Life is fast paced and stressful at times, and you need a space that’s entirely yours to inhabit and relax in. This is why our bedrooms are so important. They not only say something about who we are, but it’s one of the rooms in which we spend most of our in-house time, even if we aren’t awake for a lot of it. If you were offered a one-night free stay at a luxury retreat, you’d jump at the opportunity, but why shouldn’t every night we spend in our own bedrooms be as relaxing and revitalising as a luxury retreat? With these top tips, you can easily turn your bedroom in to just that.
Use Lighting Effectively
Using light in the right way can make a huge difference to the way your room looks and feels. It can make the difference between the room appearing harsh and clinical, to it being a soothing sanctuary. Try to avoid harsh overhead lighting in the bedroom in order to keep the feel of the room tranquil and relaxing. Used effectively, fairy lights can give the room a beautiful, magical feel on an evening, and light the room without a harsh impact. Another great alternative to the traditional bedside table lamp is the Himalayan salt lamp. Not only do these give off a soft pink glow that looks very visually appealing, but they are also said to have various health benefits and to help aid in sleep. What’s more retreat-like than a room looking good, and literally helping you to feel good?
Make the Bed the Main Event
Making the bed the focal point of the bedroom actually makes a lot of sense. Its name is literally incorporated into the name of the room, and realistically it is the main reason you go into your bedroom – to sleep. It’s completely up to yourself how you want to bring focus to your bed. You might go for a fancy headboard, or you might want to go for some statement bedding like a comforter with a leopard print set. However, drawing focal attention to your bed is not the only way you should make it the main focus within the room. Think about your sleeping routine and make a decision about which way to face your bed, dependant on your own preference. If you’re an early bird, you’ll want to ensure that your bed is facing the window, so you’re greeted with light every morning. However, if you’re a night owl and early mornings just aren’t for you, facing your bed towards a wall or alongside the window might be better suited to you.
Opt for Soothing Colours
If it’s a relaxing tranquil space you’re creating, you’ll want to ensure you choose colours that reflect that. For example, it’s unlikely that you’ll want to paint the room bright red when it’s the place you want to feel at your most chilled out. It’s proven that colours can literally change the way we feel, so you’ll want to make sure you choose colours that depict sleep and relaxation. Fresh water blues and mossy greens can help the human body revert back to nature, which is why spas usually go for this colour scheme. Pastels also work particularly well and are bang on trend at the moment. If you are a fan of deep colours and therefore want to incorporate these into your bedroom, a good way of doing this is by creating one statement wall in said colour. Likewise, if you opt for neutral creams and whites for your walls, deeply coloured accessories can help anchor the room and give it a rich and lavish feel.
Consider Your Other Senses too
Don’t forget to treat your other senses in your sanctuary space too! It’s great if the room looks the way you want it to, but don’t forget your comfort in the meantime. Pay attention to the textures and feels of materials you’re choosing. Soft and fluffy throws and cushions are the perfect addition to your bed and can really give it the maximum amount of comfort. Also, try filling the room with pleasant smells. Incense and essential oils, such as lavender for example, can give your room the finishing touch and can even aid with sleep. Likewise, fresh flowers and scents inspired by nature can help to bring the outdoors in and give your room a tranquil feel. To really go for this, why not try leaving your bedroom window open (in the warmer months) and letting fresh air fill the room and your lungs. It’s not only good for your body, but it’s good for your mind too.
