Image via: Urban Design Centre

I’m excited to pair up with Restonic Mattress to bring you bedroom design and sleep wellness tips to transform how you see and feel in your bedroom. In the upcoming months I will introduce a bedroom theme for the month, here on Stagetecture. I will also feature posts on the Restonic blog to give design and sleep wellness tips to follow that month’s theme. I would love to hear how you tackle bedroom “challenges” in your home too!

The Restonic blog has interviewed some of my favorite interior designers on their blog for their Bedroom Therapy feature on how they design bedrooms for comfort, style, and everyday living; I encourage you to follow their tips.

Ensure your Holiday Guests Have a Comfortable Bedroom

For November we kick off our Restonic bedroom theme with your holiday guest bedroom. Within a few weeks your home will play host to relatives, friends, and plenty of holiday entertaining that we all hold dear. When traveling guests come to stay for the holidays your guest bedroom becomes their ‘home away from home’ and ensuring it is comfortable is essential.

Image via: Significant Homes LLC

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Holiday Guest Bedroom Tips

In my home, my college-aged son comes home and often brings a friend, or two along. I think preparing for guests during the holidays shouldn’t be a stressful or time consuming effort. Depending on how you keep the bedroom during the rest of the year will help or hinder you. For my husband and I, my son’s “guest bedroom” turns into a storage room most of the year and therefore a overhaul of emptying out closets and decluttering is our first order of business. Here are some tips for you if your guest bedroom needs a good cleaning first.

Guest Bedroom Cleaning Tips

• Remove clutter from closets, under the bed, and in dresser drawers
• Remove old bedding linen and replace with clean or new bedding
• Clean floor and carpet – especially under the bed to clean out dust and dirt
• Dust and remove old pictures and decorative collectibles around the room
• Treat the room like a hotel for your guests

Image via: BHG 

Making Holiday Slumber Comfortable for Guests

If you have holiday guests traveling a long distance you want to ensure your guest bedroom is a sanctuary when they arrive. There are several strategies for better sleeping while you’re traveling and creating a comfortable guest bedroom is one of them. Here are a few simple tips:

• Choose comfortable sheets: Cotton sheets that are comfortable and smooth will feel the best to your guests. 100% Egyptian cotton is the best and American cotton is the next softer. While thread count is important (the higher the number the softer and smoother to the touch) but the type of cotton will last longer and will reduce pilling. Flannel sheets are ideal for cold homes but ensure they are “preshrunk” before buying.

• Choose a comforter to fit the temperature of your home: Everyone’s home has different temperature levels. If you live in an older home that is drafty or often cold – opt for wool blankets, and down comforters. Offer your guests a layering of sheets, blankets, and comforter for versatility. Warmer homes can opt for lighter easy-care cotton sheets and comforters.

This holiday season start preparing your guest room with these simple tips. From decluttering and cleaning to choosing the right bedding, your guests will appreciate the time you spent making their temporary “home” feel wonderful throughout their holiday stay.

Follow my future posts on the Restonic blog for your holiday guests. Follow the Restonic Pinterest boards for ideas you can use in your home, and ask to pin to their group boards.

For more holiday guest bedroom ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

With the warm sunny evenings turning into chilly nights, it is absolutely necessary to make your bedding winter-ready. A lot of products are there to do the job – from cushy feather beds and woolly mattress pads, to fluffy blankets and soft flannel sheets. Here are some tips on how to keep the bed warm during the winter months:

How to Add Warmth to your Bedroom this Winter

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Use Flannel Sheets

There may be nothing better than flannel bedding if you want something inexpensive yet soft and warm for the base layers of your bed. Besides bumping up the warm-factor, flannel sheets are lightweight too because most of them are made of cotton. They are fitting for washing and drying but pill after several washings. So, choose higher thread count sheets to avoid pilling. If you want to double the warmth and coziness, add flannel duvet covers to the flannel sheets.

