Let’s start with a statistic that is not likely to shock a parent. According to the CDC, one in three Americans are not getting enough sleep.
Picture in your mind how your bedroom might contribute to this. Is it helping you get the rest and recharge that you need each day? Are your linens luxurious or worn out? Is your bedside table adorned with fresh flowers or power cords and a tablet?
My husband told me the other day that before our second child arrived, he would never have even considered falling asleep in his clothes. This statement is indicative of what the bedroom can be for so many parents: A place where we collapse, not a place where we relax.
Below are just a few of my favorite tips for creating a bedroom that is intentionally about you and your wellness. But first, a little inspiration.
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Learn from Hotels
Have you ever stopped to think about why nice hotels are such an escape? Here is what we can learn from hotels.
A hotel room has comfortable, clean white linens on a perfectly made bed. A cozy robe is waiting for you in the closet. The lighting is usually soft and comes from multiple sources. There is just enough of everything — space, furniture, decor — to provide interest without overwhelm. The space is designed to have just what you need without room for excess.
Your bedroom could be like that. Think back to some of your favorite hotels or vacation rentals, and jot down what you loved about the room, both tangible and intangible.
A few ideas I’ve stolen from hotels over the years include the following:
- Matching sconces on either side of the bed. Something about it feels so luxe.
- Floor to ceiling blackout curtains. Try these rails from Ikea to achieve the look.
- White linens, a luxurious throw or quilt at the end of the bed, and one or two high-quality throw pillows.
- A nice gauze or linen duvet that will hold up to the washing machine (especially when your child comes in for snuggles with Cheetos fingers . . . true story).
- At least one plant. This is such an easy way to add life and beauty to a space. Check out Rori Harrington’s guide to Dallas plant shops.
Reduce Stress
Look around your room. What is raising your stress level? What are some things you no longer want to allow in this space? Technology? Toys? What are your must-haves? Candles? Flowers?
Write down your thoughts, and consider the small behavioral changes you can make to enforce your boundaries and build positive habits.
Here are mine:
- Must have: Original art and furniture with handcrafted details that I can admire.
- Not allowed: Toys! They get thrown in a basket and taken out of the room immediately.
>> RELATED READ :: 10 Tips to Get the Whole Family out the Door Quicker <<
Declutter
When a space has remained static for a while, decor and personal belongings can become almost invisible. What should be a retreat ends up being kind of, well, blah.
If the goal is that your bedroom should inspire a sigh of relief, take a fresh look at every object in that room, and make sure every object supports that goal.
Common bedroom clutter includes worn out linens, dusty knick-knacks, and extra furniture that serves as a landing spot for laundry.
Splurge on Things Closest to Your Body
This is a good rule of thumb for the entire house, but especially in the primary suite. A bedroom redo can get expensive quickly, so if you have to prioritize something, make it the things you touch everyday.
Splurge on your mattress, linens, and pajamas rather than on curtains and lighting. These days, you can find gorgeous decor for a steal, so rest assured that you can outfit the rest of the room on a budget.
>> RELATED READ :: 5 Ways to Recharge as a Busy Parent in Denton <<
Make Your Routine Special
Think through your routine, and make those moments special. Even the briefest moments of your daily routine can be transformed into a positive experience.
For example, a quick glance in the mirror feels a little more confident in a high quality, floor length mirror that you find especially beautiful.
Your five-minute face feels a little more like self care at a sun-drenched vanity with a cup of coffee rather than hovering over the bathroom sink.
Even making the bed can feel less like a chore and more like an act of kindness to your later self with the simple addition of linen spray.
Peek into My Process
In designing this bedroom I was inspired by an original painting from Etsy, and pulled three colors from it that evoke a feeling of serenity.
First, I painted the walls from the chair rail down with Sherwin Williams’ Dutch Tile Blue.
Next, I selected pieces like the marble topped table and fluted sconce that balance clean lines with classic details. Natural forms like the pebble mirror and ripple ceiling light contribute imperfect, natural beauty.
I finished the room with plants, handmade elements like the lumbar pillow from the Citizenry, and a time-worn wood chest and hand mirror from the client’s grandmother.
The Takeaway
As a mom, I have to constantly remind myself that self care cannot be relegated to a scheduled facial or a girls trip. I have to find it in the small moments of my day if I truly want to achieve a lasting sense of wellness. Allocating some resources to the bedroom that is supposed to be your retreat is a great way to do that.
