Injecting some feminine energy into a room

There's nothing quite like reclining in a sumptuous boudoir steeped in rich luxury—and with a little effort, you can have just that, right in the heart of your own home.

#1: Stick to a jewel-toned palette throughout.

There's pretty much nothing more luxurious than jewel tones, and using them throughout your entire bedroom creates an instant atmosphere of opulence. Jewel tones are rich rather than dark: emerald, sapphire, ruby, turquoise, amber . . . there are plenty of possibilities, and they all match each other perfectly. Just pick one for the walls and one for the woodwork, and choose another to act as an accent colour.

#2: Use copper and bronze to set off your jewels.

Of course, there are plenty of bedroom accessories that won't be in those colours—light fittings, candle holders, bedsteads, etc. Using copper and bronze tones for these things looks fantastic, and don't worry about needing everything to be super matchy-matchy.

#3: Double your luxury with a large mirrored wardrobe.

Simply installing the largest mirrored wardrobe you can along one wall of your bedroom will make an astounding difference to the way the room looks and feels. It creates an illusion of far more space, and space in turn makes rooms feel more luxurious!

#4: Go for either a four-poster or a decorative metal frame.

The ultimate in Bohemian boudoir would of course be a heavily-draped four-poster, and some are surprisingly affordable if you do have the room. For most of us, though (particularly city dwellers!), space is one luxury we don't have, so it can be a good idea to avoid these beds, as they tend to take over. A decorative metal frame, in iron with copper or brass accents, is a fantastic substitute.

#5: Remember that tiny details make all the difference.

It's the little things that count, and luxurious interior design is all about paying attention to detail. Spend some time thinking about things like the knobs on your chest of drawers: could you replace them with a stunning feature set? You can even buy drawer knobs made of real semi-precious stones, and these look amazing in such a setting. Satin pillowcases are another great way to enhance the opulence, and a few carefully-chosen ornaments can make a massive difference!

#6: Drape everything in a wide variety of fabrics and textures.

Variety is the lifeblood of luxury in interior design, and for this sumptuous look to work, you don't want everything to match. Satin pillowcases with an Egyptian cotton sheet and bedcover; heavy velvet curtains hung over light, floating, silky voiles; deep, plush rugs across the floor and silk art scarves turned into wall hangings. Fabric is hugely important to this look, and the more variations in texture you can squeeze in the better.