How To Create a Calm, Natural Retreat in your Bedroom

Your master bedroom should be a sanctuary that you can go to at the end of a long day and feel totally relaxed and peaceful. In order to create this mood in your bedroom I have created a list of tips.

Tip #1 – Keep it clean and uncluttered. Put away anything in your room that is unnecessary or does not give you a calm, happy feeling. Use hidden storage like drawers that close, closets with doors, a chest or ottoman with a lid. Tidy your room every morning – make the bed, plump your pillows, put clothes where they belong. Walking into a messy bedroom at night will not help you feel relaxed.

photo: www.digsdigs.com

Tip #2 – Use soft, neutral paint colours – soft greens, browns, blues, creams and white. Organic colours are very nurturing and easy to live with because they bring a sense of harmony to our lives. They have the feel of the sea and sky. Photos from www.favoritepaintcolors.com

Hush by Benjamin Moore	China Doll by Sherwin Williams	Ancient Marble by Sherwin Williams
Gray Owl by BM	Consentino Chardonnay by BM	Upward by SW
Universal Khaki by SW	Blonde by SW	Revere Pewter by BM
Oat Straw by Behr	Ocean Pearl by Behr	Rice Grain by SW
Fossil by SW	Nutshell by Martha Stewart	Pebble by Martha Stewart
Cityscape by Martha Stewart	Kilim Beige by SW	Softened Green by SW

Tip #3 – Keep your furniture simple and made from natural materials. Whether your style is modern or shabby chic, your furniture should have clean lines. Wood and rattan, marble, bamboo, upcycled furniture, tables and chairs covered in linen, organic cotton and hemp are all great choices. Scale is important when choosing your furniture – don’t use bedside tables or lamps that are too small if you have a king-size bed or a high mattress. Bedside tables don’t need to match if you want a relaxed look, as long as they balance each other out. Here are some ideas (from www.digsdigs.com):

photos: www.digsdigs.com

Tip #4 – Create a focal point. Every room must have one outstanding design feature. It may be a beautiful view, in which case you want your window to be the main attraction. If you are lucky enough to have a beautiful fireplace in your room, you may want it to be the focal point. Quite often it is the bed. In this case, your bedding should be spectacular – colours you love, lots of soft, natural textures, maybe some eye-catching throw pillows or a throw.

Bedding by NikkiDesigns

photo: www.digsdigs.com

Tip #5 – Bring in nature, not technology! Lots of natural light, wood floors, rugs made of natural materials like sisal, jute, wool and cotton, plants, flowers, branches and baskets will all help create a natural, peaceful vibe. Do NOT bring in “work” related items like computers, cell phones and T.V.’s if you want your bedroom to truly be a relaxing retreat. If you have the space, a cozy chair for reading or a desk for writing, are much choices.