In Your Bedroom

"She worked long hours at her job, but her day didn’t end there. She was also a dedicated horse enthusiast and spent her evenings working with her beloved animals in the barn. After the horses were taken care of, she would head back to her house to prepare dinner for her three kids. 

Despite her busy schedule, she found many blessings woven into her life. She loved working with horses and spending that time with her family. Acts of service was her love language, so it brought her joy to cook and care for her family. 

After the dishes were washed and the kids were asleep, she would tidy up the house before finally settling into her comfortable bed. Her favorite part of the day was when she could curl up with a good book and her favorite man.” 
Signed: Every working cowgirl mom

This is just one storyline of why our bedrooms are the absolute most important room in our homes.  This is the place we come to rest, the place we find rejuvenation, the place we find peace.  This is our opportunity to create a sanctuary where we can escape from the stresses of the outside world. 

How do we do this? Well, I am here to help us explore this excellent question.  After practicing interior design for the last 15 years, I have a few master bedrooms under my belt.  Let’s dive into how you too can create this haven for yourself.

Furniture can just be furniture, or it can be art! Let’s take a peek into some of my favorite lines to get a look that does not come from a big box store.

If you’re searching for inspiration to achieve that iconic Western look and feel, a great place to start is Rios Interiors in the Fort Worth Stockyards.  Not only are their pieces unique and incredible, but the experience of shopping in historic Fort Worth stockyards will positively influence your creativity. Rios is one of the designers responsible for completely outfitting many of the rooms at the iconic Hotel Drover.  Known for its dedication to Western design and tradition, Hotel Drover guests can experience this room, fully furnished by Rios, for themselves.  It captures all the Wild West saloon vibes, but with a modernized twist.  The white bedding and wallpaper are two crucial elements to this recipe for success.  

3 Easy Tips: Cost- Effective Design Tools

GREAT SHEETS
If you don’t have the budget for anything else, buy nice sheets.  For under a $250 investment you can also feel as if you were a princess.  My personal favorite are Lyocell  These sheets are known for their softness, breathability, and moisture-wicking properties.  They are often compared to high-end cotton or silk sheets, but are more affordable and easier to care for.  They are hypoallergenic, making them a great choice for people battling allergies or sensitive skin.  This set is wrinkle resistant and gets better with every wash!   I get my Lyocell sheets from Paseo Road.

LIGHTING
Soft and dim lighting creates a warm and inviting atmosphere.  Consider using bedside lamps, fairy lights, or dimmer switches to adjust the lighting in your bedroom.  

SIGNATURE SCENT
A pleasant scent can have a calming effect on the mind and body and set the mood for a pleasant evening.  Certain essential oils, such as lavender, chamomile, and vanilla, have been shown to promote relaxation and improve your quality of sleep throughout the night.  So, find your perfect scent!  And if you’re interested in creating a custom signature scent, check out Oliver Fragrance & Co.  They can help cultivate all your favorite scents into one! Their mini diffusers can be set on a timer for the ultimate bedtime experience.

The Yellowstone Look

American Made
I’m constantly on the hunt for unique products that are made in America and can make a splash in my spaces.  La Lune Collection is a made-to-order wood furniture manufacturer in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, that takes natural earthy wood furniture and gives it that extra wow factor!  The rustic wood is a grounding element, perfect for your rustic retreat.  The clean, crisp line allows pieces to fit the modern residence, while being suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
La Lune Collection
lalunecollection.com

NEW IN TOWN

About a year ago, I was looking for something a little different.  I was bored with the mainstream furniture on the market.  I was in search of something iconic like Ralph Lauren, but with a funky twist.  I couldn’t find what I was after, so I began the quest of designing custom furniture.  

I was searching to create the perfect boss babe cowgirl bedroom and wanted elements to be soft and feminine, but with iconic cowgirl touches.  Everyone who steps into this room loves it, and you better believe we have Lyocell sheets  and linens on all the bedding.

