Bedrooms

'Many people don’t realize the impact': the bedroom layout mistakes HGTV's Jenny Marrs wants you to avoid

The Fixer to Fabulous designer has mastered a sleep-inducing, clutter-free space – here's how to do the same

bedroom with green natural themed wallpaper and glass table lamp
(Image credit: Future PLC)

This week, we've been chatting to Fixer to Fabulous designer Jenny Marrs, who has been sharing her design secrets and slip ups with us. 

Today, we're revealing the bedroom layout mistakes she says can ruin a space, but which are easily fixed.

'One of the biggest design mistakes I see people make in their bedrooms is not choosing furniture or design pieces that are functional and have multiple purposes,' the HGTV host shares with H&G. 'I like to find pieces that can hold and store various items that you want nearby but want to keep out of sight.'

Bedside table

(Image credit: Photos: Paul Dyer / Interior design: Dimitra Anderson)
Jenny Marrs
Jenny Marrs

Designer Jenny Marrs is the star of HGTV's Fixer to Fabulous and Almost Home. She also appears on Rock the Block (alongside designers including Jasmine Roth and Leanne Ford) and Design At Your Door (with Tamara Day and Tiffany Brooks). Jenny lives and works with her husband and co-star, Dave, in a restored farmhouse in Northwest Arkansas.

Jenny's advice? To think carefully about the pieces you're bringing into your space, ensuring each is truly as practical as it is good looking.

'For example, I love my bedside table because I can keep my journal, Natrol Melatonin gummies, chargers, and whatever else I need close to me during the night while also keeping my space free of clutter.'

But wait, there's more. Jenny's also firmly of the opinion that your bedroom layout can have a significant impact on your sleeping habits. The first problem to tackle, she says, is (unsurprisingly) the bed. 

Jenny Marrs

(Image credit: Courtesy of Jenny Marrs)

'Repositioning your bed to optimize space and in a setting away from distracting light and noise can be a quick and effective way to instantly help you sleep better,' Jenny says. 'Many people don’t realize the impact the positioning of your bed in the room has on your ability to wind down, fall asleep, and stay asleep.'

Another quick way to improve your chances of a better sleep is to remove or hide certain electronics – putting your multifunctional furniture to good use. 

'TV, tablets, phones, and other connected devices from around your bed have the potential to be noisy and distracting,' the designer says. 

Therefore, when positioning your bed, it's important to keep a drawer close enough that your essentials are closed away during the night – but within easy reach when your alarm rings in the morning. 

Sweet dreams.

You can read about Jenny's work with Natrol(and join their Sweepstake to win a $10,000 bedroom makeover) via their website.

Modern Bedroom Ideas – $14.99 on Amazon

Modern Bedroom Ideas – $14.99 on Amazon

For more layout inspiration, we recommend this book that explores many different aesthetics – including Mediterranean style bedrooms, cottage bedrooms, and more.

Megan Slack
Head of Celebrity Style News

Megan is the Head of Celebrity Style News at Homes & Gardens. She first joined Future Plc as a News Writer across their interiors titles, including Livingetc and Real Homes, before becoming H&G's News Editor in April 2022. She now leads the Celebrity/ News team. Before joining Future, Megan worked as a News Explainer at The Telegraph, following her MA in International Journalism at the University of Leeds. During her BA in English Literature and Creative Writing, she gained writing experience in the US while studying in New York. Megan also focused on travel writing during her time living in Paris, where she produced content for a French travel site. She currently lives in London with her antique typewriter and an expansive collection of houseplants.