If you’re a single guy with a plain, boring uninspired bedroom space, a stylish and sophisticated bedroom is not out of your reach. You can turn your bedroom into a crisp, modern space with a chic contemporary vibe without the assistance of an interior decorator. All you need is a plan and here is an outline to help you execute.

1. Color and Pattern

Limiting your color palette to two or three colors will make your bedroom look sophisticated and streamlined. Choose a modern palette such as black and brown, or turquoise and grey. If you rent an apartment and you are forced to live with white walls, use them as the backdrop for a monochromatic palette in white, black and grey. Choose your basic palette then jazz things up with an accent color. For example, in the white apartment space choose sleek black furniture, geometric pattern bedding in black and white and accent in tomato red or apple green. You can add the accent color in toss pillows for the bed, lamps, accessories and contemporary metal art.

Because you are going to be using a limited color palette, pattern is essential for creating a sophisticated look: Stick with modern hard edge geometrics, squares, and stripes or make the look more organic by choosing circles, waves or contemporary paisley prints. Add the patterns in bed linens and comforter, curtains, lamp shades, wall art and accessories.

2. Fabric and Texture

Fabric and texture is also important and it will play a major role in making your room look inviting and plush, rather than sterile and cold. Choose bedding in luxurious fabrics like sateen and high-thread count Egyptian cotton. A comforter and curtain panels with a pearlescent or metallic sheen will keep the look modern and sleek.

A side chair and ottoman or headboard in leather adds a masculine touch, and leather has the additional advantage of being easy to clean. Even if the room is carpeted consider adding a faux sheepskin or animal print area rug at the base of the bed or under the side chair for warmth and comfort and to balance hard edges in the room. An area rug is a must if your floors are bare wood.

3. Set the Mood with Soft Lighting

If your bedroom has an overhead fixture or ceiling fan make sure it ties into your decorative scheme; otherwise replace it with a more modern fixture. Dimmer switches for both the light and the fan make it easy to control light and air circulation. An overhead fixture, however, is not enough for a bedroom. Add soft ambient lighting with tables lamps fitted with shades in black or chocolate brown or one of your accent colors. Deep colored shades will keep the lighting soft and flattering. Wall sconces or wall fixtures on adjustable arms are great choices for a smaller room that doesn’t have adequate space for side tables and lamps. For a bit of romance, sprinkle in a few candle wall sconces and candles set on table tops.

4. Express Individuality through Accessories

Personalize your bedroom space with accessories that reflect your tastes and interests: choose from abstract metal art, paintings or prints, metal wall art or wood wall sculptures. Plants always make a room feel more vibrant; bamboo and cactus are low maintenance plants or you can simply place a few bare branches or dried grasses in a floor vase.

5. Low-Maintenance Organization

To keep your room always at its best, get organized and avoid clutter. A hamper in the closet or bathroom makes it easy to keep dirty clothes off the floor. Dust, vacuum, clean the bathroom and launder the sheets at least once a week and you’ll never be embarrassed if you have an unexpected guest. Paper clutter can become overwhelming, so make a habit of recycling newspapers and magazines regularly. Purchase a few decorative tins, boxes or baskets to corral bills and personal papers and store them on stylish floating shelves with decorative items and books so they’ll blend into the décor while still remaining conveniently at hand. A file box tucked discreetly away in the closet can store paperwork that doesn’t need your immediate attention.

All text copyright Relica. Photo from Flikr - "Inside Cary Grants bachelor home" courtesy of Clare A was W.