Feel Good in a Relaxing Bedroom Retreat

1. Take an inventory of the room's contents. Is it overflowing with laundry? Does it double as an office or a place to wrestle with the bills?

2. Remove everything that does not belong in a bedroom. If it doesn't contribute to relaxation and sleep, then it doesn't belong. Maybe for you relaxation is reading a good book or working on something you love but don’t have time for, like music. Feel free to include these items but remember, keep work out, relaxation in.

3. Figure out your particular design style, and choose some favorite peaceful design aspects that fit into that style; then work to replicate key features in your own bedroom retreat. Think about:

Color
Do you prefer a light, cheery space or a dark, cozier retreat? Choose a color that will be comfortable to you, not one that will stimulate your senses and prevent relaxation. Typically, soft pastels and blues are calming, and greens are restful. If you don’t want to paint you can add a calming color by covering the walls with a sheer fabric.

Light
Notice the lighting in rooms you like. Bright, overhead lights usually are not conducive to a room used for sleep and relaxation. Soft lighting and table lamps are best. Natural light is always welcome, too. If you have enough space for an overstuffed chair, include a floor lamp nearby for reading and journaling.

Textures
Is the floor soft and gentle to your bare feet? Is the bedspread comfortable and inviting? Expensive blankets, carpet, and furniture aren't worth the price tag if they scratch and annoy you. Choose textures that invite you to curl up and escape the day's pressures.

Artwork
The art that hangs in your room expresses a feeling. Be sure that feeling is one of contentedness. You might find that quiet nature scenes take you to a different place and time. Avoid art that screams at you or packs in too much energy.

Sound
Lie on your bed and listen. Is your bedroom filled with traffic noises? Do the sounds outside distract you? If so, equip your room with soft music. A ceiling fan can mask outside noises. The soft trickle of an indoor water fountain can be very restful.

Tip: If you're converting a spare space into a new bedroom, in lieu of purchasing an expensive bed frame, consider crafting your own. With 2x4 wood framing, you can encase two doors into a solid bed platform. Attach store-bought furniture legs to the base, then insert your mattress.

Scent
Research has shown that the quickest way to bring on a change of mood is with smell. Equip your retreat with scents that you find pleasant. You'll experience a boost to your mood whenever you are there.

Taste
A great way to relax is to stimulate your taste buds—it just gets your mind off everything. Place some fresh fruit in a bowl in your retreat to have some crisp, clean and relaxing flavors on hand.

Extras
Resist the urge to load your bedroom retreat with lots of knickknacks and photos. Too many decorations will make the room chaotic instead of calming. Books or games that you find relaxing can have a place in your retreat, so long as they are relaxing.

Once your bedroom retreat is complete, make an effort to keep it that way. Resist the urge to pile clothing on your bed or chair. Put shoes where they belong. Keep your work out of the bedroom.

Remember: Your bedroom retreat is your personal haven. Feel free to break the rules of design if you wish. Make it a place that makes you happy.