Following the Feeling: How I Create a Bedroom That’s All Me

Hi There,

Last week, we chatted about designing from the feeling first—really tuning into how you want to feel in your home before you even think about paint colours or furniture. If you missed that, I urge you to go check out the article here. 

This week, let’s take it a step further and step right into my bedroom. I’m opening the door and showing you some of my most-loved pieces—the things I’ve collected for myself and recommended to clients time and again. These details help me create the mood I want, and I hope they’ll inspire you to do the same in your own space.

Before we dive into bedrooms, I have to tell you about this…

This week, I got to do something very fun: Code8 invited me in to see how they whip up their bespoke lipsticks—and honestly, it was fascinating.

What really struck me during my consultation was how much it reminded me of choosing colours for your home. The first thing Sasha (the absolute legend) asked me wasn’t “What shade do you want?” but “How do you want to feel?” I mean, how good is that?

It’s exactly how I approach my own colour consultations. We don’t start with trends or rules—we start with mood. How do you want to feel in your space? Or in this case, with your lipstick on?

From there, Sasha looked at everything: my skin undertone, my eye colour, what I was wearing, even what outfits I might match the lipstick with. Every detail counted. Because it all adds up to how the final colour feels on you.

It was such a gorgeous reminder that whether it’s a wall colour or a lipstick, when it’s made just for you, it’s pure self-expression. And honestly, isn’t that what it’s all about?

Let’s start with the obvious: the bed. It’s not just a piece of furniture, it’s the heart and soul of your bedroom—the place you’ll spend a third of your life (wild, isn’t it?). If you’re going to splash out on anything, make it your bed. Invest in your sleep and you’ll see the benefits everywhere else in your life—lower stress, a calmer mind, stronger immunity, and just more “you” time.

My go-to? Loaf. Their beds are made beautifully in the UK, and there’s a style for everyone—chic and French, classic and traditional, or super modern. And their mattresses? Genuinely next-level. I always send clients to one of their shacks to have a proper lie-down and see for themselves. I trust them, my clients love them, and honestly, I wouldn’t recommend anything I wouldn’t have in my own home.

Confession time: I used to be a white-bed-linen-only person. That was my rule! But I’ve learned that bringing in colour—think apple greens, berry (this colour is having a moment right now), creamy neutrals and espresso—makes the space feel so much more cocooning. Mix and match the colours, or keep it to just one, this is your bed so do what feels right for you. Bed Threads have an excellent ‘build your own’ bedding option on their site so you can create something unique.

There’s something lovely about wrapping yourself up in a duvet that’s not just white. I still keep my walls serene and neutral, but now I love layering in colour that’s easy on the eyes and soft on the senses. It’s all about that feeling of calm when you walk in at the end of the day.

Let’s be honest, the first thing I do when I get home is get out of my jeans and into my comfies. It’s a running joke in my house—I’m barely through the door and I’m already in my pyjamas or trackies. My current favourites are from TBCo: soft, breathable, and in the prettiest colourways. These little rituals—changing into something cosy—are what make your bedroom feel like a true retreat.

Scent is such a powerful way to set the mood. I always have a scented candle burning, and it doesn’t have to be fancy—H&M  do some brilliant ones! I’m currently drawn to Neom and Malin + Goetz candles at the moment.

Scent is so personal, just like art or colour. Whether you want to feel energised or calm, the right fragrance can help you get there. For me, it’s all about creating that “ahhh, I’m home” moment the second I walk in. 

And here’s the thing—when you walk into someone’s house and you find yourself thinking, “Wow, this is nice,” it’s never just about the colour of the walls. It’s because all your senses are being considered. The textures, the light, the smells, the sounds—these are what make a home feel truly special and welcoming.

Lighting, lighting, lighting—I bang on about it all the time, but it’s SO important! I never use the overheads in my bedroom. In the morning, I want all the natural light I can get (big windows are a blessing), but come evening, it’s all about a warm, cosy glow from bedside lamps. Mine are from Pooky (most of my lights are, to be honest), and the quality is fantastic. Abigail Ahern is another favourite for those smaller, mood-setting lamps that work a treat in any room.

A few lighting tips:

Here’s my golden rule: don’t buy everything new. If you do, your room ends up looking like a showhome—lovely, but a bit soulless. Something old—a vintage bedside table, a quirky lamp, a battered chest—adds character and a story. Vinterior is brilliant for unique finds, but Facebook Marketplace is a treasure trove if you’re up for a bit of scrolling. I love mixing an old table with a new lamp or vice versa. It’s those little contrasts that make a space feel lived-in and loved.

Art is the finishing touch that brings your personality into the room. Even in a calm, restful space like the bedroom, a single piece can change the mood entirely. I love sourcing original works from Glassette or adding a pop of colour with frames from Late Afternoon. Whether it’s joyful, calming, or just a little quirky, let your art make you feel something every time you see it.

So, here’s my invitation: take a look at some of these pieces and think about how they could help you create the feeling you want in your own bedroom. Let your space be a reflection of you—calm, cosy, colourful, or full of character. It’s your sanctuary, after all.

Let’s make our bedrooms a little more “us,” one lovely detail at a time.

Tash x