Is your bedroom a calm sanctuary that beckons you at the end of busy day or is it a cluttered afterthought?  Since we spend almost half our lives in bed (!), it’s important to create a healthy, soothing and calm space where you can get the quality sleep you need. Research shows that an uncluttered bedroom improves focus, quality of sleep, lowers stress and anxiety and increases productivity.  In an ideal world, our bedrooms would be the least cluttered room in the home -but we know life happens and we all sometimes struggle with clutter in our bedrooms especially during busy seasons of life. Here are some tangible ways to create a beautiful haven of rest, rejuvenation and inspiration.

1. Keep it simple.  Choose calming colors or opt for a neutral color palette which can be made more interesting with layering textures.  Color psychology tells us that blues and greens are the most calming and choosing muted forms of those colors almost always works well in a bedroom.  Or you can keep the palette neutral and bring in texture with pillows, blankets and wall coverings.

2. Watch out for clutter magnets.  Keep only what is absolutely necessary in your bedroom. If you have a chair in the corner which has become a dumping ground for clothes that need to be put away, paperwork or things that don’t have a home, claim that space back by giving it a purpose.  You can create a cozy reading nook by adding a reading lamp, a cozy throw and a basket to contain blankets. Clear off all flat surfaces by storing away things you don’t need to keep in your bedroom.  

3. Invest in good quality bedding.  We spend nearly half of our lives in bed so it’s important to prioritize comfort and if possible, bring a little luxury into our linens.  I love these tencel sheets which prevent you from overheating and are so soft.  And a silk pillowcase is a game changer.  Layer in a fluffy duvet with a quilt and you can recreate that luxury hotel feel.  

4. Organize your closet.  It may seem trivial but an organized closet makes getting dressed so much easier and gives you back time in your day.  It’s important to periodically go through your clothing/shoes and be really honest about what you wear and what is just taking up space. I love the idea of a capsule wardrobe where you have fewer, quality items that you wear more frequently.  Check out https://bemorewithless.com/how-to-build-a-capsule-wardrobe/ for tips on creating a capsule wardrobe.  

5. Try to keep work/technology out of the bedroom.  While a desk may be ok, it’s not great to keep computers or lots of tech in your bedroom because it interferes with quality sleep. The same goes for exercise equipment.  No treadmills if you can help it! 

6. Bring in nature either with artwork or an air cleaning plants like a bamboo palm or a monstera plant that doesn’t require a lot of direct sunlight light or water. 

7. Remember scent.  Use essential oil spray or a diffuser to keep things smelling fresh!