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Top Tips: snug sleeping spaces + 10% off bedroom faves

We all love waking up after a good night’s sleep feeling refreshed and ready to greet a new day. And a comfortable bedroom is a key factor in getting the best sleep possible.

Here are some great ideas that can help you design your way to sleeping more soundly.

Made-to-order bedspread in White and Grey Japan from Bemz by Katarina Wiklund for the Bemz Designer Collection

Create mood with colour and pattern: A comfy mattress and soft pillow may help the sheep send you off to sleep, but beautiful bedding that invites you to snuggle up is just as effective.

Bemz bed skirt with box pleats and Bemz cover for Bådalen headboard, both in Bayshore Magenta, design by Designers Guild

Select cool or neutral hues to create a room that exudes serenity and calm.


Bemz bedspread. Loose Fit, in Medium Grey Rosendal Pure Washed Linen


Bemz bedspread, Regular fit, in Unbleached Belgian Linen Blend

Look to bright and warm tones to foster a sense of good cheer, energy, and cosiness. Bold patterned and colourful beds and bed linens will get you dreaming of exotic destinations. Florals bring a bed into bloom, adding a touch of romance to your boudoir.

Bemz Florö bed frame cover Sir Harald - Multi

Bemz bedspread in Real Red, Bemz cover for Abelvär headboard in Multi Comedin Går, design Stellan Mörner by Bemz and Bemz bed skirt, straight, in Black/White Stockholm Stripe

Bemz cover for Florö bed frame in Moss Green Belgian Linen Blend and Bemz cover for Karlstad footstool in Brown Bubbel, design Bantie

Bemz bedskirt, Loose Fit Country style in Cobalt Brera Quadretto, design Designers Guild

Cosy up with a headboard: Adding extra blankets is one way to stay warm at night but for ultimate comfort choose an upholstered headboard. Soft and cushy with no hard edges, an upholstered headboard is the perfect choice when supreme snugness tops the boudoir wish list.

Bemz bedspread in Loose fit style, Bemz cover for Abelvär headboard and Bemz Loose fit Urban bed skirt, all in Absolute White Rosendal Pure Washed Linen from Bemz


Bemz bedspread in Grey Frescati Plaid, Bemz cover for Abelvär headboard and Bemz bed skirt with box pleats both in Zinc Grey raffia textured cotton

Bemz cover for Abelvär headboard in Blue & White Kokeshi topped off with a selection of Bemz Artist Series cushion covers

Furnish for comfort, ambiance and function: When you make your bedroom space about more than just sleeping, you’ll find it beckons to you to linger longer in the morning and retire earlier at night.

Bemz bed skirt with frills, Loose Fit Country style, in Lavender Rosendal Pure Washed Linen

Cushions in Eggshell Blue and Black Gustavian Flowers by Katarina Wiklund from the Bemz Designer Collection, Dusty Rose, New Baroque Chocolate Brown, and Tea Green in Belgian Linen Blend and Lavender Belgian Linen Blend

Pair a rocking chair with a side table to create a cozy reading spot, where you can take some time to unwind before hitting the hay.

Bemz cover for Lillberg armchair in Graphite Grey Belgian Linen and Bemz cover for Karlanda bench

Create a relaxed, romantic feel by layering quilts and cushions and a decorative patchwork rug. Instead of a nightstand, stack books with tonal spines informally by the bedside. Or make a statement with a pile of decorative cushions.

Make a statement with Bemz Artist Series cushion covers

Add candles, they create a warm, inviting and sensual ambiance to your boudoir.

And a set of stylish storage boxes works well in all bedrooms - use them to keep your belts, scarves and jewelry in order.

And finally, don't forget your windows and floors: up the cosy-factor with stylish full-length curtains and add an extra layer of comfort with a soft rug.

Bemz cover for Florö bed frame cover in Soft White Belgian Linen Blend

Bemz cover for Grimen bed frame in Grey Frescati Plaid

See more of the Bemz range of bedroom products including the newly added bedspreads, additional cushion cover sizes, and the new Abelvär headboard cover on the Bemz website - plus get 10% off all Bemz bedroom faves until Sunday, February 17, 2013.

