Small spaces have become a huge part of modern life. Lack of storage
space and cramped surroundings are a common challenge that city
dwellers often have to tackle.
But a little creativity and the thoughtful use of double-duty furniture can overcome the drawbacks of small-space living.
Think of your wall as a hanger.
Durable stick-on hooks are great for slinging everything from scarves
to jackets, bags to belts. Arrange your hooks on different levels to
create an artful display—even functional items can work as wall art
when mapped out creatively.
Go pale, light or transparent.
Get rid of dark, solid wood furniture and hefty antiques. Instead,
stick to lightweight pieces in pale or neutral colors. Furniture in
translucent or transparent materials such as shoji screens, frosted
glass or plexi can help lessen visual clutter without sacrificing
function.
Store underneath. Add dimension
and utility to your pieces by using the space that surrounds them. An
elevated bed can afford you under-bed storage for items you don’t need
easy access to. A study desk or dresser can hold sealed boxes
underneath which can double up as a footstool.
Store overhead.
Fixing shelves on top of your bed frame gives you more space for books
and collectibles. Adding floating cabinets atop a TV provides you with
a place to store your DVD collection.
Customize. If you want everything to fit your space, possessions and lifestyle, consider custom-designed furniture.
Double the function.
Work with movable and functional furniture that can double up as
storage. Footstools can be used as extra seating for guests. Chests can
keep clutter out of sight and serve as a coffee table. You can also
display your items, stack your belongings or sit on it.
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Create a restful, relaxing bedroom
While indulging in a spa or getting away from the city are perfect for
those suffering from workday burnout, you may find that there is no
need to splurge and spend on an expensive vacation.
3. Switch off daylight bulbs.
Draw your curtains, keep your blinds shut and switch off the fluorescent or daylight bulbs to set a more restful mood.
Keep in mind that artificial lighting, especially sources that simulate daylight, can easily wake up your senses, keeping your body alert and wound up.
Consider moody, spot lighting instead—a small table lamp with a warm glow or a large, multi-wick candle can provide just enough brightness to help you unwind.
Take care to blow off any candles you’ve lit when you’re ready to hit the sack.
3. Imagine a dream vacation.
Find inspiration in that getaway you’ve been planning for ages.
Looking to escape in a springtime English garden? Spray some lavender mist on your sheets and fill your room with a subtle, floral scent.
If you’ve been dreaming of a peaceful, Zen environment, you may find that hanging Japanese wind chimes over your doorway can help lull you to sleep easily.
Yoginis can clear out some floor area to set their mats down for a gentle practice before going to bed.
4. Clear the clutter.
The state of your physical environment can have a lot of bearing on your state of mind. An untidy space can make it difficult for you to settle down and release the day’s anxieties.
Do a quick pick-me-up in your bedroom every day—keep scrap paper in a recycle magazine rack, stack magazines in a neat pile, pick up any dirty clothes lying around and throw them into a laundry hamper and write your next day To Do’s on a handy post-it you can stick to your vanity mirror or desk.
The simple act of cleaning things up is enough to settle your mind and allow it to rest and relax.
A bedroom that’s decked for de-stressing is enough to bring you the rest and respite you need.
1. Change your sheets.
Whether you’ve got a spacious king size bed or still use the twin mattress you’ve had since your teens, covering your bed in fresh, crisp linens can instantly lift one’s spirits.
If a high thread count is way beyond budget, invest in an alternative like cotton jersey, which offers a lived-in softness that can make falling to sleep an even more pleasant experience.
Visually, a bed fitted with pillows and sheets in a cool, calming palette of light grays, all whites, or soft blues can also help calm your senses and quiet your mind.
1. Change your sheets.
Whether you’ve got a spacious king size bed or still use the twin mattress you’ve had since your teens, covering your bed in fresh, crisp linens can instantly lift one’s spirits.
If a high thread count is way beyond budget, invest in an alternative like cotton jersey, which offers a lived-in softness that can make falling to sleep an even more pleasant experience.
Visually, a bed fitted with pillows and sheets in a cool, calming palette of light grays, all whites, or soft blues can also help calm your senses and quiet your mind.
3. Switch off daylight bulbs.
Draw your curtains, keep your blinds shut and switch off the fluorescent or daylight bulbs to set a more restful mood.
Keep in mind that artificial lighting, especially sources that simulate daylight, can easily wake up your senses, keeping your body alert and wound up.
Consider moody, spot lighting instead—a small table lamp with a warm glow or a large, multi-wick candle can provide just enough brightness to help you unwind.
Take care to blow off any candles you’ve lit when you’re ready to hit the sack.