Cozy Down-Made Products

Use down blankets, comforters, and pillows to ensure the coziness and warmth of your bedding. Down-made products are also lightweight, which will ensure extra comfort. Down is considered one of the perfect products for comfy bedding because it can retain just the right degree of warmth for most bodies.

Add Layers with Sheets and Blankets

Adding layers is the best way to keep your bed snug during the chill. Once you have chosen the sheets, it is time for you to add a heavier blanket to the bed as your next line of defense. Just a plain simple one will be just fine. To keep the heat in, cover it up with a down duvet. People allergic to down can use one made of synthetic microfiber.

Image via: Bed Bath and Beyond

Add Extra Warmth with Wool Blankets

If you live in a comparatively colder area or in a cabin or a home with very low heat, add a wool blanket to your bedding for extra warmth. A unique quality of this material is that it retains heat even when wet. Fine wool blankets are something to be cherished and passed from generation to generation. The touch of wool might irritate your skin. So, put it between the duvet and the top flat sheet.

Image via: Le Souk

A Personal Piece to Warm the Soul

Sometime, a better way to keep the bed heated is to add something very personal and memorable – like a quilt handmade by your dear one. Quilts add warmth and comfort to any bed and the warmth of a quilt with a personal touch will straight go to your soul. If you do not have one, start the tradition by making one that can be passed down to your kids and to their kids too.

The right winter bedding should be one that will trap enough body heat to keep you warm besides being homely and relaxing at the same time. How will you keep your bedroom warm this winter?

For more bedroom & living ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and if you are hosting the celebration this year, you will surely have overnight guests. So, why not spruce up the guest bedroom with some holiday flair? Not only will it set the mood, it will also give your guests a happier and a comfortable stay. Here are some ideas that will help you extend the holiday feeling to your special visitor’s room.

How to Update your Guest Bedroom this Thanksgiving

Image credit: Pinterest

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Welcome gift

As a welcoming gesture, place a nicely wrapped present on the bed-whether a basket of toiletries, a tasty treat or a book to read over the Thanksgiving week.

Little fall touches

Give your guest room a little fall makeover. Few autumn inspired accents can easily make your guest room Thanksgiving ready. Add some throw pillows in vibrant shades of fall such as rusty orange, dark brown and deep red. Similarly, a dark colored comforter and curtains will instantly lend the guest room a warm and cozy feeling. Few splashes of fall color is all the you need to give it a boost of holiday cheer.

Image via: My Home Ideas

Scents

Pumpkin spice, apple pie, and cinnamon are not only reminiscent of the season, but are also common candle fragrances. So, to get your guests in the holiday mood, dress up their bedroom with few scented candles, decorative air fresheners or potpourri.

Welcoming wreath

Image credit: Pinterest

Greet your guests with a beautiful holiday wreath on the room door. A simple grapevine wreath adorned with faux fall leaves, sprigs of red berries, and miniature wheat bundles will do the trick. Add a bright golden bow to complete the festive look.

Decorating a guest room is a great way to let your visitors know that they are not only expected but also warmly welcomed.  And the best part about these little tricks is that you can do it differently every year!

For more Thanksgiving ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

For more bedroom & living ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

With the holidays just around the corner, now is the right time to re-decorate and prep up your guest bedroom if you are expecting visitors. Most of us tend to use the guest bedroom as an extra room for storage through the year, but making sure that the guest bedroom is prim and proper for holiday guests will make them feel welcome and at home.

Organizing your Guest Bedroom for the Holidays

Here are a few guest bedroom essentials to help you tidy up and decorate the guest bedroom:

1. Clear out the clutter:

The first step towards ensuring a memorable stay for your guests is to clean out the guest room. Remember that they will be making an extra effort to be with you and your family, so going that extra mile for their comfort is essential. Make space in the closet for your guest to use and place extra hangers, a laundry hamper, extra blankets and pillows. Tidy up drawers, and place fresh drawer liners. Remove any personal effects like family photographs so that the guests do not feel as if they are encroaching on your space. Make space for their luggage by placing a bench in the room.