Credit: Elle Decoration Nov. 2012
All photos from Bemz

Top tips for small spaces

With the autumn term in full swing and everyone settling in to their student accommodation or new homes and apartments, this is the perfect time to revisit the popular Compact Living trend.

Bemz Artist Cushion covers in Pink Fiskis, Brown Kvarter and Orange Kvarter

This time we’re bringing you top tips for small rooms – effective design tweaks that will help you optimize your space at little or no cost.

Bemz Loose Fit Urban style covers for Henriksdal chairs in Medium Grey Rosendal Pure Washed Linen

Mix and match furniture: Low & tall
Keep furniture low and punctuate with verticals here and there. In a small space it’s important not to feel boxed in.

Bemz cover for Falsterbo chaise longue in Multi Spinning by Marimekko from the Bemz Designer Collection

Embrace your inner drama queen
Aggrandize small spaces with bold gestures. Smaller spaces are perfect for dramatic decorating because they require less time, money and materials. Dramatic moments offset the size of the space, making it look bigger. 

Bemz cover for Stockholm easy chairs in Blue/White Korall and Brown/White Korall, design Bantie

Sit pretty in easy chairs
Mismatched furniture adds interest to any space. And in a small space easy chairs without arms are perfect because they're much easier to get in and out of. They're also more lightweight and can effortlessly be moved around the room to wherever they're needed.

Bemz Daybed covers in Candy Pink/Absolute White Stockholm Stripe, design Katrina Wiklund, and Candy Pink.  Bemz cushion covers in Mandarin Orange, Straw Yellow, Jet Black Stockholm Stripe, Absolute White

Don’t settle: pick your fights
Even though space may be tight, don’t compromise on what’s important to you. If you like a big bed, go with a big bed. But you have to pick your moments – for example choosing love seat or daybed rather than a full sofa.

Bemz covers for Skruvsta Swivel Chair in Mandarin Orange,Pällbo footstool in Absolute White, Daybed cover in Black/White Salamander by Bantie. Bemz cushion covers in Cloud Brera Quadretto by Designers Guild, Straw Yellow Panama Cotton as well as Silver Grey Gotland Stripe and Mandarin Orange Gotland Stripe by Katarina Wiklund

Zone distinct areas
Divide up your space by function using colour and furniture settings. By creating distinctions in the space it feels larger. A desk and bookcase help set off the office area, while a sofa grouping defines the lounge area.  

Bemz cover for Falsterbo footstool in Lemongrass Flamingo Park, design Designers Guild

Become an illusionist
Create the illusion of height by hanging curtains directly underneath the crown molding at ceiling level. This will automatically makes the whole space feel airier.

Bemz Daybed cover in Candy Pink & Absolute White Stockholm Stripe, Bemz cushion covers in Mandarin Orange, Straw Yellow, and Silver Grey Gotland Stripe

You can also make a space feel bigger with stripes. Traditionally, vertical stripes have been the common way to go. They create the illusion of height thus making ceilings appear higher than they truly are. Horizontal stripes are a little more edgy and modern than vertical stripes. They make rooms feel wider and can elongate spaces and feel bold, fun, and fresh.

Bemz cover for Henriksdal chair, Loose Fit Urban style in Cobalt Brera Rigato, Noir Brera Fino and Cloud Brera Fino, design Designers Guild

Open up your kitchen shelves
Traditional kitchen wall cabinets with doors, while very useful, are dull and tend to close off a kitchen. Instead, open up your kitchen shelves by removing cabinet doors, allowing you to show off stacks of pretty dishes and glasses.

Bemz cover for Ekeskog sofa in Brown Bubbel, design Bantie, Bemz cushion covers Zinc Grey Tegnér Melange, Chestnut Brown Panama Cotton, Fuchsia Tegnér Melange, Plum Panama Cotton

Cultivate Curves
Avoid boxy furniture with sharp edges and pointy corners. Instead, choose curved furniture that can easily be walked around.