3. Imagine a dream vacation.
Find inspiration in that getaway you’ve been planning for ages.
Looking to escape in a springtime English garden? Spray some lavender mist on your sheets and fill your room with a subtle, floral scent.
If you’ve been dreaming of a peaceful, Zen environment, you may find that hanging Japanese wind chimes over your doorway can help lull you to sleep easily.
Yoginis can clear out some floor area to set their mats down for a gentle practice before going to bed.
4. Clear the clutter.
The state of your physical environment can have a lot of bearing on your state of mind. An untidy space can make it difficult for you to settle down and release the day’s anxieties.
Do a quick pick-me-up in your bedroom every day—keep scrap paper in a recycle magazine rack, stack magazines in a neat pile, pick up any dirty clothes lying around and throw them into a laundry hamper and write your next day To Do’s on a handy post-it you can stick to your vanity mirror or desk.
The simple act of cleaning things up is enough to settle your mind and allow it to rest and relax.
How to choose the right mattress
Whether you fully subscribe to the recommended six to
eight hours of sleep each night, or are plagued with bouts of insomnia,
it goes without saying that a large portion of anyone’s time is spent
in bed. And whether you live like royalty on a king-sized bed with a
four-poster canopy or are a student maximizing a half-bed, half-study
table bunk, having the right mattress can make all the difference in
the quality of sleep your bed can offer.
Before picking out a headboard or choosing a pack-and-go airbed you can take with you from apartment to apartment, consider these six main factors to help give you maximum comfort and restful sleep.
Support.
The goal of a mattress that offers proper support is to maintain the
natural curve and alignment of your spine. Ideally, your spine should
sit straight when you are lying on your side on a mattress that offers
good support. This factor is determined by the way the coil springs of
a mattress are laid out—typically, a standard twin size will carry a
300-coil count, a queen has at least 375, and a king will hold 450.
Comfort. There is no cookie cutter mattress that offers optimum comfort for all body types, since people are shaped differently and also have a wide array of preferences. While some people argue that firmer, more orthopedic mattresses are better for the body, beds that are too firm can put an unnecessary amount of pressure on some parts of the body. The best way to find out if a mattress is comfortable enough for you is to test it out. Sit down on it, and lie on it for at least 10 minutes—showrooms always have mattresses on display and some even offer a private nook with dimmers to provide you the best simulation possible.
Permanence. Aim to find a mattress that will last you 10 years. Think of your mattress as an investment, and one that merits a warranty that can guarantee five to 15 years of service.
Size. Before shopping for a mattress, measure out the available space in your room and have your dimensions written down and easily accessible. While a twin size bed may seem too small for your standards, if you’re working with a studio unit that does not afford too much space, it might be the best type of mattress for your requirements.
Box Spring. Usually sold along with mattresses, these bed bases can improve the durability of your mattress by reducing wear and tear and creating a solid foundation.
Price. Depending on your budget, your mattress choice can range from practical to luxuriously high. Canvass several department stores and mattress dealers before making your choice—find out what the market has to offer and stick to a price point that you can work with. Err on the side of value as the payoff of a good mattress is a good night’s sleep.
Before picking out a headboard or choosing a pack-and-go airbed you can take with you from apartment to apartment, consider these six main factors to help give you maximum comfort and restful sleep.
Comfort. There is no cookie cutter mattress that offers optimum comfort for all body types, since people are shaped differently and also have a wide array of preferences. While some people argue that firmer, more orthopedic mattresses are better for the body, beds that are too firm can put an unnecessary amount of pressure on some parts of the body. The best way to find out if a mattress is comfortable enough for you is to test it out. Sit down on it, and lie on it for at least 10 minutes—showrooms always have mattresses on display and some even offer a private nook with dimmers to provide you the best simulation possible.
Permanence. Aim to find a mattress that will last you 10 years. Think of your mattress as an investment, and one that merits a warranty that can guarantee five to 15 years of service.
Size. Before shopping for a mattress, measure out the available space in your room and have your dimensions written down and easily accessible. While a twin size bed may seem too small for your standards, if you’re working with a studio unit that does not afford too much space, it might be the best type of mattress for your requirements.
Box Spring. Usually sold along with mattresses, these bed bases can improve the durability of your mattress by reducing wear and tear and creating a solid foundation.
Price. Depending on your budget, your mattress choice can range from practical to luxuriously high. Canvass several department stores and mattress dealers before making your choice—find out what the market has to offer and stick to a price point that you can work with. Err on the side of value as the payoff of a good mattress is a good night’s sleep.
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