Image via : Anthropologie 

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2. Decorate the guest room:

Once the guest room is clean and tidy, layer in the essential for a good night’s sleep. Start with a set of fresh, clean linens for the bed. Add extra pillows and comforters. Provide your guests with both medium firm and soft pillows. Most guests will be reluctant to bother you so ensure that these small details are taken care of. A neutral décor in the guest room works best for guests in any age bracket. You can add pops of bright, bold colors to make the room look fresh and inviting.

Image via: Pinterest

3. Make it feel special:

Adding special touches to the guest bedroom will reflect your enthusiasm and appreciation towards your guests. Leave a handwritten thank you note along with some small gifts on the bedside table. Hang a couple of freshly laundered bathrobes in the bathroom along with a fresh set of towels. Place some scented candles in the room and a travel size pack of toiletries in the bathroom. On the writing table, place a pad of paper, pens and a table clock along with a few magazines.

Image via: Veranda

Your guests will appreciate your eye for details and your effort in going the extra mile for making their stay special.  On the day of their arrival, place a bouquet of flowers and a pitcher of water in the room.

For more holiday ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

For more bedroom & living ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

For most of us the guest room is usually a place for storage and stashing area for the things that we don’t want to deal with on a regular basis.  Well it is time to clear all of the clutter out and make space for your guests in preparing for the holidays.  Clean out the closet space and even set up a small luggage rack so it will make them feel more at home rather than someone living out of a suitcase.  Vacuum, sweep or wipe down the floors, nothing makes one uncomfortable than seeing knotted hair balls on the floor.  Add in air fresheners such as chamomile, lavender, even light shades of cinnamon.

Image via: Pinterest

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Preparing for the Holidays: Are your Guest Rooms Ready?

Set Up Comfortable Bedding

Give your guests nights that they will love to remember by having a great sleeping bed for them.  Purchase some new bedding sheets or sets for their stay.  Clean and fresh linens go a long way and also have an escape for them if you are not the entertaining type by adding in a reading chair with an ottoman.  Also, add in more furniture piece to help with the ambience of the room, such as a small chest or dresser, nightstand, and lamps with active bulbs.  Also a few candles won’t hurt in the slightest.

Image via: Homes

Back to the Bathroom Basics

For some odd reason people rate the bathroom higher than the bedroom.  So let’s make sure that everything is taken care of in that department.  Clean off the countertops leaving only a few accent pieces like flowers or candles.  Then set out fresh towels, washcloths and an extra roll of toilet paper or flushable wipes.  A toiletry closet or cabinet would be a plus for those who might have forgotten or lost their personal items on the way to your home.  So keep a supply of toothbrushes, toothpaste, mouthwash, lotions, soap, shampoo, conditioner etc.

Image via: Houzz

Guests for the holiday season make it better.  But in our rush to prepare everything else for the holidays sometimes it can be a tremendous task trying to get the guest quarters in top shape.  But if you feel as if you are in a crunch and need some help here or there with your arrangements then look to the suggestions above for guidance.  They will help you and create an enjoyable stay for your guests.

Need more ideas to prepare for the holidays, look to Stagetecture.

Today we continue Stagetecture’s feature ‘Olioboard Inspiration‘. Before you enjoyed – ‘Preparing your Kitchen for the Holidays’ from Shelley Harcar . Today, I feature Adele Baumann Healey who is a member of the Facebook Olioboard Fan Room group and she helps get your guest room ready for holiday guests. Whether planned or unexpected, ensure your holiday guests feel a warm welcome!

If you’re interested in being featured see details here: How to be featured on Stagetecture’s Olioboard Inspiration‘ series.

To see all the past Stagetecture’s Olioboard Inspiration members on Pinterest click here.

Olioboard Inspiration #46

‘Preparing your Holiday Guest Room’    Adele Baumann Healey

The holidays are the time of year our guest rooms are put to good use, a comfortable, well thought out room is always appreciated. Where a person rests their head is so important, so let’s start with pillows.

