upholstered headboard.

Keep a low profile

The one thing this small condo had going for it? “Tall ceilings!” says Lui. To exaggerate this height—and make the bedroom appear larger—the designer opted for a low, unobtrusive headboard.

The Look: Quiet Quarters

A neutral colour palette and luxe linens helped Stephanie Vogler of The Cross Decor and Design transform her master bedroom into a peaceful retreat.

Raise the roof

Vogler was hesitant about the four-poster bed, but now it’s her favourite thing in the home. Made with whitewashed distressed oak, it lends warmth to the space while drawing the eye up: “It’s unexpected and dramatic without being a show-off.”

Take a (night)stand

With a limited amount of closet space, two dressers—including one Hessa dresser, complete with iridescent shell inlay—act as bedside tables. “Beauty is always my first inspiration, but necessity is a great driving force,” says the designer.

Make it cozy

To make the room as comfortable as possible, Vogler layered super-soft pillows and throws on the bed—and added an ultra-plush Scandinavian-inspired shag rug underfoot.

The Look: Boho Beauty

Wall-to-wall windows and odd angles required designer Kathleen Lin to get creative in this False Creek condo.

Hang in there

Lin replaced the flush-mounted frosted-glass ceiling fixture (a builder’s special) with two hanging pendants. Suspended from a canopy of black rope, the bedside lighting gives the room a relaxed feel.

Tie up loose ends

Adding a touch of macramé was critical for the boho aesthetic, but it also lends texture and light to what would have been a dark tunnel of a hallway.

Embrace the grey area

The charcoal feature wall adds some much-needed contrast to the room, and makes the linen bedding and natural wood bed frame pop.

Save a seat

Not only does this custom-made bed offer a spot to sit windowside, the bench also opens up for storage—and there are four drawers at the foot. “We didn’t want a standard headboard,” says Lin of its many functions.

Originally published June 2020.