Bedtime story – Creating a calming space for a better night’s sleep

When it comes to health and wellness, any expert will tell you that a proper night’s sleep is half the battle. But between work, kids, and our million other obligations, that’s not always easy. Whether you’re struggling with falling asleep, being woken by little ones, or too stressed to fully submit to rest, there are ways to improve your slumber – and they start with your bedroom.

Transforming your bedroom into a peaceful and relaxing sanctuary can significantly improve your sleep quality.  We sat down with Carla Oates, founder of beauty and wellness brand The Beauty Chef, to talk calming colours, serene scents, and her top tips for soothing sleep.  

It’s time for bed

As the hero piece of the room, investing in a high-quality, beautifully crafted bed frame is important. In Carla’s Bondi home, her queen-sized ‘Bellaire’ bed from King Living combines creature comforts with chic contemporary design.

Carla’s serene bedroom is a sanctuary to unwind and recharge, with her King Living Bellaire bed as the centrepiece.

“I love the elegant design and all the smart accessories,” says Carla. “I’m a big believer that form should always follow function—you can feel that it’s been engineered to be strong, comfortable and breathable.”

With soft, round lines, and a minimalist, floating base, it’s a stylish centerpiece for any calming space. Plus, with a removable, changeable cover, she can update the fabric and colour whenever she feels like a change.

Banish bright colours

Colours are crucial for a tranquil space, helping to quiet the mind and prepare the body for rest. Think soft, muted or neutral tones, cool blues, and gentle greens for walls, curtains, and bedding.

Carla chose the fabric and colour for her bed, which she can recover again down the track as desired.

“I gravitate towards more earthy tones that feel warm and grounding,” explains Carla, who chose the colour ‘Russett’ for her Bellaire

bed, a reddish-brown hue reminiscent of autumn leaves and desert earth. “It has an organic quality while still feeling elevated.”

Feel better with textural fabrics

Layering different textures with soft furnishings can enhance style and comfort. Soft linens, plush rugs, and textured throws can help to create a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Carla recommends bedding in breathable, natural fibres.

Quality curtains control how much light your bedroom gets, an important factor for a good nights’ sleep.

“I also love the feel of something soft under my feet, whether it’s carpet or a lovely rug,” says Carla. “And beautiful, heavy linen curtains that block out any light. Darkness is essential for quality sleep. It helps the production of melatonin.”

See the light (or don’t)

Lighting plays a pivotal role in creating a chill vibe. Consider switching to dimmable lights or warm-toned bulbs to soften the room’s ambiance. Muted bedside and floor lamps can also provide a gentle glow for reading or mindfulness practices.

Soft, diffused lighting is relaxing and casts a gentle glow around a bedroom.

In the morning, open any curtains or blinds the second you’re out of bed. Natural light helps heighten mood and energy levels, setting you up for a better day and improving your sleep cycle.

“The first thing I do in the morning is open the curtains to let in the sunshine and greenery outside my window,” says Carla. “I also have artwork of a serene landscape on the wall—I find any scenes of nature calm me and helps to set a positive frame of mind for the rest of the day.”

Declutter and conquer

A cluttered environment can mean a cluttered mind, making it difficult to fully unwind. Embracing minimalism in your bedroom is recommended for sound sleep. Look around and ask yourself if everything in the space is essential. Could anything be tucked away or moved elsewhere? Create specific areas for different activities, such as reading, a pre-sleep ritual for Carla.

“I know some people find reading really stimulating before bed,” she says, “but I find it really relaxing.”

Aroma therapy

Calming scents can intensify relaxation and promote better sleep. Candles, sprays, and incense are all wonderful tools for gently welcoming soothing smells into a room. Invest in essential oils known for their soothing powers like chamomile, sandalwood, bergamot, and cedarwood, and put a few drops in a diffuser or even rub some into your neck or temples.

“To help me wind down,” says Carla, “I always have a lavender mist on my bedside table. Lavender helps to stimulate the release of neurochemicals and make you calm.”

Creating a sanctuary for better sleep is easy, and you don’t have to be a beauty and wellness expert to do it. By decluttering and incorporating earthy colours, layered textures, soft lighting, and a stylish bed like the King Living Bellaire, you can manifest a bedroom that feels like a retreat.

Credits:

Photo: Alana Landsberry @lana.landsberry

Stylist: Kate Lincoln @katelincoln.stylist

Assisted by:  Nonci Nyoni @noncinyonistyling, Debbie Cohen

Photography Alana Landsberry

Hair & make-up Michelle Cox, wardrobe Mattie Cronan

This article originally appeared on Home Beautiful and is republished here with permission.