After an incredible experience designing my living room with Havenly, I immediately knew I wanted to work with them again to create the bedroom of my dreams.
When I first moved into my apartment, the bedroom remained almost entirely empty for a year—no bed frame, no dresser, no art. It felt like an afterthought compared to the rest of the home. My attention had been focused on the kitchen, where I spend most of my time as a food blogger and YouTuber, and on creating a cozy living room. Once those rooms were finished, I was ready to design a modern, minimalist, plush bedroom sanctuary.
I reached back out to the same Havenly designer, Asia, who had helped with the living room. She was available and eager to collaborate again, and the process unfolded much the same way: defining the major pieces first, then layering in textiles, lighting, plants, and art to achieve balance and personality.
My Modern and Minimalist Bedroom Design Tour
I also created a video tour of the finished room to share the details and layout. It’s a helpful complement if you want to see the space in motion and observe how the pieces work together.
All of the Bedroom Design Details
The first step was choosing the big-ticket items: the bed, dresser, and nightstands. Asia suggested the Oliver bed from Interior Define, and I loved its sleek lines and upholstered warmth. Since I’d previously bought a sofa from the same company, I trusted their quality. We chose a warm beige upholstery and upgraded the size from queen to California king to create a more luxurious feel.
With a larger bed came the need for a new mattress. After researching organic options, I selected a high-quality pillow-top mattress and paired it with premium organic sheets and a down-filled duvet to achieve that crisp, hotel-like look. White linens combined with a stone-colored pillow or two and a neutral textured throw created an elegant, simple bedding setup that still felt personal and comfortable.
Finding the right dresser was more challenging. I initially wanted a white dresser, but most that I liked wouldn’t fit between the two windows. Practical dimensions came first, then style. We chose a wood-toned dresser with full-extension drawers for ease of use, and added hand-painted knobs with gold and brass accents to modernize and elevate the piece.
To keep the dresser surface tidy, I used simple glass jewelry boxes and a low geometric planter for an orchid, plus a small piece of blown glass art collected during travel. These elements add interest without visual clutter and maintain the calm, neutral palette.
Because the dresser is a darker wood, we balanced it with white and brass nightstands to keep the room feeling light and airy. A designer tip I learned from Asia: check the teen or youth collections of furniture retailers—those lines can include refined pieces at different price points and unique finishes.
Drapes were next. I leaned into a grey palette and chose thick Belgian flax linen blackout curtains. The blackout lining not only reduces light but also softens outside noise, which noticeably improved sleep quality. Instead of a single panel per side, I selected two panels per side to create a plush, hotel-like frame around the windows.
To bring in warmth and a SoCal vibe, greenery was essential. I added a tall standing planter with a ZZ plant, which revived quickly after being moved away from direct sun. Planters, hanging vessels, and trailing plants contribute to a relaxed, living feel while keeping the aesthetic clean and modern.
For seating, a low-footprint chair was better than a bulky lounge piece given the layout and the added depth of the drapes. A mid-century modern dining-style chair fits perfectly for sitting while putting on shoes. I topped it with a soft wool accent pillow to add texture.
Lighting plays a big role in the final mood. I chose sculptural table lamps with concrete bases and brass details to add an edge while staying cohesive with the neutral palette. On one nightstand I keep a sunrise alarm clock I’ve used for years; it’s a small ritual that helps with mornings. On the opposite nightstand I display a travel-inspired statue and a low-maintenance faux plant where natural light is limited.
A large floating wood floor mirror opposite the bed is both functional and decorative: it reflects light, visually expands the room, and provides a practical spot to check outfits before heading out.
Artwork ties the room together and sets the emotional tone. We curated a gallery above the dresser that blends coastal, organic, and contemporary pieces—soft sandy hues, botanical elements, and abstract shapes that echo the room’s palette. Above the bed, a large beach print brings a joyful, calming focal point that greets me every morning.
In the end, the room became exactly the sanctuary I wanted: modern and minimalist, yet warm and lived-in, with thoughtful layers of texture, greenery, and art. It’s a space built for rest, quiet creativity, and comfort.
Special thanks to Havenly for partnering on this bedroom design. I’m delighted with the result.