Your Bedroom: A Dream or Disaster?

Your bedroom should be a place to relax, escape and recharge. It should be free of clutter and distraction and should be a sanctuary to rest your tired head...but, to be honest, how many of us have made our bedroom a priority in the design / aesthetics department? How much time and effort have you put in to creating a bedroom that soothes and refreshes you? I know I haven't! Right now, my bedroom looks more like a mini-storage unit than a relaxing retreat! Granted, my husband and I live in a 1-bedroom apartment and lack extra storage space, but still, if I just took a little time to rearrange, organize and de-clutter, I might actually enjoy spending time in my bedroom. I've put together some easy tips and tricks that I found online, including a few feng shui rules, to help you get the most out of your bedroom, which should be rest, relaxation and rejuvenation.

1) Let go of the TV, computer or exercise equipment in your bedroom. The good feng shui energy in your bedroom is destroyed when these items are present in your bedroom. (I must admit...the thought of not having a TV in the bedroom makes me a little uneasy...do you have one in your bedroom? Would you get rid of it?).

2) Open the windows often or use a good quality air-purifier to keep the air fresh and full of oxygen.

3) Have several levels of lighting in your bedroom, or use a dimmer switch to adjust the energy accordingly. Good, appropriate lighting is very important, as light is our # 1 nutrient and one of the strongest manifestation of energy. Candles are the best feng shui bedroom lighting, but be sure to buy candles with no toxins.

4) In a well designed bedroom, every item will reflect the clear intent for love, healing and relaxation.

5) Think carefully about what goes underfoot. Carpet is the preferred choice for bedrooms because it is warm and comfortable for tired bare feet. If your bedroom has hard flooring, such as wood, put a rug next to the bed to cushion your feet first thing in the morning and last thing at night.

6) Surfaces (bedside tables, dressers) should be clear of only what you need; a lamp, one or two pictures, some tissues, a book. If your bedside tables have drawers, all the better. Keep your non-necessary items put away.

7) Finally, paint can make a huge difference in the way you perceive your bedroom. More soothing, relaxing colors such as green and blue can be made to feel warm and cozy with some touches of brown.

I'll be doing a follow up post tomorrow on where to find great deals for the bedroom, the best paint colors to use and much more!

PHOTO CREDITS: COUNTRY LIVING; LIVING, ETC; HOUSE TO HOME; IDEAL HOME