For a touch of drama, this homeowner added black in various fabrics as well as in the plates and frames on the walls. Bold chevron stripes on the pillows mixed with a classic duvet pattern brings contemporary elements to the mix.

This room, with its mixed traditional furnishings and contemporary details, takes its inspiration from a Japanese garden. The furniture comes from a number of sources. Some pieces are antique or vintage―the original recycled product―and others are made from reclaimed wood, but the majority is from nearby furniture companies committed to manufacturing in environmentally sensitive ways. For flooring, a fast-growing yet durable bamboo with a dark stain was chosen to keep the room from looking too contemporary.

One of the best ways to give your bedroom a lift is to paint the walls. Inject some of your favourite colour into your bedroom by giving the walls a fresh new coat of paint. Your bedroom will feel brighter and cleaner. Try a bold new colour or a soft neutral.

Green design doesn't have to mean mod and sleek. Start by using low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paint on the walls. The four-poster bed is crafted from rattan, a fast-growing, sustainable product. It can be grown in natural forests without disturbing the existing structure and balance.