Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Your Bedroom: A Dream or Disaster?

Your bedroom should be a place to relax, escape and recharge. It should be free of clutter and distraction and should be a sanctuary to rest your tired head...but, to be honest, how many of us have made our bedroom a priority in the design / aesthetics department? How much time and effort have you put in to creating a bedroom that soothes and refreshes you? I know I haven't! Right now, my bedroom looks more like a mini-storage unit than a relaxing retreat! Granted, my husband and I live in a 1-bedroom apartment and lack extra storage space, but still, if I just took a little time to rearrange, organize and de-clutter, I might actually enjoy spending time in my bedroom. I've put together some easy tips and tricks that I found online, including a few feng shui rules, to help you get the most out of your bedroom, which should be rest, relaxation and rejuvenation.

1) Let go of the TV, computer or exercise equipment in your bedroom. The good feng shui energy in your bedroom is destroyed when these items are present in your bedroom. (I must admit...the thought of not having a TV in the bedroom makes me a little uneasy...do you have one in your bedroom? Would you get rid of it?).

2) Open the windows often or use a good quality air-purifier to keep the air fresh and full of oxygen.

3) Have several levels of lighting in your bedroom, or use a dimmer switch to adjust the energy accordingly. Good, appropriate lighting is very important, as light is our # 1 nutrient and one of the strongest manifestation of energy. Candles are the best feng shui bedroom lighting, but be sure to buy candles with no toxins.
4) In a well designed bedroom, every item will reflect the clear intent for love, healing and relaxation.
5) Think carefully about what goes underfoot. Carpet is the preferred choice for bedrooms because it is warm and comfortable for tired bare feet. If your bedroom has hard flooring, such as wood, put a rug next to the bed to cushion your feet first thing in the morning and last thing at night.
6) Surfaces (bedside tables, dressers) should be clear of only what you need; a lamp, one or two pictures, some tissues, a book. If your bedside tables have drawers, all the better. Keep your non-necessary items put away.
7) Finally, paint can make a huge difference in the way you perceive your bedroom. More soothing, relaxing colors such as green and blue can be made to feel warm and cozy with some touches of brown.

I'll be doing a follow up post tomorrow on where to find great deals for the bedroom, the best paint colors to use and much more!

19 comments:

  1. Your picks are all just gorgeous. I very much agree bedroom is a sanctuary.
    XX
    V

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  2. My bedroom is FAR from the relaxing sanctuary it should be. Granted I'm still stuck at living at my dad's apartment (albeit I did arm wrestle the master bedroom to myself-- it's only temporary I said, I'll be moving out after the summer.) and live on a very modest budget due to the lapse in economy and no one wanting to hire a student/graduate.

    Clawed out, dirty loveseat, brandspanking new shelf unit, a printer, mismatched furniture.. it's a nightmare for sure!

    Personally I've always wanted an India-esque bedroom. Alas, it seems I don't have a keen eye when it comes to decorating and accessories. Nice photos, full of calm and relaxing vibes.

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  3. I'm so glad you mentioned for people to remove things like exercise equipment! It totally ruins the oasis feel when you're kicking back to relax, then realize your stairmaster is watching you...It's also worth mentioning that a bed is for two things: sleeping and sex. Using it for things like work, or using your computer tends to confuse your body when you go to sleep. However, I'm a big believer in TVs in the bedroom because it often helps me fall asleep!

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  4. Beautiful Julie, the articles and pictures are stunning! We think alike when it comes to design. Visit my bedsite, I blieve we publish in a similiar manner.

    I will subscribe to your blog, best of luck to you! http://serenityindesign.blogspot.com

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  5. Ooops, meant "website" guess I was into the article, HA!

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  6. hahah..that made me laugh!

    I love this post, and totally agree with all your points..it is hard to get rid of a tv in the bedroom especially when it comes to laying in bed watching a good movie while being sick or just in general. I guess as long as you have a good armour, itll take care of the ugliness of electronics. My problem is wires..do you have any good suggestions for hiding wires?

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  7. Great tips - I think lighting is key (and soft textiles) to get into a comfy mood!

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  8. Hey I love the photos you got! They inspire me to have a more inviting bedroom. I am excited for your follow up post. It seems like bedrooms that look flawless and beautiful like the ones you put up are just so impossible to recreate, but it is possible. Thanks again!

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  9. the lilac room is so pretty , great tips!

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  10. These are wonderful. My bedroom is far from tranquil. I think I need to make this a goal for me...

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  11. My bedroom needs some serious help. These are lovely and inspirational and making me feel guilty. ;)

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  12. OH GOD. my bedroom needs a huge overhaul. :[ i think i'd just like to have the bedroom in the first pic. brick brick brick. we don't have any brick in los angeles, and i just about die when ever i see pics with bricks. :)

    super tips, by the way. sorry for the babbling comment!!!

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  13. if I could I would never leave my bedroom, it is my personal slice of heaven (besides the beach, that is). Love the last shot!

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  14. VERY PRETTY rooms! I love that white one.

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  15. Pretty bedrooms! I LOVE my bedroom... but I would love a new duvet cover and some extra drapery panels... anddddd a vintage French settee!

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  16. I love my space at it's half-way place but, I do need to finalize the walls. Paint or paper?

    Deep dark eggplant or rich coral pink...with the cinnamon stained, rough wood ceiling and the light terracotta color, Fortuny silk lamp...?

    Oh, commitment...

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  17. Great post! I agree with having something soft on the floor, we had hard wood and I really miss having carpet flooring (Just for the bedroom) and I was wondering if a book case is in the category of clutter for bedrooms. Because we have a small one in our bedroom and maybe we need to hide it somehow...

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  18. You should definitely try not having a tv in the bedroom - I threw mine out a couple of years ago and I haven't got a tv at all anymore. It's the best thing I've done for myself in ages. Without a tv, one finds the time and energy to do all sorts of things!
    Great post with great tips! Have a lovely weekend!
    Trudi=)

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  19. Gorgeous! I LOVE the purple room. I also really enjoyed your great points. My bedroom TV broke a few months ago and I have decided not to replace it. I truly believe the bedroom is the most important room in the house for our well being. Thanks for sharing! You can see my master at www.fabulousfindsandco.com.

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Thank you for your comments! I appreciate you stopping by :)