Create a restful sleeping retreat
Transform your bedroom into a haven of relaxation with a bed you can’t wait to dive into. finds out how.
We all know the advantages of a calm mind and well rested body. But when life is hectic and the house is a mess, it’s a difficult state to get to.
Making your bedroom a restful and clutter-free space is a good way of ensuring you’ve got somewhere to retreat to when needed.
The bed
Katie Collis from bed linen and homewares brand Thread Design says creating a truly restful master suite starts with the bed. ‘‘First and foremost, you need a comfortable bed with lofty pillows and a duvet inner with natural fill, like wool, down or silk,’’ she says. ‘‘Frame the bed with a headboard, either upholstered or wood, but nothing too elaborate.’’
She says dressing a bed is all about balance. ‘‘If you choose a dark throw for the end of your bed, balance it with something dark at the top of the bed like a cushion or headboard. Muted colours are restful, mix tones and textures to add depth to a plain base.’’ Colours such as dusty pink, sage green, inky blue and washed charcoal are popular this season, and create a sophisticated, laid back feel.
For a good night’s sleep, bed linen should be made of natural fibres ‘‘always and only!’’ she says. ‘‘For duvet inners, wool, down or silk is best as they keep you at an even temperature through the night. Wool wicks moisture away from your body so you don’t overheat, keeping you warm in winter and cool in summer. 100 per cent cotton sheeting is a must, nothing compares to jumping into crisp white cotton sheets.’’
The room
Turning to the rest of the bedroom, Eleanor Ozich, lifestyle blogger and author of soon-to-be released book on purposeful, clutter-free living, recommends going for a minimal aesthetic. ‘‘Keeping a clutter-free bedroom helps me to feel clearminded, inspired and grounded. Since learning to live with fewer things, I’ve found it far easier to keep clean, too.’’
Ozich’s own bedroom is too small to house much more than a bed and the two wicker stools she uses as bedside tables. ‘‘When we first moved in, I was worried about where everything would go, but in hindsight, the tiny room has been a blessing in disguise,’’ she says. ‘‘It inspired us to create a light, airy and uncluttered space, perfect in its simplicity. It’s the room in which I feel the most relaxed and calm, and I believe it’s because it has so little in it.’’
Collis also recommends keeping wall colours and window treatments subtle. ‘‘Accessorise with matching bedsides, lighting, a nice soft rug and a chair,’’ she says.
Hang a piece of art that makes you feel instantly at ease, like a photograph of a favourite place or a painting in soothing tones and keep lighting soft.
Adding a plant to your bedroom is not only aesthetically pleasing, but improves the air quality as you sleep. Peace lilies, boston ferns, english ivy and chinese evergreens have been shown to be the best at filtering out pollutants and toxic chemicals.
And there’s no mention of a phone or laptop when Collis and Ozich are asked what should go next to the bed. Collis says bedside lights, scented candles and a good book are a must, while Ozich has a small stack of books, a ceramic tumbler filled with tea and sometimes a vanilla-scented candle.
The wardrobe
One of the biggest sources of mess and irritation in the bedroom is clothing. Ozich recommends keeping the wardrobe well organised and says putting clothes away is much more pleasant when you don’t have to stuff them into already crammed drawers or a jam-packed wardrobe. ‘‘Friends are often surprised when they see how sparse my wardrobe is, which usually consists of only 10-15 items of clothing. I’m content wearing the same, beautiful clothes in heavy rotation – in fact, it makes life so much easier!’’ Having less clothing in your cupboards also means air can circulate better, keeping them fresh and in good condition.
Ozich says if you have clothes that you’ve saved for later but never actually wear, it’s time to prune them down to a capsulesized wardrobe. ‘‘It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when it comes to sorting through a mountain of clothing, so when you do, it’s important to be in a relaxed mood and have some spare time up your sleeve. Pop on your favourite playlist, pour yourself something delicious to drink, and get stuck in.’’
"It's easy to feel overwhelmed when it comes to sorting through a mountain of clothing, so when you do, it's important to be in a relaxed mood and have some spare time up your sleeve." Eleanor Ozich
The ensuite
If you’re lucky enough to have an ensuite bathroom, a few special touches can turn it into a really restful space. Save your scented candles, expensive skin care products and nice towels for here, out of the reach of the kids. Add a timber stool by the bath for easy access, and keep clutter out of the shower. Then all there is to do is make a cuppa or pour a wine and enjoy your restful retreat.