Easy Tips to Design a Bedroom Retreat from furniture.com

Furniture World Magazine

As the space in which we sleep – and start and end our days – the bedroom is easily the most personal room in our homes. For too many people, the bedroom is functional space, often the last room in the house to be decorated. But with the right planning and décor, it can become a personal sanctuary that calms, centers and energizes. Davis Remignanti, Furniture.com’s lead design consultant, offers these easy design tips on how to transform even the most traditional “sleep space” into an instant personal getaway: -Get away from it all: Start by thinking “Sanctuary” and begin designing a true retreat with a focus on your favorite pastime. Whether you love to paint, read, exercise, or listen to music, dedicate a space to doing what you love best. Don’t crowd your activity – provide the desk space, storage, or comfy seating that it requires. Let the rest of your room design flow from your interest center. Sketch your concepts online at Furniture.com’s Room Planner (http://www.furniture.com/roomplanner). -Savor your Zzzzz’s: At the end of the day, the bedroom is about sleeping, and your bed is where you likely spend around a 1/3 of each day. Since a good night’s sleep will make all the difference tomorrow, consider upgrading your mattress, adding a pillow top style, or simply adding fresh new bedding. Then, stretch out and relax. -Shun the distractions: Escape from the world by hiding away your larger electronics – television, stereo components and computer – in an armoire that provides easy access to your media channels (and the outside world) when you want them, but is even easier on the eyes when you don’t. -Showcase your passion(s): If you love it, let it show. When redecorating, resist the impulse to pack away your mementoes. Instead, look for opportunities to showcase the souvenirs and photos of what you love to do and the people you love to be with. A true retreat is not just a getaway, but also a celebration of your passions. -Look up: Don’t forget your vertical space. Carry your retreat design theme into the third dimension by updating your walls with a fresh new color or border. You can also put them to work: Walls are an underutilized resource – examine where you can add much-needed shelving and storage options. Finish by adding a new piece of artwork to complete your theme. -Lighten up your outlook: Any room makeover calls for a fresh look at lighting. Survey the room as a whole as well as specific task needs. The lighting requirements in your new activity area will differ greatly from your dressing and your sleeping areas. For extra convenience – as well as added ambiance – consider putting your primary lights on a dimmer switch. -Feel groovy: When accessorizing, feel the energy of Feng Shui and ensure good health by following the practice originated in China of honoring the environment – indoors. Where possible, introduce water, wind chimes, color and crystals into your design. Read more about history and practice of Feng Shui at: http://www.furniture.com/magazine. -Browse the possibilities: Review the decorating advice, product information, and interactive design tools at Furniture.com (http://www.furniture.com) for more ideas on completing your own personal sanctuary.