Modern life has never been so stressful with the demands of longer working hours, domestic tasks and busy social lives leaving us drained and exhausted. It’s the fast-paced nature of contemporary living that is wearing us out every day so it’s more important than ever that the bedroom is designed with a little extra thought, as a place where you can truly unwind and relax in the evening. After the half-term holidays and the clocks going back I’ve found it really difficult to get into a regular sleep routine, which has made waking up in the mornings more difficult than ever! So I’ve been looking at ways that I can turn my bedroom into a calming sanctuary. Here are a few simple ways to create the most restful and aesthetically pleasing bedroom possible. 
Multiple Sources of Light It’s important to have several different sources of light in a room to create a calm space. Ideally the light sources would be on different levels to avoid too much harsh glare and a soothing ambience can be created using lamps, candles and different levels of light-bulb wattage. Recessed lighting will cast a more even glow across the room without brightness from a direct light, so opt for this instead of a fluorescent lighting fixture or bare lightbulb – at the very least, choose a lamp shade which covers the bulb for diffused rather than direct light. Small bedside lamps will create a warm and cosy atmosphere in the evenings and are essential for those who like to read before bedtime so that the light isn’t glaring into your eyes. The whole mood of the room can be controlled by simply installing a dimmer switch and can change the atmosphere from bright and energetic in the morning to sleepy or romantic at night – just remember that some dimmer fittings require a specific strength of light bulb and may not work with energy-saving bulbs. 
Invest in Your Sleep I place a high value on getting a restful night’s sleep, so equally I am always willing to splash out just a little bit more when it comes to investing in a bed, mattress and bed linen. I already have a very comfortable antique bed which has been handed down through my husband’s family and so I’ve been sure to invest in a new mattress. Mattress firmness or softness is definitely a matter of personal taste so my only advice is to make sure that you try it out in the shop before purchasing! Your comfort is the number one priority in the bedroom, so spare no expense when it comes to these important bits. Use the best sheets you can afford with a thread count as high as possible to add a touch of luxury and prepare to sleep better every single night. Pile the bed with feather and down pillows and add a fluffy blanket to finish – here are my new crochet edged ribbon cushions and tasselled blanket from The French Bedroom Company which are the most luxurious bedding I’ve ever owned!
Soothing Sounds, Scents and Colours A difficult part of designing a relaxing bedroom is choosing a color scheme that will invoke a sense of calm. Avoid bright colours and stick with shades inspired by nature, such as mink, tans, and freshwater blues along with crisp whites and soft greys. By adding natural colours, your bedroom will immediately feel like a more restful retreat or expensive hotel room – I always sleep better in hotels! In order to create relaxation, use all your senses and identify your favorite relaxing scent. Introducing this fragrance to your bedroom in the form of oils, incense and scented candles, along with regularly airing the room will help create a cosy sleep-inducing atmosphere as fresh scents are often attributed to good sleeping habits. Finally, use your sense of sound to help you relax by playing soft classical music or some people find the sea, rain or a running stream of water to be a very relaxing experience, particularly when they’re attempting to unwind before bed so use an App such as Calm.com to stimulate your senses.
Textures and colours from The French Bedroom Company
Let me know if you decide to use any of these tips in your own bedroom and please message me if you have any more suggestions – what do you do to unwind and get a good night’s sleep? Please leave me a comment below or tweet me @Cassiefairy.
