As summer approaches, many of us struggle with how to transition our cosy winter dens into cool, refreshing sanctuaries. How do we strike the perfect balance between luxury and comfort?
This blog will guide you through simple yet effective ways to luxe up your bedroom for summer including everything from your bedding to simple and stylish additions like Saardé homewares, solving common issues like heat retention and lack of light, making your space a stylish retreat ready for the warmer months.
Overhaul Your Bedding
Our sleeping needs change with the seasons, so the first step to preparing for summer is to strip off the heavy winter doonas, comforters and down blankets and place them in storage for the next cold season.
Give yourself a blank canvas to prepare for the warmer months ahead. Now is the time to invest in lighter, breathable linen bedding that is the ideal material for the warmer months as it is cool and relaxed – just like you will be when you sleep comfortably in them in summer.
There are many other materials you can consider as well, including bamboo, eucalyptus, flax linen, silk, micro glass beads, and cotton that have all been specifically engineered for your comfort in summer. Purchasing high-end, breathable materials will keep you comfortable and in some cases limit the requirement for air-conditioning, ultimately saving you money in the long run.
This is also an opportunity to freshen up the colour scheme in your bedroom, choosing brighter, more summery colours compared to darker, more neutral tones that tend to dominate in winter.
Reconsider Your Lighting
Many people tend to block out the outside world in winter with heavy curtains and blinds to shut out the bleak conditions outside. Now is the time to strip away the heavy window coverings and let natural light stream into your bedroom during the daylight hours. This not only reduces your energy expenses, but exposes you to vitamin D from the sun which can improve your health and your mood.
If you are using blinds that totally black out the sun, consider swapping them for louvred blinds that can allow you to control the amount of natural light in your space depending on your mood. You can have the best of both worlds, dark, cosy conditions for daytime naps or a warm and inviting environment.
Is it Time to Replace Your Mattress?
Your bedroom linen should be regularly replaced, but when was the last time you replaced your mattress? It is recommended that you change your mattress every seven years, so this could be the perfect time to upgrade to a better option suited for the summer months.
Technologies have changed dramatically in recent years and this could be the perfect time for a new mattress that feature advanced cooling technologies that will give you a much better night’s rest in summer.
These modern mattresses use temperature-regulating materials like gels and memory foams that will actively draw heat away from your body while you rest. If summer months fill your with dread because you are used to waking up in a tangled, sweaty mess in the middle of the night, a new mattress could be just the ticket.
Alternatively, if you do not need a new mattress or that is not an expense you can shoulder at this point in time, there are also mattress toppers available made from natural fibres and temperature-regulating gels and foams that can produce similar results.
Upgrade Your Cushions and Pillows
This is also a perfect time to retire those tired-looking pillows, cushions and other creature comforts in the bedroom and upgrade to newer, luxurious options.
When you are picking out new pillows and cushions, it pays to think about more than just how soft, cushy and comfortable they are (although these are essential qualities to look for in replacement pillows). You should also consider the hypoallergenic qualities of the options you are purchasing, as they will greatly benefit your overall health.
Pillows and cushions (and their coverings) made from natural fibres have hypoallergenic qualities that will help prevent the build up of skin cells, ward off dust mites and also prevent mould from setting in where you cannot see it. So you will not only be comfortable while you rest, but protected from elements that can have serious health ramifications.
Give Your Bedroom a Summer Feel
Now that all the practical stuff is out the way, it is time for the fun part, decorating! You can completely transform the look and feel of your room with just a few changes, including investing in new artwork, flowers and accessories for your bedroom.
If you really want to get serious, this can also be a time to change the colour of your entire room with a fresh lick of paint or wallpaper that brings the space to life and better represents that summer feel.
Some simple little hacks for summer living include placing a carafe of water and a decorative glass by the bed, ditching candles for an essential oil diffuser and investing in a hardy houseplant that will also help keep the air nice and fresh.
Your bedroom is your sanctuary, so don’t go into the summer months still repping that winter look and feel. Taking the time to spruce up your bedroom with a few simple touches will be better for your mood, better for your health and ensure a more comfortable night’s sleep when the mercury starts to soar.