Creating Your Sanctuary Bedroom
Ideally, the master bedroom should be the sanctuary where you can retreat at the end of the day. A place to relax, enjoy, and encourage a good night’s sleep.
By Shelagh Duncan
It should be able to make you just feel good—it is not important whether it is a large master suite or a small bedroom—you should be able to feel the comfort and serenity in this space. It should be the place to make you feel special, and for you and your partner to nurture and enrich your relationship.
Here are some simple ways to create this space, and I promise the end result will be well worth the effort.
First Impressions
When it comes to design, first impressions count so decorate, clean and arrange your master bedroom accordingly. Keep the floors and night tables clutter free. Ask yourself what do you see when you first walk into the bedroom? What is the first thing you see when you open your eyes in the morning? For me, I see the big sky and the trees on the mountains in the distance. I love that feeling.
However, if you wake up and see distractions like a heap of clothes, kids toys laying all over the place, a pile of work next to the computer—how can you love that feeling?!
In our busy lives, especially if there are kids around, keeping things together is a challenge. But take the time to make a conscious effort to keep the bedroom free from these distractions. Put clothes in the laundry hamper immediately you take them off, and keep the computer and other electronics out of the bedroom whenever possible. Studies show that even small electronic devices emit sufficient light to miscue the brain and promote wakefulness. If the bedroom is the only place available to work on the computer, then unplug and cover it up at night. Leave the workspace organized and tidy to start the new day.
Kids toys do not have a place in the master bedroom at the end of the day. There are many other places for them to play, and tidying toys up before they go to bed is a good habit to learn. This is the adult area and is for adult use. Even crowding the bedroom with photos of loved ones can be emotionally disrupting. You cannot have a calm and serene sanctuary if it is charged with memories and emotions. Keep photos of the couple sleeping there, and keep them minimal.
Colour Counts
Colour is important so try and avoid strong, dark colours, and leave the bright vibrant colour of the tropics for other areas in your home. Blue is considered the most calming of colours, so almost anything in the blue family will work well. Try blue-greys, blue-greens, soft neutral greens, icy blues or even lavender. Soothing need not be boring!
Luxury Linens
Invest in some good quality bed linens. The choice down here can be limited but treat yourself to something special, so as you settle down to sleep you will enjoy the luxurious feel of bamboo, or hotel quality sheets to soothe and relax you. We spend almost one third of our lives in bed, so it’s worth it! Remember, you will never regret buying quality.
Bed Location
Think about the bed placement. Feng Shui says that the bed should be positioned so that the door is seen from the bed but is not in direct line with it. When the bed is in this position, it gives the sleepers a feeling of being in charge of their space, which results in better sleep. Think about where the night breezes come from and maximize the effects of that wonderful cool mountain air.
Add Things Thoughtfully
If there is room, add a chair or two for relaxing or reading, and consider a bench at the foot of the bed. You’ll wonder how you ever managed without one. Switching up a dresser for an armoire will give you more storage space plus if you have a TV, it’s a place to keep it out of sight.
Adding a vanity table will give you an alternate place for getting ready each day, and also help free up some bathroom space. Art is something that can help enhance serenity. When selecting art for your bedroom walls, it should be something that you both love.
Draperies at the window will add some softness to the room, as will an upholstered chair or bench, or a romantic canopy over the bed.
Remember that everything in our living spaces is giving us a message. What is your master bedroom saying to you? Does it remind you of the busy day ahead—or does it give you a sense of calm and relaxation? Does it encourage you to watch television—or does it support intimacy? Does is add to the stress in your life—or does it provide you with a safe and nurturing haven. If it does, then you have successfully created your master bedroom sanctuary.
Until next time
Shelagh, Royal Palm Interiors
Round the corner from BCR in UVITA – 2743-8323
royalpalminteriors.com
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