It may be cliché to say that the past couple years have been hard. Except, it’s true. More than ever creating a little luxury for yourself at home is key to making the days a little easier. Here is our FORMula for the perfect principal bedroom retreat.
LOW VOC MATTRESS
You spend a lot of time on your mattress. Health experts recommend 7 - 9 hours of sleep for adult women with the average being 8 hours and 27 minutes. (A strangely specific figure, no?) All that adds up to between 2,555 and 3,285 hours a year. Having a comfortable, healthy mattress if you are logging those kinds of hours is important. Check the construction to ensure the chemicals and construction of your mattress are not negatively affecting your air quality. A mattress constructed with low volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is a key way to achieve this goal. We are big fans of natural latex mattresses for exactly that reason.
HIGH QUALITY BEDDING
A system of seasonally appropriate duvet, pillows suitable for your sleep style and sheets that are welcoming and comfortable is essential. Consider investing in both a summer and winter duvet and there are great offerings in silk, Eiderdown and down alternatives available. We always prefer a natural fibre as it breathes better to keep your body temperature comfortable. When it comes to sheets, thread count isn’t the most important factor in quality. The fibre content and construction matter more. We’ve found a few favourites over the years, but whether you choose cotton, bamboo, flannel or sateen – it really does come down to personal preference.
LIGHT CONTROL ON WINDOWS
Considering how you want to dress your windows has a big impact on the overall feel of a room. If you work shifts, the ability to darken a space for your sleeping schedule is important. A layering system of shades to provide both privacy and light control combined with drapery for personality is a winning combination. If complete darkness isn’t required a roman shade in a simple fabric can be clean and efficient without becoming bland. For a high-tech touch, consider motorizing your treatments so they follow a schedule, which is great for security and as a way to wake you up in the morning.
INSPIRING ART
What do you want the first thing you see in the morning and the last thing you see at night (besides your spouse) to be? Our vote is original art that speaks to you. Selecting pieces that remind you of important moments, or times of pure happiness are wise investments in your heart. We are believers that art looks a lot of different ways. For one person, it might be an original oil painting, but it also looks like a framed quilt from your grandmother, the patterns on your accent cushions, or an upholstered chair with an interesting frame.
LAMP
Living in the northern hemisphere means we don’t always have access to abundant natural light. It is nice to have the option to transition from day to night with softer lighting than your overhead bulbs can provide. Plus, who wants to get up once you are snuggled in with a good book? Choose a lamp with dimmable bulbs and pick a colour temperature of 2,700 - 3,000 kelvin for a soft warm glow. A plug in wall timer makes it easy to follow a schedule, too.
What are your essentials for a perfect bedroom retreat? Drop us a note in the comments below.
And, if you need to elevate your space, give us a call.
