Tag Archives: Tips and tricks
Bedroom Design: 5 Ways to Modernize an Outdated Bedroom
Post by Tracy Kaler.
When was the last time you decorated your bedroom? If it’s been a decade or more, your space probably looks a little outdated. Even if you have a classic brass bed that remains timeless, things like patterns and accessories can start to look tired and lifeless after a while.
Updating your sleep space might not require as much time and energy as you think, however. Take a look at these five tips to help you modernize your bedroom, so it’s feeling fresh and stylish in a flash.
1. Play with fabrics
It’s easy to see how the above bedroom could look dull and dated without the prints on the curtains and pillows, which add a splash to the interior. Don’t be afraid to try a new pattern, even if it’s on the trendy side.
2. Create an interesting bed wall.
Cabinetry and an over-the-bed shelf add interest and dimension to this white room’s bed wall in an Amsterdam home.
3. Purchase a sleek platform bed.
A platform bed can facelift even the most dated bedroom. Transform your space by adding a modern bed or headboard.
4. Accessorize
A chandelier, clean no-fuss art above the bed, accent pillows and a throw at the foot of the bed, breathe life into this Minneapolis bedroom.
5. Add a classic modern piece or a conversation-starter.
A Scandanavian chair dresses up the corner of this contemporary bedroom. A sculptural piece of furniture or an objet d’art can add flavor to an otherwise bland interior.
Tips and Tricks: Sleeping with dogs
Post by Tracy Kaler.
Is It a Good Idea to Sleep with Your Dog?
Are canine snuggles on the rise? Let’s be honest. It’s hard to refuse the sweet, loving faces of our four-legged furry friends, especially when it comes to saying goodnight and crawling under the covers. And Americans aren’t refusing. According to the American Pet Products Association, almost half of all dogs sleep with their owners.
As a dog mom myself, I admit –– the absurd thought has crossed my mind (especially when hubby is out of town), but getting a full night of beauty sleep is far more important than snuggling with my almost 80-pound Labrador Retriever. Admittedly, I do, on occasion, allow him to come on the bed for a quick snuggle, but he returns to his dog bed on command.
As sweet as it sounds, it’s probably not a healthy idea to sleep with your pup, even if he or she promises never to snore. Read on for four reasons why it’s not a good idea to sleep with your dog.
1. Sleep interruption.
Your dog might kick or sprawl, taking over most of the bed and leaving you with the edge, if any space at all. You could be woken up and not get a full night’s sleep, or a good, restful night’s sleep. Sleep is essential to our existence, and lack of it will affect your performance at work, as well as your mood and overall health.
2. Fleas and ticks, and disease
You can catch roundworm or hookworm, and other diseases from your dog. If you keep your dog on a preventative, you can probably avoid fleas and ticks, but there’s always the chance of a stray making its way into your bedding. Would you really want bugs where you sleep?
3. Allergies
Unless you have a hypoallergenic breed or one that doesn’t shed, dog hair in the bed could cause an allergy flare-up. It’s also not exactly good hygiene to be snoozing among piles of dog fur.
4. It’s a hard habit to break.
Once you start allowing your pup to share the bed, you’ll have a tough time getting him to leave. Would you want to move from a soft, comfy mattress with 400-thread-count sheets and a down comforter to a dog bed on the floor? Didn’t think so.
Tips and Tricks: 5 Ways to Relax Before Bedtime
Post by Tracy Kaler.
You’re not alone if you have trouble relaxing before bedtime. Many people struggle with turning life off to catch a good night’s sleep. With all of the stressors in today’s world, clearing your head so you can snooze for 7-8 hours each night is easier said than done. You can, however, give these relaxation techniques a try the next time you find yourself wide awake late at night while your body and mind are yearning for sleep.
Give meditation a try.
Become hyper-aware of your body and feelings. Tune into those feelings, paying special attention to where you feel relaxed and comfortable, and where you feel uptight and not at ease. Think back on your day from beginning to end as if your thoughts were a movie or television program. Try and recall as may details as you can while you play back the last 12-18 hours.
Try switching off your toes one by one, and then eventually your limbs, as you move up the body and relax from head to toe. Let your mind wander until you fall asleep.
