Sometimes serenity can be achieved with a well-edited dose of clutter, as this charming guest bedroom in a Chicago bungalow proves. Michael Crowley and Michael Jacobson covered a wall with old photos, vintage Vanity Fair prints, a wide mirror, and more. Muted tones and a traditional four-poster bed make this guest bedroom cozy.

1 Sometimes serenity can be achieved with a well-edited dose of clutter, as this charming guest bedroom in a Chicago bungalow proves. Michael Crowley and Michael Jacobson covered a wall with old photos, vintage Vanity Fair prints, a wide mirror, and more. Muted tones and a traditional four-poster bed make this guest bedroom cozy.

 

 

In a bedroom where space was tight and the ceiling was low, designer James Dolenc used a sophisticated tufted-leather headboard and pendant lights instead of table lamps to draw the eye upward.

2 In a bedroom where space was tight and the ceiling was low, designer James Dolenc used a sophisticated tufted-leather headboard and pendant lights instead of table lamps to draw the eye upward.

 

 

Designer Julia Edelmann of Buckingham Interiors took a cue from her college-age daughter’s preference for new over old (hence the updated take on an old-school canopy bed) when redoing her bedroom. The colors and shapes in the Victorian stained glass window and corner rosettes on the window frames get a modern reference in the patterns of the pillows and window shade.

3 Designer Julia Edelmann of Buckingham Interiors took a cue from her college-age daughter’s preference for new over old (hence the updated take on an old-school canopy bed) when redoing her bedroom. The colors and shapes in the Victorian stained glass window and corner rosettes on the window frames get a modern reference in the patterns of the pillows and window shade.

 

Photography: (1) Matthew Gilson; (2) Bob Coscarelli; (3) Nathan Kirkman

 

This ultra-spare retreat distills the bedroom to its essence: a place for a bed. With a low-profile vintage Knoll headboard as the main attraction and a predominantly white color scheme, the effect is mellow and restful. A low-hanging Edison-style bulb draws attention to the loft’s high ceiling.

4 This ultra-spare retreat distills the bedroom to its essence: a place for a bed. With a low-profile vintage Knoll headboard as the main attraction and a predominantly white color scheme, the effect is mellow and restful. A low-hanging Edison-style bulb draws attention to the loft’s high ceiling.

 

 

The key to making this room by Hudson Home appealing? Texture—from the mohair throw and the leather-and-wood Eames-era chair to the stainless steel swing lamp and the glossy black-lacquered night table. Add a splash of sunshine (here, in a cheerful yellow painting) and you’re done.

5 The key to making this room by Hudson Home appealing? Texture—from the mohair throw and the leather-and-wood Eames-era chair to the stainless steel swing lamp and the glossy black-lacquered night table. Add a splash of sunshine (here, in a cheerful yellow painting) and you’re done.

 

 

Have a big space? Fill it. That’s what Marylin Vogel of V Amsterdam did with the ample master bedroom in her River North condo. While the palette is muted, varied textures, heights, and shapes in the room give it depth and warmth.

6 Have a big space? Fill it. That’s what Marylin Vogel of V Amsterdam did with the ample master bedroom in her River North condo. While the palette is muted, varied textures, heights, and shapes in the room give it depth and warmth.

 

Photography: (4) Andreas Larsson; (5) Nathan Kirkman; (6) Alan Shortall

 

We love the character that designer Alex Jordan instilled in this otherwise restrained room when he put that Galbraith & Paul printed-linen loveseat at the foot of the bed. The backdrop of pale blue draperies, bed linens, and custom-made leather headboard is inviting in its own right.

7 We love the character that designer Alex Jordan instilled in this otherwise restrained room when he put that Galbraith & Paul printed-linen loveseat at the foot of the bed. The backdrop of pale blue draperies, bed linens, and custom-made leather headboard is inviting in its own right.

 

 

Gail Plechaty of Real Simple Design took a top-billing bed—from the family of Potter Palmer II—and cleverly put it on the sidelines in the bedroom that she created for the guesthouse of the 2007 Lake Forest Showhouse. Standing against one wall in a sitting room, it’s the perfect perch overlooking a seating area (take note, studio dwellers!). Not interested in the conversation? Simply blame an attack of the vapors and draw the curtain.

8 Gail Plechaty of Real Simple Design took a top-billing bed—from the family of Potter Palmer II—and cleverly put it on the sidelines in the bedroom that she created for the guesthouse of the 2007 Lake Forest Showhouse. Standing against one wall in a sitting room, it’s the perfect perch overlooking a seating area (take note, studio dwellers!). Not interested in the conversation? Simply blame an attack of the vapors and draw the curtain.

Resources: See Buy Guide.

 

Photography: Alan Shortall