Decorating For Better Sleep
As someone who lived through a bedroom makeover gone wrong, I know firsthand the importance of creating a tranquil sleeping sanctuary. A few years ago, I had the bright idea to paper my master bedroom in a heavily-patterned, floral blue wallpaper. Paired with deep blue-painted walls, it looked stunning at first. But it quickly began to feel anything but calming.
The room was flooded with natural light, yet that vibrant blue hue just seemed to suck the airiness right out of it. And the busy wallpaper pattern? It clashed horribly with all my clothes, making it a chore to get dressed in the morning. Gone was the serene, restorative vibe I was going for. Instead, I found myself feeling wound up and overwhelmed every time I stepped into the bedroom.
As a busy mom to a disabled child and a full-time working professional, I desperately needed a peaceful retreat. So when it came time to redecorate, I knew I had to make some changes. This time around, my goal was to design a bedroom that would truly feel like a calming oasis – somewhere my husband and I could unwind and recharge. And let me tell you, the difference is night and day.
Embracing Neutral Tones
The first order of business was to ditch the bold wallpaper and deep blue paint in favor of a more soothing neutral palette. I wanted to steer clear of anything too bright or blinding, like a stark white. Instead, I opted for warmer, “new-neutral” shades with subtle undertones of gray, brown, or even pink.
These softer, cozier neutrals create an immediately calming vibe. They have a pleasant, enveloping feel that’s perfect for a bedroom. And unlike those cooler whites with blue, yellow, or green undertones, these tones avoid feeling too cold or clinical.
Benjamin Moore’s Pewter was the winner for my walls – a beautiful blue-tinged gray that feels both modern and timeless. And for the ceiling and trim, I went with a warmer, beige-y neutral to add even more depth and coziness.
Architectural Details For Texture
One of the reasons I was initially drawn to the bold wallpaper was that I felt the walls looked a bit bare and bland with just a single paint color. But this time around, I’ve found a way to add visual interest without sacrificing serenity.
The solution? Thick, heavy wall panels separated by a classic dado rail. Not only does this create an elegant, expensive-looking hotel vibe, but the architectural details also lend just the right amount of visual stimulation. It’s calming, yet still engaging for the eye.
Plus, I love how the natural tones of the wood paneling play off the soft, neutral paint colors. It feels so warm and inviting – exactly the kind of atmosphere I was going for.
Luxurious Layers
Of course, no tranquil bedroom retreat would be complete without some seriously sumptuous bedding. I’ve spared no expense on the mattress, sheets, duvet, and pillows. After all, if there’s one place you want to truly indulge, it’s your sleeping sanctuary.
The bed is the centerpiece of the room, so I wanted to make sure it felt like the most luxurious spot to curl up. High-quality, breathable cotton sheets in a crisp white lend a fresh, spa-like vibe. And the plush, pillow-top mattress topper? Pure heaven.
To add even more textural interest and coziness, I’ve layered on a mix of throw pillows, a soft blanket at the foot of the bed, and a fluffy duvet. The end result is an irresistibly inviting nest that practically calls out to be snuggled up in.
Bringing The Outdoors In
One of my favorite ways to enhance the calming, restorative feel of a bedroom is by incorporating natural elements. After all, there’s nothing more soothing than being surrounded by reminders of the great outdoors.
In this case, I’ve opted for a simple potted plant in the corner. The lush greenery instantly livens up the neutral palette and adds a refreshing, spa-like ambiance. And by positioning it near the windows, I’ve effectively framed the view of the trees outside – almost like a living piece of artwork.
If you’re not much of a green thumb, you could also try dried florals, a vase of fresh-cut blooms, or even a small herb garden on the windowsill. The key is to keep it simple and uncluttered. You want just enough nature-inspired charm to elevate the space, without making it feel crowded or chaotic.
Thoughtful Lighting
Lighting is crucial in any bedroom, but it’s especially important when you’re going for a tranquil, restorative vibe. You want a variety of lighting options that can be adjusted to suit your needs throughout the day and night.
For my space, I’ve opted for a combination of a large, central ceiling fixture and wall sconces on either side of the bed. The ceiling light provides ample illumination for getting dressed or applying makeup at the vanity. Meanwhile, the wall sconces offer a softer, more atmospheric glow for reading, relaxing, or drifting off to sleep.
I also made sure to select light fixtures with dimmers, so I can easily control the brightness and create the perfect cozy ambiance. And to avoid any harsh, unflattering shadows, I’ve angled the wall sconces to shine light down rather than up.
The end result is a bedroom that feels warm, inviting, and decidedly un-clinical – exactly the kind of soothing sanctuary I was going for.
Decluttering For Calm
As anyone who’s ever tried to unwind in a cluttered space knows, mess and chaos can be the ultimate mood-killers. That’s why decluttering and organization have been such key priorities in my bedroom redesign.
I’ve made the most of every square inch, from installing wall-to-wall wardrobes to incorporating under-bed storage. No more overflowing boxes or messy piles of stuff! Everything has a dedicated home, allowing me to maintain a blissfully uncluttered space.
And speaking of storage, I’ve also invested in some high-quality, good-looking pieces to house all my belongings. Sleek, built-in cabinetry keeps my clothing, linens, and beauty products tucked neatly out of sight. No more distracting visual clutter to contend with.
With a calm, serene backdrop and all my essentials stowed away, I can truly focus on relaxing and recharging in this space. It’s the perfect antidote to the busy, chaotic nature of the rest of my life.
A Sanctuary For Sleep
At the end of the day, the primary purpose of a bedroom is to be a restful, rejuvenating sanctuary. And that’s precisely what I’ve set out to create with this neutral-toned oasis.
From the soothing color palette to the luxurious bedding and thoughtful lighting, every element has been carefully curated to promote better sleep and deeper relaxation. It’s a space that truly feels like a tranquil retreat – somewhere I can unwind, recharge, and prepare for the next day.
And you know what? The difference it’s made in my life has been transformative. Instead of feeling wound up and overwhelmed the moment I step through the door, I now find myself instantly relaxed. It’s like my bedroom has become a personal haven, shielding me from the stresses of the outside world.
So if you’re looking to create your own serene, restorative sleeping space, I can’t recommend a neutral color scheme enough. Pair it with clever architectural details, sumptuous textures, and thoughtful lighting, and you’ll have a bedroom that truly feels like a sanctuary.
Ready to elevate your sleep game? ABC Home & Building Supply can help you bring your tranquil bedroom vision to life. Schedule a consultation today to get started!
