People often say… home is where I lay my head. For many of us our homes have become quite different this year. Whether you own a ranch style, bungalow or a downtown condo our homes have become our work, school, gym, restaurant and even our vacation spot. Through trial and error some homeowners have found solutions on how to transform their homes into a one stop shop, right under their own roof.

Now more than ever and with the time change, it is important to have your bedroom be the perfect place to lay your head. Sleep is critical to physical health and effective functioning of the immune system. It is also a key promoter of emotional wellness and mental health. Here are a few tips from homeowners who have benefited from sprucing up their bedrooms.

• Remove one piece of furniture, a room overcrowded with furniture and accessories can feel cluttered. Or at least consider the size of your furniture.
• Change the layout of your bedroom. Simply moving the furniture around brings about a new space to enjoy.
• Create one focal point. Instead of trying to cram too many ideas into one room, think carefully about one main feature you would like to create in the space.
• Make your bed, walking into a room after a long day with a perfectly set bed can be a nice sight to see.
• Find the light. Add a mirror to the wall adjacent to or across from a window in the room.
• This will immediately add more light to the room as the mirror will bounce the natural light around, softening shadows that may have darkened the room before.
• Have you been thinking about upgrading your bed including sheets, pillows or mattress? Now is the time to consider doing so. Adding a frame to your bed or buying new bedding is an easy update!

If you are feeling really inspired, painting the walls can also really change the room. Consider how much light your room gets when selecting a wall color. If your room is north-facing, the light that enters will be softer and will produce a warmer effect—darker hues will be darker-looking and light colors will be a touch more subdued. If the room you’re painting has a southern exposure, it will receive the most intense light. Darker colors will be somewhat brightened and light colors (especially white) have the potential to leave the room washed out. In the evening, a room on the west side of your home will have warmth from the orange colors added and can leave rooms that are orange, red, or yellow saturated. Eastern exposure adds a bit of green to your room’s walls. You can brighten this room up with soft yellows.

• Reserve your bed for sleeping only. It is important to have the association in your mind between bed and sleep. This means no laptops, phones or TV in bed.
• Get rid of clutter. This will help you to be more relaxed without all those clothes and books laying around. Keep a basket to throw toys and other items into to keep your space tidy.
• Open the curtains during the day. This will bring in the light and feel more refreshing.

So, after you have worked, schooled, exercised and dined in your home you will have a comfortable and inviting bedroom to lay your head. Start with making your bed every day!