The bedroom tends to be forgotten when it comes to design, since it’s a private room and its main purpose is sleep, but by creating a dreamy retreat for rest and relaxation we can greatly influence our wellbeing , health and sleep.

The most prominent piece of furniture in the bedroom is the bed. It has evolved from a functional piece, to a haven of comfort and wellbeing. When choosing your bed, attributes such as high quality and comfort are key to creating a cosy and relaxing space. The style of your bed will be decisive in the design of your room and by using luxurious and comfortable materials you create the centrepiece of the bedroom. Carefully considered styling will create a healthy sleeping climate and have you wake up refreshed and fit, ready to face life’s daily challenges.

What you should consider when styling your bedroom:

• Furnish the bedroom sparingly and hide clothes or other utensils in a wardrobe or chest of drawers, to create a tidy and calm atmosphere.
• Place the bed, ideally with a headboard, against a wall. You should have a view of the room, windows and especially the entrance to the room, when seated on your bed. This subconsciously creates a feeling of security, as no one likes sleeping with their back to the door.
• The colour scheme of the room should be harmonious and relaxing with soft shades such as grey, beige or calming shades of blue. Avoid colours that are too bright or garish.
• Refrain from using electronic devices, such as televisions, in the bedroom to avoid electro smog.
• Style your room with lots of soft textiles, curtains, rugs, bedspreads and large pillows. Place emphasis on natural materials such as cotton, wool, silk and linen. Using natural breathable and natural materials for your bedding is particularly important for a restful night’s sleep. Textiles also provide pleasant room acoustics and a discrete elegance.
• Illuminate your room using various light sources. Approximately 7 to 10 light sources per room is a good guideline. Make sure that the lighting is dimmable to create a cosy atmosphere. To sleep well you need darkness, it should be possible to darken the room completely. This is best achieved using blackout curtains.
• Green plants provide a pleasant and fresh indoor climate. Choose plants carefully and avoid cacti or sharp plants in your bedroom.
• Create a luxurious hotel feeling by adding large pillows and a bedspread (which can also be casually thrown over half of the bed) and make sure you make your bed every morning.
• Room fragrances or scented candles with a subtle scent add a pleasant atmosphere.

Sarah Neuhaus is an interior designer and marketing specialist. She designs room concepts for private as well as business premises, and focuses on a personal and harmonious interior design approach.

Great curiosity and continuous education in interior design topics are constant companions for Sarah who regularly shares her knowledge on her blog www.concept-by-sarah.com