Holiday Guest Room Ideas

Some people like soft pillows, others like firm, some prefer thick and then there are those who feel most comfortable on thin, so a range of pillows to choose from would be most appreciated. Not only are extra blankets a good idea, but how about a throw for those who like to take a little nap or just want to rest their eyes during the day? Beside the bed, be sure to have a carafe of water and a glass so your guests can have it handy during the night and not have to stumble to the bathroom to quench their thirst. Also, a box of tissues may be needed for those who suffer from allergies or are fighting a cold. Speaking of allergies, fresh flowers are always a special touch, but if you suspect they may be allergic to pollen, green plants or silk flowers will fit the bill.

Don’t forget to have taller lamps by the bed (or wall sconce’s) so people will be able to read before sleeping if they care to. At the foot of the bed, or somewhere in the room, be sure to have a luggage rack or bench where luggage can be placed. Many do not like to have their suitcase on the floor, plus it is much easier to get into when placed higher.

Warm up their holiday guest room with amenities

Consider using window coverings that block out any night time light. Many people have a difficult time sleeping if the room is not completely dark. Use drapes, shades or blinds that can be opened during the day so your guests enjoy a nice, sunlit room, and then closed at night for a sleep inducing environment.

On the dresser, place a pretty tray, not only does it look special, it provides guests somewhere to place their jewellery, watches, wallets or other small items and the owners will know exactly where they placed them. A small sewing kit may be the perfect answer for a loose button or a torn hem. Just place needles, threads, double sided tape and small scissors in a pretty box or even a canning jar, and it’s ready to be used.

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Create storage area for your guests

Be sure to have emptied out a few drawers so company has the option to place their clothing out of site. Let’s not forget that closet! Make sure it is tidy and fresh smelling, make plenty of empty space available for those who like to hang their clothes. Offer your guests the use of nice plastic or felt covered hangers, so things hang neatly and do not slide to the floor. Having a soft, fluffy robe waiting for them in the closet is a great way to say “Welcome”!. If you do not have a dresser or chest of drawers, place baskets or bins in a bookshelf.

If you are using a study as a guest room, don’t forget those amazing Murphy beds. By having them closed during the year, there will be more room in the office or study, but upon lowering, you will always have a private place available for those who visit.  Try not to have too many accessories on table and dresser tops. A few special accent pieces will create a beautiful space while not overpowering the room.

If you just have a tiny room for company, remember – a comfy bed is most appreciated. You can always place a straight backed wooden chair next to the bed where people can place items they want near them, and a wall sconce will give a good source of light without needing a table. Plan ahead and then step back and enjoy your visitors (and hopefully everyone will sleep well).

About Adele Baumann Healey

I am a mother of two and a grandmother of 4. Our family was a member of the military for 21 years and lived all over the U.S and in Europe, moving 13 times in 19 years. While residing in Germany, we travelled constantly (my little kids in tow in our old V.W. camper) and I absorbed, through osmosis, the many historical attributes of architecture and design. Even in the U.S. it was a learning experience to see how the many people I met decorated and used their creative skills, each influenced by the environment in which they were living. Simply put, when you move so much and live in so many types of residences it was always a challenge to achieve a homey place for your family to grow and be nurtured. What was my biggest challenge to make into a home? An old TB ward of an empty, Army hospital building! Follow Adele as Redadie on her Olioboard profile and Facebook profiles.

Your bedroom is one of your home’s most personal spaces. It is a place where you spend a lot of time and should be outfitted for comfort and style. Some people tend to neglect their bedrooms by rationalizing that no one else sees them but having a comfortable bedroom is crucial to getting a good night’s rest. Creating a room that reflects your personality and sets the right mood isn’t as hard as you think. With just a few simple tricks, you can try these simple bedroom makeover tricks to transform your bedroom into the room of your dreams.

