Each week, Mansion Global tackles a topic with an elite group of designers from around the world who work on luxury properties. This week we look at how to add some Zen to your bedroom.
Creating a Zen space to leave the weight of the world behind and encourage sound sleeping can be a matter of design.
“The first step in creating your bedroom as a place of rest and replenishment is to sanction it as such every single time you walk in,” said Kim Gordon of Kim Gordon Designs in Venice, California.
“Immediate triggers, such as a piece of art, the color of the door, the smell that hits your nose as soon as you walk in—every sense should be activated,” she said.
For more ways to turn your room into a soothing sanctuary, follow these tips from the design pros.
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Set a Tranquil Tone
“Keep the colors in a neutral palette. Think whites, soft blues, cream and blush tones. You want to create a Zen-like, organic atmosphere—a place where you can relax at the end of the day that is not overwhelming with a lot of bright colors and patterns.
“We like to do a statement chandelier in a master bedroom, and always make sure you have a dimmer so you can control the brightness. We also like to incorporate side table lamps, again with a dimmer so you can set the lighting to a soft glow to encourage rest and relaxation.
“We've been using a lot of four-poster beds for the bed frame. We love that they make a statement; using a light wood or metal can still keep the look cohesive with the bedding, wall treatments, et cetera. The actual bed is a personal preference…. Preferably, you would want the bed on a blank wall and be able to walk into the room facing the bed
“Try to incorporate storage in your side tables—we like a clean side table with just a lamp and minimal accessories.
“Linen bedding is always a nice texture to incorporate, and then you can play with different textures when it comes to throw pillows. Soft blankets/throws, plush duvets and weighted blankets are all great textures to encourage sleep.”
— Robin Strickler, founder and principal of Design Works, an interior design firm based in Irvine, California
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Streamline the Space
“The obvious choice is for light, soothing colors. I love Wickham Gray from Benjamin Moore. It's a restful tone with hints of soft green that is easy on the eyes.
“Low lamp lighting is always a favorite of mine, especially in the bedroom. The diffused light in the evening helps to get those circadian rhythms going. I recommend bedside light switches so you can easily turn off all of the lights without getting out of bed.
“Layers of bedding are key. You need to be able to easily regulate your temperature and incorporating lots of layers—sheets, blankets, a duvet—allows you to do that with little effort.
“Clutter is stressful. The last thing you want in your bedroom is any source of stress. Keep your bedside tables neat, with only the things you need—a few books, a glass of water, a single frame with a meaningful photograph.
“For the best sleep, you want those textures to be smooth, soft and cool to the touch. We reserve the decadent, heavier textures for decorative shams, window treatments or the bench at the foot of the bed.
“It's important to think about what you place opposite the bed. Ideally, you want a view of something restful, whether it be the view out the window or a piece of art. We try to place the television off to the side so that it is not what you see directly from the bed.”
A tonal palette of neutrals creates a Zen feel in a bedroom designed by Marika Meyer of Marika Meyer Interiors in Washington, D.C.
Angie Seckinger— Marika Meyer of Marika Meyer Interiors in Washington, D.C.
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Carve Out Different Zones
“Where will you read? Will you want a small bistro table by the window? Where will you dress? Is there a chair to remove your shoes? Can you set up a table or dresser for a candle, so when you walk in you can take a breath?
“Once you have carved out zones for a realistic living experience, you can paint and decorate. It takes time to figure out your most private and personal space and you may be moving the furniture around a little until it strikes the right vibe. When you sit on a chair or on your bed, look around the room: Where does your eye land? Check everything in view. If it’s not the way you want it, move it, clean it, fix it, keep or lose it.
“Spend the bulk of your money on your mattress and bedding. No matter what style or color you’ve chosen; whether you are modern or traditional, everyone loves soft, cotton sheets and probably too many pillows.
“Heat and air conditioning control is second. Do you run hot or cold at night? Can you have a thermostat in the room? Do you need a fan? Purchase a slim floor model with a remote before installing a noisy ceiling fan over your bed.
“Lighting is a very close third for me. Everything on a dimmer. Lamps are better for mood than ceiling lights. Ceiling lights are only used when you’re looking for a lost earring. Curtains need to be soft, easy to open and washable if you can, and tailored to either skim over your floor or puddle.”
Designed by Kim Gordon of Kim Gordon Designs in Venice, California, this bedroom has a soothing vibe with its natural materials, light tones and greenery.
Tyler Hogan— Kim Gordon of Kim Gordon Designs in Venice, California
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