I can hardly believe the 5 Weeks is almost over. We’ve cleaned all the way through the house and if you’ve stayed with me, more or less, you’ve got a very clean, organized house right about now.  Well, organized anyway, especially if you have children at home!

Today I want to offer you some ideas for making the Master Bedroom a peaceful retreat. And I’d love to have your ideas as well, if you’ll post them.

Bedrooms have changed in their functions over the centuries.  I’ve read that kings would sometimes hold court in their bedroom, propped up on pillows and reclined on the bed. There was a time when a house consisted of one large room where the family ate, slept, worked and socialized. Today though, the bedroom is a retreat where one can go to read, work, watch tv or sleep.

My own idea about a bedroom is this: strive to store things elsewhere in the house, keep the bedroom clean and organized and declutter it often so that it will truly be a place of peace and rest and never bring your office into the bedroom; its supposed to be a place of rest.

Here are some tips for making your bedroom a peaceful retreat:

Lighting is everything. You should have two sources of light in a bedroom; an overhear, bright light that you can read under, and a more subdued, relaxing light. Usually, a ceiling light and a table lamp can fit the bill. Consider using a pink bulb in the table lamp.

If your decorating tastes are changeable, paint the bedroom instead of papering it. Custom painting brings in a personal touch thatmakes the room more inviting and relaxing too. Custom painting techniques include rag rolling, sponging, combing, stenciling  and original art work.

Now check out your bed. The bed is the focal point in the room because it takes up so much of the space. Does the style of your bed reflect your personal style? Are you a four-poster kind of person? Or maybe you are more of a futon kind of gal. Whatever you choose, make sure its comfortable to you and suits you to a T.

Choose relaxing paint colors. My favorite paint colors haven’t changed much over the years. But I have learned that the deep red in my kitchen doesn’t work so well in the bedroom. Its pretty but it doesn’t give a relaxing feeling to the room. Too bold or harsh colors in the bedroom can actually affect your mood!  I had rather choose subdued hues for the bedroom like muted greens, yellows, browns or blues. Right now I have my eye on that pale green from earlier this week.

Now that is a relaxing looking room!

Proper window treatments are a must. Unless your room is on a side of the house that gets very little sunshine, you are probably going to need curtains. Blinds or shades are great for blocking out light including street lights. I have a street light that goes off and on all night long, so I have to have something on my window that blocks that out or it wakes me up all night.

Now, I have read that a water feature in the bedroom is a relaxing sound. If that’s your thang go for it. A little water-fall could be very pretty. Personally, it would make me have to get up all night, if you know what I mean.

Some people say they fall asleep better with the TV running in the bedroom, some say it keeps them up too late.  I say, whatever …. just don’t fool yourself into thinking that it helps you sleep if it really doesn’t.

What are your ideas for a comfy, relaxing bedroom?  Care to share pictures of your bedroom? Want to share your progress with the 5 Weeks?     Add your link to the Mcklinky below………….