How To Design The Perfect Bedroom: Tips from The Block Contestants

As a sanctuary from the rest of your home and the place you go to relax at the end of a long day, your main bedroom is a space you have to get just right.

But that doesn’t mean it has to be a tough room to style, the experts agree.

Just remember a few golden rules:

• Think about what you want the space to be
• Remember to import a little of your own personality and
• Consider the practical as well as the beautiful

And you’re on the way to creating a main bedroom that’s the main event for your home.

“Designing a main bedroom is important, as it serves as a personal retreat - a place to unwind, rest, and recharge,” says Interior Decorator and Freedom’s resident bedroom guru Sarina Tran Nguyen.

“So, creating a cosy and relaxing atmosphere with a personalised touch can help transform the space into one that feels both private and safe.”

So, where to start?

First up, Sarina says, is to remember this is first and foremost, a place where you will sleep.

“Since quality sleep plays a key role in overall well-being, it’s essential to prioritise comfort, functionality, and personal style when planning a bedroom,” she says.

“You want it to be somewhere you feel relaxed and calm, somewhere that reflects your personality so you’re comfortable.”

And pay attention to the piece of furniture that gives the space its name – the bed!

“Styling it with cosy, high-quality bedding is essential,” Sarina says.

“Start with a colour palette - whether it’s calming neutrals or bold pops of colour, then layer in textures, shapes, and patterns for a balanced and sophisticated look.

“Soft furnishings like sheer curtains can instantly elevate the space by adding privacy and a gentle, calming softness.”

Next, think about the other major furniture pieces you’ll need in the room and where you want to put them.

“Consider layout, storage, and styling choices that support your daily routine and enhance practicality,” Sarina says.

“Key furniture pieces in a bedroom typically include a comfortable bed, bedside tables, a dresser or tallboy, and, where space allows, seating.

“These elements will vary depending on room size and layout.”

Lighting is another essential element, setting the mood and making the space practical for sleeping, but also relaxing with a book, dressing and more.

“Aim to layer your lighting by incorporating ambient, task, and accent options,” Sarina says.

“Ambient lighting, like overhead ceiling fixtures with warm tones, helps create a relaxed environment while task lighting, such as bedside lamps are perfect for reading or winding down in the evenings.

“Accent lighting can be used to highlight artwork or decorative elements, adding interest and depth to the space.”

And definitely don’t forget the floor, Sarina adds.

“A rug placed at the end or under the bed is often overlooked, but it can significantly enhance the warmth and comfort of the room,” Sarina says.

“Rugs not only add style but also absorb sound, reducing noise and echo plus in cooler climates (like The Block Heartland’s Daylesford for example) or homes with tiled or timber flooring, a rug can provide insulation and a soft surface underfoot - a simple addition that makes a big difference.”

Someone who paid attention to those rules is Block Heartland contestant Britt. She talked with Sarina before building her winning main bedroom about how to best bring her “wellness retreat” theme to life.

“We definitely knew going in that we wanted a main bedroom that would bring a feeling of calm and peace,” says West Australian police officer Britt, who took on the challenge with her husband Taz.

“Our palette was neutral colours, but with pops of colour and personality like what we achieved with the artworks, the gold wall and the furniture.”

One piece in particular that helped set the tone for the entire room, Britt reveals, was the Aero Fabric armchair in Mustard from Freedom, which she used to anchor pops of mustard, yellow and gold throughout.

“That was one of the first items I started with for that room and it really helped with other choices,” Britt says.

And there were many other choices from Freedom, she says, everything from the St Tropez side tables to Quinn bedsides, Misti throw, Amal Bichon and Casselden cushion and more…

“It’s easy once you find something you like in store to be able to hold things against it and see what works,” Britt says.

The result for Britt and Taz was a room that judge Marty Fox said was “the Goldilocks of design” where everything was just right, a feeling Darren Palmer echoed when he said it was “elevated and sophisticated” and gave it a ten out of ten.

But whether you’re after a winning Block judges score or not, if you take the time to plan, then execute properly, you can create a main bedroom that takes your home to the next level, Sarina says.

Check out the Freedom website for the latest Bedroom pieces and make a booking for a consultation with a Freedom design expert to see how you can transform your home.

“Overall, the decisions you make in your bedroom from furniture, finishes and lighting can all contribute to creating a restful escape and a true personal sanctuary,” Sarina says. “And we’re here to help!”