Creating a Restful Retreat

Our bedroom is the one room that can completely make or break our day.  A good night’s sleep is so important for our waking hours,  it seems logical that the bedroom would be one of the most important rooms to decorate.  Beyond just making the room look pretty, it is essential to make it as restful and relaxing as possible.  The tips below will help you create a calming retreat in your bedroom (however, you can certainly apply these principles to any room where you would like a bit of serenity!)

• Use restful colors and a limited palate.  Stick to neutrals and muted colors.  Steer clear of reds, oranges, yellows, or anything too bright.  Though these colors are wonderful in other, livelier parts of the home, they will only serve to create energy and keep you awake. Try to use colors from nature.

• Calming colors will be most effective when used in large expanses, so make sure that your walls and rugs are pretty and subdued.
• Stick to symmetry.  It creates a sense of balance and order; think two nightstands, two lamps, matching pillows.
• Consider textures. Soft silks, cozy knits, rough sisals, and faux fur all contribute to an organic, tactile experience.  Use a variety of colors and textures in your bedding.  The sheets, duvet, coverlet, shams, and blanket should be a mix of fabrics that complement each other beautifully.

• While an overhead light might be functional, it is certainly not the most relaxing way to light your bedroom.  Use a variety of lamps and sconces to create an intimate feeling.  Pink, low wattage bulbs are the most flattering.
• Hang artwork that is peaceful.  Landscapes are the best option.  Limit photographs and mirrors; these pieces are too high energy for somewhere that you should be relaxing.

• Make sure to keep your nightstand uncluttered.  The last thing that you want to do is go to sleep to and wake up to a pile of to-do’s and mess.  This could mean using a nightstand that is too small to fit clutter.  A small vase of fresh flowers is a lovely thing to wake up to.

Use these tips to create your own version of the perfect restful retreat and remember that creating a calming bedroom is one of the best investments that you can make in your life and home.