Design Eye Training : 114
How was your weekend? Ours was quite productive! Today, I’ve got another fun Design Eye Training post lined up for you. We’ll be analyzing & admiring a neutral bedroom with a posted barley twist bed that is what furniture dreams are made of! Designed by the talented, Jason Arnold, this bedroom retreat is packed with character, custom furnishings, antique furniture, and is layered with modern touches. Click through to kick off the week and chat design with me…
To quickly recap… in our Design Eye series, we observe and admire design fundamentals like scale, texture, pattern, material use, lighting plans, color, floor plan & layout, and a variety of intentional styling & interior moments pulled together by the pros. It’s an exercise I used to practice often in design school, and one I still enjoy today. By discussing and breaking down well designed spaces in greater detail, you’ll begin to train your “design eye”, build upon the design fundamentals, and can apply some of these things to your own home, if they appeal to you. I also feel like this series can really help you hone in your personal aesthetic, determining what you like and dislike… and most importantly, why. Ready to give it a try?
Aside from the bedside styling, this room has a very calming and minimalistic feel. Thanks to the neutral color palette, floor plan, tapered tray ceiling, and natural textures, this space really draws you into a cozy bedroom retreat. I was most taken aback with the antique furniture selections. The upholstered barley twist bed is like a stunning piece of sculptural artwork that centers the entire room. Flanked by the bedside tables and anchored by a chest of drawers across the room, this space also contains plenty of seating: a bench seat sofa in the window nook, as well as a lounge chair.
One of my favorite things about Jason’s work is his ability to meld modern and traditional design elements. I noted several modern or updated pieces throughout the room that help bring balance & juxtaposition to all the antiques and traditional pieces…. modern artwork (above the bed and dresser), wall sconces, the tufted chair, a greenery arrangement in the cylindrical vase, a modern task lamp, the chandelier, soft ripple fold drapery panels, and the brass side table. All of these pieces are very intentional and look especially lovely paired with the traditional elements: the bed, nightstands, pleated lamp, dresser, candelabra, bedding, velvet sofa, etc.
The deep neutral color palette takes on a very monochromatic aesthetic. I love subtly matching the wall color to custom drapery, or vice versa. I think it provides such a sophisticated look! I also appreciate the layered lighting in this space. I noted a chandelier, sconces, and multiple table lamps in this room- all in addition to natural light. I think the lighting plan is very well done.
Did you notice all of the wood tones throughout this room are of the same family and match very well, thanks to their value? It provides an incredibly rich and cohesive look. I also have to call out the natural area rug with the perfect hint of texture sprawling across the hardwood floors. The casually leaned books beneath the nightstand draw your eye lower, making the lack of hefty millwork more noticeable… no heavy base, no crown, and no panel moulding, but it works well in this updated bedroom. Millwork probably would have made this room feel totally different and much more traditional.
In regards to styling, I’m digging the fuss-free approach here. Simple bedding (hello cute Greek key lumbar!), a few plants, books, vessels, candles… the basics. Does it look the most practical or lived in? Probably not, but the minimalistic approach feels fitting with the design. Whomever inhabits this space must be very organized based on the small amount of storage. On another note- did you spy the urn on the pedestal? I liked that pretty detail!
What did you love about this bedroom? Did anything specific jump out to you? I think the bed is the obvious highlight for me. Sometimes a really special piece of furniture deserves to steal the show, and the room kind of unfolds around it. Be sure to follow Jason on Instagram for more modern design inspiration. He’s very talented! Looking for more bedroom design inspiration? You may found this Pinterest board I’ve compiled to be helpful! I’ll drop the sources I could find, along with similar items from this space for you below. Here’s to a wonderful week ahead. I hope you have a good one!
