Betterliving January/February 2019

expert advice | INSPIRATION
Ask the
DESIGNER
Stephany Hanna, interior architect and designer at
Step Into Detail tells us how to have a hygge bedroom
Styling by: Hiral Kapadia Photography by: Muthu Kumar
Get rid of anything that doesn’t
make you feel happy – it’s the law
according to hygge. You don’t need to
splash out on expensive furniture. Simply
choose pieces that you love, from a cosy
knitted throw to a vase of fresh flowers.
Hang fairy lights over the headboard for
a sense of softness in the space.
It may be trendy, but plain
white walls won’t give you the
cosy, contented feel you crave in a
master bedroom. Choose a calming
shade of blue or green for the walls and
paint them for an instant style upgrade.
I’m a fan of darker hues, which bring
about a bolder change.
Avoid pattered bed linen, which
can make the room look messy. Stick
to plain colours and natural, textured
materials such as linen. Having too
many cushions isn’t practical: stick to
two large pillows at the back followed by
two smaller ones and up to three scatter
cushions. It’s enough for a boutique hotel
style feel but won’t take you ages to move
back and forth each day. Use a wicker
basket to store any excess cushions in
while you sleep.
Adding art is an opportunity to
show your personality – and you
can easily do so on a budget. Choose
photography you love rather than
something you see commonly in other
people’s homes – I often download free
photography from Unsplash to print
and frame. Simply select a theme (my
favourite is architecture) and create a
story. Don’t be afraid to try new things
– the ‘Wake Up’ print in my room that
extends beyond the frame was very easy
to do and adds character to the room.
Having an old-fashioned tiled
floor is a common bugbear in the
UAE. If you’re stuck with unsightly
tiles, a large rug can work wonders.
And if you own the place or don’t mind
spending a bit more money, Floorworld’s
luxury vinyl planks, which click into
place on top of your existing tiles, can
make a huge difference to the look and
feel of the space.
When it comes to the finishing
touches, a good mantra to keep
in mind is “excuse the mess but I
live here”. A great taste bedroom isn’t
overly styled or streamlined but is a
relaxing space that works for you. Make
it practical and stylish by having your
slippers laid out ready and task lighting
that’s within easy reach of the bed. I’m
not a fan of symmetrical side tables but
you should have at least one while, lastly,
a footstool or pouffe is handy for laying
clothes on.
Email info@stepintodetail.com or
follow @stepintodetail
Stephany Hanna at home in The Springs
Those perfectly styled bedrooms we see TIP
on Pinterest aren’t necessarily what will
make you feel nurtured and cosy in your
own home. Find a style that speaks to you and
create a retreat in which you can fully unwind.
bhomes.com | 33