In Canada, the bedroom is the most neglected room in the house. This is especially the case with two constituencies: Young professionals, who tend to commit their energy and money to the kitchen and living room; and young parents, who, you know, have other things on their mind.
The television psychologists tell us that happy relations with others are founded on a healthy notion of self. It's the same with your home: The public spaces draw strength from the integrity of the private ones.
It's time to take the measure of your bedroom. Walk to the threshold and look in. What do you see? Is it a stew of mismatched furnishings and last week's laundry? Or does the sight of it inspire a sigh of release?
If it's more the former, help is here. This week, we've got four tips for a better boudoir.
The bed
It's the focal point of the room.
Its look sets the mood of the space, for good or for ill.
First, consider its orientation. The bed should be centered on a wall and framed by two side tables and matching lighting.
Never shove it to the side or place it directly under a window.
Next, the height. Disregard what chipper Jim at Sleep Country told you -- you do NOT need a mattress and box spring with a combined height of three feet. Stick to a final height (including the bed frame) of 29 inches or under.
The bedclothes
I love a freshly made bed and, like many things, I blame this on my mother. Growing up, we weren't permitted to leave the house until our beds were made. Today, though, a made bed is the first sign of order returning to the world.
Spend your money on a good duvet and good pillows. Few things are sadder than beautiful bedding stuffed with a lumpy duvet and limp pillows.
For the cover, avoid large, demanding patterns: They don't belong on the biggest object in the quietest room in your home. Choose simple, fine sheets: I prefer ivory, in natural fibres like cotton, linen, or silk.
A high thread count is desirable, but as any good bedding salesman will tell you, after a certain point it's irrelevant.
Accent cushions and throws are things that make men cringe. The perception is that cushions are girly or fussy. My rule is this: More than seven cushions on a queen-sized bed are too many; fewer than four are too few.
Large coloured cushions go at the back, leaning against the headboard. These, you can change with the season, to freshen the look. In front go standard pillows in cases that match the sheets. For added luxury, drop in two more standard cushions in decorative shams and, finally, one small cushion in a contrasting colour on top of everything.
The headboard
This is an aspect of the room that, done properly, offsets the other furnishings. Unfortunately, many people forgo the headboard or bed frame altogether. Those who don't, often overdo it.
You can choose something substantial that isn't enormous. If you prefer a wooden bed and frame, try simple lines and conservative proportions. Always let the finish be dictated by the wood tones in your home. Stay away from sloped headboards or footboards as they gobble up additional space.
If you want something more simple and sensuous, have an upholstered headboard made. It's soft, comfortable and, above all, changeable. You can reupholster for a nominal cost every five or 10 years.
The lamps
Lighting is the jewelry of the bedroom -- it adds sparkle and, if you want it, whimsy. People's commonest error is choosing lights of an inappropriate scale.
Consider this: Your bed is the largest furnishing in your home. Any furniture or lighting placed at its side must be proportionate to the bed. Spindly office lamps don't carry their weight.
Instead, choose lamps that feel substantial and balanced in the room, making sure they're high enough to read by and easy to reach when you want to turn them off and tuck in.
-- Canwest News Services
