Bedroom sanctuaries

This little factoid has been passed around quite a lot, but in context of today’s post, it bears repeating: we spend about ⅓ of our lives sleeping, which means that we’re certainly spending a not-insignificant amount of time in our bedrooms.  And even discounting the time we’re snoozing, our bedroom is the place where we start our days, often where we prepare for them, and where, every evening, we end them, so we might face the next one.  It’s worth emphasizing that our bedroom does a lot of heavy lifting in our day-to-day lives — and with that in mind, we really should be giving them some thoughtful attention.  Your bedroom should be your sanctuary, so today, I thought I’d give you some tips on how to make that happen.

1. Give yourself a neutral canvas

Starting with neutral colors is a great way to create a foundation for a calming space.  Think pale tones, grays and camels, eggshell and cream.  These colors are simple and soft, and work with most anything, so if you change up your palette on your bedding or your furniture, it’ll all still form a cohesive picture.  Plus, these neutrals help bring a peaceful, relaxed air into your space, which makes them perfect for a bedroom, where peace and relaxation are top priorities.

2. Let there be light

Our circadian rhythms are governed by the day-night cycle, and follow changes in natural light to tell us when to get sleepy and when to get a fresh jolt of morning energy.  With that in mind, it’s ideal to keep as much natural light in your bedroom as possible.  Roman shades, or similar cloth shades, can help allow in a soothing amount of sunlight for a gentle wake-up without glare from neighboring lights or other extraneous light sources.  When thinking in terms of electronic light, it’s best to keep lights warm and soft — harsh light, and especially electronic blue light, disrupts your sleep cycle and can keep you up.  Go for gentle light, and reap the benefits of healthier sleep.

3. Embrace natural materials

Natural textiles — linen, down, silk, cotton — are often the best options for creating a cozy feel.  Lean into those organic textures and woven fabrics, especially in bedding, where it’s nice to have fabrics that naturally breathe.  Layer your bedding up to prep for variations in sleep-temperature preference (or depending on your local climate).  And the use of natural materials doesn’t have to stop there — touches of wood, whether in furnishings, wall panelings, or accent decorations, amp up the warmth and comfort of any room, and can bring another layer of serenity to your sanctum.  Consider, even, a houseplant or two, just to bump up that organic feel.

4. Add a rug

For me personally, there’s nothing tougher than a cold floor on your feet first thing in the morning, especially here in Baltimore where it can get pretty chilly on winter nights.  An area rug will not only curb that less-than-ideal experience, but will also dampen sound in the room and add a gentle texture, helping make your bedroom a place of real repose.

5. Consider atmosphere

A little bit of lavender in the air can go a long way to making your bedroom as tranquil as can be.  Keeping electronics at bay — not always easy, of course — can also help preserve a soothing environment, separated from the rest of your life.  Small details like that can really help turn your bedroom into the perfect place to settle into at the end of the day, and the most refreshing atmosphere to greet in the morning.

I’d love to help you make your bedroom the haven you deserve — send me an email anytime, and we can talk design!