While many choose to decorate their home in a somewhat neutral fashion, the bedroom is your opportunity to stamp a little of your personality on proceedings. With this in mind, we take a look at some beautiful and functional bedroom ideas for 2013.

Planning is everything

The most beautiful, elegant and functional bedrooms are rarely created by accident. What sets them apart from the average bedroom is attention to detail in the planning stage. After all, it’s impossible to create the perfect space if you’re not entirely sure how you’re going to be using the bedroom.

It’s important that you plan according to function. For instance, you should decide the size of your bed based on how much space you can afford for it. Do you want a designated workspace in the room? Are you going to have an entertainment station, with your television set up? These are questions you’ll have to answer during the early stages.

Bespoke storage solutions

Unless you’re extremely lucky, space in the bedroom often comes at a premium; it is, therefore, important to make the most of what you’ve got. In this regard, it pays to get a little innovative when it comes to installing storage solutions.

Floor to ceiling fitted wardrobes are an absolute must, as they help to truly maximise your space. While standard wardrobes tend to simply include rails upon which to hang your clothes, consider going for something a little more intelligent. Indeed, Betta Living are able to create bespoke storage solutions with sliding wardrobes that contain drawers, shoe racks and other storage compartments, all of which are designed with your exact requirements in mind. Visit their site to see some of the innovative, space saving storage solutions that are available.

Dig a little deeper

Traditionally, most people tend to lay carpet in their bedroom, simply out of habit. If you’re moving into a new house or redecorating however, removing the carpet to reveal the floorboards underneath represents a unique opportunity to completely change the look and feel of the room. With a little treatment and some buffering, you can turn your flooring into a beautiful design feature that really helps your bedroom stand out from the crowd.

Making a statement

As we’ve previously intimated, your bedroom marks a rare opportunity to stamp your personality on proceedings. Don’t waste it. Consider seizing the opportunity to make a real statement.

You may like to sprinkle your bedroom with little keepsakes, pieces of art or quirky wallpaper. To truly make your mark, however, consider a statement wall. Be bold and choose a colour or wallpaper design that deliberately contrasts with the rest of the room. While the decor in the rest of the room may not cost much, take this opportunity to really splash out on some stunning paintwork, a mural or textured wallpaper – the results will be truly stunning and give your room a real lift.

A haven of tranquillity

No matter how beautifully decorated and functional your bedroom, the most important aspect of any bedroom is that it’s inviting.

Creating this aura of inviting comfort is somewhat intangible and can mean different things to different people. Generally, however, little additions such as high thread count, soft bedding, display cushions and an armchair in the relaxation area tend to help to generate an overtly relaxing vibe.

Adding the finishing touches

With wooden floors restored, soothing colours and statement walls in place, the finishing touches really can help to give your bedroom that little extra je ne sais quoi.

If you use your room for relaxation as well as sleeping, a television that is integrated into a storage unit at the end of your bed is great for film aficionados, while a chaise longue can be an inviting place to relax and read a book or listen to music. It’s these little quirks, along with a few family pictures, pieces of artwork or sculptures, that will help make your beautiful and functional bedroom unique to you.

Ideally, your bedroom should inspire admiration (and a little jealousy) from visitors when they walk in. By not making an effort, you’d be wasting an opportunity to show others how creative you can be with a space that you have.