5 Ways to Create a Relaxing Bedroom Sanctuary

There’s no better feeling than getting into bed after a long day. But sleeping is more than just a nice thing to do—it’s essential to our survival. It’s when our bodies work to repair organs, muscles, and cells, and when the brain rests and recovers. One of the most important factors in getting some decent shut-eye is where we sleep.

We spend a third of our lives sleeping—or at least we should. The design of your bedroom can play a crucial role in your ability to wind down at the end of the day. Transforming your space into a relaxing haven can make all the difference.

We asked two Berkeley Group interior designers to share their tips on how to turn a bedroom into an oasis of tranquillity.

#1: Buy the Best Bed (and Bedding)

Whether it’s a mattress that sinks when you move around or creaky, painful springs—the most important thing to get right is the bed. Or, more specifically, the mattress. A good mattress is always worth investing in, and you should always try it out first and bear in mind your sleeping style. If you sleep on your back, you’ll need a firm mattress to keep your spine aligned, whereas side sleepers will need a softer one to cushion the shoulders and hips.

Once your mattress is sorted, it’s onto the bed frame. Wall-mounted headboards and fabric-covered divans like those shown in the image above are the ultimate in comfort. Susan White, Founder and MD at Phoenix Interior Design, who has designed show homes for Berkeley Group, says:

“The bed is the centrepiece of the room, and from a huge statement headboard to a sleek, modern leather panelled bed, this is where you should begin.”

- Susan White, Founder and MD at Phoenix Interior Design

Don’t stint on the bed linen either. Look for 100% Egyptian cotton with a high thread count, which will give a soft, smooth feel. Sophie Fuller, Interior Design Manager at Berkeley Group, says:

“It’s a cliché but comfort is a real luxury. Choose the highest quality linen you can.”

- Sophie Fuller, Interior Design Manager at Berkeley Group

If you’re going for a spa feel then keep it crisp white. If prints are your thing, then try natural patterns—trees, florals, etc., to keep the vibe zen.

#2: Get the Light Right

Lighting is a fantastic tool for creating atmosphere. Firstly, you need to consider blocking the light from outside, which can be an aesthetic as well as functional decision. Susan recommends:

“Take a layered approach to window dressing. Blackout blinds are the starting point. You could also layer a sheer linen blind over that and then dress the windows with beautiful draped curtains.”

- Susan White, Founder and MD at Phoenix Interior Design

The type of lighting is also crucial. We’re looking for the opposite of that ‘end of the night in a club when all the lights suddenly blare on’ feeling.

“Lighting at different heights is important – just ceiling lights can seem harsh. Table and floor lamps will help make the space feel more calm. This will create ambience but also provide great task lighting for practical things like getting dressed and cleaning.”

- Sophie Fuller, Interior Design Manager at Berkeley Group

#3: Sort Your Storage

If you’ve ever walked into the kitchen when every single pot and pan has been used, you’ll know how mess can raise stress levels. So as practical as it sounds, storage plays a big part in your bedroom sanctuary. Sophie says: 

“Making sure everything has its place and is put away immediately creates a calming environment to retreat to.”

- Sophie Fuller, Interior Design Manager at Berkeley Group

And storage doesn’t have to be visible. Under bed drawers are great for getting stuff literally out of sight and out of mind, while a feature headboard could be a sneaky way of hiding a shelving unit. Colourful storage boxes or natural baskets are great for keeping toiletries in while adding detail.

Sleek built-in wardrobes like those in many of our properties also offer plenty of storage space for a calm environment.

#4: Choose Calming Colours

If you were to close your eyes and imagine yourself in a gorgeous, calm space anywhere in the world, you might think of a beach or garden. Wherever you are, bear in mind the colours around you and think about bringing them into your sanctuary.

Everyone is different, but in general terms, red is attention grabbing and urgent (think red traffic lights) and probably not right, whereas green evokes nature and peace. And neutrals do exactly as their name suggests.

“Bedroom colours do depend on the individual preferences, but muted tones in greys, blues, whites, cream and beige tend to work best. Or you can play with colours that 
have a positive energy like green or yellows. We’d probably avoid reds and oranges in a bedroom unless the client loved these colours.”

- Susan White, Founder and MD at Phoenix Interior Design

#5: Make it a Sensory Experience

Take yourself back to your imaginary space again, but now think about what you can hear, smell or feel. We’re not suggesting filling your bedroom with sand to recreate a beach, but a water diffuser gently bubbling away will help subtly suggest to your brain that you’re lying on one.

“You should always consider your senses. Soft fabrics and bedding, plush carpet or rugs to sink your toes into and soothing scents are all key in creating a sanctuary.”

- Sophie Fuller, Interior Design Manager at Berkeley Group

Pillow mists are a handy bedside companion to help promote a sense of calm and ease you into a good night’s sleep. And while you should limit your screen time at night, the Pzizz app uses dreamscapes—a mix of sounds, voiceovers and sound effects, designed using the latest clinical research—to calm your mind and help you sleep better. 

Find Your Dream Home with Berkeley Group

Feeling inspired by these bedroom design tips? Whether you’re looking to recreate the style of a show home or craft a space that is uniquely you, Berkeley Group’s thoughtfully-designed properties provide the perfect canvas to style your new home to suit you.

From contemporary apartments to luxurious family homes, we have a wide range of new homes for sale, with something to complement every taste and lifestyle. Find out more about Berkeley Group or get in touch for more information.