Simple Vivacity

I cleaned up the clutter. Okay, I know this sounds obvious, but how many of us use our bedrooms for a dumping ground for all those things that have no other home? Get it out of your sleeping space! Find a home for it or get rid of it.

I used a coordinated color palette. I chose a soft sage green for the walls and butter yellow for the curtains and pillows, and hunter green for accents like the lampshade on my desk and the ivy on the mirror. I chose these colors because I found them soothing and relaxing, and they suit my personality. Choose colors that match your own personality and create the atmosphere you desire. After you find your color palette, don't be afraid to get rid of anything that doesn't fit. Not everything has to match perfectly, but the more coordinated the accessories in your room, the more pleasing the colors you chose will be.

I got remotes for the electronics. My bed is my oasis. When I'm reading a book or watching a special show, I want to feel pampered. One of the easiest ways I did this was to get a remote control for the television, dvd player, fan, and light. I can control my environment without ever leaving my bed.

I bought matching furniture. Actually, I had two end tables and a sewing desk that were heirloom pieces I wanted to keep. I bought a bed, dresser, and chiffarobe to match. I didn't buy them right away, I kept my eye on Craigslist for a closely matching set. It was inexpensive and the pieces are quality that will last me a lifetime if I choose. This was the only big expense I made.

I washed the window. This may sound like a strange one, but the sparkling clean window allows refreshing sunlight through with crisp clarity. I liked the clean window so much I eventually bought new, light, airy curtains (with a mini-blind that can be drawn for privacy) that gives the room a breezy, spring-like feel when the wind or fan blows them gently.

I decorated in sets of two. I love my kids. I do. But my bedroom is the romantic center of my home and I needed a place my husband and I could call all our own. I took out the pictures of the kids and relocated them to the hall outside our door. I removed any photos that did not have just my husband or I in them. I set up a shrine on a high shelf to our marriage with trinkets from anniversaries, wedding memorabilia, and a photo of the two of us at our marriage ceremony. I decorated the walls with sets of two. Two rings, two photos, two lamps. I made my bedroom our own romantic escape.

I didn't do it all at once. I took my time, saved money, and did it right. Including the large furniture purchase, I spent less than $400 over the course of several months and created a soft, comfortable room that is my haven.

Photo provided by betsssssy.