18 Ways to Make Your Bedroom Look More Inviting

DESIGNER TIPS!  "I always fear getting sick of one color or pattern," says designer Lulu deKwiatkowski, who let us peek at her bedroom here. "Mix it up with beautiful sheets, pillows, a bench … and your eyes will never get tired." 1 Engraved prints in simple frames add detail without hogging all the attention. 2 Instead of the usual bedside tables (you know, the ones with zero storage space), go for two smallish matching dressers you can fill to the brim. 3 An upholstered bench is the perfect spot for a touch of contrasting fabric, but here's the real reason you'll love it: Now you have a place to lay out your outfit in the morning.  4 Wall-mounted sconces don't take up room on the tables. 5 Use double rods on windows to layer sheer and solid draperies - you'll get just the right amount of light. Go long so they gather on the floor for a billowy look. 6 Pile soft rugs over sisal for a cushioned landing pad. Pillows with swirly writing and prints... have the same spirit as the covers without being too matchy-matchy. 7 Love pillow by LuluDK for Matouk, $149; luludkmatouk.com for stores. Pillows with swirly writing and prints... have the same spirit as the covers without being too matchy-matchy. 8 Holland pillow, $24; homedecorators.com. An indoor/outdoor rug... is brilliantly low-maintenance. 9 8.5x11-foot diamond light blue/ivory indoor/outdoor rug, $495; dashandalbert.com. The detail on this chest... is beautiful - but you could also scan eBay for actual antiques. 10 Stella chest, $999; horchow.com. Add an upholstered bench... with interesting details. We love the subtle stitched stripe on this one. 11 French stripe bench, $399; potterybarn.com. A silver cup... is the perfect place for flowers. 12 Julep vase, $20; jamaligarden.com. These etchings look like a million bucks... (oops, bad pun), but it turns out they're affordable images from the New York Public Library. 13 30-inch prints from New York Public Library archives, $125; digitalgallery.nypl.org (enter promo code red25 for a 25 percent discount). That little side ottoman... doesn't have to be cushioned; get the same effect with a nicely priced ceramic design. 14 Chinese toile ceramic stool; $159; wisteria.com. Change the shades on simple sconces... when you feel like something new. 15 Swing-arm wall light, $168; shadesoflight.com Blue-and-white linens... feel crisp and not overly girly. 16 Tiger lily queen duvet by LuluDK for Matouk, $345; luludkmatouk.com for stores. Blue-and-white linens... feel crisp and not overly girly. 17 Manor hill branches French blue full/queen 3-piece duvet set, $90; sears.com. Toss on a bright throw... for a pop of color (a twin-size blanket works great). 18 Dream twin quilt, $128; garnethill.com.