Do you ever wake up feeling groggy and unrefreshed, longing to hit snooze and stay nestled under the covers? As a chronic early riser living in the nonstop hustle of New York City, I regularly struggled with draggy mornings that set the wrong tone for my day. Over time, I realized that transforming my small Brooklyn bedroom into a tranquil sanctuary optimized for rejuvenating sleep made all the difference in starting my days off right.
Through research and trial-and-error, I uncovered solutions for designing a stylish, functional bedroom that promotes deep relaxation and an energized wake-up. Here, I’m sharing insider tips for creating a bedroom oasis perfect for waking up refreshed.
Embrace Soothing Hues for a Sleep-Inducing Aesthetic
As an urban lifestyle writer immersed in NYC’s dynamic arts scene, I’m keenly aware of the power of color to influence moods and emotions. Cool blue and green hues have remarkable soothing capacities, ideal for signaling your brain that it’s time for rest. To impart a crisp yet cozy look, I opted for a serene blue-green color scheme in my bedroom, including pale celery walls and textured bedding in aquatic tones. I incorporated patterned throw pillows with whimsical prints featuring botanical motifs for added visual interest. The result is a peaceful, sleep-beckoning sanctuary I eagerly retire to at the day’s end.
Beyond chromatic considerations, use soft, indirect lighting that won’t overstimulate the brain. I installed dimmer switches on all my bedroom lights and supplemented my old overhead fixture with a table lamp and string lights for a dreamy ambiance. Likewise, ensure blackout curtains entirely block external light sources that can disrupt circadian rhythms. With a calming oasis of restful colors and lighting, you’ll drift off to sleep in no time.
Invest in Luxurious Bedding for Ultimate Comfort
Having grown up in a quintessential Manhattan family living in snug apartments, I’m all too familiar with making the most of small spaces. When it came to appointing my compact bedroom, I knew my priority was the bed itself – why not indulge in the luxurious bedding I’ve always coveted in my urban abode? Beyond aesthetic considerations of attractive bed dressings, high-quality sheets directly impact comfort and support.
I learned that breathable fabrics like cotton in whites and neutrals suit my minimalist aesthetic and prevent overheating – crucial for sound slumber. And don’t skimp on the thread count! Splurge on soft, smooth sheets ranging from 600 to 800 thread count for ultimate coziness. Pair these with a substantial down-alternative comforter that’s just right for year-round use. Fold a textural knit throw at the foot of the bed for lightweight warmth. Add plush pillows in various shapes and sizes to customize comfort levels and bring dimension through clever stacking. The result is a dreamy sleep setup I can’t wait to crawl into each night!
Harness Natural Light While Dimming Artificial Sources
Grappling with a north-facing bedroom, I’ve become adept at maximizing natural light through expansive windows sans harsh glare. Sheer linen curtains softly filter morning rays to wake me gently. I also incorporated a large floor mirror to bounce ambient light around the room and avoided heavy drapes that would dampen this brightening effect.
In the evenings, ample artificial lighting sets the stage for relaxation before repose. Dimmer switches allow me to avoid jarring bright overheads, instead opting for the warm glow of lamp lighting. Twinkling string lights also contribute to a tranquility-inducing ambiance. I’ve learned that striking this nuanced balance between natural and artificial light is essential for restful nights and refreshed mornings.
Infuse Nature With Plants and Organic Motifs
As an advocate of biophilic design in urban interiors, integrating natural elements elevates wellness. That said, I opted to forgo finicky flowering plants in my bedroom in favor of easy-care greens with air-purifying properties. A potted snake plant I’ve had for years lends a bold structural element in one corner, paired with a trailing pothos in an earthy ceramic planter on my dresser. I incorporated organic motifs into textiles, including a duvet cover and lumbar pillow featuring botanical prints in soothing greens and blues.
Beyond embellishing my bedroom’s aesthetic appeal, these glimpses of nature foster a welcoming sense of calm. There’s something profoundly relaxing about surrounding oneself with plants, echoes of the outdoors. Their presence reminds me of restorative weekends spent upstate finding tranquility in nature. Now I can tap into those memories and mindset even while sleeping in my Brooklyn apartment.
Maximize Comfort With Plush Pillows and Throws
Once I dialed in my bedroom’s atmosphere and backdrop to promote total relaxation through colors, lighting, and accents, I turned my attention to literally building a nest for restful sleep. As someone who shifts sleeping positions, I arranged supportive pillows to prevent neck strain. I use a firm contour pillow for side-sleeping, then stack a medium pillow on top if I flip to my back at night. A buckwheat pillow offers enhanced neck support if I wake up on my stomach.
