"In my work in interior design, I've noticed that many people have a tendency to save up 95 percent of their money and effort to spend 5 percent of their lives--festive occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries and holidays, and the special, more public places in the home, such as the living or dining room. Instead, the way to live a beautiful life is to make the daily 95 percent of your life wonderful"
Alexandra Stoddard
"Living A Beautiful Life"
We live our lives..everyday.
One-third of our lives are spent in bed. I thought it would be appropriate then, to start the journey of exploring Alexandra Stoddard's gems of wisdom for our bedroom.
Our bedrooms should be planned with the same attention to detail as any room with a public view. Keeping in mind that creating a room that ultimately encourages renewal.
"Conjure up images of beauty from memory and then physically and symbolically go about bringing those elements in your bedroom," Alexandra Stoddard encourages.
Keep in mind your fives senses when decorating your bedroom chamber: the soft feel of cotton sheets, potpourri or candles in your favorite scent (don't forget your husband's favorite scents too!), a portable to player your favorite music, a bottle or pitcher of cool, fresh water with a drinking glass beside your bed is a simple luxury.
Set up systems (pretty baskets, storage benches, etc.) to keep your room a neat, special place of calm and uncluttered. Have a place for everything so that when you undress you are relaxed. ( In my case, with four children, it is a daily removing of their stuff.)
The nightstand can hold pictures of loved ones and flowers if possible--or something alive, something beautiful & holds a special meaning. Having abundance of lights & plenty of brightness, not only for reading in bed, but it also affects our moods.
If placing a pitcher & glass on your nightstand, try squirting in some fresh lemon or lime juice when in the mood, or add a paper-thin slice of orange peel. Nothing is cozier too, than drinking a cup of hot herbal tea in bed (especially here in Colorado on a blustery, winter night).
Avoiding the telephone-and cell phones-creates a calmness to relax completely. Being unavailable, except to your family for emergencies, is a luxury. (Note: as a family, we
have also banned a t.v. from our bedroom.....I know, a scarey thought for some!)
Fresh air from an open window is a healthy thing to have while you are sleeping. An air conditioner can be a lifesaver when available air is too hot and humid and there is no breeze. A room that is too dry is unhealthy. Humidifiers reduce winter sore throats.
For the bed, getting a quality matress that is comfortable is worth the investment. Try to place the bed so that it is a distance away from the door & in a position so that you can see out the windows, but the neighbors can't easily see you. Always put the bed where it makes sense for you-where you have the best view & the greatest amount of privacy.
The appearance of crisp, embroidered linen, the cool feel of well-ironed cotton sheets, the scent of spring flowers, all add up to making the bed a sacred, cozy and irresistable place. the more attractive the bed, the more soothing & relaxing the bedroom experience.
Autumn Blessings!
Malinda
