Five C’s to Create Your Beautiful Summer Bedroom
Crosby Street Hotel, New York - Firmdale Hotels
Designer Kit Kemp’s Five C’s - Colour, Comfort, Craft, Character, and Curation - are principles I wholeheartedly agree with. Together, they form the foundation of any great room. As the light changes and the air warms, it’s the perfect moment to refresh your bedroom with these ideas in mind. A lighter touch, thoughtful layers, and a balance of texture and tone can transform your space into a calm and personal retreat for the summer months.
1. Colour
Colour sets the tone and tells the story of a room. For summer, we’re seeing a soothing palette that drifts from the lightest snow through glacial blues and misty greys. Feeling bolder? Try pairing charcoal linen with a hint of midnight velvet for a moodier edge. If you’re craving a connection to nature, look to rich forest greens and deep olive tones - shades that feel grounded and restorative. Layer your favourite designs with soft neutrals to bring balance, warmth, and an effortless sense of individuality to your room.
2. Comfort
Colour sets the tone and tells the story of a room. For summer, we’re seeing a soothing palette that drifts from the lightest snow through glacial blues and misty greys. Feeling bolder? Try pairing charcoal linen with a hint of midnight velvet for a moodier edge. If you’re craving a connection to nature, look to rich forest greens and deep olive tones - shades that feel grounded and restorative. Layer your favourite designs with soft neutrals to bring balance, warmth, and an effortless sense of individuality to your room.
3. Craft
Every piece we bring into our room should feel considered - made with care, not haste. I’ve always loved the kind of craftsmanship where you can sense the maker’s hand in the details: the weave of a beautiful fabric, the texture of a well-made cushion and those subtle imperfections that make something feel real. It’s these small, human touches that give a space warmth and soul - the quiet luxury of things made slowly and meant to last.
4. Character
A bedroom should always reflect your story. It’s where layers of texture, colour, and memory come together to feel unmistakably yours. For me, it’s the blend of relaxed linen with a touch of silk velvet - it’s soft, inviting, and just a little indulgent. Play with tones and shapes, let a favourite cushion or piece of art take centre stage, and don’t overthink it. Whether you prefer calm neutrals or deeper, ocean-inspired colours, character is built through those small, personal touches that make you feel right at home.
5. Curation
Finally, curate with intention. A room always feels more peaceful when it’s not cluttered - just a few pieces you genuinely love can make all the difference. Keep surfaces clear, let the air and light flow freely, and choose details that are both beautiful and practical. A vase of greenery from the garden, a favourite lamp, or a small stack of well-loved books can be all you need to make the space feel complete.