Post by Tracy Kaler.

Natural materials and earth tones create a calming effect in most any space. In bedrooms, we welcome serene elements and colors to encourage relaxation, preparing us for a good night’s sleep or a lazy afternoon nap.

These four bedrooms inspire us to go back to basics with neutral colors, rough-hewn woods, and linens and cottons, while also focusing on what lies beyond the windows as much as what’s in the bedroom itself.

A Big Fork Montana bedroom boasts a lofty tree house feel. Nature surrounds, and the space resembles a screened porch with its wide windows and scenic view. Yellow on the bed seems to be the near-perfect color to contrast the amount of green outside. This room takes on a modern yet rustic aesthetic.

Driftwood attached to the wall, suspended oyster shells, and linen on the bed complete this shabby-chic bedroom. The earthy combination of materials takes us back to nature in the best way possible in this beachy yet primitive room. What an innovative design!

Natural materials are the basis for this eclectic Montreal bedroom. From the pine bed to the metal tableside lamp to the Africa headdress as artwork, this room is not only earthy but also interesting. With so much to look at, this space proves that neutral colors never need be boring.

Zen-like with a mid-century, Japanese design, this bedroom sports an unusually low bed with an asymmetrical bed wall. Somehow, all of the components work well together, including the garden stool as an accent piece. This home is located in Orange County, CA, which is no surprise to me. I feel relaxed just looking at the photo.