Bemz Artist Series Cushion covers, Yellow Fiskis

Go with glass doors
Yes - we said little or no cost. And this will cost a bit - but it’ll be worth your while. Install glass doors to extend views and add interest throughout the home – even on closets (forcing you to keep your things neat and tidy!). It’s also a great way to light up dark storage spaces and enable you to showcase your treasures.

Credit: House Beautiful

Top tips: How to colour clash à la Creative Bohemian

Take a preemptive strike against autumn drab with interior fab by incorporating the latest colour clash trend à la Creative Bohemian into your home.

Bemz cover for Stockholm sofa in Rose Tegnér Melange

It’s all about mixing and matching funky fabrics in a clash of colour, patterns and textures with eclectic furniture styles, homespun art and vintage favourites.

Bemz designer cover for Jennylund armchair in Moss Green Prisma Stripe by Katarina Wiklund

Plunge into clashing colour like never before. Mix reds with pinks and greens with browns – colour combos that used to be no-go's but that are right on-trend today.

Bemz covers for Henriksdal chairs in Rose Tegnér Melange, Nils chair in Black Classic Ruta, Klappsta armchairs in Silver Grey Tegnér Melange and Rose Tegnér Melange

Bemz cover for Stockholm sofa in Zinc Grey Tegnér Melange. Bemz cushion covers in Rose
Tegnér Melange, Chocolate Brown New Baroque and Silver Grey Tegnér Melange

Although this trend is all about breaking classic colour code rules, there are still certain things to consider in order to achieve the right look. For maximum impact choose your ‘colour clash’ palette carefully to reflect the desired mood of the room and keep the space visually balanced.

Bemz cover for Karlstad armchair small in Crocus Barcelona by Designers Guild

Bemz cover for Barkaby armchair in Green Baronessa by Lisa Bengtsson

The palette can either be light or dark but on the softer side. The lighter palette features warm colours like Soft White, Burnt Orange, Dusty Rose and Cinnabar Red. The darker palette includes hues like Moss Green and Chocolate Brown teamed with Ink Blue. Use a shared palette to inject movement and interest.

Bemz covers for Stockholm easy chairs in Lavender Belgian Linen Blend, Bamboo Green Tegnér Melange. Stockholm sofa in Chocolate Brown New Baroque. Long skirt cover for Karlanda sofa in Sand Beige Tegnér Melange

Mix and match a myriad of different textiles and designs in your cushions, throws, tapestries, area rugs and window treatments. Layer lush textures - linens, chenilles and textured cottons - and pattern clashes in a rich rhapsody of colour that truly represents you.

Bemz cover for Henriksdal chair in Blossom Sagrada by Designers Guild

Trawl garage sales and thrift shops for interesting eclectic accessories and vintage furniture in quirky colours and finishes. Furniture with a patina or slightly worn edges is perfect for adding a bohemian element to any room.

Bemz cover for Stockholm Easy chair in Dusty Rose Panama Cotton

Incorporate a vintage chandelier or colourful light, adding a spectacular focal point to any Creative Bohemian space. Hued candles in vivid vintage coloured glass bottles or jars will also cast a ambient boho glow throughout the room.

Bemz cushion covers in  Brown/Plum Kaleido by Viola Gråsten and Strong Pink Josephine by Göta Trägårdh

Bemz cushion covers in Blue/Blue Kaleido, Brown/Plum Kaleido and Ash Brown Bulbous by Stig Lindberg

And don't forget to use cushions, cushions and more cushions in all colours and patterns for a colour clash décor à la Creative Bohemian with maximum visual appeal.

Credit: Living etc., July 2012

Top Tips: How to create your dream bedroom

Your bedroom is the one room in the house where it’s all about you. Here are some easy tips for turning the place you sleep into a sanctuary, somewhere where you can unwind and relax.

Florö bed frame in Soft White Belgian Linen from Bemz

Bring light and happiness into your bedroom using delicious pastels creating a bright and airy, calm atmosphere.

