Expert Advice: Tips for a Softly Moody Bedroom with London Stylist Twig Hutchinson

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How to create a soft, sumptuous bedroom that doesn’t feel too fussy or too juvenile? (I’m picturing the eyelet bedskirt my sister had on her bed as a girl.) We consulted Twig Hutchinson—London-based art director, stylist, and founder of online journal Minford, who recently redid the bedroom and ensuite in her early Victorian London home—for her advice. Hint: She recommends a dose of black, and, thankfully, no ruffles. Here are her tips.

Photography by Sarah Maingot, courtesy of Twig Hutchinson.

1. Paint a neutral canvas.

start by painting the room a warm but versatile shade. &#8\2\20;i alw 17 — Above: Start by painting the room a warm but versatile shade. “I always start by creating a neutral backdrop so I can then add layers of texture and subtle color,” Hutchinson says. “The walls and woodwork are all painted the same shade, which is Ammonite by Farrow & Ball. I find it such a calm color—not too warm or cold.”

2. Dress the windows.

one place not to go bare in the bedroom: the windows. &#8\2\20;a great tric 18 — Above: One place not to go bare in the bedroom: the windows. “A great trick to make the room look bigger is to have curtains in a very similar shade to the walls,” Hutchinson says. “If you’ve used a tight color palette, then you can also play with texture. Ours are made from a beautiful soft washed linen by the Designers Guild; they’re Brera Lino in Parchment.”

3. Rethink white linens.

dress the bed like you would yourself: with intention. &#8\2\20;i have alwa 19 — Above: Dress the bed like you would yourself: with intention. “I have always loved linen bedding, whether it’s an antique linen sheet or a washed linen duvet cover. It has the obvious added benefit of not having to be ironed should you wish,” Hutchinson says. (All of her bed linen is from Once Milano.)

Then, “you can add soft color through accessories. I like to play with slightly different tones of the same color palette: Pair traditional white and ivory with faded pink, and add multiples of cushions in similar tones to your bed. Kirsten Hecktermann’s hand-dyed cushions are an absolute favorite; her rectangular rust bolster adds a layer of luxury with a simple clean line.” (For more on Kristen Hecktermann, see High/Low: Jewel-Toned Velvet/Linen Pillows.)

4. Add layers (and layers).

to create warmth, add layers: old and new finds (hutchinson paired hand crafted 20 — Above: To create warmth, add layers: old and new finds (Hutchinson paired hand-crafted brass taps by Studio Ore—unfinished, so they’ll patina—with a crisp white sink, for example) and art. “Hang it in slightly unexpected places, just off-center, in groups,” Hutchinson says. Her bedroom has a mix of work by London-based artist Caroline Popham, sketches found at antique markets, and photographs.

5. Bring back the vanity.

hutchinson has a small ensuite with a &#8\2\20;shower and loo&#8\2\2\1; 21 — Above: Hutchinson has a small ensuite with a “shower and loo” off of the bedroom, but opted to add the sink and vanity to the bedroom itself, where there was more space. “Rather than have a tiny hand basin, I put the sink in the bedroom so it could double up as a dressing table. It’s a reclaimed wooden cupboard found at an antiques market, which I then added a sink to.” At the end of the bed, situated between two wardrobes, it feels old-fashioned and luxurious.

6. Don’t forget an element of black.

using black may seem counterintuitive when trying to strike a romantic note, bu 22 — Above: Using black may seem counterintuitive when trying to strike a romantic note, but Hutchinson says it’s essential, for balance. “I’m a great believer in always having something black in a room,” she says. “Especially if you are using more feminine colors it just helps to ground it all and stop it looking too pretty. It creates a contrast.” She painted a few pieces black throughout the room, including the mirror (a market find) and the stool by the bed, and opted for black door hardware.

7. Don’t forget pajamas.

to top it off: &#8\2\20;nothing is more luxurious that a pair of silk pajam 23 — Above: To top it off: “Nothing is more luxurious that a pair of silk pajamas,” Hutchinson advises. She wears Coco Silk Pyjamas by Poplin and opts for breakfast in bed.

We’ve taken a tour of Hutchinson’s London house before; take a look at Designer Visit: Rough, Rustic, and Refined with Twig Hutchinson. (Since then, she’s extended the kitchen, added a children’s room, and “changed the layout of everything, really,” she says.)

More tips for a romantic bedroom:

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Frequently asked questions

What is the article about?

The article is about creating a soft and moody bedroom with expert advice from Twig Hutchinson.

Who is Twig Hutchinson?

Twig Hutchinson is an interiors stylist and the author of the book 'Perfect English Cottage.'

What is the first step in creating a soft and moody bedroom?

The first step is to choose a color scheme that is soft and muted.

What are some recommended colors for a soft and moody bedroom?

Recommended colors include muted natural tones like greys, blues, sage greens, and soft pinks.

What is the second step in creating a soft and moody bedroom?

The second step is to layer textures and fabrics to create a cozy and inviting feel.

What are some recommended textures and fabrics?

Recommended textures and fabrics include linen, velvet, wool, and sheepskin.

What is the third step in creating a soft and moody bedroom?

The third step is to layer lighting to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.

What are some recommended lighting options?

Recommended lighting options include soft table lamps, floor lamps, and candles.

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1. Paint a neutral canvas.

2. Dress the windows.

3. Rethink white linens.

4. Add layers (and layers).

5. Bring back the vanity.

6. Don’t forget an element of black.

7. Don’t forget pajamas.

Frequently asked questions

What is the article about?

Who is Twig Hutchinson?

What is the first step in creating a soft and moody bedroom?

What are some recommended colors for a soft and moody bedroom?

What is the second step in creating a soft and moody bedroom?

What are some recommended textures and fabrics?

What is the third step in creating a soft and moody bedroom?

What are some recommended lighting options?

Product summary

Ammonite No. 274 Paint

Coco Silk Pyjamas

Brera Lino – Parchment

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Trending on Gardenista: In Full Bloom

Current Obsessions: Old-World Charm

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