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You’ve already taken care of the most important part of your bedroom design – the bed. But now what?

First, decide what of the existing décor you want to keep. The antique end tables? A hand-carved headboard? Make sure to keep those elements in mind when choosing the new design materials and furniture.

Next, try using one (or all) of these simple techniques to find design inspiration for your bedroom.

Keep a scrapbook
When flipping through your favorite magazines, tear out pictures of bedrooms you are drawn to – either for the furnishings, theme, use of color, fabrics, etc. Store them in a folder and carry them with you when shopping for furniture, choosing paint colors, etc. These clippings will also give you something to point to when trying to describe your ideas to a salesperson or interior designer.

Create a mood board
First, find a large space you can tack or tape things to – a corkboard or empty wall, for example. Then collect magazine clippings, paint chips, fabric swatches – even material samples – and stick them to your mood board. Try putting various elements together to get an idea of how they’ll work in your room. Take risks. Try new combinations. Think of this space as a microcosm of what your bedroom could become.

Go to the bookstore
There are hundreds of books on interior design and notable homes. Unless you’re interested in the “Do It Yourself” route, avoid textbooks or how-to books. Instead, look for photo or coffee table books about architect-designed houses, artist lofts, Parisian studios, Victorian homes or whatever style you’d like to bring into your own room.

Whether you’re designing the room yourself, or using the expertise of a design professional, make sure to stay true to your personal preferences. Your bedroom is a place of refuge and relaxation – you should feel proud and uplifted every time you enter it and wistful every time you have to leave it.