Local designer & award winning stager (Voted 2011 RESA Professional Stager of the Year) Claudia Jacobs shares some ideas for better rest!

The most important room of the house is often the most neglected. If you’re thinking it’s the kitchen, the heart of the home, you are close. The kitchen nourishes the home but the master bedroom serves the home. Think about how you feel after a night of restless sleep. It really can affect every aspect of our lives including our health.

We have very busy, stressful lives. Your bedroom should be your safe haven, your escape from the rest of the world. By creating a comfortable space for sleep and relaxation, every night has the potential to be a chance for a well deserved respite from the day. Let’s face it, even a great day can be draining and what better way to recharge than with a good night’s sleep.
Here is a step by step plan to get started. This transformation may not happen overnight but the sooner you start, the sooner you will reap the rewards.

Stand by the entrance of your bedroom and really look at it. If you are pleased, great, if not, analyze the problem. This is what I do on a decorating consultation. It is difficult to be objective with your own space but try to view it as if it wasn’t your place. Consider these typical problem issues:

Clutter: Whether it’s on the floor, your walls or your furniture. Eliminate anything you don’t need or want in your space, including your closet.

Clean: Once you free up surface areas, clean your room from top to bottom. Dust and allergens are not good for sleeping. Consider new pillows and wash your bedspread.

Bed location: This is important and there are many theories about where the bed should be position. It’s best to be able to see the doorway while in bed.

Mattress: If you invest in anything in your home, invest in a good quality mattress. It can change your life.

Sheets: Splurge! Shop around and looks for a high thread count. Your body will be ever so grateful and you will be surprised the selection at various price points.

Style: This is your private space and should reflect your personality. If you live alone, this is easy. If you are a couple, figure out what you both like by discussing it. Go through catalogs and home magazines to see what appeals to both of you and compromise on something you both can live with and love. Once you decide the style, you will be inspired and focused to put it all together. It is interesting to see a very feminine bedroom and there is no sign a male even dwells in the house.

Bedding: Shop for a comforter set or bedspread. This is usually the most difficult item to find it will set the tone for your room. Again, there are many styles and prices to choose from.

Color: Find inspiration in your bedding for window treatments and paint. I love the effect of painting the wall behind the bed an accent color.

Change: Personal preference should change as you or your situation changes. My bedroom has evolved over the last ten years. I went from a very feminine shabby chic look with lots of lavender and cream to the exact opposite. Now it is a warm room of dark wood contemporary furniture surrounded by earth tones and a spicy cinnamon color with a dramatic accent wall.

Sweet dreams!