7 Easy Tips to Create the Serene Bedroom of Your Dreams

As life gets busier, a bedroom becomes more than a sleeping space - it's an escape to a calmer, more serene world that rests the mind as well as the body. To create your own in-house getaway, use these easy tips to "calm-ify" your bedroom and transform it into a more beautiful and restful retreat. SINK INTO SOME SILENCE Create white noise to block out sounds that disturb the solitude. Install a stylish ceiling fan with gently whirring blades to give the room a languid, tropical ambiance that will help you relax. PAINT THE ROOM GREEN Studies show green has a calming effect when used as a main color for decorating. A recent homeowner study conducted by Sherwin-Williams found that more than 60 percent of homeowners would consider adding shades of green into their home, with more than half saying they would use it to paint an entire room. "The color green is symbolic of balance, nature, spring, and rebirth," says Sue Wadden, director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams. "Because it has such positive connections in the mind, I especially like to see Gallery Green (SW 0015) used in spaces seeking balance and harmony, such as bedrooms." ADD FRESH HOUSE-PLANTS Living things, like leafy or flowering plants, make a bedroom feel more down to earth. Visit your local garden center and purchase a variety of houseplants, large or small, to freshen the air. Fluff up your bedding. Give your bed a fresh new look and feel. Buy yourself some soft, cool white sheets. Add a feather-like, comfortable bedspread or quilt, and top it with multiple pillows of all shapes and sizes for a well-rested night's sleep. LOWER THE LIGHTING Adjusting the lighting can completely alter the atmosphere in a bedroom. Install a light dimmer or add a programmable timer that turns lights off and on automatically, to help lull you to sleep, yet brighten the room when it's time to get up. TREAT YOURSELF TO NEW WINDOW TREATMENTS Add to the easy-breezy feel of the room by purchasing fresh, flowing curtains or sleek new blinds that can be easily adjusted to block out the daylight. SIMPLIFY FOR SERENITY'S SAKE Eliminate clutter to keep it out of sight - and out of mind. Add cabinetry with built-in organization features like drawer inserts. Add more shelving in the closet. Use baskets and pottery to keep small items contained. Having everything in its place will help you feel free to relax in your beautiful new bedroom.