We’ve blogged about bedding basics before (“Bedding 101“), but what are the design elements required to fashion a truly restful retreat? Today, we explore a few key components to keep in mind to make any bedroom in your home a sanctuary of serenity.

In the above bedroom, designed by Beth Davis Interiors, we started by painting the walls white, a soft, relaxing backdrop that served as the springboard for draperies and bed skirts in a soothing sky blue, patterned pillows and valences, and woven shades that allow just the right amount of light.

Speaking of natural lighting, incorporating several different sources of lighting into the bedroom is key. Here, we hung a lantern with a dimmer to allow the homeowners to control the mood, and added a pair of smaller table lamps to add to the room’s well-established sense of symmetry.

In this room, we actually added architectural charm by creating a formal arrangement of pleated valances, drapery columns and low, monogrammed headboards, and each of those design elements combine to fashion a double-bed throne fit for his-and-her highness!