Bedoom Secrets

This is where I start and end each day - at least when I'm home. With a hectic life, like many people, I need a place to wind down and recharge. And, being budget conscious, I found ways to acheive the look I wanted without dwindling my bank account.

First, an amateur decorator's best friend is her sewing machine. Making curtains, pillow covers, even bedskirts is simple - just some careful measuring and straight line sewing and you've got the custom look you want for a fraction of the price. The curtains, bedskirt, and pillow covers are all Waverley fabric. And instead of fussing with hanging hardware, I used snap-in-place grommets, available at most fabric stores. Nothing could be easier!

The lamps were a recent acquisition from HomeGoods. The white furniture was also a find at Cardi's. Which brings me to one of my design mantras. Don't be afraid to shop anywhere. You never know what you'll find. You just have to have a good eye and be able to wade through some mediocrity.

So, what makes this room so restful? The color palette, of course. The sea foam is indeed the color of shoreline froth. But I have another secret to share - something you can't see in the room. My secret to a good night's sleep.

For years, I suffered from insomnia. Now, I sleep better than ever. Meditation is the key. For me, the recordings available at the Meditation Podcast changed everything for the better. They use a technique called binaural beats. Having been discovered in 1839, this is not a new technology. With slightly different tones in each ear, your brain relaxes. Of course, you might check with your physician before trying any of these recordings.

So, the final secret? Loving what I see just before turning out the light and when the sun first rises. After all, being happy in one's environment is the first step toward peaceful slumber.