In the home, there is no routine that feels more like a ritual than bedtime. The nightly parade of tasks can take many forms, but they are always meant to shift down the hustle and bustle of daily life to something more serene. However, if the bedroom is not a calming environment, it is difficult to fall into a peaceful slumber or get the quality rest one craves. [Interior designer Natalie Krayem (opens in new tab) says, "The ideal bedroom provides an environment for rest, positivity, and relaxation. Ideally, it should look like your favorite hotel suite, but with personal items such as picture frames, lovely candles, and books."

Refreshing an intimate space, like a place to sleep, has the power to change one's perspective on comfort. Even small changes can have a big impact on sleep. From new mattresses to screens, here are eight ways to make your bedroom a place you'll want to relax every night.

When was the last time you changed your mattress? If you can't remember (or if you can but it's been a while), it's probably time. Mattresses are generally replaced every 7-10 years, but it's important to listen to your body before that. Does your back ache or do you have general discomfort when you are in bed? You don't feel refreshed when you get out of bed. Do you sleep well when you travel, not just because you are on vacation?" these are all signs that there is something wrong with where you sleep.

"Mattresses are the most important factor in getting a great night's sleep. I recommend buying from a company like Stearns & Foster (opens in new tab) that has a long history of good reputations." When it comes to purchasing something you will use virtually every night, the choice should not be taken lightly. There are many factors to consider, including size, sleeping style, and level of support.

The Stearns & Foster Reserve Hepburn Mattress (opens in new tab) is one such option that can be customized to meet those needs, with the option of being firmer or softer, or adding pillow tops. In addition, uniquely designed foam and coils work together to provide pressure distribution and support, and the set handles make it easy to move.

Finding ways to cut out unwanted light in the bedroom at night makes falling asleep easier. Look for window treatments that block outside light at night but not during the day: Kraiem suggests lightweight curtains or Roman shades in beautiful fabrics with a light-blocking lining.

For room lighting, he suggests a combination of table lamps, reading sconces, recessed lights, flush mounts, chandeliers, and more. Try lower wattage bulbs to maintain a relaxed mood, or choose lampshades that diffuse the brightness. In the bedroom, dimmers are useful, and smart bulbs that respond to voice or phone app commands can turn the brightness down a notch.

Three-way switches can control ceiling lights and other appliances from two different locations in a room. However, "If you just want to choose a few light sources, a table lamp or chandelier would be ideal," says Kryem.

Chamomile. Lavender. Cedar. Ylang-ylang. Whether it's a candle in a smoky glass, a beautiful ceramic incense holder, or a sophisticated stone diffuser, tranquil scents (opens in new tab) are ideal to bring into the bedroom because of their stress- and anxiety-relieving properties. (19]

"Lighting aromatic candles in the bedroom is very relaxing," says Kriem, who changes the scents according to the season. He also likes diffusers, but often chooses lighter ones like jasmine because the scent lasts longer. Similarly, he likes to occasionally arrange fragrant flowers to "dress up" a space.

"Bedding is essential to a good night's sleep and room design," Kriem says. But the endless choices of sheets can make one dizzy.

According to The Better Sleep Council, the optimal sleep temperature for most people is around 65 degrees. Therefore, "hot" sleepers should try cooler sheets such as percale or linen (open in new tab), while "cold" sleepers should try warmer sheets such as flannel; Kraiem recommends having at least two sets of sheets available so that clean sheets are always available. (And: Thread count is not that important. They should be comfortable and soft.)

The bed surroundings are just as important as the bed itself. A rug or quiet tatami mat underfoot provides a soft landing pad and keeps cozy feet from touching the cold floor directly.

The color scheme of your bedroom (in addition to lighting) not only sets the mood for the furniture and accents, it also affects your emotions and daily life. However, soothing colors do not necessarily = bright colors. Depending on your taste, colors can be playful, bright, moody, or contrasting.

If you want something easygoing and versatile, colors like blush and white are great. Also, dark colors like emerald green, navy, and soft black are cozy and calming. A small amount of yellow or red can also work well for those who prefer more cheerful colors in the morning.

Klayem tends to favor more traditional, calming shades such as blue, ivory, teal, mauve, and gray.

For the most part, she prefers light-colored sheets and duvet covers. She explains that "white or ivory sheets are classic and make the bed feel clean and crisp," adding that if you prefer something unique, subtle details and borders make it more interesting. For a variety of colors and styles, she relies on sheets from the luxe Hotel Collection.

Clutter and organization are closely related to sleep quality, Kriem noted. 'Your bedroom should be restful. Find a place to store books and small items, and strategically place baskets and trash cans so clothes are less likely to be scattered. As for electronic devices, make sure they are checked at the door. One option is to keep the TV out of the bedroom. (But if you must, consider making it concealed, such as in an armoire or behind a screen.)

Also, as much as morning chores, a tidy bed is much more attractive to snuggle into at the end of the day.

According to Krayem, symmetry and harmony are important in a place to sleep. She says, "In the bedroom, I like to find a balance where the bed is always the center of attention." Bed height is especially important. It should be neither too low nor too high, but proportionate to your height so that you feel grounded when you lie down. Higher ceilings allow for taller frames, while shorter frames work better in smaller spaces.

Sleeping comfort should also be a primary consideration when considering bed height. The distance from the top of the mattress to the floor should be such that getting up and down from the bed does not strain the joints," Kraiem says. If your "hips and knees are aligned and your feet touch the floor when you sit on the mattress, then you've chosen the right bed.

As for the rest of the space, Kraiem likes things to be cohesive and organized and prefers to use night tables at both ends. If space permits, he also likes to have a bench at the end of the bed, a chair in the corner, or a space to relax to ease the transition to bedtime. Her final words on bedroom design.

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From: House Beautiful US