Ah, the bedroom. It should be a place to regroup from a challenging day at work, a place that promotes sleep, and a place the exudes comfort. A haven. Is this how you would describe your bedroom? If not, what is getting in the way? Are you constantly stepping on the kids’ toys when you get out of bed in the morning? Is the laundry taking over your floors? Do you need to replace those scratchy linens? All of these things can be getting in the way of the bedroom of your dreams. If you are looking to take back your bedroom, here are a few tips that will help you transform your bedroom into the room you have always wanted:

Consider paint color: You know that color can affect your mood and it can also affect your sleep. While you may love bright colors, they can also stimulate your senses and aren’t very sleep friendly. Try choosing softer colors instead. A softer palette will make it much easier to unwind from the day.

Invest in some good linens: Throw out those scratchy and worn linens.  Instead, purchase soft linens with at a quality weave, typically 300-thread count or higher. Higher thread counts are not only more durable, but they also softer. The lovely bedding set in this picture is from Peacock Alley. Don’t they just make you want to climb into this bed with a good book?

Light it right: The right lighting can really make a huge difference in the bedroom. If you enjoy reading at night, a side lamp is a must. This way, you don’t have to get up to turn off the light. Also, purchase a dimmer, which can be found at most hardware stores. A dimmer is a inexpensive way to enhance the mood of the bedroom.