Creating a simple design is harder than it looks, particularly in bedrooms

Beds are big and ungainly, and dictate the placement of every other object in the room. But if you’re lucky enough to be planning a bedroom from scratch or remodeling an existing bedroom, you can control the other elements and create a space that’s both practical and pretty.
Because the bedroom is one of the simplest rooms in the house, it’s often overlooked. One of the first steps to a great bedroo…m design is having an efficient and well-designed floor plan that gives you everything you want — no matter how much space you start with.

Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your bedroom :
. Simple circulation. Try to keep your circulation on one side of the room.
. Consider the furniture layout. Your bedroom’s architecture should take your furniture into account. Bedroom floor plans usually have a bed wall , but what about dressers, nightstands, TVs, chairs and a desk? Work with your architect or designer to make sure there is enough space beside the bed for nightstands and ample circulation so you can access three sides of the mattress.
. Increase light and ventilation. Locating your bedroom at the corner of your home can give you windows on two or more adjacent walls. This gives you the added benefit of cross ventilation and a softer natural light.
. Take your time. Great design takes a while and usually requires refining before you come up with the perfect plan for your lifestyle. Don’t rush through the design — it’s worth taking a little extra time up front to make sure you have a more efficient and functional plan in the end.
. Colors. Although your bedroom color scheme is often a personal opinion, there are some paint colors that are more relaxing and better suited for your sleeping area. Brighter colors may lead to a better mood, but they also might keep you up longer at night.

The truth is, great design doesn’t necessarily mean a space that’s overly complex and expensive to build. A space that functions better, costs less to build, is more efficient to run and is easier to maintain can be an outstanding example of great design.