I finish layering my bed with a lighter-weight cotton throw in summer and a chunky wool one come winter for extra insulation. Contrary to minimalist ideals, when it comes to pillows and blankets, more is more! The flexibility to adjust layers depending on the temperature and customize supports tailored to your sleeping style is vital for maintaining comfort. You’ll fall asleep quickly once you’ve enveloped yourself in plush pillows and blankets!
Declutter Your Space for Next-Level Serenity
As a habitual early riser, I know firsthand the frustration of fumbling for belongings around a darkened room or tripping hazards en route to the bathroom or kitchen in the hazy hours around dawn. Therefore, an organizing spree to declutter my bedroom was essential to my sleep sanctuary makeover. I cleared surfaces of catches-all tchotchkes and dedicated the first two drawers of my dresser to pajamas and loungewear so favorite sleep essentials would be readily accessible each evening.
I created calming blank space by editing out once-loved but ultimately extraneous knickknacks and sentimental items and ensuring high-priority items could shine. The resulting orderly environment cleared mental clutter so I could fully relax and disconnect from the stimulation of the outside world. I now drift off peacefully surrounded by serene surfaces and wake up rejuvenated rather than disoriented from disorder. Give decluttering a try – you’ll be shocked by how lightness and simplicity set the stage for a fantastic night’s sleep!
Personalize With Meaningful Art and Photos
Just as surrounding yourself with belongings imbued with positive memories fosters comfort, adding personal touches throughout your sleep space enhances your emotional connection. As a creative spirit, I featured cherished travel photos and keepsakes with happy recollections in my bedroom design. Framed pictures of road trips across the American West and joyful times with family and friends keep me grounded in what truly matters.
Likewise, a gallery wall showcasing concert posters and limited-edition prints from some of my favorite NYC artists stirs my soul and sparks inspiration nightly. I curated this rotating display to tap into my lifelong passion for the city’s electrifying music and arts communities. These glimpses into my authentic experiences and interests delight me daily and reinforce that my bedroom space truly reflects my essence.
Diffuse Essential Oils for Aromatic Bliss
A crucial dimension of creating an immersive sleep sanctuary is engaging the sense of smell by infusing your space with soothing scents. I’m a massive proponent of essential oil diffusion for eliciting specific emotional states through aromatherapy. In the evenings, I’ll run my diffuser with a couple drops of lavender or chamomile oil to promote utter relaxation. Something about their sweet, floral aromas never fails to melt away stress from the day. I’ll also spritz my pillowcases lightly with a linen spray containing calming essential oils for a subtle scent I discover anew when climbing into bed.
If you’re sensitive to scents, try potpourri made with natural ingredients like dried flowers and herbs instead of synthetic room sprays. I keep a bowl of rose petals and whole cloves to scent my bedroom when I crave an extra sensory experience before sleep. Experiment with different aromas to discover which appeal most strongly to you, and don’t be afraid to change up your olfactory ambiance seasonally, either.
Focus on Fabulous Flooring
An often overlooked detail that can make or break your sleeping experience is selecting dreamy flooring that grounds your bedroom. As a tenant, ripping up old carpet and installing brand new floors posed limitations, so I opted for a cozy area rug beside my bed. The plush texture underfoot immediately imparts coziness, especially on cold winter mornings!
I selected a wool rug interwoven with viscose for delightful depth and topped it with a sisal layer rug to protect from shoe scuffs around my bedside. A faux sheepskin throw on my reading chair adds warmth and texture for additional sensory delight. Pay attention to how flooring choices impact your morning routine – whether you prefer to start your day with toes sinking into a shaggy rug or the smooth chill of wood underfoot, embrace materials that ground your space and please your preferences.
Monitor Air Quality and Temperature
Even if all other atmospheric elements in your sleep sanctuary promote rest, poor air quality and uncomfortable temperatures can undermine rejuvenation during slumber. I advise investing in a hygrometer/thermometer to gauge humidity and ambient heat in your bedroom overnight objectively. I discovered I sleep best at a balmy 68 degrees and no more than 50% humidity. Now I run a humidifier or dehumidifier accordingly depending on seasonality to prevent congestion and night sweats that erode deep sleep.
Also consider an air purifier if seasonal allergies or dust trigger disturbances – waking up congested immediately dampens my mood even in the cheeriest bedroom! Keep an eye on air quality and temperatures that fluctuate overnight based on weather and remember to clean or replace air filters in these appliances regularly. Adjusting to promote good breathing and comfort will allow you to reap the full therapeutic benefits of your sleep sanctuary.
There are 10 tips for creating a stylish, rejuvenating bedroom oasis! Start by tending to one or two areas for improvement, then gradually work through the layers like bedding, lighting and accents until you have a holistically designed space for deep relaxation. Don’t forget to share your best tips for a fantastic night’s sleep and blissful mornings in the comments below!