Bemz bed skirt with frills in Rosendal Pure Washed Linen Lavender

Cool, crisp colours that are soft and muted are ideal for bed linens, beds and bedroom furniture as they add comfort. Think mouthwatering sorbets like delicately washed Lavender, Mineral Blue, Daiquiri Green, Dusty Rose and Soft White.

Bemz bed skirt with frills in Rosendal Pure Washed Soft White and cushions in Pale Turquoise New Baroque, Dusty Rose Gustavian Flowers, and Soft White Panama Cotton from Bemz

Bemz bed skirt with box pleats in Bayshore Magenta by Designers Guild from the Bemz Designer Collection and a Bemz Bådalen headboard cover also in Bayshore Magenta.

Add romance using translucent fabrics or other feminine details without being overly sweet. By sticking with cottons and linens you'll keep the look honest and natural. Then select a few carefully chosen accessories to pull it all together, keeping the space clutter free with smart storage solutions.

Bemz bed skirt with pleats in Mocha Belgian Linen Blend

A good mattress to help achieve optimal rest and relaxation is a wise investment.

Bemz bed frame cover for Grimen bed frame in Unbleached Belgian Linen Blend

For more inspiration on bedrooms see our blog entry on How to Decorate your Bedroom full of great tips from the Bemz design team. You can also check out the Bemz website for more bedroom ideas as well as our Bedroom board on Pinterest.

Credit: Elle Decoration May 2012 issue

Top tips: make the most of your space with a daybed

Daybeds with their perfect combination of form and function add style and versatility to any room. Ideal for making the most of dorm rooms, studio apartments or homes with space issues, the daybed functions as a stylish sofa by day and a comfortable bed by night, adding extra punch to your décor – compact living or not.

Daybed in Black&White Coconut Grove by Designers Guild from the Bemz Designer Collection.
Cushions in Sun Yellow and Soft White also from Bemz.

In the run up to back-to-school, the daybed is a practical piece for budget-conscious students starting college or university looking to add some style to their living quarters. Transform a dorm room from bedroom basic to stylish pad by adding a daybed in a colourful fabric piled high with cushions. Daybeds are also great for studio apartments, where there may not be room for a sofa and a bed.

Daybed cover in textured Sybary Light Grey and cushion covers in Sand Beige and Graphite Grey

Loop Bed from Hay.

A daybed enables you to make better use of extra space in your home such as large landings, basements, porches. By adding a daybed you can create a cosy reading nook or relaxation zone, which doubles as up as extra sleeping quarters when needed.

Day Bed One from Another Country. Photo from Another Country.

Designed for more than sitting or sleeping, the daybed is the ultimate piece of cocooning furniture.

Hyder daybed. Photo via Tumblr.

A daybed will also transform that seldom-used guest room into a versatile space for year-round use.

Cushions in Pale Turquoise New Baroque, Silver Grey/Absolute White Gotland Stripe and Caffe Latte True Rose on a Soft White Belgian Linen slipcover from Bemz.

In the kids’ room, a daybed will transform the space into a place for your child to entertain. Depending on which model you choose it can also be used for storage.

Photo via The Perfectly Imperfect life.

Now a smart tool in today's design lexicon, the daybed adds life and style to any room. Inject colour with decorative cushions in different sizes and shapes, complemented with collections of framed photos and fabric bunting.

Daybed cover in Fuchsia and scatter cushions in Fuchsia Static Stripe and Daquiri/Teal Blue Stockholm Stripe, Mandarin Orange, Fuchsia and Mandarin Orange/Soft White Gotland Stripe from Bemz

Daybed cover in Soft White Rosendal Pure Washed Linen from Bemz. Photo from Bemz customer Francesca of Italy.

Top tips: Putting pastel power to work in your home

As the weather gets warmer delicious ice-cream inspired pastels are being served up everywhere – this time in richly intense shades on the cooler side of sweet. Pastels look great in any room. Use them to reinvent and personalise your home.

