Discover how to create the bedroom retreat you deserve.
By Tanya A. Yacina
Your bedroom is somewhere you should be able to rest, recenter and recharge—a calm place that allows you to let go of the stress of the day and get a good night’s rest. In essence, it should be your sanctuary.
Ashley Clark, owner and principal designer at Skout, says a bedroom should feel calm and inviting. She says it should be designed as a retreat, a place to rest and recover from the chaos of the day; a place that feels like a hug.
“I love adding personal photos and items to a bedroom,” Clark notes. “It’s a place to rest and reflect, to … think about the things and … [people] you love. If you want to hang family photos, wedding photos, your kids’ baby pictures, a bedroom is a great place for that. Not everyone visits your bedroom, so it should truly be a space that is for you with the things that you love.”
When designing your perfect bedroom space, Clark suggests starting with a piece you are drawn to and building around that. This could be a light fixture, bed frame, rug, comfy chair or piece of art—one item to pull through the rest of the room. “Things will fall into place when you start with something you love,” she says.
Clark recommends focusing on lighting, which can include window treatments and filtered lights in the space. She also says bedding and the layering of comforters, throws and pillows are important to set the tone of the room.
“[Consider] adding some lamps to your bedside, a chandelier over the bed or some wall sconces,” Clark suggests. “Lighting has a huge effect on how you feel in your space and it’s so important in your bedroom.
“Scale is really everything,” she adds. “I love when things seem a bit off or just unexpected—when you expect a small light fixture, but instead see a giant one or vice versa.”
Another element that Clark considers pivotal when designing a bedroom space is texture. “We love to keep things pretty neutral in a bedroom, but layer in lots of texture in bedding and pillows, and even wall treatments and furnishings.”
Overall, less is more in the bedroom. Neutral colors and textures should be employed over patterns and colors. While a television can be common in the bedroom, it should not overpower the rest of the space. A bedroom sanctuary is “all about the feels” and clutter should also be kept to a minimum.
“I honestly do not think people realize how much clutter affects them—a pile or box in the corner really makes the entire space feel different. A room free of clutter, a room where things have a place, will change your life,” Clark explains.
“You do not need a huge bedroom, but a space free of clutter is a game changer. No one needs 50 throw pillows on their bed; don’t get me wrong, we love pillows, but try not to get carried away.”
Peaceful Pieces
Seek out these soothing items to bring harmony to your personal space.
