Creating a bedroom-oasis

Recently I read an article, by Kim Williams (a creative behaviour strategist), who said that people create spaces on an intelligent subconscious level.  Whether it is the bedroom, bathroom, living space or kitchen in our homes, each space should align with what we like and be inviting, yet peaceful, at the same time.  Bedrooms are mainly used for sleeping and/or getting dressed.  However, in some smaller spaces, one part / nook of the room is often converted into a small office space.  When we are designing and decorating our bedroom, there are a few things to consider (apart from the colour-scheme, type of furniture and layout of the room).

Functionality is key when you design and decorate the room.  A bachelor’s bedroom will look quite different than that of a couple’s bedroom, for example.  Deciding what experience you want, what mood (atmosphere) you want to create, is another important factor.  Do you want it to be romantic, luxurious like a hotel room or tranquil?  When you and/or your partner have decided what the functionality and feel of the room will be, then you can go ahead and choose the décor, style and colour scheme.

The energy and flow of the room is important.  When you pay attention to where you sit or stand in a room, it will give you insight into how you move through your space.  When there is a good flow of energy throughout your spaces, then you can easily achieve the mood you want.  Keeping in mind that some rooms can restrict you with the layout of the furniture, you can still achieve what you want by choosing the right pieces of furniture and colour schemes.

Getting inspiration from magazines, books and the internet, will help you to “put together” your room.  Looking at the shapes, lines, colours, patterns and layout of rooms, are key when it comes to designing a room.  you can also take “bits and bobs” from different pictures and make your own designer board, before buying everything.  Whether it is your bedroom or any other living space in your home, it is important to choose pieces (or add pieces to what you already have), that you can live with for a few years. 

Using less expensive pieces can elevate a look; just know where to shop and what to look out for.  When it comes to your bedroom, make sure to spend money on a good quality bedframe and mattress.  The side tables don’t have to “break the bank;” neither the scatter cushions, lights, and so forth.  When you get tired of the colour scheme, for example, you can either buy new covers for your scatter cushions, a new duvet cover or change your lampshade.  If you are good at DIY, you can make your own things; even just painting a picture frame will change the look.

Depending on the size of your home, some bedrooms can be multifunctional.  Some people use it as a dressing room, others as an office space or exercise-area.  If you are using it as an office space, for example, make sure that your dressing table can also double as a desk.  Colour and accessories can make or break a room, especially when it is multifunctional.  Make sure to keep the area tidy, use boxes or baskets for storage.  A blanket-box, for example, at the end of the bed, can store blankets and/or anything else you don’t need every day.

A key element, when planning the room, is having fun.  It doesn’t matter if you combine the “old” with the “new” (whether it is old and new furniture pieces, or a painting).  You must create a space where you would feel comfortable, would invite you in, where you not only relax, but also am happy.  Furniture, colour and the types of accessories we use, must all fit together like a puzzle.  If there is something that is outdated or doesn’t fit into your mental picture, rather replace or redo it.

A bedroom is not just a place where we sleep.  It is a place where people like to read a book, work on their computer, get dressed, and so on.  Indeed, it is a space where we spend many hours sleeping, but even then, the room must be inviting, relaxing and have a good flow of energy.  There is nothing worse than not having a good night’s sleep – the colours you choose, where you place your furniture and how the space looks, all play a role when it comes to having a good night’s sleep.  Therefore, make sure to plan your space before you make changes or start decorating.  In previous blog posts I have written about the art of Feng Shui, as well as minimalism.  No matter what your style; make sure that it reflects you and/or your partner’s style.  Let the energies flow in a positive way and enjoy your space!