NEUTRAL COWGIRL

The funky cowgirl look does not fit all hat-wearing women.  Sometimes we need to consider a more tranquil setting.  Choosing the right color scheme can be a total game-changer in setting the mood. Consider using soft, warm, and calming colors such as beige, cream, and light greys.  Blending pastels is a nice way to add a feminine touch, but neutrals alone can offer a powerful, yet calming, effect.  I designed this master suite specially for my dear friend Robin Packard.  Her walls are Neutral Ground by Sherwin Williams, creating a warm neutral palette. We chose this sleek Restoration Hardware light fixture to pull a clean line. The layers of neutral warmth are created with subtle Pendleton patterns, linens, silks, and fur.  The hand-carved bed by Jason Scott adds the final layer of sophistication to the luxurious bedroom design.  

It’s important to prioritize the spaces and elements that will bring you the most joy and satisfaction.  The combination of the black copper tub and the natural stone elements creates a sense of harmony and cohesion, while also adding a touch of rustic elegance to the space.  The tub itself is a true statement piece.  Its bold black color and unique copper material makes it stand out as a focal point.  And, of course, the added benefit of soaking in a luxurious tub each day can bring a sense of relaxation and comfort to your daily routine.

FAVORITE NEUTRAL PALETTE

Here are few of our absolute favorite neutrals.  Use this guide to create the ideal neutral palette to your liking.

ARTISTIC COWGIRL

When it comes to creating a space for the more artistic person, there are a few key design elements to consider.  First and foremost, it’s important to prioritize creativity and self-expression, which can be achieved through thoughtful use of color, texture, and decorative elements.

One idea is to incorporate a variety of artistic mediums and materials, such as paint, canvas, and clay.  Plenty of natural light in the space can help stimulate creativity and improve mood.  

Consider incorporating personalized decorative touches, such as art prints, photographs, or other décor items that speak to your unique preferences and tastes.  Courtney St.  John Studio (pictured below) did an impeccable job of weaving in rustic elements with playful subtle patterns and touches of whimsy.  Her delicate use of color plays well with the masculine blend of textures. 

MOODY COWGIRL

While a neutral palette with muted tones can create a calming atmosphere, a warmer, moodier palette can also be incredibly soothing and tranquil, particularly when rich with color and texture.  

To create a moodier, more textured space, consider incorporating a range of warm, earthy tones, such as deep browns, burnt oranges, and warm taupes.  These colors create a sense of warmth and coziness in a room, while also providing striking visual impact.  This space I created for Bear Mountain Lodging (Top image) has the most intimate blend of circle sawn wood on the ceiling, balanced with the concrete floor and wood chinking wall to anchor the bed.  

We sourced almost all of the accessories for this space from local antique stores.  The richly blended washable bedding is topped with one of our favorite Pendleton patterns called Harding.  Nearly every space turns to perfection with an antler chandelier—in this case we used faux  antlers to keep the cost down.

   The adorable little master suite (Bottom image) is atmospheric.  Its strong ambiance was created with one of my favorite wall colors: Cyberspace by Sherwin Williams.  We created this space on a tight budget with cost-effective finds from Wayfair and other online retailers.  The wall color is what sets this room apart, and the Pendleton patterned blanket brings everything together.

Ultimately, your bedroom is a retreat and your very own sanctuary.  It’s important to invest time and effort into making it a comfortable and inviting space for you.  Whether you’re building a new home or simply looking to refresh your bedroom, it’s worth considering a few design elements that can help create a cozy and welcoming atmosphere.  

From incorporating soft, plush fabrics to experimenting with warm lighting and adding personal touches, there are plenty of ways to make your bedroom feel like a true oasis.

And don’t be afraid to splurge on a few special touches that make you smile, whether it’s a luxurious bedspread or a piece of art that speaks to your personal style.

Brett McPherson is the owner and lead designer at Designer’s Brew, an Oklahoma-based interior design firm specializing in new and remodeled homes with a Western flair.  designersbrew.com