Real Estate & Home | Interiors

Making Your Bedroom Cool

As you continue to prep your home for summer, don’t forget your bedroom! It’s time to lighten up your window treatments and bedding to ensure a comfortable, restful night’s sleep during the hottest months of the year.

One of the easiest ways to freshen up your bedroom is to change up the décor. “A classic palette of crisp blue and white inspired by the sea and sky is perfect for creating a cool, summer bedroom,” says Phil Tracey, decorating expert for HomeGoods.

Tracey suggests packing away your darker-colored comforter for something lighter such as a crisp white duvet. Then, to add a little extra pop, he suggests adding a few decorative pillows in ocean blue.

To keep the beach theme going, slip an inexpensive natural fiber rug, such as seagrass, onto your floor. “It’s so cool and cozy, you’ll feel like you’re walking on the sand,” Tracey says. Plus, it’s easy to care for. Since seagrass rugs have a non-porous surface, they hardly stain, and dirt and sand can easily be brushed off.

Another simple way to play with sunlight is to add mirrors onto your bedroom walls.

Next, turn your attention to your windows. There’s something magical about natural sunlight streaming into a room, so swap out those heavy curtains for light, gauzy fabrics. Once the sun’s rays shine in, you’ll not only feel refreshed and energized, but you’ll also see your bedroom in a whole new light. However, if you prefer your privacy and like to keep the sunshine out until you’re ready for it, keep your blinds up or, better yet, install retractable blinds.

Another simple way to play with sunlight is to add mirrors onto your bedroom walls. Tracey suggests picking up one or two Capiz shell mirrors. “Not only will they bring the essence of sea to your bedroom,” he says, “they’ll also reflect the sunlight, bouncing it from wall to wall, giving the illusion of a larger space.”

Houseplants are another quick and simple way to bring nature inside. Try a fern or a succulent. They’re both easy to care for, cheerful to look at and are healthy additions to your home. They take in carbon dioxide, toxins and other pollutants and release clean oxygen back into your space.

Finally, if you’re adventurous, try rearranging your furniture. Think about moving your bed closer to the windows so you can fall asleep to the sounds of summer or let the breeze lull you to sleep. Whatever you decide to do, giving your bedroom a small summer makeover will make it feel like a luxurious retreat you’ll be glad to come home to.

Pictured above: Capiz shell mirrors, $14.99 - $16.99, available at HomeGoods.