TLC FOR YOUR BEDROOM

I’m sure you all have heard the phrase feng shui when people on TV are discussing their homes. People often casually toss this phrase around when attempting to explain the art of creating a harmonious space. Having “good feng shui,” involves much more than who doesn’t want to sleep with their feet facing a window.

curtains?

It requires an understanding of placement of things, colors, etc and their symbolic importance within the overall home. This can be a little tricky and way more technical than I think the average apartment dweller cares to delve into; however -- I do think several components of feng shui should be used when designing your bedroom. I would love to have a completely harmonious home, but who am I kidding? Sometimes the wrecked state of my living room is a reflection of all I have going on that week.

don't ask this if you come over

No matter what I am going through though, I try to keep my bedroom in order. This is where you start and end your day, and for me a clean bedroom holds the key to a balanced lifestyle.

The goal of feng shui in the bedroom is to help you arrange your space in a way that supports your best rest! It should also be a place where you get to connect with YOU and with your partner (if there isn't a partner in the picture, that's fine because we care about you!). Doesn’t this sound so important?! News flash: it is. Think about how many times you don’t sleep well which leads you to wake up in a stanky/cranky mood which bleeds into you dragging your feet all day and being annoyed at your coworker who chews with her mouth open.

don't be april from parks & rec

I know I’m not alone in this. While I am no feng shui expert, I AM going to share with you a few things to turn your bedroom into the ultimate space for your serenity.

TIPS TO KEEP YOUR ROOM (and MOOD) IN CHECK

• Calming & Welcoming Colors- We all know that colors can impact your mood, that certain colors make you hungry, while others make you happy. But what if I told you that warm earthy colors like peach, cream, and terra cotta can help in creating a cozy environment within your home? Now if you’re not into the desert vibes, you can always go the more tranquil route and use light blues and lavenders. These colors encourage a healing energy and promote serenity. I especially love to keep fresh lavender by my bed, which can be used as a sleep aid. Something about the fresh, crisp smell of lavender with clean white sheets makes me want to go straight to sleep!

• Positioning Bed with Care- You’re suppose to keep your bed in a “commanding position” meaning keep that bed as far away from the door as possible! I slightly disagree with this rule  in that my bed has always been placed wherever it fits, especially when living in NYC, but I get the reasoning. The idea about having your bed far away from the door is so that your bed is in a good vantage spot for you to be able to see anyone coming in or out of your bedroom. Feng shui studies say that by keeping the bed out of direct alignment with the opening, this will allow for better sleep and relaxation leading to a healthy chi. 

obviously this isn't in nyc... or it is, but you know

• Clearing Out the Clutter- Clutter signifies unfinished business and/or things blocking forward progression. Feng shui places a great amount of importance on ridding your bedroom of items that are tied to a negative memory. Keeping things that are remnants of a bad time in your life will find a way of creeping into your mind and disrupting your sleep. I know its difficult, especially in smaller living spaces to not treat your bed as your home office, but the moment you leave work outside of the bedroom, the quicker you will notice how you begin to associate your bed and bedroom as a place of peace and relaxation. 

let it go girl!

Of course there are many more components to the art of feng shui, some of which are much more complicated than others. I find that if you adopt a handful of suggestions from this method of thought little by little your bedroom will become a place of respite and will nurture and restore your sense of peace as you go out into the crazy world each day.

Here’s to finding calm at home, within the daily storms. 

Stay Zen!

Chardae is an Interior Designer and TGM's resident Event Design Expert!

Follow her @studiochardae