Many of us consider the bedroom to be the most important room in the house. It should be somewhere between our own personal haven and spa- well maintained and clutter free to easily achieve that well deserved rest.
As the winter months draw in and emotions run low it is ever more important to get a decent night’s sleep. Few people realise that the room in which you sleep affects the quality of your slumber just as much as that glaring streetlight or noisy neighbour. Here are a few tips on how to create a calming atmosphere in the bedroom for maximum snooze time:
COLOUR
It is important to maintain a soothing colour palette throughout the bedroom, setting the tone for those relaxed evenings to follow. Lighter colours encourage a sense of space throughout the room – consider beige, cream and pastel shades for subtle tones and match with rich dark wood for contrasting, timeless warmth.
PATTERNS
Avoid busy patterns that distract the eye when trying to relax. Wall hangings and canvases add texture and depth to the room but should be kept to a minimum in order to avoid mental disturbance. Accessories such as throw pillows, rugs and blankets are great if they match the colour scheme, adding beautiful textures to the cosy, welcoming space. Photographs and picture frames are also a great addition to the room and add an element of comfortable familiarity to your space – just be wary of cluttering the walls and creating a sense of unease.
LIGHTING
Although natural daylight is important for any room throughout the day, it is essential to invest in some blackout blinds for night time! For homes located on busy streets especially, light from street lamps and passing cars can be a huge distraction and even trigger insomnia after a period of time. Keep artificial lights on a dimmer to maintain the sense of calm – bedside lamps are also a handy and essential necessity for good relaxation just before you settle down for the night.
TECHNOLOGY
For good reason the bedroom should be a technology free zone! Studies show for example that people who watch TV before bed don’t seem to sleep as well as someone who winds down healthily. The bedroom, within reason, should be a single purpose space – avoid making the bedroom a home for gym equipment, gaming or music when you should be trying to relax.
ACCESSORIES
Furniture is one of the most important elements of bedroom design – it should contrast against the decoration surrounding it and store as much as possible to eliminate clutter. Ensure that the bedroom is cleaned and dusted regularly – dust can make a huge impact on sleep quality and cause serious health issues in the long run. We also recommend investing in an ottoman for the bottom of the bed, or even a small chair in the corner of the room to discourage clothes from being strewn over the floor. It is important to maintain minimalism throughout a sleeping space to get a decent eight hours rest.
