The atmosphere in your bedroom is probably 50% of relaxing and getting the sleep you need. We’ll deep dive into the other half in this series, but for now I want to focus on what kind of room you are sleeping in.
I’ve mentioned this before, but one of the courses I was required to take when I was in design school was a color theory class. Color is more than just what you see. It evokes emotion. It changes moods. It affects productivity. It also affects sleep.
If you’re looking around for a little DIY project in between zoom calls and virtual workouts, something can always use a little paint. A friend of mine happens to be looking for a new bedroom color, so I’ll tell you what I’m told her: your bedroom is not the place to go with a bold color that you saw in a House Beautiful kitchen (she’s also re-doing a kitchen). Your bedroom needs to be a calm color, maybe in the blue family. Besides, blue makes you look tan and thin.
| Benjamin Moore Blue Hydrangea 2062-60
You can always add strong, fun pops of color in your bedding or furniture, just pump the brakes when it comes to your walls. If you paint your bedroom red, I’ll be forced to assume that you are a serial killer.
*Fun Fact: Did you know that yellow causes anxiety?
Now, I don’t want to sound like your mom here, but make your bed and keep your room tidy. It takes very little effort and makes a tremendous difference. It’s such a nice feeling to pull back the covers and slide into your comfy bed v trying to fix a disheveled unmade bed just so you can climb in there and try to relax. To me, that’s like eating off a dirty plate.
You also need to be able to make your room nice and dark. Enter the proper window treatments. Draperies are where you can get that fun pop of color and a nod to your personality, but they can also make your room look like the sun packed her things and moved out. I need cave darkness while I get my 40 winks. I love patterns and texture on my windows. I would suggest this be one of the bedroom items where you invest a little money. Quality fabrics with a lined backing will look great, keep it dark, and last. And you want that. If draperies are not your thing, invest in some blackout shades.
Oh and the temperature: 64 degrees. On this I will not budge.
Now, obviously, your bed is the MVP in this sleep game, and we’ll get into that another day, but for now I just want you to walk to your bedroom and take a look around. If the first thing you notice is something that needs to be put away or if you see something you’ve been meaning to change….do it.
Or dream about it.
-Nana xx