At the end of the day, everyone wants a bedroom that allows them to leave stress outside the door. Your bedroom’s interior design can and should support the main purpose of the room – sleep. One of the simplest ways to enhance your sleep is to incorporate plants and natural design elements into your design.
1. Houseplants
This is, of course, the obvious choice if you’re looking for a quick way to bring nature indoors. Luckily, houseplants come in all shapes and sizes so you’re sure to find a variety you like. However, you have to consider more than looks. Some plants require frequent watering and very specific light conditions while others can survive just about anywhere. Take into consideration how much maintenance you’re willing to do and your climate. After that, it’s about finding a plant you love.
If you’re not sure where to start your search, NASA conducted a study to find plants that remove biotoxins from indoor air. Their list included the bamboo palm, Chinese evergreen, English ivy, and Gerbera daisy to name a few. Plants on this list can remove biotoxins like formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene. Fresh, clean air contributes to deeper sleep and helps you feel more alert the next day. The spider plant and snake plant, both of which made NASA’s list, release oxygen at night, providing clean air when you need it most.
2. Artwork and Display Pieces
If houseplants aren’t your thing, you definitely have other options. The goal is to create the same feeling you get when taking a walk outside. Nature walks have been shown to decrease rumination, a habit of negative thinking, and signs of depression. Hospitals incorporate green spaces and use nature-themed artwork because they shorten recovery times. Who doesn’t want that in their bedroom?
Leaves, trees, mountains, and landscapes all have the power to bring your heart rate and blood pressure down for better sleep.
3. Nature-Themed Furniture and Accent Pieces
While nature-themed furniture and accents may sound a little too log cabin to you, that’s not what we’re talking about here. Organic shapes and motifs on throw pillows, curtains, and/or side chairs have a natural feel that harkens back to the outdoors too.
One or two small accent pieces with a branch or shell pattern don’t scream nature but rather provide a subtle reminder of down to earth places. Themes and pieces sourced from local artisans or that use local vegetation as inspiration can really make it feel like you’ve integrated with your natural environment.
4. Hard Textures
Most of the time when you think ‘natural elements’ you think of wood, leaves, and sky. But, there are other natural elements that can add interest and depth such as stone and brick. The texture of stone and brick, especially when locally quarried, bring a Zen-like feel to the bedroom.
Stone may seem a little harsh for the bedroom but when used as the base for a lamp or display piece, it can provide excellent contrast with the softness of a mattress covered with cotton or linen bedding (remember we’re going natural here). The two can balance one another out so you have the comfort of cotton and rugged strength of stone and both feel amazing.
When incorporating natural elements, look for pieces that speak to you. A few thoughtfully chosen purchases put nature in your life where and when you need it.