Dress Up Your Bedroom

So you've finally moved into the new place, and most everything is unpacked and in its place. Your bedroom has a lovely new comforter with matching shams and coordinating curtains, but something is missing. There's no warmth. You know, the cozy feeling you get when you walk into a room and it feels like home.

Outside the temperatures are dropping and more than ever you want your bedroom to be comfortable. Not just a place to sleep, but a haven for your well deserved quiet time. If your room tends to be on the cool side, cut the chill with an electric fireplace. They're available in all different sizes and styles and along with providing extra warmth, help to create an inviting atmosphere.

Adding subtle aromas instantly effects your mood and senses as you enter a room. Air fresheners, scented sticks or burners are all simple ways to accomplish this. Eucalyptus, lavender evoke a calming feeling, vanilla or cinnamon take you back to mom's home baking, and pine fragrances have more of an outdoor effect. A fresh bouquet of flowers, especially in the dead of winter, helps to absorb stale air and create a welcoming feeling.

When it comes to bedding, pick out a set you really love and use it as your focal point. Add coordinating pillows, shams or bedskirts, and spend the extra money for a thick duvet or mattress pad. You'll be spending a considerable amount of time in your bed, make it comfortable and inviting.

If you have hardwood or other solid flooring, accessorize with a corresponding area rug to warm up your tootsies.

Window coverings should cover enough to give you privacy and keep out the bright morning sun, but also provide warmth and character. If you have blinds, add some sort of fabric in the form of side drapes or a valance. Shades made from a contrasting fabric also does the trick.

Place a comfortable chair in the corner of the room with a lamp and small table. Ideally, place in front of a window with a view. This is your getaway, for reading, meditation or just spending a few moments to yourself.

Hang photos of friends and family or reserve a drawer or box for special souvenirs that you can look back on from time to time. With most of our pictures being digital these days, electronic photo frames make lovely accent pieces that you'll never tire of watching and adding to over the years.

When it comes to lighting, how many bedrooms do you see with a single overhead fixture stuck up against the ceiling intended to light the entire room? Strategically place floor lamps or sconces in areas where you'll be reading. Vary the lighting depending on your mood with dimmer controls. If your bed is the focal point, recessed lighting near the head of the bed with separate snooze controls can be very effective.

To accent artwork or different areas of the room, track lighting is extremely flexible and easy to use.

Music goes a long way to creating a relaxing atmosphere; whether it be for background music, waking up or dozing off to sleep. Every bedroom should come equipped with a stereo or IPOD stand just for this purpose.