Fabric Swatch Inspires Serene Bedroom Design

Molly Bruno, an interior designer, used the pattern of Quadrille Fabrics’ Malaya as a jumping-off point to create the fresh, relaxing atmosphere the homeowners wanted.

By Charlotte Safavi June 2, 2023

"We knew we wanted a place to relax and unwind after a long day. Something classic with a fresh vibe. Other than the bed and its box spring, which we owned, we left the rest to the imagination of our designer," recalls the homeowner of this serene, transitional-style primary bedroom.

Of course, these are words that any designer loves to hear. For DC-based interior designer Molly Bruno of Molly Bruno Interiors, the inspiration that stirred her imagination came from a swatch of Quadrille Fabrics’ Malaya in powdery blues and creamy whites.

"My vision for this bedroom began with this textile," Bruno says. "The youthful quality of the print and its soft palette were the perfect jumping-off point to create a traditional, yet fresh and modern space."

Bruno used the beloved textile to create a fun, custom-upholstered headboard, a bed skirt, and a throw pillow, all trimmed with tape or piping in a complementary blue. The layered window treatments incorporate Roman shades in the same textile.

"We wanted a lush, layered look in the bedroom, so I added wall-to-wall carpeting in a low pile with a barely-there plaid pattern, and then painted the walls, baseboards, and crown molding in a soft blue, creating a saturated, yet calming feeling," she continues.

Bruno removed the old indoor shutters to let in more light before adding the double window treatments with black-out blinds below the Roman shades. The designer added mirrors to the backs of the closet doors opposite the bed to enlarge the space and reflect the light.

"Before we started, my clients’ bedroom felt like a collection of mismatched pieces," says Bruno. "It was in desperate need of a cohesive design that provided a place for my clients to rest and recharge."

She commissioned two large, white-painted nightstands for each side of the bed and added a tall white chest to provide additional storage. Finishing touches included a chaise lounge, reading lamp, and ceramic stool.

"The space works perfectly for us," says the homeowner. "The whole family loves to come and lay on our bed and chat, and you can always find my youngest [of three children] snuggled under a blanket, reading on the chaise lounge before bedtime."

Feature photo by Robert Radifera for Stylish Productions

This story originally ran in our June issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine.