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12 Ways How to Make Your Bedroom Look Indie

Make room indie-style: lights, plants, art.
12 Ways How to Make Your Bedroom Look Indie
Tom Greenspan
Updated 
December 21, 2022

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The word Indie has been around for decades and you can almost guarantee that most of you don't have the first idea of what the Indie aesthetic is. Is it from the Indian continent with the rich color schemes or maybe from traditional American Indians who have a distinctive style of their own?

Actually, it's neither one of the suggested, Indie means independent and it first gained traction back in the 70s when the young and the beautiful rejected what was offered by the fashion industry and did their own thing.

In this article, we will reveal some astonishing Indie ideas that will make the older generation leap for joy as they learn the Indie look is not all bad and can be easily integrated into their own bedrooms.

Let's explore the Indie scene and learn:

  • How to be free
  • Classic Indie style from the 70s
  • Is black and gray Indie?
  • Indie on a budget and more

How do I make my bedroom look aesthetic?

The indie aesthetic is about exploring your idea and being independent with your design. You will need to appreciate that the Indie aesthetic is not about style but more about expressing your ideas in design.

It all sounds great, and it is. However, you will need to adhere to some design principles if you are to avoid an unequivocal design disaster that will cost you time and money.

Here are some tips to help you get started:

  • Use photos, lots of photos to create a wall, the wall can be eclectic or have a theme such as changes over the years, mix the images with frames and Polaroid-style photos for the maximum wow factor.
  • Do you have great handwriting? Use colorful sticky notes with quirky messages as decoration to create your Indie vibe.
  • If you have wall stickers, use them to create a random pattern that reflects you.
  • Hang interesting rugs on the wall to imitate tapestry.
  • No one expects a world map in a hippie bedroom, so make the unexpected.
  • Use bold colors that compliment.
  • Lamps are a fantastic way to achieve the Indie look, swap, and change so the lamps are random but give the same warm glow.

1. Indie design for the echelons of society

Well, you did read you would be astonished so the first image is for the older generation, and while it may look like a traditional bedroom that is part of the charm of the room.

The busy pattern wall is a personal statement of design and when combined with an equally busy rug the two items of design should oppose each other but in this case, they complement perfectly.

The wall niche displaying pottery and candle sticks is a throwback to what could be considered ancient times that should have no business in a modern bedroom, but because you are an independent thinking designer, you can use these items to great effect.

The triumphant ceiling mimics the patterns of the vines and takes center stage of the bedroom, creating a warm sensual modern Indie bedroom.

How to create this look?

It's a mindset to create this bedroom, you will clearly be well-heeled and use expensive items, but that does not prevent you from being electric which is a fundamental thought process for an Indie design bedroom.

Try not to compliment when using neutral tones. Introduce some stranger colors and patterns; this bedroom can deal with bold saturated color due to the expanse of windows.

How easy is this look to achieve? Working on a simple scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being the hardest level to achieve this bedroom is an 8.

This bedroom is complex in its design elements and beyond the scope of a DIY enthusiast to complete the decorative elements.

2. Free your mind 

When going all in Indie design free your mind and do what pleases you, there are no requirements to stick to the tried and tested and if you adopt this approach you will achieve magnificence.

If bright orange polka dot wallpaper is your thing then go for it, the constraints are no longer part of the design principle remember, thinking independently and expressing your designs is a wonderfully liberating experience.

Many of the classic artists just did their own thing, Caravaggio was commissioned but the content was from his own thoughts, making his work controversial but stunning.

Orange will make a perfect bright bedroom that will make you feel bright and elated every time you are in the bedroom.

How to create this look?

Freely express your color preferences and use them, throw caution to the wind and be an Indie designer creating your own space with abandoned regard for anyone else.

The choice of wallpaper is sublime so go all in if you are using bright and bold colors.

How easy is this look to achieve? Working on a simple scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being the hardest level to achieve this bedroom is a 3.

It can't be hard if it's your design with your color scheme so make sure the wallpaper is plumb and the pattern matches, that's if it's your design schedule.

If your paper new walls it's best to prepare the walls before hanging the paper, to coat the walls liberally with paste, and let the paste absorb into the wall, this will give better adhesion.

3. Classic Indie styling

If you have ever wondered about the true meaning of Indie then look no further this image epitomizes the Indie decor and clothing scene.

The clothing is so seventies and retro in the style of Mary Quant and Twiggy, the clothes make the bedroom burst into life with their gorgeous colors.

The Indie look is certainly not in favor of wardrobes, they are boring and claustrophobic so bring in the clothes hanger. Clothes hangers are functional and what's more, they are pretty affordable to buy.

The contrasting gray wall is of interest as it frames the clothes beautifully and exhibits the candle holders with excellence.

How to create this look?

Keep Indie design in your mind and shop for some cute clothes that have a retro vibe and bright glaring colors. It does not matter if you will wear them or even if they fit, they are part of the design.

Indie doesn't have to be garish colors so using a simple background and accessorizing is the perfect Indie look.

