In the past two places we’ve lived, I’m sad to say that our bedroom was our very last priority when it came to making it feel like a livable space. In the first apartment we lived in, we never even bothered to furnish besides our bed, side tables and a mirror, or to hang anything on the spacious walls.  In our second place, it took a full year before we started even considering making it a cozy space. 

Because we like hosting, our situation makes sense when I think about it. We wanted to make sure that the more public areas in our home were presentable and comfortable. It’s not like anyone saw our room and we never had to offer an explanation as to why it wasn’t finished. Now that we are actually in a place that we own, our mentality is also a little different. We are free to do what we like, and there’s a feeling of a bit more permanence.

We naturally like to spend down time in our bedroom, so I don’t know why it took so long for us to realize that we needed to have a space away from the distractions of life and even the rest of our home! Sitting in the living room isn’t as relaxing as lounging in our bedroom, since the constant reminders of chores loom. Here are some ideas that you can incorporate into your bedroom today to create a space you love to relax in.

Get a Separate Work Space

I know, I know, working from your bed is very tempting and very comfortable, but hear me out! Not only is it better for your sleep to do screen work (yes, even watching nighttime television) outside of your bed, it’s better for your frame of mind when coming into your room. You want to associate your bedroom with rest, relaxation, and getting away - not with what work you still need to get done! Set up a space somewhere else in your house to work, do taxes, watch television, do laundry and eat. 

Have a place to retreat

Add someplace in your room, other than the bed, to retreat to. You can add a chair, a window seat, or even a bench at the end of your bed. It’s especially helpful when your back is out and you need some assistance putting on socks...not that that has ever happened to me...

Less Is More

We are the minimalist type - and even more so now. We’ve gotten used to having very little on the walls, owning basic furniture, and having simple living spaces. We find, even when we look at home decor magazines and such that we are drawn to the more minimalistic designs. We find it a reprieve to not have so much stimulating our minds when we look around. Our bedroom is no exception. I can’t explain to you how relaxing it is to come into a space that is not cluttered and is simply decorated. Keeping very minimal items on the various surfaces, and even the wall, allows our minds to rest and dream.

And Speaking of Laundry

Use comfortable bedding and don’t be afraid to play with textiles. I mean, don’t overdo it with the throws and decorative pillows, but don’t be afraid to add some for that extra cozy feel as well. Hang some nice (and preferably black-out) curtains in your space as well. Consider a rug to add another homey dimension. Whatever floats your oasis boat. 

Add Some Greenery

Add some plants. Having real plants in your bedroom is such a treat. You could have some fresh cuts once in a while, or even choose a potted plant that brings you joy. Greenery really livens up a space. 

Choose a Calming Statement Piece

Is that an oxymoron?  We tried for years to decide exactly what kind of perfect statement piece to put above our bed. It never really happened. We would browse art pieces and paintings and all sorts of things and could never decide what could be worthy of hanging above our heads while we dreamed. We finally decided to go for the entire wall and put up a mural. Enter Photowall, a Swedish company that specializes in wall murals, wallpaper, and even canvas prints and posters. 

I will admit that we were a little overwhelmed by just the sheer amount of options they had on their website since we’re pretty indecisive. We finally settled on these gorgeous watercolour mountains. Mountains hold a special place in both of our hearts, as you know by now - and as you know by our website name. We are also both huge fans of hues of blue, so it was perfect. The perfect customized accent wall for our oasis. We now call our bedroom our Mountain Getaway. I love walking in our room and feeling instantly at peace and calm. We seriously love it (I know I said that already but I had to make the point. Hehe)! Our bedroom isn’t completely finished yet, but it is well on the way! Astra approves.

The installation was a breeze. For perfectionists like us, it did take a few hours, but we wanted to make sure it looked fantastic. We buckled down on a Sunday afternoon, and it was done in no time at all! You even have the option of ordering a tool kit with your wallpaper so that you have everything on hand and are ready to go! All you need is a bucket for the paste.

Photowall sent us this gorgeous mural and is offering our readers 25% off this month when you use the code maplealpsblog2020. If you’re looking for an easy but bold way to transform your space, some nice wallpaper, a mural, or even a canvas print might be for you!

What are some of the ways you make your own bedroom an oasis?

Is it a place you love being in, or would you like to make it a place you’d love being in more?