Image via: 2 Ivy Lane

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Simple Bedroom Makeover Tricks

Use Soothing Colors

Calming colors are very relaxing when used extensively. They can help you to create a personal space that shows off your innermost desires. A simple color palette can create a retreat where you can relax and rejuvenate. If you don’t know which color to choose, look to the environment for inspiration. Choose a color palette that dictates your other design choices. You can use one or two neutrals and find a bold color to splash. Avoid dark colors as they have the capacity to intensify specific human moods. Painting walls can be expensive so you can choose to paint a single wall as a highlight.

Image by: Ada Bowler

Add Mirrors to Reflect Light

A couple of small mirrors or a large mirror positioned strategically can make a small bedroom feel larger and lighter. If you’re into modern décor, use furniture with glass or metal to visually expand the space. Make sure you don’t block the path of natural light with wardrobes or closets.

Dress the Windows

You can decorate your windows to reflect the seasons. During summer and spring, choose airy materials that add elegance, color, and privacy to the windows. Curtains can highlight your color palette especially when chosen in one solid color. In winter, you can use heavier fabrics to protect the room from the cold air outside.

Image by: Danielle Eylander

If you are tired of coming home to a boring bedroom, try these tricks and change all that. Give the room a new look that you’ll be proud of and will enjoy showing to all your family and friends.

For more bedroom & living ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

The warm scents and warm colors of autumn make the season truly unique. In spite of the cold weather, autumn is filled with beautiful colors ideal for decorating your autumn bedroom. It is the best time to incorporate earthly colors into your bedroom decor. Since you spend a lot of time in your bedroom, it should be a cozy, calm, and welcoming area. Introduce autumn’s warmth into your bedroom with these simple tips:

Light Up with Illumination

Autumn comes with shorter days and cooler weather. Daylight becomes a rare feature until spring rolls around. When creating a cozy autumn bedroom, take advantage of the early nightfall by lighting scented candles in the room. Choosing the right candle for your bedroom depends on your specific taste and preference but the most popular relaxation scent is lavender. The candlelit atmosphere helps relieve anxiety and stress after a tiring day at work.

Image via: Houzz

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Embrace Minimalism

To create calm in your bedroom, get rid of clutter on the floor and walls. Choose a focal wall and decorate it with one or two pieces of art. Get rid of any unnecessary furniture and streamline the room.

Image via: Sophie Barker

Add Dimmed Lights

Lighting is crucial when it comes to creating a cozy autumn bedroom. Dimmed mood lighting creates a relaxed atmosphere and is essential at night. You can replace your regular switch with a dimmer or use a bedside lamp to add subtle light at night.

Get the Perfect Rug

Nothing adds warmth and style to your bedroom like a carefully chosen rug. The right rug can give your feet a small massage and help you to relax before getting into bed. For the best results, look for soft sheepskin or a thick shag rug.

Choose a Luxurious Bed

What could be better than sinking into a cozy, comfortable bed at the end of a long tiring day? Nothing comes close. Summer and spring are great times to purchase feather beds and down comforters. Get a lovely comforter, a blanket, and a few throw pillows to create a luxurious bed you’ll enjoy sleeping in.

Image via: Jayme Rietman

These easy tips will help you to create a cozy autumn bedroom and help you to achieve nighttime bliss. Your bedroom will become your favorite spot where you can escape from the rest of the world.

For more bedroom & living ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Modernizing your spare bedroom can sound like a tough job, but the reality is that all it takes is a handful of cushions, a new layout, and a change of colour. Want a contemporary bedroom in a concise time frame? Here are a few handy tips to turn a dull space into a dazzling modern masterpiece.

Image via: Tara Seawright

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Declutter

A key aspect of the modern look that needs to be remembered at all times is that space is imperative to the overall aesthetic. A cluttered room never looks modern. The good news is, decluttering is cost-free, and it helps clear your head to boot. Start with messy wardrobes first, inventing more effective systems for organization. Colour co-ordination is always the most visually impressive. Get rid of any small items taking up floor space. Have a designated space for everything.