How easy is this look to achieve? Working on a simple scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being the hardest level to achieve this bedroom is a 2.

This is an easy one if you have the Indie vibe you want to achieve, accessorizing is always a good way to dip your toe in the water of any design theme.

4. Not quite monochrome

If someone told you that the color scheme for their bedroom is black and gray you may possibly think they are the EMO generation or have some satanic undertones going on in their life.

However, the truth is you can create a wonderfully relaxing and tranquil room if you use some accessories to make the room pop.

The varying shades of gray are a masterclass in the use of the same color and the cactus imprints on the black wall are classic Indie design techniques, when dressed with emerald green cushions and natural woods the room becomes a joyous Indie classic that any would be proud to have in their home.

How to create this look?

Think back and gray all the way and then work out the accessories at a later date when you have the structure of the color on the walls. The random use of the saguaro cactus is a genius step and then when used on the black wall is outrageously satisfying to see.

You will need to add some wood tones and a color that compliments the black and grays such as emerald green.

How easy is this look to achieve? Working on a simple scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being the hardest level to achieve this bedroom is a 9.

It may be classic Indie but the design cues are from an accomplished mind who knows what they are doing with color.

To achieve this room you will need deep pockets and the willpower to disregard other comments, Copy the image for ultimate success.

5. Indie accents

 

There are levels of Indie and some of you may not be ready to take the plunge and go the whole hog due to many reasons, but you love the concept!

Some may say accents others in the know would say Indie influence, and there is a distinctive difference.  This lovely apartment bedroom is what may be considered the perfect bedroom, with lots of natural light, storage, timber tones, and a color palette that will be acceptable to everyone. Particularly a real estate agent.

By taking some Indie inspiration you can zing the room and take it to the next level, the electric blue pillows and cushions turn this otherwise beautiful dull bedroom into an artist's dream.

Once you set the stage for Indie then you just might realize how fantastic being Indie is.

How to create this look?

It's okay to dip your toe in the Indie pool to check the temperature before diving head first and finding the reality is not your thing.

Think bold and bright. The electric blue accessories are a tribute to the room.

How easy is this look to achieve? Working on a simple scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being the hardest level to achieve this bedroom is a 1.

It would have been zero but the scale doesn't go that low! You could assume that a lot of effort went into selecting electric blue and it's not a color you see so much so bravo on the color selection and well done on the placement.

6. What happened to Indie?

Ok, Ok it's not exciting and wonderfully colored, I get it but it's important to introduce you to some of the design cues from the Inde design handbook that does not exist!

Many Indie bedroom designs feature floating bookshelves, now you might think well big deal but you could do more with a bookcase! But, If you are going to do Indie then know what Indie has to offer, you may decide to be a closet Indie design guru and not shine your light bright, and some of you tick that way so don't worry.

You can assume that floating booking shelves are indie for two reasons, they may have been an easy fit in a small room where floor space was at a premium, and they look very cool and ethereal in a clinical setting like this bedroom.

How to create this look?

This is an easy look to recreate providing you have the tools to fit the brackets and of course a drill to make the holes.

How easy is this look to achieve? Working on a simple scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being the hardest level to achieve this bedroom is a 5.

You will need to attach a bracket to the wall and then slide the shelve onto the bracket and secure the grub screws.

An easy tip for measuring the centers for holes. Measure from the leading edge of the first hole to the leading edge of the second hole and progress with the number of holes you need to drill. This will give you precise center markings for your screws.

Alternatively fix one end of the bracket fist leaving the screw a little loose and then swing the bracket into place and level with a spirit level, then simply mark your center holes for drilling.

7. Indie on a budget

Not all Indie designs cost a fortune and require painting your bedroom from top to bottom, you can achieve an Indie look easily and affordably.

The indie design was all about the younger people back in the day and making your mark of independence from society was a critical step in your Indie journey as a consequence, the use of string lights and polaroids became the way to Join the movement.

You must admit there is something evocative about the use of string lights and most folks love them regardless of age, when combined with some photos of friends and good times the bedroom wall takes a new appearance.

Add to the look by using sticky post-it notes, it could be from your teacher's rant in a lesson or some cool messages that resonate with you.

How to create this look?

This is an easy one, once you have the lights and the photo selection you are on your way to creating your Indie look. Use as many photos and lights as you wish, it's a popular look within the Indie set.

How easy is this look to achieve? Working on a simple scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being the hardest level to achieve this bedroom is a 2.

When attaching photos to the string lights wire use tiny plastic pegs and make sure you don't puncture the wire. The system is low voltage but better safe than sorry.

8. Chic Indie elements

Indie design can be thought of as being for the younger person and being a little garish with its design cues but the truth is Indie can be chic and stylish which creates a look that is enviable.

The perfect white wall is begging for some photos and photos that are meaningful to you should be placed on a wall as a reminder of good times or absent friends. A poem on a simple piece of paper taped to the wall with masking tape is an imposing statement about you and your emotions.

The incandescent replica lighting with the lighting cords in random lengths set the scene of the stars on an Arabian night.

