Designing Your Space: The Bedroom
This deeply intimate space, the cradle of our dreams—some simply sleep there, while others spend much more time in it. I’m thinking of children, for whom it is also a play area; teenagers who build their own world there and invite friends; students who spend hours studying; or simply those living in studios and other multifunctional spaces where many activities coexist.
Whatever your profile and however you wish to use this space, its main function will normally remain: sleeping.
Therefore, it is essential above all to prioritize a calm and restful atmosphere in order to enjoy quality sleep.
Every color has its own energy, especially in a bedroom. Color influences sleep—and particularly its quality.
White remains the safest choice, but sometimes it can feel quite cold.
A soft blue with a white ceiling is very gentle while still remaining bright.
Colors “to avoid”: red. I put “to avoid” in quotation marks because I believe that each person is different and has different needs. For most people, red is not recommended for sleeping because it awakens a certain primitive memory, puts us on alert, and stimulates the body—the opposite of what we want for rest. However, depending on your temperament and personality, you may actually need that kind of energy. It’s important to maintain a critical mindset when reading advice and to question it personally. You may not be “like everyone else.”
In short, favor so-called “restful” tones—not necessarily light ones. You can have a dark midnight blue that is still very soothing. Terracotta, mint green—what matters is that the color is not overly vibrant.
Make this space your own, even if you only spend the night there. Perhaps add a few personal objects on your bedside table. A piece of artwork that moves you. These elements can be more vibrant. Preferably avoid anything that triggers negative or nostalgic emotions. Don’t overload the room with too many memories—simply avoid overcrowding the space. And this is coming from someone who believes in “more is more” ;-).
If you have a desk in your bedroom, try not to have a direct view of it. It’s a bit like studying in your bed: the brain associates the function of “study” with “sleep,” and the two interfere with one another.
You can position it so that it’s not directly in front of you, or use a screen to separate the area…
Plants are generally not recommended in a bedroom because they release carbon dioxide at night, which can be harmful over time. However, certain “air-purifying” plants are allowed: jasmine, lavender, aloe vera…
Avoid sleeping directly facing a mirror as well—again, the reflection of your movements can trigger primitive instincts and keep your brain constantly alert.
Finally, ventilate this space well, especially in the morning after sleeping. In any case, it is generally recommended to sleep in a cool room, as it helps with falling asleep more easily.
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