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An interior designer shares the top 5 golden rules for bedroom design
Bedrooms equal sleep. It follows that they should be a place of tranquility, somewhere to calm yourself after a day of sensory overload. Except it’s not always so cut and dried, particularly because many of us also use our bedroom as a refuge and place to be alone, a personal space in which to watch Netflix or even a study for an upcoming exam. So, follow your heart and create a bedroom that brings your dreams alive in the daytime as well as at night.
We would just say, pay attention to the mattress and the bed. Make sure they’re comfortable and, because they will undoubtedly be the focus of the room, choose your headboard and bedding with care. You will also need a degree of functionality about the room, so ensure that the wardrobe space is sufficient for your needs, that the curtains or blinds provide as much darkness as you need to sleep and that your lighting is suitably ambient but still good enough to allow you to read a book without eye strain.
1. Bedheads are essential
Whether you’re designing a child’s room or main bedroom, a feature bedhead is non-negotiable. It not only helps anchor the bed, but also makes the room feel complete. Think round, oblong, wall-to-wall, velvet, rattan, linen, custom-made timber – the options are endless. With lots of companies now making custom bedheads in New Zealand there are options to suit every room and taste. In a child’s room you can even use paint to create a bedhead – paint a shape on the wall behind the bed or paint the lower half of the room a different colour from the upper half.
2. Focus on lighting
Lighting is one of the most important accessories in any home and an easy way to create the wow factor – think of it like jewellery for a room. In bedrooms, pendant lights are ideal if the ceilings are high enough. In the main bedroom a pendant should be positioned above the foot of the bed, in the centre, so it’s out of the way of the room’s open space. Bedside lights can be used to create ambience at night. If you’re renovating or building, consider hanging a pendant or positioning a wall light above each bedside table. The light switch should line up vertically with the lights and sit 700mm from the floor so it’s higher than all bedside tables. Power points should also align with the lights, sitting just above the skirting board.
3. Always consider proportion
For a bedroom to work you need to think about proportion. Balance is created when all aspects of a room are in proportion with one another, so if your bed looks too big or your bedside tables look too small, they probably are. When you’re laying out your room, check the size of the bed – draw it on the wall or floor if you can. If your child’s bedroom is big, don’t push the single bed right into the corner. Leaving even a small amount of space (200mm) between the bed and an adjacent wall will allow you to make the bed more easily, as well as helping the room look in proportion, as your eye can drop behind the bed rather than hitting the wall and running up.
Keep reading: www.curtainclean.co.nz...
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New Zealand Red Cross - Mount Maunganui Shop Volunteers Needed
Our Mount Maunganui Red Cross Shop is seeking Retail Volunteers!
*Key Duties*
Our volunteers help with a variety of different tasks in our shops and with our online trading.
This includes processing stock, merchandising, interacting with customers, creating displays, preparing and listing products for online sales and much more.
*Volunteer Requirements*
- 16+ years old
- Good communicator
- Able to commit to regular shifts
- Able to pass Ministry of Justice Check
This is an exciting opportunity to utilize your skills, meet amazing people, learn new things, and help your community all at the same time. If you’re keen to join our team and help your community, click the link below to create a volunteer application.
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Poll: Do you mind when neighbours leave freebies on the street?
Some spare wood, used furniture or children's toys - do you mind when your neighbours leave goods on the street for others to make use of?
Share your thoughts in the comments and poll below.
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85% It's fine!
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12.5% It annoys me!
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2.5% Other - I'll share below
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What can you take with you when you sell your home?🏡
Moving out of your home is such an exciting time, but it can also get a bit overwhelming, especially when you’re figuring out what you can take with you and what needs to stay behind. 🏡 Here’s a friendly guide to help you navigate this process smoothly!
What Can You Take with You?
When it’s time to pack up, it’s important to know what’s coming with you and what stays. Generally, things like your kitchen and laundry appliances, outdoor furniture, and potted plants are free to come along unless you’ve made a different arrangement in the contract. 🌿
Sometimes, you can negotiate with the buyer to leave behind larger or more cumbersome items you no longer need or want. It’s all about finding what works best for both parties!
Tips to Help the New Owners
You’ve spent time getting to know your home, and chances are, you’ve picked up a few tricks along the way. Why not share some of that knowledge? A little note with instructions for any appliances or fixtures you’re leaving behind can be super helpful. For example, leave the alarm system codes, tips on using the air conditioner, or even the names of the maintenance companies you use. 🛠️
And if the new owners are new to the area, why not throw in some local tips? Recommend your favorite coffee spots, restaurants, or nearby activities to help them feel at home faster. ☕️🍽️
What Stays with the House?
Some things are usually part of the sale and will stay with the property. This includes items like curtain rods, curtains, light fittings, fixed floor coverings, ovens, cooktops, range hoods, smoke detectors, ceiling fans, and any built-in fixtures. 🛋️
Sometimes, items like freestanding dishwashers, microwave ovens, or built-in shelves are also agreed upon to stay. Just make sure these details are clear in the contract so there are no surprises on settlement day!
By knowing what’s what before you start packing, you’ll have a smoother move and a happier handover to the new owners. Happy moving! 🚚✨
📲 I'm always available to answer any real estate questions. My advice is given freely and without obligation
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