Architect Barbara Chambers' California home is a masterclass in airy minimalism, which she achieves by sticking to the idea that a space should be simple, straightforward, and no frills. Read on for her tips on creating an elegantly ordered space.
1. Choose a low-slung bed.
A low-profile bed quite literally leaves more room to breath above it, making the room look and feel bigger than it is.
Photo by Matthew Williams
2. Paint the walls, floor, and ceiling all the same color (preferably white).
Painting all the walls the same color makes them pull away from each other, creating a more open feel.
Photo by Justine Hand
3. Choose a lithe bed frame.
A delicate bed frame helps to create a sense of air flow around the bed.
Photo by Matthew Williams
4. Streamline your bedding.
Simple bedding with clean lines and breezy fabrics will keep your bedroom feeling fresh and open.
Photo by Kate Sears
To free up your bedside tables, take advantage of wall space with sconces.
5. Light your bedroom with sconces (or hanging pendants).
Photo by Matthew Williams
Floating shelves help to draw the eye upwards, and free up floor space.
6. Install floating bedside tables and shelves.
Photo courtesy of Pelle Designs
Minimal bedding is key to maintaining the illusion of space, and that means reducing the number of pillows on your bed to only those you actually sleep on.
7. Toss the extra pillows.
Photo by Louise Hyatt and Duncan Innes
Minimize furniture in the bedroom with two-in-one pieces such as a bed with incorporated drawers.
8. Opt for a bed with built-in drawers.
Photo by Matthew Williams
It might seem counterintuitive, but the goal is to reduce the number of pieces of furniture in the room.
8. Consolidate clothing in a large armoire.
Photo by Laure Joliet
See: increasing airiness.
8. Replace your headboard with a wall-mounted shelf.
Photo by Jonathan Hokklo
8. Use shades or shutters, or dare to go bare.
Photo by Matthew Williams
Anything that draws the eye up increases the sense of space in a room.
8. Create an accent ceiling with paint.
Photo by David Fahlen
Photo courtesy of Si, ren Rose Studio