Interiors

Tips & Tricks: How to Create a Zen Bedroom

byTeam GM

5 years ago

We all know sleep is crucial for our health, but getting those key eight hours can be a little challenging at times. Luckily, our blog contributor and expert interior designer Gillian Segal is back with her best tips for a restful night and it all starts with a Zen bedroom… So we’ll let her take it from here!

If you are anything like me, when you lie down to go to sleep, instead of counting sheep you are fending off every worry, item on your to-do list and random thoughts as you try to drift off. Did you remember to pick up the dry-cleaning? Did you send out that important email? What are you making the kids for dinner tomorrow? This list goes on, and it’s not always the most convenient thing when you are trying to get eight hours of beauty sleep! Many sleepless nights and some lessons learned working as an interior designer have taught me a few great tricks to making your bedroom a sanctuary for sleep.

Window Coverings

Blackout curtains in the bedroom are essential in just about every project we do, including nurseries—toddlers need their beauty sleep too! Custom drapery can get expensive, but if it’s within your budget I highly recommend the splurge. Not only does it frame your windows and add a beautiful softness to any space, but it gives you that quality blackout that helps you sleep well through the night and into the morning. For maximum blackout, have them mounted to a ceiling track so they truly flow from floor to ceiling (limiting light leakage).

Consider Color

When it comes to bedrooms, I always like to stick to soft colours that feel soothing and peaceful. While this often feels instinctual for me, chromotherapy (or color therapy) has become increasingly popular. It involves using color to stimulate positive emotions and energy, and it has become more and more important in our busy, non-stop, technology-filled lives.

Blues and greens are soothing on the eye and are known to promote serenity and reduce tension. Neutrals and soft pinks are also known for their calming effects and sense of security.

Symmetry

While I am not a Feng Shui practitioner, I do agree with many of the concepts used in the practice. In bedrooms, Feng Shui suggests having everything in pairs (i.e. two night stands, two sets of pillows, two bedside lamps etc.) Pairs are thought to promote loving, harmonious energy and if you are single, having your space prepared for a partner is thought to help attract one (who knew your bedroom décor could have such an impact on your social life!). In all seriousness though, I do feel that symmetry and balance in a space help to promote a feeling of peace and security.

Priorities

I often find that clients place their own bedroom as last priority—putting entertaining areas that guests will see in the number one spot (I am guilty of this too!). That being said, we essentially spend one third of our life sleeping. It’s a time where we rejuvenate, heal and get ready to tackle our days, so I think setting aside the time and resources to create a great sanctuary is really important.

Anyone else feeling ready for the best night of sleep ever?

Thanks for sharing your tips, Gillian, we’re ready to revamp our bedrooms now!

Find more of her tips on her website and Instagram and brush up on your bedroom décor tips right here.

Xx Team GM

Photos: Ema Peters Photography, Tracey Ayton Photograph