Without making you wait, I’ll tell you the secret right up front…
“MAKE YOUR OWN HAVEN IN THE BEDROOM”
I can hear the collective, “Yeah, yeah, yeah. How do I do that ??”
I won’t keep you hanging, so here are my
TOP 6 DESIGNER SECRETS
to make your bedroom the coziest place in the house.
QUALITY BEDDING
Trust me, I’m a doctor….ok, not really, but I am a design professional who’s seen a few things. We’ve all been there and done the “bed in a bag” option along the way, but when budget allows, consider upgrading & treating yourself to fine linens and your favorite quality pillow.
One of the things I’ve seen on many occasions from my clients is an initial resistance to investing in custom bedding or luxury products in the bedroom…. especially when it’s rarely seen by others. I do understand that the public areas of our homes usually get the most attention, but I then share my experience of the personal transformation that a cozy & refined bedroom will have on their everyday life.
We spend a tremendous amount in our beds. In fact, the average time spent in bed is almost 1/3 of our life! Why, then, shouldn’t they feel wonderful, look wonderful and draw us in?
Usually, after I explain what it means to have a bedroom haven, I see the proverbial lightbulb turning on and that’s when the fun begins. After all is said and done, my favorite part is when a client calls and says, “OMG, I love my bed and how it makes me feel.” Heaven to my ears.
LAYERS
We’re talking loft here. Layers of pillows, coverlets, duvet inserts all create extra loft. Not only does it look fluffy but it gives that feeling of cozy contentment.
The simple things in life always emit a feeling of well being. Personally, I consider bedding to be one of those simple things that gives quiet joy.
The Danish call this the “hygge” (pronounced hue-guh) which is basically the lifestyle of coziness and joy of the simple things in life. The Danes are serious about self-care and I’m completely on board with this philosophy!
CURATE YOUR FAVORITES
Paint your walls a color that YOU find peaceful. And if you’re feeling especially creative, don’t forget that 5th wall, your ceiling!
There’s a lot of research out there about colors that facilitate relaxation. In fact, way back in the day, I took a whole semester of the Psychology of Color (insert yawn emoji). This class definitely induced sleep, but I wouldn’t recommend it!
Getting back to my point though….. the bedroom is YOUR personal space so make it your own. If an all white room is your happy place, go with it. If purple gives you all the feels, be regal and go shopping for an ermine fur throw, too!
Also, adorn your bedroom with selective and meaningful art, books & photos. Same rules (or lack thereof) apply as above. The point is to reflect who you are and the things/people you love without overstimulating your brain.
LIGHTING
Nothing speaks to an intimate space like diffused and low light. Dimmable ceiling lights and especially lamps are perfect for setting the mood. Make sure to have task and general overhead lighting as well. The key is various sources and the ability to change light intensities when you desire.
AROMATHERAPY
The sense of smell is subliminal and powerful. Consider using diffusers, a scented wax melter or, my personal fav, linen spray.
Fragrances of vanilla, lavender, baby powder and chamomile are just a few of the scents that calms the mind, relaxes the body and helps transport us into dreamland.
Notice that I didn’t put candles of the list. Because the goal is sleep here, let’s all avoid anything with a flame!
CLUTTER (Someone had to say it)
A messy space has a way of also cluttering up your mind & soul.
Keep random things like laundry, mail, bobbie pins, charger cords, etc, in another dedicated space…NOT in your personal oasis.
Being intentional about keeping your bedroom free of the pressures of everyday life allows us the opportunity to unwind and simply “exhale”.
Prioritizing making the bed and putting things away is not always easy with demanding jobs, children and the overall pressures of life. If you’re game, I suggest trying it for just 7 days.
See how you feel when you come home from work and walk in the room. My guess is that those tense muscles lose a little of their grip and things that really matter start to come into focus.