Ängby sofa cover and cushion covers from Bemz in Vanilla Yellow, Dusty Rose, Tea Green, Paler Shade of Grey and Lavender

Create a relaxed and soothing living space using the paler end of the pastel palette such as Eggshell Blue, Soft White, Dusty Rose, Unbleached, and Tea Green, colours that are key ingredients in the Scandinavian Country Lifestyle that we love so much. Layer textures of natural fabrics such as luxurious linen and crisp cotton for interest and movement.

Tea green sofa cover from Bemz adds pastel power to a Backa sofa

Country table in a pastel-inspired room. The daybed in the background has a cover from Bemz

Keep to muted tones on furnishings, adding edgy attitude with industrial textures and geometric shapes. Ice-cream parlour shades and mid-century style furniture bring a cool retro to the room.

Karlanda sofa cover in Tegnér Melange Mineral Blue from Bemz

Lavender Rosendal Pure Washed Linen slipcover from Bemz 

Dip into all the delicious colours of sherbet to zone a bedroom or living area. Link adjoining rooms together by adding accessories in the same shade. Indulge in fun colour combinations, with pops of stronger shades for a modern take. Be creative using clever combinations to draw attention.

Henriksdal chairs in Sagrada Blossom from Designers Guild from the Bemz Designer Collection

Neutral tones paired with natural material such as metal, light wood and glass provide a good backdrop for showcasing graphic art. Bright hits of yellow provide a touch of light therapy in an otherwise subdued colour scheme.

Vanilla Yellow Belgian Linen cover from Bemz for Henriksdal chair with armrests

Kivik sofa and one-seater in Lavender Belgian Linen and  Dusty Rose Panama Cotton covers from Bemz

Use stronger pastels in the bedroom softened with translucent fabrics without being overly sweet.

Bemz Bed skirt with frills in Lavender Rosendal Pure Washed Linen

Cushions in Eggshell Blue and Black Gustavian Flowers by Katarina Wiklund from the Bemz Designer Collection, Dusty Rose, New Baroque Chocolate Brown, and Tea Green in Belgian Linen Blend and Lavender Belgian Linen Blend

Whether you're a country romantic or an ubercool urbanite, love rustic or retro, there’s a pastel for you. See the wide-range of fabrics from Bemz in a candy-store selection of different fabrics and textiles and put pastel power to work in your home.

Credit: Livingetc., June 2012 and Elle Decoration, June 2012 issues. All photos from Bemz.

Top tips: How to bring nature into your home

Summer's officially here! And many of us waste no time in moving our lives outdoors, enjoying strawberries and cream on lazy summer days, dining al fresco on warm summer nights. Connecting with nature has a calming effect and keeps us balanced - body and soul.

With the summer house feel in mind, we came across these five easy steps to help you welcome summer and bring nature into your home. Follow them to cultivate the power of nature indoors - all year long!

Step one: Working with nature is a simple as showcasing cherished mementos like old black and white photos, a collection of ceramic pots or found treasures, such as shells, fossils and stones.

Step two: Generate good green energy by adding lots of plants and foliage, which are a must for bringing interiors to life. A bunch of wild summer flowers adds a pretty splash of colour to any room. Incorporate natural designs such as decorative leaves and twigs.

Step three: Use a natural palette for a calming effect when it comes to your home’s colour scheme: Wind swept whites, stone, washed beiges and sea worn greys - with a touch of ocean-inspired blue.

Step four: Revel in the textures and patinas of natural materials to add depth, interest and richness. Mix rough-hewn woods, bare stone, leather, sheepskin and metal worn by the elements.

Step five: Layering fabrics is one of the easiest ways to introduce a variety of textures into an interior. Use natural textiles such as on-trend whites in pure linen and cotton to add softness and warmth in every room. Summery loose fit covers on chairs and sofas piled high with cushions, cosy woollen blankets and faded washed denim. Stick to neutral colours such as Sand Beige, mixed with with darker shades like Zinc Grey, Mocha Brown and faded Ink Blue.

