When life often feels nonstop, having a bedroom that offers true relaxation isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Your bedroom is more than just a place to sleep; it’s where you recharge, reflect, and unwind. Designing a space that feels both functional and personal can transform how you approach your day-to-day life.
“Our clients tend to gravitate toward colors that they feel and look good wearing. That bleeds into how they make choices and their preferences in what they like design-wise for a color palette in a room. This particular client loves bold colors and was happy to lean into plum and jewel tones.” - Bonnie, Dogwood Proper
How Dogwood Proper Designs a Stylish Sanctuary
Sometimes, the most captivating designs truly start from scratch. In situations like this, we often begin with something small—a spark of inspiration. For one of our recent interior design projects in Houston, TX called Comely Lane, that spark came in the form of a boldly patterned fabric.
Imagine a textile so vivid it feels like a painter’s palette come to life. The fabric we chose was colorful and unapologetically full of personality—just like our client. (It also coordinated well with the wallpaper we just used in her home’s entryway.) From there, we began crafting a master bedroom design with a perfect balance of elegance, functionality, and flair.
What unfolded was a journey in creating a room that invites relaxation while still being undeniably “them” and full of unique style. From rethinking the room layout to adding texture, here’s how we turned this blank slate into a haven full of pizzazz and personality.
Step 1: Start with the Layout
While we had our design inspiration in the form of fabric, every room must begin with an understanding of how the space will function—and the previous layout in this room just wasn’t cutting it.
We moved the king bed to the largest wall, optimizing the flow and opening up space for thoughtfully chosen furniture. This small adjustment created a more balanced, harmonious feel for the entire room. A few helpful tips for your next project:
Assess the space holistically before diving into décor
Determine how the space needs to serve your needs
Layout the furnishings to feel intentional and functional - not cluttered
Step 2: Add Texture and Warmth
A master bedroom should feel inviting and layered, and texture plays a huge role in creating that atmosphere. For our Comely Lane project, we added texture through a lavender grasscloth wallpaper to provide a soft, soothing backdrop while subtly introducing warmth and dimension. When paired with rich bedding and soft furnishings, this approach gave the room a sense of comfort and depth.
A few takeaways to help you:
Add texture through wallpaper, rugs, bedding, decorative throws or pillows
Tailor texture based on preferences (i.e., soft and subtle for serenity or bold for drama)
Layer textures intentionally to feel cohesive without being overwhelming
Step 3: Curate with Thoughtful Accents
At Dogwood Proper, we believe the right accents can elevate a room from functional to unforgettable. Whether it’s finishes, hardware, or decorative pieces, a curated approach ensures that every detail contributes to the overall aesthetic.
In this project, we chose mixed metals—brass and black finishes—to create a layered look that felt intentional and collected over time, we also mixed pattern and color to add depth and avoid the “matchy-matchy” vibe.
We like to mix metal finishes and wood tones with glass or ceramic details
We carefully select each piece to enhance the design story
Avoiding accent pieces that feel too coordinated or overly designed
For Comely Lane, mixing metals, bold colors, and patterns added depth and dimension, but other projects might call for unified finishes and accents to create a more streamlined or traditional feel.
Step 4: Refresh and Repurpose Existing Pieces
Sometimes, the most memorable design moments come from breathing new life into something old. For the Comely Lane project, the client had a chair they loved—it had sentimental value but felt a bit out of place in the updated vision for their master bedroom.
Instead of starting fresh and replacing the chair, we saw its potential. By refinishing the frame and reupholstering it in a modern fabric that complemented the room’s palette, we transformed it into a statement piece. Not only did it add personality to the space, but it also anchored the design with a meaningful connection to the client’s story.
Top reasons we love repurposing existing pieces:
Existing furniture may bring history that brand-new pieces can’t replicate
Some pieces hold sentimental value to clients which is priceless to us
With minor updates (like a fresh coat of paint or reupholstery) tired pieces can become the focal point
For this interior design project in Houston, we reimagined the client's existing chair, which became a conversation piece—proof that great design doesn’t mean replacing everything you have with something new.
The Bottom Line
A well-designed bedroom goes beyond aesthetics—it’s a reflection of who you are and how you want to feel at home. For this Houston design project, we created a space that combined bold personality with thoughtful functionality, turning a blank canvas into a true retreat.
We designed a space that was both functional and beautiful. The final design featured custom-made neutral bedding and a headboard in a soft, understated fabric. These elements allowed the vibrant inspiration fabric to shine without overwhelming the room. Every detail, from the textured wallpaper to the curated accents, was chosen to bring our client’s vision to life while ensuring the room remained practical and inviting.
Your bedroom should be more than just a place to sleep; it should be a space that recharges you, reflects your style, and makes your everyday life a little more beautiful. At Dogwood Proper, our interior design studio specializes in creating designs that feel both deeply personal and effortlessly functional.
Whether you’re inspired by a single piece of fabric or ready to refresh your entire home, we’d love to help you reimagine your space. Allow our full-service interior design studio to re-imagine your home in Houston, TX or Nashville, TN surrounding areas. Contact Dogwood Proper to inquire.
Feeling ready to update your bedroom now? Consider these beautiful king sheets - a personal favorite by Jessica and the Dogwood Proper team.
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