Unless you’re an interior designer, bedroom décor ideas probably don’t come readily to mind. Choosing colors, furnishings, bedding and accessories can seem to be an overwhelming task.

When you’re ready to start updating your bedroom’s look, choosing a theme can help get your redecorating project off the ground — and it can add some fun to the planning process as well. The theme and color scheme should reflect the personality of the bedroom’s inhabitants, whether they are masculine or feminine — or in the case of a shared bedroom, perhaps both.

Giving a name to the theme, even if it’s something simple like “My Blue Heaven,” can help shape your decorating ideas as well. Not only does a theme make the redecorating process more enjoyable, it can also save you a lot of cash. Just ask yourself this simple question when getting ready to make a purchase: Does this fit with my theme? If you’re not sure of the answer, don’t waste your money!

French boudoir, medieval, southwestern, tropical island, desert oasis, classical Greek, casino glitz, astrological signs, or even outer space… bedroom themes are only limited by your imagination. If you’re looking for something cozy and inviting, a country cottage theme is a good choice — but if romance is your aim, a Moroccan-themed room may be what you desire.

If you’re designing a room for a child, the theme can be a bit more creative — fairy tales, nursery rhymes, even a favorite superhero or television character. But remember — the more outrageous the theme, the more likely that you’ll be asked to redo it in a year or two, as your child’s tastes grow and change along with their physical and mental attributes. It may be best to choose a theme that’s more easily adaptable to their developing sense of style.

If none of these ideas appeal to you, a bedroom theme can even be centered around a favorite fabric pattern or color scheme. Just keep in mind that it’s probably going to be a few years before you try this again, so choose something that’s relaxing and comfortable for you (or your child).

When redecorating your home, the bedroom is often left by the wayside, to focus on the more public spaces. Don’t let this happen to you — your bedroom should be a safe haven, an oasis of beauty where the worries of the day melt away.