Casual yet elegant linen slipcovers for your sofas, armchairs, dining room chairs and daybeds are a clever and inexpensive solution for an instant summery look.

If you like what you see check out Bemz wide selection of covers as well as our Simple Life lifestyle and Industrial Vintage trend for more inspiration.

Credit: Elle Decoration, May 2012; Photos: All from Bemz

Top tips: How to decorate your bedroom

Bedrooms offer up rest for not just our bodies but for our minds and souls too. Check out our bedroom special full of lovely photos put together by the amazing Bemz design team for tips and inspiration before tackling your own room. But first, here's a synopsis, based on five styles. Which one is yours?

Florö bed frame from Ikea in Moss Green Belgian Linen from Bemz. Ikea Karlstad footstools in Bubbel Brown by designer Bantie at Bemz

Bohemian Chic: The relaxed, yet sophisticated Bohemian Chic Lifestyle is characterized by a hand picked mix of modern iconic designs and antique classics. The bedroom is a peaceful refuge from the day’s stresses. Although a variety of solid-coloured, patterned and embroidered cushions are used, there is no feeling of clutter.

Bed skirt with frills in Rosendal Pure Washed Linen Lavender from Bemz

A sense of personal luxury is created with a subtly wrinkled linen bed skirt. Don’t be afraid to mix colours and textures, these are exciting clashes that will enhance that bohemian look! Read more about Bohemian Chic.

Straight Bed Skirt in Soft White Belgian Linen Blend from Bemz

Simple Life: This is a style that sits as one with nature, taking root in rugged coastal scenery. The typical Simple Life bedroom is discriminating and uncomplicated with a focus on function. A washed linen bed skirt brings a balance of elegance and natural simplicity.

Bed skirt with frills in Rosendal Pure Washed Medium Grey

Various light coloured textiles reinforce the fresh and simple look of this nature-inspired decor. Consider mixing natural textiles with different textures, like linen and cotton, to add character and depth. Read more about Simple Life.

Bemz Bed skirt with frills in Rosendal Pure Washed Soft White

Scandinavian Country: This an interpretation of a romantic past. Create a cosy, romantic, vintage-inspired bedroom using whites and light pastels, ideally in crisp linens. A pleated bed skirt or upholstered headboard paired with cushions and throws underline the tranquil and harmonious vibe. A simple chandelier accentuates the contrasting mix of elegance and rustic warmth.

Florö bed frame cover in Soft White Belgian Linen Blend

Character and cosiness are added through quintessential florals, informal stripes and checks, emphasising the rural expression. Read more about Scandinavian Country.

Florö bed frame cover in Tégner Mélange Ink Blue. Cushion covers in Silver Grey and Tégner Mélange Ink Blue

Urban Living: This evokes a self-confident attitude and a singular character with a chic and functional feel. The Urban Living styled bedroom takes inspiration from hotel rooms. Its function as the perfect retreat from the daily stresses of city living is fulfilled via a coherent colour scheme. Carefully selected designer cushions are lined up while a stylish throw sits at the foot of the bed. An upholstered headboard and a straight bed skirt with box pleats contribute to the sense of serene luxury.

Grimen bed frame cover in Frescati Plaid Grey

The colour scheme is monochromatic, based on either a dark industrial–chic style palette or a lighter modern and elegant palette. Read more about Urban Living.

Florö bed frame cover in Stockholm Stripe Jet Black

Playground: As the name suggests, Playground is all about playfulness. Happy colours and daring patterns mix with Scandinavian design classics and modern favourites. A graphic black and white upholstered bed frame adorned with large patterned cushions in lime, grass green and yellow are lively against white walls.

Fuchsia daybed with scatter cushions in orange, pink and lime from Bemz

The guest room’s fuchsia daybed pops when scattered with pattern-rich cushions in orange, pink and lime. Combine sturdy Panama Cotton from Bemz with Designers Guild and Marimekko to strike the right balance. Read more about Playground.

Sweet dreams!

