1. Keep It Simple
When you look at pictures of Zen inspired design, they all have one big thing in common—simplicity. Furnishings with fancy detailing, bright colors and frenetic patterns are noticeably absent. The idea behind taking a simple approach is to achieve inner calm by reducing external distractions.
Here’s an example: Take a look at a pattern of stripes or dots and you can almost feel the energy those visual designs create. When you eliminate all that extraneous commotion, you can turn your attention to other things. This theory of simplicity extends to just about everything in the bedroom, from the selection of restful, neutral colors to the conscious choice of fewer furnishings, art and functional accessories.
2. Make It Meditative
With a philosophy of simple design comes a focus on austerity. In the bedroom, this means losing all the electronic paraphernalia, including the flat screen television, computer and cell phone. If it can cause disruption, it doesn’t belong in a contemplative room.
We know this can be painful, but when you’re really dedicated to carving out a quiet, restful space and making it your own, it’s a necessary sacrifice. If you think you may be addicted to texting or middle-of-the-night “Friends” reruns, think of it as tough love.
3. Choose The Right Bed
If your bed is outfitted with an ornate headboard, footboard and yards of ruffles, your current sleep solution may need some streamlining. A zen bedroom sacrifices grandeur in favor of uncluttered lines. In fact, platform beds that lose the innerspring mattress completely in favor of a single mattress, low headboard and almost monastic appearance are popular but not essential in a zen bedroom. If you stick with a conventional bed setup, opt for a trim look with little or no ornamentation. Extra points if you select natural materials, like wood or bamboo, and choose muted, solid colors.
5. Court Comfort
Simple, almost minimalist design doesn’t mean uncomfortable design. Actually, the reverse is true. Discomfort is distracting, while luxurious comfort is soothing and rejuvenating. In any bedroom, the mattress, pillows and linens are ground zero for good support and tactile delight. Take all the money you save on elaborate furnishings and invest it in truly wonderful bedding. To maintain the theme, stick with soft colors and prefer natural fabrics like cotton, silk, bamboo, linen and wool.
4. Preserve Open Space
Keeping with the theme of simplicity, open space in any room helps make it look more orderly and welcoming. This is widely believed to be a function of how the human eye evaluates visual cues. Blank space gives the eye a place to rest and refocus. More empty space translates to less ocular effort and resultant brain drain.
When you evaluate potential furnishings, make sure to safeguard as much open space as possible. Remember, your zen bedroom is your fortress of solitude. Don’t make it a repository for all the extraneous household items you can’t stow anywhere else.
6. Create A Calming Atmosphere
Those things that make you feel the most calm and relaxed are unique, and your space should reflect them. Choose two or three features for your bedroom that express the essence of your most centered self. This could be a subtle pattern in the bedding you choose, the addition of pillar candles or the choice to install a plush area rug or focal landscape print. It’s your room, so make it personal.
7. Incorporate Natural Elements
Nature has a subtle but pervasive effect on humans. Many studies have found that introducing plants and natural materials into indoor spaces produces a calming effect that can lower your blood pressure and even reduce some of the symptoms of depression. While you’re choosing the essentials for your bedroom, favor natural materials, and consider adding a houseplant. As an extra bonus, a live plant can also help filter the air.
8. Select Sleek Accessories
When selecting accessories for a zen bedroom, one distinctive, sleek item is more effective than a collection. If you know the rule of threes and fives, or creating attractive collections using odd numbered but related pieces, leave it at the bedroom door. One vase, statuette or other item surrounded by open space is dynamic and surprisingly compelling. You’ll see.
Choose carefully, and preserve as much open space as possible without making the room look completely bare. For you focal piece, look for an item with a simple silhouette that’s in good proportion to the furnishings in the room. When you have the perfect fit, you’ll know it.
9. Prefer Gentle Light
Lighting has a big impact on mood, and one foolproof way to create a relaxing environment is to soften and dim the lights. For natural light entering a window, sheers in a shade similar to the wall color will dial down the glare and help create a restful atmosphere.
For artificial lighting, install a dimmer switch for the ceiling fixture, and explore some of the new light bulbs on the market. Reworked incandescent lights, like halogen incandescent bulbs, are up to 28 percent more energy efficient than old style incandescent options, but produce a similar warm glow. If all else fails, use candles. Too dangerous? Install battery operated candles. They look real, and everything is better by candlelight.
10. Maximize Feng Shui Energy
Among other things, feng shui is the art of creating and managing positive energy flow through the manipulation of physical space. This includes furniture placement. Feng shui can be a part of zen design, but isn’t essential. If you accept the idea that good feng shui can promote wellness, enhance spirituality and even bring good luck, this discipline includes number of important recommendations for bedroom design.
For instance, avoid placing the bed so it’s directly opposite a door or positioned with the headboard under a window. It’s also a good idea to place large furniture items like dressers opposite the foot of the bed rather than on a side wall. Another suggestion is to keep mirrors out of the direct line of sight of anyone seated or reclining on the bed.
