The biggest question when styling a small bedroom is, where do you put the bed? Karen Gillan’s cottage-style Los Angeles home has an interesting solution: in front of the window, but not blocking it.
To execute this tricky feat, the acclaimed design team of Louisa Pierce and Emily Ward reinvented the wheel on headboard ideas. They integrated a curved piece with a large gap in the middle, turning the window into a gorgeous element of the design.
Karen’s fabric headboard is bathed in gingham, and its romantic, preppy style is the perfect tie-in with the rest of the cozy room.
‘[It] was fun to get creative with this bed being in front of a window and still wanting to let light in,’ explains the design team at Pierce and Ward on the project. It’s the perfect small bedroom idea, and easier to replicate than it looks. We spoke with on-trend design experts to get their best tips on how to use this style in every home.
Recreate Karen’s look at home
Gingham Blue Parker X-Base Stool
Made to order in a fabric of your choice, this sweet X-base stool is perfect for tucking under your vanity or at the foot of the bed to add a pop of preppy plaid.
LoveShackFancy Embroidered Scallop Duvet Cover
Designed by fashion favorite lifestyle brand LoveShackFancy for Pottery Barn, this 100% Cotton linen set is crisp and breathable and finished with a charming pink scalloped edge for easy styling.
Fine and Dandy Peel & Stick Wallpaper
Printed in-house, this pretty block-print style floral wallpaper from Katie Kime oozes preppy charm. It’s also peel & stick, meaning it couldn’t be easier to hang (and remove!).
To build a bedroom as beautiful as Karen’s it’s important to embrace a variety of shapes. Using curves, as seen in this LA home is the perfect place to begin.
Shelly Cochrane, interior design expert at Furniture Village explains: ‘Incorporating curves into a bedroom is a wonderful way to introduce softness and fluidity, creating a space that feels both inviting and tranquil. A plush curved headboard instantly adds a tactile, enveloping quality that invites relaxation and comfort. Its gentle arcs contrast beautifully with the linear architecture of a room, breaking up rigidity.’
She adds: ‘Pairing this with a rounded footstool creates a sense of cohesion and balance, while soft furnishings and lamps with rounded silhouettes further enhance the welcoming feel of the space.’
Furthermore, warm neutrals are your best friend in bringing these stunning curves to life. As we see in Karen’s home, a palette of light blue, cream, and tan makes the headboard feel grounded and cozy.
Shelley advises: ‘Choosing a neutral, pared-back color palette alongside these curves amplifies the soothing effect. Soft tones like gentle greys or muted creams don’t compete with the organic shapes but rather emphasize their elegance and understated beauty. This restrained palette allows the curves to take centre stage, fostering a restful environment that feels serene and timeless. Together, the curved forms and neutral hues create a harmonious sanctuary perfect for unwinding and rejuvenation.’
Karen Gillan’s bedroom is proof that sacrificing space doesn’t mean giving up design impact or light. With the right furnishings, any space can feel like a celebration of your home’s architecture.
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