Peti Lau: Tropical Chic Bedroom

In this home, we wanted the bedroom to feel connected to the lush landscape outside, so we leaned into a bold palm-print wallpaper. Once the walls established that energy, the rest, like the textured Moroccan rug, soft linen drapery, and burl wood nightstands, became supportive layers that add warmth without competing.

The size of the room and the quality of light matter. Small spaces can look incredible wrapped in something dark and moody, while restful rooms benefit from textured papers, chenille or suede, that bring coziness and dimension without shouting.

I love wrapping the entire room. Accent walls rarely feel intentional. Sometimes I’ll even take the wallpaper onto the ceiling. If not, I paint the ceiling in the wallpaper’s ground color so the transition feels seamless.

Deep blues like Farrow & Ball’s Hague Blue or Benjamin Moore’s Vanderberg Blue and Van Deusen Blue create a beautifully moody atmosphere. For something quieter, Farrow & Ball’s Elephant’s Breath is a sophisticated taupe with just a hint of purple.

If the walls are papered, I’ll match the ceiling to the ground tone of the pattern. If the walls are painted, I lighten the hue for a softer shift. When a cleaner white is needed, Benjamin Moore’s Decorator’s White is warm enough to blend rather than contrast sharply.

Wide-plank hardwood is always my starting point. It brings warmth and structure, and then I layer in a plush rug to give the room that soft, welcoming feel you want in a bedroom.

It’s all about balancing texture and color. I love pairing wovens with chenille and mohair to get that rich, dimensional feel. The mix keeps the room from falling flat.

A solid wool sateen is one of my favorites. It’s luxurious, minimal, and drapes with real elegance. If the walls, headboard, or floor are already patterned, keep the drapery quiet. But you can also reverse that and let the drapery carry the pattern while the rest of the room stays calm.

I come back to Benjamin Moore’s Classic Burgundy, Vanderberg Blue, Balboa Mist, and Cloud White again and again. They’re timeless, flattering, and incredibly versatile.

Interview by Alyssa Bird