Try deep breathing exercises.
Breathe in and breathe out at least five times. Imagine all of the day’s thoughts exiting while you exhale, and any tension from the day melting away.
Write down what’s on your mind.
If you have unfinished business from the workday, jot a few notes down on a pad, keeping it beside you on your bedside table. If you wake in the middle of the night or too early in the morning, write down any thoughts, so you can fall back asleep.
Do Yoga.
Try practicing some basic yoga poses and stretches before retiring. Any exercise should be gentle and relaxing, so you remain calm and ready for sleep.
Read a great book.
There’s nothing like an amazing read at any time, but books in bed tend to direct any anxious thoughts toward the story so you can put your worries to bed for the night. Aim to read a chapter if you’re super tired, and two chapters if you get into bed a little earlier than usual. Set a higher goal than what you think you can finish, and you’ll probably drift off to sleep in no time.
Bedroom Design: What to Do Before You Hire a Designer
Post by Tracy Kaler.
Don’t have a design direction for your bedroom? Maybe you have one of those rooms with too many doors and windows, and you don’t know where to place the bed. Or, maybe picking colors isn’t your strong suit, and you always turn to ho-hum beige. Hiring an interior designer to decorate your sleep space might be worth your time and money, but before you make a commitment to work with any decorator, here are a few things you should do first.
Create an inspiration file.
Use Pinterest or look through magazines and websites to create a file of bedrooms you like and would love to be yours. Doing research will establish a direction for you and the person you potentially hire.
Meet with several design pros.
Ask friends and look online to peruse portfolios and check references. Meet with at least three designers, and get a feel for how each would approach your project. Even if you have to pay a consultation fee, you’ll get practical advice, and chatting for an hour or two will get you one step closer to selecting the right person.
Know your budget.
Before you start your bedroom project, have a number in mind and communicate that to your would-be designer. Some decorators have minimums, so you might be expected to invest a hefty sum. Others will accept any project, and be happy to work with you, even if you’re scope is small and your budget smaller. By establishing a number in your mind, you’ll also know pretty quickly if you can afford to hire someone in the first place.
Be clear about what you like and don’t like.
Even in your initial meeting, be clear about what you like and don’t like, as well as your wish list. King bed? Upholstered headboard? Storage? A sitting area? Be sure that you’re on the same page as the person you might work with and your expectations are reasonable. Plus, establishing great communication from the get-go sets the tone for a working relationship with the interior designer you select.
Tips and Tricks: 8 Tips to Get Your Best Night’s Sleep
Post by Tracy Kaler.
Everyone has trouble sleeping now and then, but if you find yourself battling insomnia regularly, try these tips to ensure you snooze for a full night.
1. Stick to a schedule.
Don’t be tempted to change your sleep schedule drastically. Try and get to bed at about the same time each night and awake about the same time each morning. You’ll thank yourself later.
2. Sleep in a dark room.
Bright lights can disrupt sleep, so be sure city lights or street lamps don’t shine in your windows. Install room-darkening shades or curtains if needed.
3. Keep the temperature comfortable.
That means not too hot and not too cold. A ceiling fan may be just the perfect accessory if your room tends to run warm. If you wake up cold, add an extra blanket or sleep in down.
4. Watch what you eat.
Try to avoid eating too late –– this means make your last meal at least three hours before bedtime. Avoid greasy, fatty meals, which take longer to digest and could make falling asleep more difficult.
5. Cut back on alcohol.
Alcohol will relax you, but too many cocktails will interrupt sleep. Have a glass or two of wine with your dinner and say no to after-dinner drinks.
6. Skip the caffeine.
A cup of coffee in the morning shouldn’t affect your ability to fall asleep in the evening, but any caffeine past noon could be keeping you awake at night. Try decaf.
7. Exercise.
Exercise at least 20 minutes per day. Even a walk or light jog can make a difference in relaxing you when it’s time to turn in. Avoid exercise late at night.
8. Have a bedtime ritual.
Take a warm shower. Read. Listen to soothing music. Wash your face and brush your teeth. Find whatever works for you, and do it each and every evening before you hit the hay.