Top tips: How to dive into the blue

Blue never completely goes out of fashion. This is because it fits into many styles, is multi-functional, practical and beautiful. And it's back at the top of the popularity charts! 

From the coolest pale, powder blue to the deeply warming and intense sapphire, blue reaches from one end of the colour and emotional spectrum to the other. It is the colour of the sea and sky. It is happy thoughts. It is electric and invigorating. It is escapism. It is holidays. It is coolness. It is sadness. It is calming and relaxation. It is distance. It is abstract. And it is this very myriad of shades and the emotions they evoke, that makes blue so powerful.

Having read that, it may now feel like using blue is not easy - but it is, and here's how:

- Step one: think about the purpose of the space you are decorating. What kind of feel do you want to create? Do you want it relaxed or invigorating? Do you want to glam it up or keep it simple and rustic? To help you with this we have a few styles and idea palette choices listed after step three.

- Step two: pick the right shade of blue to achieve the purpose you defined in step one and introduce tones of that shade. In descending order, it goes colour, shade, tone. To further clarify - a tone is the varying degrees of a colour that make up a shade. So, if sky blue is a shade of the colour blue, then just as the sky is never composed of a single flat colour but rather a myriad of tones, so is the shade of colour you've chosen made up of a myriad of tones. And it is with these tones you want to work. 

- Step three: layer with the appropriate tones using patterns and texture. The key to success with blue is working with a mix of patterns and tones. This will keep it interesting without ever overdoing it.

Are you ready to dive in? 

Ultramarine and turquoise shades are vivid, versatile and trendy. They are the ones we are seeing most on catwalks and are great tones to use if you want to inject a feeling of spring/summer into your home. Layered tones will provide texture and interest.

If you are looking for a calm, coastal feel, pale aquamarines, denims paired with sandy beiges are the way to go. They are restful and soothing - well suited to rooms made for relaxing, like the living room or bedroom.

At the other end of the spectrum, an invigorating cobalt or electric blue paired with brilliant white is another take on the traditional monochromatic look. This is a great combination for a space that requires you to be productive, like a home office or kitchen. 

If you love glam, opt for teals, paired with turquoise and petrol blues for sophisticated bling. 

If pretty is more your thing, sky blues should be your palette of choice. They can have the effect of increasing a sense of spaciousness.

Whether you're an urban angel or a country romantic, love rustic or retro, there's a blue for you. Check out our collection of 35 blues by filtering colour choice in our webshop.

Photos: all from Bemz

Top tips: How to make your Karlstad go designer

Generally, I share photos that come directly from happy Bemz customers every Friday. This post is slightly different however, as this customer doesn't just transform her Karlstad chaise longue with a Bemz cover (not that that isn't enough) but actually transforms the whole look of the chair, as well as the room. 

The person in question is interior designer (and then some) Cristina from Ireland. Her home is already featured on her own lovely blog called Positively Beauty. And, based on those facts, I decided this was more of a top tips from a designer kind of post!

Everyone loves a before-and-after photo and here you can see how Cristina put her talents to work and transformed her new home.

Cristina took the IKEA Karlstad chaise longue add-on unit and transformed it into a stunning designer piece of furniture. And here's how...

First - choose a fabric for your new cover from Bemz. Cristina was torn between the Absolute White cotton and the Soft White linen blend but went with the linen upon receiving her free swatches. As her chaise longue is the add-on unit, it has two holes so that it may be fixed the sofa. But Cristina wanted to use it as a stand alone unit, so chose the stand alone cover which covered up the holes.

Cristina also replaced the telltale IKEA standard wooden feet with a stainless steel underframe giving it a much sleeker, more contemporary look.

Cristina replaced the red curtains with linen ones in a neutral shade, introduced a beautiful floor lamp (there's a story in that: read more about it on her post!), painted the walls and accessorised with complementary details like plant pots, throws and frames. The overall look was complete!

If you like what you see, read more about Cristina and visit her blog. Thank you Cristina for sharing you creative flair and ideas with us... And for choosing Bemz.