Getting the Tone

Oftentimes, a room can feel old when there is an abundance of dull colours dotted around the place. To get a modern look, the colours need to be few, but bold. A three-colour palette is an effective way of giving the room character whilst not overstepping the line of convolution. How about white, black and lime green? Or, for the patriot, red white and blue? Keep the walls white, but choose a softer shade, such as cream or ivory. That way, the room won’t seem clinical, but the contrast will help emphasise your stand-out colours.

Image via: Island Architects

Ensuring the Bed is Right

Your bed should be your centre piece – after all, it is called a bedroom – so it needs to be the point in the room at which the whole palette comes together. If you’re looking for a contemporary bed, it is worth noting that high gloss furnishings are very popular at the moment, thanks to their innovative ‘sci fi’ finish. What is important is letting the bed be spacious, and added splashes of colour with a selection of throw pillows. Mix shades and styles for a triad that can rest towards the head of the bed.

Image via: Masterson Studio

Let the Sun be Your Lighting

Your window is your biggest asset. Natural lighting always looks better than artificial, so if you have a large window, try not to use it as just another shelf. It’s all about maximising the amount of light that can get in the room: use lighter, smaller curtains; if possible, move any obstructional furniture out of the way; get some extra mirrors to let the light bounce around the room. The lighter colours you decorate with, the brighter the room will feel.

Ultimately, the modern look is all about making the room feel spacious, but comfortable. Be sure never to venture into a clinical atmosphere; you can avoid this with plenty of pastel colours, throw cushions, and sentimental decor.

For more bedroom & living ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Happy DIY Saturday! Are you tired of your bedroom or need to give it a makeover? Today on DIY Saturday I show you ways to update your bedrooms on a budget! Watch a video on how to transform your guest bedroom and then get ideas for budget friendly bedroom trends.

Image via: Fiorella Design

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Video: Affordable guest bedroom makeover

Video link to –> Affordable guest bedroom makeover

Are you looking for new bedroom furniture?  Then the good news is that current bedroom fashions just happen to favor your wallet.  As recently as five years ago, buying a complete bedroom set was the expected route.  Those basic pieces cost a small fortune when purchased all at once, especially if they were made from solid wood.  Not a budget-friendly style!  While there are plenty of great bedroom sets available, the current trend allows more wiggle room for those of us who like to be a little different…and a lot more affordable.

Mix It Up

Bedrooms are becoming more eclectic to coordinate the rest of the modern home.  That means no more matching!  Start with an item that you absolutely love: a bed, dresser, or even a rug or piece of art.  Then begin searching for pieces that have at least one of three matching design elements: color, texture, or shape (style).  That way your room will always look elegantly eclectic instead of just jumbled.  Write down the measurements of your bedroom and keep them with you in case you stumble upon the perfect piece.

Image via Elle Decor

Embrace the Past

The best place to score unique pieces is anywhere secondhand.  Thanks to design buzzwords like “shabby chic,” “restoration,” and “vintage,” recycled pieces are high on style and low on cost.  When it comes to bedroom furniture, you can find large, wood chests and dressers at a fraction of the price, and tweak it to work in your bedroom with a little DIY.  Keep an eye out for popular items like wrought iron bed frames, armoires, and cute accessories.

Image via indulgy

Make It Yours

Just because flea-market style isn’t your taste doesn’t mean you can’t use mismatched pieces to reflect your style.  Prefer a more masculine look?  Use recycled crates for nightstands and wire baskets for storage.  If you love contemporary design, use open metal shelving and brightly colored décor.  If you’re still unsure of mix-and-match pieces, pick up matching hardware for all of your fixtures and drawer pulls to create a sense of harmony between pieces.  Finally, bring the design of the room together with curtains, bedding, and accessories that share a color scheme and voilà!  You’ve captured the eclectic trend in your bedroom without emptying your wallet.

For more bedroom & living ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

For more DIY ideas on Stagetecture, & Stagetecture’s YouTube Channel, click here.