Bedrooms Fit for (Artistic) Royalty

A bedroom designed with William Shakespeare in mind. Images courtesy of Neville Johnson.

Throughout the centuries, artistic industries have been graced by iconic legends, with many wondering what life would be like if they were still around today.

In honor of these icons, the design experts at Neville Johnson have re-imagined how a number of well-known figures would have lived if around in the 21st century, using key style attributes and facts about the homes they once lived in to bring their bedrooms to life.

From the vibrant use of color in a room imagined for Frida Kahlo, to the luxe fabrics texturing a room with Queen Elizabeth I in mind, we couldn’t have imagined these spaces any better than the design experts at Neville Johnson.

Check out a few of our favorites below.

Jimi Hendrix

Typical of the bohemian interior trend, Jimi loved to mix textures, colors and patterns in his clothing which can also be seen in the London flat where he once lived.

To design Jimi’s modern boho abode, styling has been incorporated that is quintessential of the interior trend by clashing prints, layering textures, mixing shapes, combing multiple colors, adding fringing and including furniture that is lower to the ground.

Coco Chanel

Coco Chanel was known for her luxurious style and the classic color pairing of black and white. This bedroom, with its black surfaces, clean lines and plush textures, certainly mirrors that style.

The French designer spent most of her days in the apartment above the Paris Chanel store, but it was actually the Ritz where the designer rested her head at night. As a nod to this, notice the high ceilings and intricate panelling on the walls that is a key trend today as well as being quintessential of 1920s French interior design.

Also, notice the flower-etched screen which has been placed in front of a door—a nod to Coco Chanel’s interior trick which involved using the screen to hide the exit in hope of making her most loved guests forget to leave.

Frida Kahlo

Mexican artist and feminist icon, Frida Kahlo was infamous in the 20th century for her extensive use of bold, primary colors in her art. This can also be seen at the home in Mexico which she once lived where the walls are painted using bright blues, greens and yellows.

To add a modern twist, the designers at Neville Johnson used the interior design trend called color blocking—splashing color on the walls, bedding and floor cushions.

Also well known for her self-portraits, spot an antique mirror wall as an easy way for Frida to continue creating her artistic masterpieces.

Queen Elizabeth I

Queen Elizabeth I was born and crowned the Queen of England in the 16th century.

Elizabethan interior design included extensive use of wooden paneling, wooden furniture and wooden floors. However, homes of the wealthy would also have featured ornate ceiling moldings, tapestries and opulent four-poster beds with sumptuous bedsheets made from luxurious fabrics.

To add a modern take on this Elizabethan bedroom, the designers included bold colors and patterns in the wallpaper as well as beautifully intricate coving across the ceiling and walls.