Great design can actually help you live better. When your home functions for how you live, it supports you and your family, saves you time, and can even improve your quality of life. That’s especially true in bathrooms, kitchens, and bedrooms. We spend 1/3 of our lives in bed, but lately most of us are not getting the sleep we really need. That’s where design can help, too! Here are things that I include in every bedroom I design, to ensure my clients can get the best night of sleep possible.

1. Make a Bed Investment

I encourage my clients to invest in the best bed they can - if you’re going to spend close to 3,000 hours every year in that bed, it needs to be the perfect fit. And incredibly comfortable. So the mattress should be designed for your sleeping style, and that can vary from person to person. For the bed frame, I almost always use an upholstered headboard. Most people like to read, watch TV, or use a tablet in bed, and this gives them a cozy backrest while they’re sitting up. And I strongly encourage clients to get a king bed if they have a large enough bedroom. It gives you so much more room, especially if you have kids and pets.

2. Choose Restful Colors

Blue is a very popular color in bedrooms - but there’s a reason for that. In health studies, the color blue has been shown to lower blood pressure and to slow your breathing and heart rate. That’s exactly what you need to relax and get a good night’s sleep. Everyone has different tastes in colors, but in this room you should go for restful and calming palettes. Dark colors can work because they can offer a cozy atmosphere. But in general, I recommend pale hues and neutrals for the perfect room to unwind in.

3. Make Bedding a Priority

Speaking of cozy, don’t the pillows on the bed above just make you want to curl up with them for a while? The bedding you choose is really important, from the thread count you prefer for your sheets to whether you would like to have a duvet or a quilt. Again, these can be personal preferences, but no matter what, the bed needs to be as welcoming as possible. Pile up the pillows so it creates a comfortable space. Add soft throws at the foot of the bed for cooler evenings. Make that bed so luxurious and welcoming that it’s hard to get up in the morning.

4. Layer the Light

Light is so important for each room of your house. The level of light can also create and change moods - it’s why dimmer switches have been so popular. And in the bedroom, how you layer the light helps this room function for each part of your day and night. For example, in winter months you may want a brighter overhead light in the morning to signal the start to your day - and help you find your shoes. If you like to read in this room, you may want a lamp with a slightly brighter bulb to help you see. But as you’re winding down, a softly lit lamp near the bed makes the room quieter and more restful. It’s a message to your brain that the sun is down and it’s time to relax. So be sure you have every type of light you need in this room.

5. Watch Those Windows

A bedroom needs privacy, so some sort of window covering is usually required. But I talk to my clients about what will help them sleep best, too. Often we choose draperies that are double-lined or have a light-reducing inner layer. That helps block pesky streetlights and other rays from getting through. We can also layer sheers and heavier drapery to allow for daytime and nighttime looks. It’s amazing how something like a window covering can make or break your perfect night of sleep.

So how are you sleeping? If you’re not getting your solid 8, or if you just don’t like the look of your bedroom, give us a call. We want your home to work for you!

All the best,

Kara