The quintessentially English-country-style space is a trove of decorating lessons that bedroom experts are replicating

When asked to picture a cozy English country bedroom, a space that looks identical to Emma Watson’s space is likely to come to mind. The Harry Potter actress has designed a quintessential yet relaxed bedroom that’s a celebration of pattern – from her cream and purple curtains to the eclectic collection of pillows and headboard of a similar hue.

When it comes to bedroom design, tapping into our personal taste (and colors that will help us sleep better) is key. So, following Watson’s exact pattern and hues isn’t entirely necessary (especially if the cottagecore style doesn’t work in our space). However, what we can replicate is her ability to ‘bedscape’ a space that’s both soothing and aesthetic, as experts explain.

‘Bedscaping is one of the best things we can do for ourselves,’ says Georgia Metcalfe, the founder of French Bedroom. “It’s our first accomplishment of the day. It doesn’t need to be complicated or involve a lot of styling products. Do it the way that feels right for you. Bedscaping goes further than aesthetics. It stretches into well-being, too.’

We may have heard of tablescaping (the art of dressing our table in such a way that impresses dinner guests with our functional creativity and personal style) and, in turn, mantelscaping, which brings a similar ideology to our mantel, unsurprisingly. However,bedscaping, as the name suggests, brings this focus to the way we design our beds – from our sheets to our all-important headboard.

‘Adding an opulent headboard can instantly elevate the bedroom into a beautifully styled space. Choose one that is upholstered in tactile fabrics [much like Watson’s], such as velvet, to add a more luxurious look and feel. While the beauty of a curvier-shaped headboard will also create further interest in the space, I also say the bigger the headboard, the better, for that real wow factor,’ Metcalfe says.

Georgia Metcalfe is Co-Founder and Creative Director at The French Bedroom Company. She founded the online boutique in 2006 and her curated selection of furniture has been described by many as “antiques of the future”.

(Image credit: Osborne & Little)
Our duvet and pillows are similarly impactful in the bedscaping process. ‘The debate over whether the pillows should go under the duvet or above it continues,’ Metcalfe explains. ‘We’re firmly of the opinion that pillows should be above the duvet – it’s a styling moment that shouldn’t be missed!’ The real question, however, is if we should follow stack them or prop them up?

‘It is, as always, a matter of taste: stack them for a laid-back jump-right-in vibe, and prop them up for that sought-after hotel elegance.’

Watson’s pillows compliment the colors seen in her curtains and headboard – a design technique that hasn’t gone unnoticed by Metcalfe.

‘Mix and match different cushions for a fun modern look (keeping it color or style-coordinated, of course), go for formal matching pairs for a hotel vibe, or layer patterns to go with your maximalist bedroom,’ she says.

‘The cushions are the place where you can really show your personality. Patterns, graphic prints, slogans, or pom poms, faux fur and fringing. The world is your oyster