Blissful Bedrooms
With our bedrooms becoming used for more than just sleep, Carlie Wacker discovers how to ensure the space caters to the growing needs of its inhabitants without sacrificing comfort.
Have you ever stopped to think about how much of your time is spent in your bedroom? We should be spending at least eight hours a day in this room to sleep but on exploring this more I can see how multifunctional our bedrooms have become.
Today’s bedrooms are no longer simply a room with a bed according to a recent survey by the University of New South Wales. Their research identified that a growing number of Australians are using their bedroom as more than a sleep space yet from a design perspective we haven’t really adapted to optimise the functionality of these rooms.
Creating a more functional space to cater to our differing spatial needs is not only necessary but a bit of fun. The easiest way to find design inspiration for a multifunctional bedroom is to look at your favourite hotel accommodation – observe how they have made the space work and what magic they have used to bring comfort and functionality to a small space.
BED
The primary focus of this room is the bed and to ensure the best rest invest in a quality mattress and don’t skimp on the luxe bedding. Our body expends heat during sleep and we need sheets that don’t trap the heat, make us sweat and eventually wake us up. It’s important to also make the bed each day for mental health and to set a good routine.
RELAXATION STATION
Gifting yourself a relaxing space to read a book or journal or enjoy a cuppa shouldn’t come at the cost of upsetting your dedicated sleep space – your bed. Keep it compartmentalised. A luxurious seat or chair, a built-in bay or bean bag will give you an alternative space for things that bring you as much joy as sleep and to help you transition into slumberland when it’s time to.
HOME OFFICE
With limited space and an increase in people working from home, the bedroom has also become the work room. Working from the bed will reduce productivity (and it’s not very comfortable, or so I’m told). A study nook or dedicated work desk will ensure that the room is a harder-working haven and the lines won’t be blurred between study and sleep.
A few thoughtful design touches can make your bedroom a haven for sleep, work and play. Dream on!
