A bedroom should always be calm and relaxing, but that doesn’t mean it can’t have the wow factor. The key is to choose one grand piece of furniture, such as this dark-wood bed, so the room has a great focal point to draw your attention. You could get a similar effect with a mirrored chest or an elegant, French-style armoire. Here, a restful sanctuary is created by contrasting painted wooden floors, dark furniture and a handcarved four-poster bed with crisp white linen and a voile canopy.

The bed to buy The height of luxury, this dark-wood bed is the perfect starting point for a colonial-style scheme.  Its carved posts with decorative finials and geometric headboard give a bedroom real style.

1. Practical elegance Hang a decorative panel at the window to screen out light and add a luxurious touch to your room. The design complements the trailing pattern of branches, leaves and flowers on the wallpaper, creating a harmonious look.

2. Two-way screen For a quick and clever update, cover each side of a folding screen with a different wall covering, so you can change the look of a room by turning the screen around.

3. Quick to sew Dress up plain cotton curtains by sewing a contrasting lining on the back and a delicate beaded trim on the edges to add glamour to your window.

4. Quick cover-up To transform outdated furniture, use wallpaper on panels and drawers. Once papered, you can swap the handles for glass knobs.

5. Instant update A quick way to create a new look is to layer your bed with pale bed linen, knitted blankets and inviting, sumptuous throws.