Sleep easy with these soothing bedrooms.
Indulge in some self-care by creating a spa-like bedroom sanctuary
When it comes to a healthy mind and body, all roads lead to a good night’s sleep. We asked the experts for tips on creating your own wellnessspa getaway right in your own home.
GO FOR NATURAL FIBRES
“To me zen is very much mixing texture and natural fibre. A place that makes you feel calm – a nice serene sanctuary,” says Kerry Jackson of MM Linen. “The whole idea of spas and natural wellbeing is all around using those types of linens and pure cottons. We’ve got a lot of beautfiul throws, which are all just pure cotton; they have this heavy natural feeling of cosiness. We’re finding the botanicals are still very strong in bedlinen mixed with those natural textures.”
Paula Wallace of Wallace Cotton says the key is in layering your bed. “We love the casual elegance and practicality of a layered bed,” she says. “Begin with luxurious cotton or linen sheets, then add a beautiful cotton duvet cover, plus a textured cotton bed cover or velvet quilt to provide warmth and comfort during the night. A pure cotton or wool knitted throw and colour-matched cushions will add extra interest in both texture and touch.”
COMFORT IS KING
It is worth investing in a premium duvet inner and luxury pillows says Paula. “Air your bedding essentials in sunshine to ensure they are kept in good condition all year round. Adding a cotton protector to your pillows and using a top sheet under your duvet will also add to the longevity of your bedding. And cushions are a convenient way to quickly refresh and enhance your room each season.”
Kerry of MM Linen says cushions are getting bigger. “With beds getting much bigger, pillow sizing has become bigger – everything’s going bigger as far as cushions go. Two of your standard pillows don’t fit on a superking these days.” She says with simple textured linens on the bed, a single oversize statement cushion is a good way to bring pattern in to the bedroom.
She also says the right temperature is conducive to a good sleep. If partners disagree on bedding weights, you can use a light cover, with a warmer throw folded across the foot of the bed that the cooler partner can also use while they sleep.
“Bed covers are really having a resurgence. We’ve been very stuck on duvets in New Zealand but in other countries bed covers are very big. Sometimes a duvet in summer is just too much and what you want is a pure bed cover in soft tones. I think it’s simple and liveable.”
MASTERING COLOUR
When it’s time for sleep, says Karen Warman of Resene, it’s best to surround yourself in soothing colours that will help you relax. “The calming colours of nature are usually considered to be the most soothing, with blues topping the list, followed by greens. Weathered and greyed blues, such as Resene Duck Egg Blue are reminiscent of a relaxed day at the beach. Or for a more cocooning effect opt for dark blues such as Resene Coast or Resene Twilight Zone. Green also has a calming effect, which is conducive for sleep. Light relaxed greens such as Resene Secrets or deeper, darker greens like Resene Dark Slate will help bring a sense of zen into your space. Use a flat finish, such as Resene SpaceCote Flat, and continue your wall colour onto your ceiling for an even cosier feel.”
If you’re tempted by brighter energising colours, such as red or orange, Karen says they are best used as a feature behind the bed. “That way you can enjoy them when you come into the room without them keeping you awake.”
Kerry Jackson says MM Linen is using a lot of shades of green in its bedlinen. “It’s one of the most on-trend colours that I saw at the Heimtextil Fair over in Frankfurt. Mixing it with naturals and even dark, warm aubergines is making a resurgence in a botanical, warm, floral feel. Mix it with rich earth colours like brick, cedar and ochre. They are very on trend and also give that earthy, warm feel.”