Summer Bedroom

It might happen on the first day the air feels warm and a pleasant summery breeze passes gently through your window. On the other hand, it may not happen until you are already a few good weeks into summer and realize your bedroom is much hotter and stuffier than you can bare.  Regardless of when it happens, you are sure to feel an urge to bring summer into your home in general, and into your bedroom in particular.  Here are some summer bedroom decorating ideas that can help you turn your space into a summer haven.

The Bed

To update your bed for summer, put away those flannel sheets and heavy comforters.  Summer is the time for crisp bed linens made from breathable fabrics such as cotton.  Avoid using sheets made from synthetic fibers, as they tend to keep the heat in.  The color of your bedding is also important in creating summer ambience in your bedroom.  White is a great choice for your summer bedroom’s linens and covers. You can also play around with floral prints, light greens and yellows or anything else that gives your bedroom a light, summery feel.

Storage

Summer is a time for less of everything- less clothing, less blankets, and less clutter.  To clear your bedroom of unnecessary clutter, try using stylish storage solutions that are perfect for summer! Wicker, bamboo and raffia storage boxes and night tables are great for adding a summery feel to your bedroom while keeping odds and ends from taking over your space.

Windows

Light is an essential part of any summer decor.  Dark shades or curtains should be exchanged for sheer drapes (or taken down altogether) to allow more light to shine through.  Choose white, neutral or pastel curtains.  You can also keep the windows open whenever possible to let in the fresh summer air.

Accessories

Summer is the time to get rid of your heavy winter accessories, like rugs and draperies.  Instead fill your bedroom with accessories from the great outdoors! Bamboo plants, cut flowers and other greenery can create a refeshing atmosphere in your bedroom and can bring in a pleasant scent.  Other accessories can also be exchanged for more summery ones.  If your wall art is dark or heavy, try hanging a piece with brighter, paler colors.  Dark objects such as decorative bowls or candlesticks can be exchanged for clear ones made of crystal or glass that allow light to shine through.

Bringing summer into your bedroom for summer can help you be more relaxed and comfortable while facing those hot months.  So take the time and give your room a summer makeover today.

Bedroom Design

Finding a proper balance between space, color, texture, and lighting is essential to quality bedroom design. We don’t all have the luxury of a large and spacious bedroom, but we do have the ability to take inspiration from great designers and architects who understood that balancing a number of elements is key.

One of the most difficult elements to work with is the limitations of space. In the many places I have lived, the structure of the bedrooms themselves have ranged from asymmetrical to perfectly square, abnormally narrow and long, tiny, low or high ceilings, or even simply very large. Each time the challenge was to analyze the potential of bedroom design versus the limitation of space. Buying new furniture simplifies the issue, but if we are working with existing furniture, then we have to be prepared to find creative solutions to maximize our design potential through paying attention to furniture placement.

Lighting also plays a large role in bedroom design once spacial considerations have been taken into account. Ideally, the primary lighting should be natural and if your windows are large, well-chosen curtains can add tremendously to the color and mood of the bedroom. If the option for utilizing natural lighting doesn’t exist, then focusing on the proper ceiling lights and lamps can do nearly the same thing. The options today for creative lighting are endless and relatively inexpensive.

If you’re working with new furniture, the color of the bedroom should be considered beforehand, especially if you have the option to paint. Color plays a large role in effecting our mood and contributes to the overall ambiance. If you prefer white, then a fresh layer of paint will help create a more new and clean feel to the room. If you’re willing to put in a little extra effort, you can paint a slight cream and give the bedroom a warmer feel. Those who find themselves a bit riskier can consider greens or any other variety of more powerful colors. It’s important to settle on the color before setting out to by the new furniture and accessories so that the color theme is relatively consistent.

Once you’re managed to arrange the furniture properly, utilize the lighting, and work with color, the next step is to consider the element of texture. Many people forget that texture is an incredibly powerful element in bedroom design, from the texture of the carpet to even the texture of the paintings you have on the walls. When developing and experimenting with different room decorating ideas, remember that the contrast between different textures of complementary colors can make the difference between a simple bedroom and one in which anyone who walks in will feel the touch of inspired design.

Relaxing Bedroom Decorating Ideas

Your bedroom is a place specifically meant for rest and relaxation. The way you decorate it can create a peaceful and Zen-like mood. Here are some ideas to get started:

Color: Nothing is more relaxing than nature itself, so try choosing colors inspired by the great outdoors like greens, browns, or grays. Using different shades of the same color help create a serene feel. To keep things interesting, other colors can be used for accents and in accessories. Try to avoid shades that are very bright or very bold. They tend to evoke more energizing emotions.

Sounds and Scents: Gentle music playing in the background instantly gives a room a relaxing feeling. You can also try putting on CDs with soothing sounds of nature like waterfalls or crashing ocean waves. A sweet aroma can be easily added to your room by lighting incense, candles or scented oil.

Accessories: When looking for accessories to create a relaxing vibe, nature inspires once again. Plants filter the air, add color, and have a mood lifting effect. Other ideas are candles, vases, wall art with tranquil natural themes, and flowing white curtains.

Avoid Clutter: If you have too much stuff in a room, focus gets frazzled while furniture, artwork and accessories go unnoticed. Make sure to have a place for everything and only keep things in the bedroom that belong there. Get rid of extra odds and ends lying around and have storage space hidden places like under-the-bed containers.
I hope these relaxing bedroom decorating ideas will help you create a peaceful atmosphere and get all the ZZZs you need!