On average, people spend more time in bedrooms than in any other room. Even though most of that time is spent sleeping, our bedrooms are where we begin our day. They have a huge impact on whether we awake feeling energised and excited, or tired and grumpy.
We believe your bedroom is so much more than just a place to sleep. A bedroom should be your sanctuary. It should be a space of serenity and comfort, where you can unwind and relax at the end of a tough day.
1. Choose a Colour Palette
Wall colour has a huge impact on your overall mood, which means selecting the right colour for the bedroom is extremely important. Refer back to our 'Power of Colour' post for more information. Neutrals and cool shades tend to give off a sense of calmness and relaxation, while warm, bright colours often feel energetic and overstimulating. Light colours help to visually expand a space, while dark colours can feel cosy and enveloping. Keep in mind that stark whites can be perceived as harsh.
As a starting point, think about which colors feel the most relaxing to you personally. Build a palette based off those colors you gravitate towards!
2. Select a Bed
The bed is obviously the most important piece of bedroom furniture, and thus it should be selected first.
Consider size. Will the room feel cramped if you force a King bed into the space? For ease of movement, be sure to leave a minimum of three feet between the bed and sidewalls or large pieces of furniture.
The bed should dictate the style of the bedroom, while also compliment the overall aesthetic that is reflected in other areas of your home. For example, a simple, streamlined frame follows a modern, minimalist look; an upholstered, padded headboard adds a feeling of luxury; a canopy feels feminine and romantic.
For a bed you can’t wait to jump into at the end of the day, don’t go cheap on your mattress, pillows, or sheets. Paying a bit more for these essential items will help you achieve a good night’s rest and will save you from neck and back pain. Sheets should be 100-percent cotton in a high thread count. Do your research and testing before committing to a quality mattress and supportive pillows specific to your sleep patterns.
3. Include Plenty of Storage
To add to the serene feeling of a bedroom, store things out of sight. Everything must have a ‘home’ in order to avoid clutter. This will give the room a spacious and calming effect.
4. Add Elements of Nature
Natural elements have a calming, meditative effect—perfect for your bedroom sanctuary. There are countless ways these elements can be incorporated into your room. Add potted plants or vases of fresh flowers, hang imagery of nature on the walls, or incorporate textured elements through bedding, cushions, rugs, or throw blankets.
4. Lighting
When choosing bedroom lights that are functional, beautiful, and space-saving, wall lighting is hard to beat. Wall lights, also known as sconces, free up space on bed side tables for books, reading glasses, and drinks. Look for a type with a rotating neck or extendable arms so that they can be positioned perfectly. Soft, diffused or dimmable light bulbs are best as they allow your eyes to adjust and prepare for sleep. Style wise, they can be used to accent architectural features or accessories in your bedroom.
7. Overall, Seek Simplicity
To be a true sanctuary, your bedroom must avoid clutter. You must focus only on the essentials. Decide what you really need and what you don’t. Do you use that desk, or is it simply a dropping point for loose ends, unread books, and laundry? Don’t go overboard with accessories or artwork. Pick a handful of pieces that speak to you in a soothing way.
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Your bedroom should be your sanctuary—a place of quiet retreat during a busy day; a spot to unwind after work; a room to read or journal. Your bedroom should be the comfortable, calming place you look forward to resting after a long day.
Is your bedroom a sanctuary?