Through rich textures, soft lighting and subtle shades, create your ideal bedroom space that offers a retreat from the world.
Sanctuary style
Creating a restful bedroom oasis that reflects your personal style and fosters tranquillity is essential for your overall well-being. Transforming your bedroom into a haven of serenity and a place to recharge physically and mentally is possible just by changing a few things around. We spend so much time sleeping that it’s important to recognise where our efforts should be.
On average we spend around a third of our life sleeping, and this translates to around 26 years in bed over an average 79-year lifespan. The staggering statistic shows the importance of creating a space to promote restorative and rejuvenating sleep. While a major makeover may be tempting, consider working on different areas as you go – saving your budget and giving each area the focus it deserves.
Getting the bed basics right
Struggling with sleeplessness or disturbed nights? Let’s start with the bed. Maybe it’s time for a brand-new bed or maybe you simply need to give yours a good deep clean? Strip your bed of all linen and sprinkle the mattress with bicarbonate of soda, the wonderous pantry staple that makes for an excellent cleaning detergent.
Give your mattress a very good vacuum and sponge out any stains using upholstery cleaner. Once dry and fully aired, turn or rotate your mattress (to promote even wear) and cover your mattress in a quality mattress protector. Now it’s time to layer with linen – the rule of thumb? Buy the best bed sheets and duvet covers you can afford. The higher the thread count in a percale linen, the smoother and softer the finish.
Layers of linen
Think of your linen as you would the clothes in your wardrobe – quality lasts so choosing fabrics correctly is essential for keeping cool in summer or cosying up in winter. Natural fibres are more breathable but if you spot an on-trend duvet print that’s a polycotton, simply layer it with a 100% cotton flat sheet underneath as a breathable barrier.
Your goal is to create an inviting and sumptuous cocoon where you can escape from the demands of the day. Layer up your bed with a variety of textures that can help add depth as well as dimension to your space. Also, think about making a statement – you can do this by creating a focal point with an elegant headboard in a luxe fabric. It’s all about your personal comfort.
Colour match
You can instantly set the tone for a soothing bedroom space by carefully curating your colour scheme. When it comes to bedrooms, soft and muted tones such as calming blues, gentle greens as well as neutral shades can help create a serene environment. While rosy pink and peach hues promote a sense of peace and tranquillity, they are on the up and up in terms of bedroom interior trends – and they cast a beautiful glow in candlelight, too.
Lighting & window treatments
The last thing a tired mind and body needs after a long day is eye-watering, harsh lighting, and with this in mind, consider leaning into alternative options in the bedroom. Fluorescent lights are a hard no, so look instead for occasional and side lamps that cast a kinder and warmer light. Battery operated or rechargeable cordless lamps are also a plus, especially during load shedding. Dimmers are an excellent tool for setting a mood and fairy lights strung over a mirror add a touch of whimsy. When it comes to curtaining and blinds – there’s a reason you always sleep well in hotels and that’s because blackout blinds are their norm. Although there is something to be said about waking up to the warm light of the sun creeping in each morning, having the option of shutters or heavy blinds for light-blocking purposes is essential for promoting healthy circadian rhythms.
Clear the clutter
A chair covered in rumpled clothes, a bedside table covered in dusty ‘to be read’ books and a dressing table drawer spilling over with make-up and charger cords are hindrances in the quest for a happy and healthy, restful bedroom. The more organised you are, the better your space will look, and the more at peace you will feel. Look for under-bed storage solutions to keep linens or to stow seasonal clothing out of sight for a quick fix solution. Also be sure to choose nightstands with built-in drawers stowing away personal items, keeping the tabletops clear for essentials like a soothing candle or a good book. Commit to regular wardrobe clearances to curb that clutter.
Clear the decks of tech
Many of us have been there – in fact, insomnia is one of the most common complaints of urban dwellers in the 21st century. What’s not going to help? Reaching for your phone and blasting your retina with blue light – signalling to your brain that you’re ready to get up and get going. Consider removing electronics from the bedroom and using a good book to fall asleep instead – your sleep quality will certainly improve.
Keeping it personal
We all know that it’s the personal details that make a house a home and your bedroom is no different. When you’re creating a bedroom of your dreams, don’t forget to leave some space that reflects your personality. Plant parent? Consider completing your sanctuary with pops of greenery (plus they’re essential oxygen makers). Don’t forget to incorporate some choice sentimental elements such as framed photographs and your favourite trinkets-all of which not only add character to the space but also create a sense of familiarity and comfort.
By: Vicki Sleet
Photos: Future, Bureaux
