The old black and white movies on the silver screen had bedroom furniture all figured out. There, in an oasis in a lonely desert, a single tent stood. Inside, was paradise on earth. Luscious silks, overstuffed pillows, and a bed that would surround you in ecstasy.

Sigh…

The truth of the matter is, you can create your own oasis in the middle of the hubbub of life. All it takes is a little imagination, a bit of elbow grease, some paint and bedroom furniture that matches the theme and you’re all set.

Imagination is an essential ingredient. A bedroom, particularly a master bedroom, should be your escape from the work-all-day world of stress and strain. It should be welcoming. It should be romantic. And it should reflect your unique tastes. It is, after all, your inner sanctum and only the select few are invited to share it. So why shouldn’t it be elegant and comfortable, too.

If your bedroom hasn’t received a facelift in a long time, it’s time to do some cosmetic surgery. Strip the room of all the wall art and bedroom furniture. Now you have a blank canvas to work with. Spackle all the holes and cracks in the wall and give your walls a new coat of paint. Paint is one of the least expensive ways to give a room an entirely new look.

Once you’ve put a little makeup on the walls and ceiling, it’s time for some foundations. Your bedroom furniture should reflect your tastes as well. Thankfully, there’s an endless variety of bedroom furniture to choose from these days, from the traditional to the modern, from Oriental to tropical – the choice is yours.

When selecting your bedroom furniture, keep in mind the theme you’re going for. If you’re looking to make your room look like a page out of Islands magazine, select bedroom furniture that has a Caribbean, plantation or Key West look to it. The same is true of virtually any theme you can come up with. Want to do an African savanna theme? Go with dark wooded bedroom furniture and accent it with mosquito netting, tribal masks and a few primitive statues. Go with jungle greens for the walls, offset with white trim. In no time you’re be sure you’re hearing the trumpeting of elephants and the roar of the king of the beasts.

Accent pillows are another nice touch, as are small knickknacks and photos of family and friends. These soften the space and will add character to the room, the bedroom furniture and the fabrics you have in them. Again, choose colors and textures to add interest without causing distraction.

If your furniture is in relatively good repair, you may want to refinish it in new stains or colors to match the look you’re going for. And while you’re at it, consider rearranging the furniture in the space. It can do wonders for a tired looking room.

Finally, you’ll probably want to redo your linens to match the new décor, the new colors and the ambiance of the space. Consider luxurious looking pillows, comforters and linens that will make your bedroom look like an oasis in the desert of life.