How to create this look?

The indie design utilizes meaningful items like photos more than other designs so don't hold back with the photos, and if you need photos to add depth and structure to a wall then find some from a magazine and place them in a simple frame.

The lighting is best purchased on a bar, it will be difficult to have independent lights arranged in this manner.

How easy is this look to achieve? Working on a simple scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being the hardest level to achieve this bedroom is a 5.

Photos are a personalized accessory but the lighting may be challenging depending on how the circuit cables run through the ceiling. It's best to have an electrician for the lighting.

9. Those were the days 

Those were the days with the stereo blasting Cowboy junkies and the Pixies, the separate converted amplifier, and the record deck that played every scratch on the album.

The old french style dresser that had been painted a million times but still looked fab, those were the days when Indie was at its height and the vibe was terrific.

Records are back in vogue so start your collection if you ditched all of your albums for CDs, retro record decks and amplifiers are out there and can be found easily to make your bedroom a blast from the past with the cool simple vibe of happy days gone by.

Photos from the day when tank tops and flares were in are records of historical events that have happened in your lifetime and should be cherished.

Every bedroom had simple green plants to brighten the magnolia walls.

How to create this look?

Going retro Indie is an exciting look as you bring the memories from yesteryear back to life, for furnishings, look at the local flea markets and garage sales for bargains that can be painted and create the perfect look.

You will find a lot of the old record player manufacturers have reintroduced some of the range such as Technics.

How easy is this look to achieve? Working on a simple scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being the hardest level to achieve this bedroom is a 6.

This will be a labor of love as you search for furniture to achieve your look, Everything else is plain sailing.

10. Its design, not style

Indie does have some wonderful colored bedrooms but if you are a design master then you know it will take more than a few bold colors to create a bedroom worthy of being spoken about.

Designs can be subtle, a round mirror, some carefully placed picture frames, and the occasional out-of-place ornament all constitute a design. But how about doing something different like creating a wood chimney breast from old scaffolding boards, to enhance the bedroom with a rustic Indie vibe. Remember it's all about independent thinking and breaking a few rules to heaven Indie bedroom.

If natural tones are your vibe then that's good news because there is an abundance of natural tones to choose from and introducing wood into a room only makes the process easier.

How to create this look?

Find reclaimed timber to make a wood cover for a chimney breast, and stain accordingly. Use shapes in the bedroom that are not associated with bedroom furnishings such as a round mirror traditionally used in a bathroom setting.

Stager picture frames randomly and uses the occasional mysterious ornament.

How easy is this look to achieve? Working on a simple scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being the hardest level to achieve this bedroom is an 8.

Encasing a chimney breast in timber may be harder than you think, first, the chimney should not be in use as a source of exhausting smoke from a wood burner, if it is you will need to make a fireproof frame to be safe.

You will need to make the frame before you can screw the timber to make a faux chimney breast, it's a lot of work.

11. Don't trust anyone who doesn't have a sense of humor

That's what the note says on the wall and it's very true, we all need to be apple to laugh at ourselves and our failings as we move through life.

One of the great Indie design features is having messages on bedroom walls that resonate to your core so you keep on the correct track. Of course, the messages can be anything you like, a rude message for your partner or your diners in the bin!

The indie vibe is about being personal with yourself, it's your own creation and a break from the expectation of conforming with what has gone before.

If you don't need or want drapes then leave them and enjoy the view day and night from your bedroom window, a bedroom without drapes is mysterious and evocative as you remember times in your life good and bad.

How to create this look?

It's an easy one again if you just take the note as being the style, but if you look deeper at the design, add plants and some modern stools in the bedroom that's in a period home.

Place cushions where they have no use, such as on the window sill.

How easy is this look to achieve? Working on a simple scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the hardest level to achieve this bedroom is a 2.

It's an easy room to style and if you have beautiful handwriting, then write your own notes that are meaningful. You could use quotes from books that you like that have meaning.

Take a step back in time and create some memories that have deep meaning, such as the record deck. 

An ultimate expression of Indie is to use beautiful quotes that you have written and stick them on the wall, a love letter a break-up letter it all works to create an awesome vibe.

12. Did you know you have an Indie streak?

There are many of you budding designers and homeowners who have been living the Indie design life for many years without realizing how talented you are and that you belong to a special group of people who have decided to break with tradition.

Use bedroom walls for fun and make a picture wall with some cool accessories.

How to create this look?

Use lots of photos that you love and make a picture wall, Prit sticks or Bostick sticks are ideal for this job.

How easy is this look to achieve? Working on a simple scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being the hardest level to achieve this bedroom is a 1.

Just do it and create a remarkable bedroom wall and enjoy.

Is the Indie look for you?

Some of you will not realize that you have been using Indie design techniques maybe all of your life, especially in your kid's bedrooms and maybe your own from time to time.

It's a cool look and a look with a purpose many times so don't be worried about taking a step away from the traditionally formal bedroom ideas and creating your own look, start with accessories before taking the plunge to see how you feel.