Remember when you could stay out half the night and still greet the day with a smile? If you are in the Prime Women demographic, those days are probably long gone, replaced by sleepless nights and groggy mornings. Studies show that the older you get, the more sleep you need. The irony is the older you get, the more your sleep is interrupted by things like night sweats, bladder issues, and other things that go hand-in-hand with the aging process. While you can’t always control what is going on internally, you can set yourself up for sleep success by taking charge of your sleep hygiene with a bedroom refresh.
How a Bedroom Refresh Can Improve Your Sleep
Avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods a few hours before bedtime, along with soaking in a warm bath and sipping herbal tea, can help with sleep issues. And remember the importance of powering down your electronics to put your body in sleep mode. But proper sleep hygiene may also call for a bedroom refresh. Take a look at your sleep environment. Is your bedroom a cozy sanctuary that you look forward to retiring to each night? Or is it cluttered, outdated, and not at all conducive to relaxation?
“Your bedroom is where you will spend most of your time,” says interior designer Juliana Day Huff de Leon, owner of Day Atelier in San Antonio, Texas. “It should reflect your personality without being overwhelming.” That doesn’t mean that the walls have to be white and the space devoid of personality. But it does mean that the colors should be soothing, the lighting adjustable, the linens soft, and the temperature cool. “Keep it light, airy, and open,” she advises.
If your bedroom needs a makeover, consider the following tips that anyone can incorporate regardless of space or budget.
Beware the Box Store
While buying all your bedroom furniture at a big box store can be tempting, it can make for a space that feels sterile and impersonal. Instead, de Leon suggests curating unique pieces that work well together. For example, you may have an antique family heirloom you love. Try pairing it with a more modern upholstered headboard and finish it with two different sizes or styles of nightstands rather than a matched set. “It’s always more interesting to see a space of collected pieces,” she says, adding that she loves an asymmetrical moment. “It makes the room feel authentic and personal.”
Ditch the Drapes and Cut the Carpet
As mentioned earlier, you are going for a light, airy feel in the bedroom. Nothing kills that vibe faster than thick, wall-to-wall carpet or heavy drapes. “Rip out that sad carpet and breathe,” laughs deLeon, who prefers using a large sisal or knotted wool rug, or layering smaller rugs to create a warm, cozy space.
As for window treatments, a common mistake is hanging them too low. Contrary to popular opinion, this can completely close off a room and make it feel dark or stuffy. “Always hang your window treatments as high as possible,” she advises. “It helps achieve a luxury look while making the room feel more spacious height-wise.”
Lighten Up
If your nightstands are covered with books and chargers, your dresser is hidden under tchotchkes, and every wall is filled with art or photos, it’s time to clear out some space. “Too many accessories and decorative elements can be overwhelming,” cautions de Leon. “You don’t want your bedroom looking like the ‘catch all’ station.”
Limit the number of surfaces in your bedroom so that there isn’t room for clutter, and go with a less is more approach when it comes to décor and accessories. A large indoor plant is always a nice touch. Or choose one wall to highlight a favorite piece of art flanked with a pair of lighting sconces. And, speaking of lighting, your bedroom is not the place for bright overhead lights. Lamps with soft white bulbs or lights with dimmers create a welcoming, relaxing ambiance.
Color Coordinating
Grays, creams, and taupes are still having a moment in the bedroom, but so are earthy hues like terracotta and grown-up shades of pink. And while there are no actual rules regarding your color palette, de Leon says your bedroom color should flow with the rest of your house for a cohesive look. It is also important to remember that the bedroom is where you go to relax, and bright, bold, or primary colors do not evoke feelings of serenity. However, if vibrant hues are your preference, there are ways to incorporate them.
“If you want to add a fun twist to your space without committing to a big color, try painting the trim and casing in a bold shade while keeping the rest of the walls subdued,” suggests de Leon.
Luxurious Linens
The bed is the essential element in the room, and there is no quicker way to refresh the entire space than with new linens. If you are going to splurge on anything, linens are the place to do it. Try bamboo sheets for a cooling effect, silk pillowcases to help with wrinkles and puffiness, and luxurious throws for those nights when you need a little extra warmth. Mix and match colors and textures to create a bed you cannot wait to climb into at the end of a long day.
“Linens are going to be the main textiles in your space, so have fun with them,” says de Leon, adding that this is another place to introduce a bolder color. “I love a pop of color in a coverlet hidden between a matching duvet and sham,” she says. “Plus, it is easy to swap out if you get tired of the color or pattern or want to update the style.”
Another easy way to update is through pillows. Change them seasonally or whenever you need a refresh, but don’t go overboard. “Sometimes a simple set of sleeping pillows and shams with a long, skinny, colorful or patterned bolster is enough.”
A bedroom refresh can equal a refreshed you! Try incorporating one or two of these elements and see what happens. You might be surprised at how a few simple environmental changes can have you sleeping like a baby in no time.
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