Primary Bedroom Makeover: Create Your Sanctuary

By Elyse Garlock

I think it’s safe to say that regardless of where our busy lives take us during the day, we all want to feel a sense of peace and calm when we return home. The environment we are in can have a huge impact on our ability to relax and unwind. As I seem to get busier and busier with each passing year, creating a sanctuary where I can visually see the calm that I want to feel has become a huge priority for me. Thankfully, there are a few simple things you can do to transform your space without breaking the bank.

Pictured: Jawara Luxury Linen Cotton Curtain Pleated

Colors

We’ve all seen what a huge difference paint can make in a room. The colors used for paint and decor in a space can determine the actual energy we feel there and really set the mood for, well, our mood. 

To really tap into the power of calming colors, try to incorporate soft, muted, nature-inspired tones—think soft (not stark) whites, creams and beiges, mossy greens, clays and terracotta, and soothing dusty blues. These earthy hues are actually shown to balance and calm the nervous system, which is exactly what we need to de-stress. These soothing colors can be incorporated in many ways—paint, bedding, rugs, window treatments, or artwork.

Intention

Nothing will take away from the calm environment we’re trying to create faster than a cluttered dresser, messy bed, or bland window treatment. Something about the clutter and just reminds us of our to-do lists and all the things we haven’t done. Making the spaces in our room feel intentional will tell our brain that we have our stuff together, our life is (at least somewhat) organized, and that it is okay to relax. Take that clutter on the nightstand and add in a tray or trinket dish to organize, stack a few of your favorite books, add a small plant or candle, and the chaos is quickly transformed into charm. 

Add a throw blanket and a few layers of decorative pillows to your bed to make it feel more refined. Invest in a tailored window treatment—I especially like layering curtains and motorized shades to make it feel uber luxurious—and it will completely transform the space.

Design by Feel

One of the biggest techniques I use in my design is “design by feel”—which is exactly what it sounds like. I bring in different elements into the room and see how they make me feel.

Something may look great on a design board, but feel off to me once it’s actually in the space.

This practice is especially important to implement in a bedroom. Like I’ve said previously, our bedroom should be a place where we can unwind and relax, so letting our heart—rather than just our head—guide this design process is key. Incorporating personal elements, such as an heirloom trinket from our grandmother, or a candid photo of loved ones, will also add to the positive feelings we can bring the the bedroom environment. Whatever we choose, my hope is that we can all create a calming space where we feel safe and are able to truly unwind.

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