We often start our design projects on the main level of the house, the rooms that everyone sees. Am I right? Do we ever start with the room that we spend the most time in? More often than not when I start a design project with a client the last places to get decorated are the bedrooms or master bedroom. My question to you is, why don’t you spend your effort in the room you spend the most time in? Don't you want to have a room that feels luxurious and is bathed in colors that are tranquil and lull you into never, never land…Forgive me, I fell asleep just thinking about it.
Let's talk a bit about what happens when you start a decorating project. Usually my clients start in the active areas of the home, such as the kitchen, dining and family rooms. These rooms are the heart of the home and where it gets the most activity. By the time they get to the bedrooms they run out of money. Does this sound familiar?
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| A soft green and neutral palette gives soothing comfort to this bedroom retreat (houzz.com) |
The bedroom, however, is where you retreat to, a room to shut out all the noise of the day's activities. You don't have to spend a lot of money to make it feel, and look luxurious, just use a plethora of materials that give you the look and feel of luxury. In fact, in my practice I always try to use sustainable or recycled items. You can use a combination of furniture from consignment shops and stores. You can now find many different websites that sell all kinds of luxury home decor at the fraction of the price of retail stores, like sheets with thread counts that are 500 or more.
Here are some facts and solutions that will help you get a better night’s sleep.
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| Natured inspired, what could be better then this! (houzz.com) |
Did You Know? "Nearly 40 million American men and women suffer from sleep disorders. However, sleep problems affect more women than men --,” according to The National Sleep Foundation, (sleep foundation.org).
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| This bedroom draws you in, dare to sleep? (houzz.com) |
Solution: In order to get a restful night sleep you need to set the mood for a serene environment. Choosing colors that are calming and inspired by nature will set the mood. Blues, grays, greens and purples are colors inspired by nature and have a calming effect on the body.
Did You Know? Aromatherapy can help to induce sleep (sheknows.com).
Solution: The essential oil Lavender can help relax and sooth you while providing medicinal properties as well. Try a lavender spray on your pillow cases just before bedtime, along with some yoga deep breathing, and before you know it, you will be in ‘la la land’. As for Lavender’s medicinal qualities, it is very good for relieving the congestion of colds . When my kids were small and had colds, I use to put some Lavender oil in their baths before getting them ready for bed. It helped with their breathing, and also helped them to sleep! Ah those were the days, when they didn't talk back… Sorry I was digressing for a moment. Getting back to the subject at hand….
Did You Know? Your mattress and pillow could be keeping you up at night? As baby boomers approach their senior years, lack of sleep is a real problem for a multitude of reasons. To ensure sleep, comfort is key, so make sure your mattress and pillows are comfortable. When I was growing up, my parents hung onto their mattress for what seemed like an eternity.
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| Hollywood glamour at its best! (houzz.com) |
Solution: If your mattress and pillows are older than 10 years and are not comfortable, it is time to buy new ones.
Did You Know? Having a TV in your bedroom doesn't wind down your brain! On the contrary, having a television in your room will only stimulate your brain. Raise your hands if you have a TV in your bedroom - Busted!
Solution: Instead of watching television at bedtime, try some yoga deep breathing or listening to music or nature sounds to quiet the brain.
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| Repurpose designed teenage room, love it! (Interior by Design) |
Lastly, keep the thermostat turned down at night. Not only is it healthier for you to sleep, but it can keep your heating bills down as well. Make your bedroom comfy and your favorite place to retreat to by surrounding yourself with luxurious bedding and warm duvet covers.
"Your life is a reflection of how you sleep, and how you sleep is a reflection of your life."-Dr. Rafael Pelayo
