Turn Your Bedroom Into A Relaxing Sanctuary
Read Design
Bedrooms just make life better. Full of everything warm and plush, these spaces act as a balm to life’s stresses. They’re the place where you can fall into a cloud of blankets, turn off the lights and unwind at the end of a long day. Hunter Douglas, a manufacturer of window treatments, offers some tips below to help you get the calming, cozy bedroom of your dreams.
Maximize Automation
Imagine you’re tucked into this cozy bed, ready for a lovely sleep, when you realize you’ve left the blinds open and a light on. Now imagine that instead of getting up, you can fix everything with a click. Smart-home systems let you adjust window treatments, lights and temperature using a smartphone or tablet, all from the comfort of your pillows.
Make a scene. Certain systems let you create and schedule ideal “scenes” that shift throughout the day. Motorized bedroom blinds, for example, can slowly let in the morning light or instantly close for a nine-o’clock-sharp bedtime. Some window treatment automation systems even adjust to ever-changing sunrise and sunset times.
Don’t want to use an app? You can also operate many of these systems with a remote control — perfect for stashing in your nightstand. Combine smart products into a whole-home automation system to create your perfect sleeping environment without lifting a finger at bedtime: lights out, blinds shut and the room an optimal 65 degrees.
Get the Light Right
Light and, perhaps even more important, lack of light are integral parts of any tranquil bedroom. Pay attention to both sunlight and electric light when planning your sleep haven. The bedroom seen here, for example, strikes a pleasing balance with cellular roller shades, drapes and a sleek bedside lamp. Cellular shades gently diffuse light and lend a soft structure to windows.
If you prefer sleeping in complete darkness, try shades with a room-darkening option or pair your blinds with blackout curtains. If you love the morning sun, consider semi-opaque shades, which offer privacy yet let in some light. Also keep color in mind when choosing window treatments; your bedroom will take on a muted version of their hue as the sun filters through.
Layer your illumination. Even if your bedroom has an overhead light, add bedside lamps for a calming ambiance. The perfect partner for late-night readers, a pair of bedside lamps also provides a pleasing symmetry. Keep the switches within arm’s reach and pick a height that won’t blind you when you’re sitting up. Add other lighting where needed, as well as some aromatherapy candles for a softly scented glow.
Focus on Softness and Flow
Up the cozy factor in your bedroom for an irresistibly snuggly space. Take cues from the airy space seen here and add fluffy pillows (but not enough for a leaning tower), a cloud-like duvet, a comfy reading chair and a cushy rug.
Layering textures in your bedroom creates a plush cocoon. Look for bed linens made of Egyptian or pima cotton — known for its quality — and with a thread count of 400 to 450. Add a luxurious wool rug, invest in a cuddly blanket and bring soft layers to your windows with light-filtering shades and drapes.
The way you move. Keep your sleeping space free of anxiety-inducing clutter and make sure you can easily move around the room. Add a quiet fan, consider a vented door for passive ventilation or bring in an HVAC expert to keep things cool.
Make It Personal
Fill your bedroom with elements that make you smile, whether it’s travel keepsakes or a special spot to do yoga. The cosmopolitan bedroom seen here is a minimalist’s dream (so take notes if that’s your style). Ideal for a reader, it features a delightful reading nook with a sculptural lamp and a curated tablescape. Simple, light gray roller shades finish the look.
Hang that artwork you bought on vacation, spritz your favorite room spray and choose colors that you equate with calm. Look to icy blue or dove gray for a cool palette, or select a brighter hue if that’s what soothes. When your bedroom is brimming with things you love, it puts you at ease — it feels like your room rather than a hotel room. It’s your space, after all, so why not make it all about you?
*taken from Hunter Douglas Houzz
