A good night’s sleep is key to waking up everyday to be the best and brightest version of yourself!  As designers we understand more than anybody the impact that our surrounding environment has on our mental state and well being. 

When it comes to your bedroom though, it’s not just your bed that will dictate your quality of sleep, but more so your entire sleeping environment! The bedroom should always be strategically designed with relaxation and sleep in mind, from the paint colour to the right lighting selections… essentially all elements in the room should be considered. 

Whether your gifted with what some would say the  ‘talent’ of falling asleep on cue or whether you’re reading because you’re craving that ‘perfect’ slumber – we thought we’d share our tips from a designer’s perspective to reclaiming your rest and the perfect nights sleep!

Here’s how you do it;

Freshen your bedding

There’s nothing like rolling into a freshly made bed at night, and quality goes a loooong way when it comes to your bed linen!  Choosing a quality fabric that will withstand multiple washing cycles and comes out feeling and looking good as new will make a world of difference!  We especially love using 100% linen (or anything natural essentially) when styling up a bedroom, not only does it have great hypo-allergenic and breathable qualities but the ‘relaxed’ look instantly makes your bedding look and feel more cosier too – the more soft and relaxed the more inviting! The choice of fabric really does come down to personal preference as does the fill and weight blankets and duvet so explore all your options and work out what makes you feel most comfortable. 

Layering is super important, so you can adjust your bedding accordingly for both those warmer and cooler nights! Mix up multiple different blankets and throws so you have options…and when styled correctly it’ll make for one cohesive and dreamy sleeping spot also.

Our Broadbeach Residence

Dimmable lighting

Never underestimate the power of lighting when it comes to your bedroom. Too much light exposure before bed does not set you up for a good night’s sleep. Using dim lights before bed influences a natural sleep cycle as it allows your body (and eyes) to slowly adjust to night time. Alternatively switching on your lamps will emit a soft glow rather than harsh lighting.  Low level lighting options and dimmable lights are all a must when it comes to setting yourself up for the perfect slumber!  

Design by Adele Bates

Control sound

Whilst we sleep, life does not! Traffic, sirens, the neighbours baby, your teenage neighbour who’s new hobby is playing drums, whatever the noise that may be your new background soundtrack to fall asleep to…

Too often sound control is not considered as something that we can control within a space, but it really is.  Obviously the thicker the wall and windows the better the sound proofing. And if you’re building from scratch, ensuring your bedroom has the appropriate amount of insulation from exterior elements and surrounding spaces within your home will make a huge difference to your quality of sleep. Rugs are also effective in sound control and will help absorb sound bouncing around the room or travelling through the floor boards.

Our Underwood Residence

Layer in rugs

Speaking of rugs…not only are they perfect for sound control but they also add that beautiful softer element and cosy feel we all aim to achieve in our bedrooms.  There’s nothing worse then getting up at night and your feet touching hard / cold floors (especially in winter!).  Creating a calming environment requires getting in touch with all your senses and this includes your feet. We discussed rugs assisting with sound insulation but they can also assist when it comes to heat insulation! 

From an aesthetic point of views rugs placed under your bed will help in grounding your space, making it the focal point of the room. So even if you have carpet that’s not to say you can’t still layer in a rug!

Our Broadbeach Residence

Eliminate Clutter

Messy house, messy mind.  I am one who cannot even think in a space where there is clutter – it drives me crazy!  And the one spot that in the midst of our hectic weeks that can build up with random bits and pieces is the bedroom…  I particularly see people fill their bedside table with ‘essentials’ but this mound of clutter sitting right by your pillow is probably one of the reasons you struggle to sleep at night! Try styling up your bedside essentials on a tray or even storing in a drawer (out of sight out of mind!).  Laundry is also something that can quickly get out of hand in my household, ensuring all your laundry is tucked away in a hamper will ensure your space is tidy in between wash days!

Design by Full of Grace Interiors

Banish the Television

I know movie nights in bed sounds like a dream but truth is it’s probably doing your sleep pattern more harm than good.  To be honest, the TV can be quite the eye sore in the bedroom anyway.  I’m not sure when the bedroom stopped being all about calmness and relaxation but the one thing that takes away from all that instantly is the TV! Allocating a space in the home away from the bedroom to watch your TV means your mind won’t confuse your bedroom to a media room or living room.  If a TV is a must for the bedroom check list, then be sure to consider how and where it may be placed in the bedroom… recently we shared our tips to concealing your tv.

Design by Maison Hand

Hide electronics 

I am definitely guilty of staring at my phone screen until I drift off… this would be probably one of the worst habits! I have actively been trying to swap out my electronics with a book every night and I must say I have developed a very strong routine!  I love reading books about design and designers before bed, it puts me in such a good mood and motivates me for the next day!  

Plus, your favourite reads stacked on your bedside makes for the perfect styling addition to the bedroom!

Design by Mim Design

Play with colour

There is so much research out there about the psychological impacts of colour and being a designer we certainly put this research to use! Analogous colours are very calming and tend to harmonise and soften each other, pairing this with varying textures will create visual interest in the space whilst maintaining a calm environment.

Design by Amber Road Design

A Quality Mattress

Like I said, design isn’t all just about what we see, and a good quality mattress is the perfect example of this!  We know that at the end of the day, your bedroom will still look beautiful no matter what mattress is hiding underneath the bedding.  However we are huge advocates for spending big in the mattress department.  This means having quality sleep… therefore enjoying being in your bedroom!

Our Redland Bay Residence