Make your Sleeping Space the Ultimate Sleep Sanctuary
Creating a truly restful and rejuvenating sleep sanctuary is more than just throwing a few pillows on a bed.
It's about cultivating an environment that speaks to your senses, promotes relaxation, and ultimately, sets the stage for a good night's sleep. We spoke with our TBCo stylist and sleep coach, Chloe and interior design expert, Tom Revill of Plank Hardware, to delve into the key elements of designing the ultimate bedroom retreat, from establishing calming routines to embracing the latest interior trends.
Establish a Relaxing Bedtime Routine - As well as a stylist at TBCo, you’re a sleep coach — which is fascinating. What are the key behaviours of a well-rested sleeper?
Chloe: A calming pre-sleep routine is essential for the well-rested sleeper. Most people I talk to, about sleep, have very busy lives and schedules so taking time to unplug, unwind and set yourself up a successful night’s rest is hugely important.
Dwelling in a cosy home environment is a priority for most of us. What are the key components for creating inviting spaces to rest?
Chloe: Creating an optimal sleep environment is crucial for restorative rest. I always recommend my clients begin preparing their bedrooms at least an hour before bedtime by dimming the lights to signal the body it's time to wind down. Incorporating calming scents, from a room spray or candle, can further enhance this transition. Finally, prioritising natural fibres in bedding and textiles and hardware helps regulate body temperature throughout the night, promoting deeper, more restful sleep.
Controlling the Light - Talking of dimming the lights, we imagine lighting has a lot to do with a calming sleep space, what are your hints and tips to getting that lighting just right?
Tom: Maybe more so than any other room in the house, you want to be able to manipulate the lighting in your bedroom. As you wind down for the day, or gently rise in the morning, it’s preferable to have control of the intensity of your lighting. Dimmer switches, placed either side of your bed, are a great choice for those wanting to manage the mood of their bedroom. In combination with task lighting, like adjustable wall lights, dimmer switches are great for evenings spent reading in bed.
Cultivate a Calming Colour Palette - We imagine colour theory really comes into practice when designing a slumber-ready space? How can colour be used to impact the tone of our bedrooms?
Chloe: Absolutely, colour theory is so important when creating an inviting and cosy sleep space. I love to focus on neutral tones in the bedroom or colour drenching in all one shade, then add pops of complimentary colours and patterns in soft textures like lambswool or cashmere blankets. This helps keep the overall space feeling calm and inviting whilst also being able to express your personality and change up your decor easily.
Adding Personal Touches - Along with your chosen colour palette and soft furnishings, what other personal touches can be added to compliment your sleep sanctuary?
Tom: Doubling down on the luxurious feeling of a boutique hotel room, invest in the small moments of interaction within your bedroom space. Whether it’s opting for precision-knurled toggle light switches, or super-long closet bars on your wardrobes, these elevated details will make your bedroom a more enjoyable space to spend time in ahead of decompressing in bed.
What are some of the interior trends you’ve acknowledged for 2025, particularly for the bedroom?
Chloe: We’re seeing a real movement towards darker bedrooms, using chocolates, burgundy’s and earthy purples as the predominant colours. I also love the move towards bringing the natural world into our sleep spaces; plants, wood elements and accents and natural fibres only in the soft furnishings.
Tom: In 2025, I anticipate seeing more emphasis placed on bed headboards. Upholstered textile designs, in ditsy florals or bold stripes, will continue to be popular, but we’ll also see wooden headboards (from burl wood, to classic panelling), as well as more futuristic designs in sheet metals such as stainless steel.
Bed skirts were on the rise last year, and I expect to see more of those this year too. They demonstrate attention to detail, which is very in line with what you’d expect to see in a boutique hotel room.
We often design our hardware with boutique hotel rooms in mind. In your opinion, how does the hospitality industry win when designing their luxurious guest bedrooms?
Chloe: I think the most luxurious hotel rooms are based around seamless functionality and prioritising comfort. Knowing that most people are looking for total escapism from a hotel stay, in the design of the room but also how they use and navigate the space during their stay is key to a luxurious experience.
Don't Be Afraid to Experiment - Creating the perfect sleep sanctuary is a personal journey. Do you have any advice on how to experiment with different elements/materials to find what works best for you?
Tom: The last thing you want your bedroom to be is busy. I’d therefore recommend developing the design scheme of your bedroom over time. Once you’re happy with the colour of your walls and the tone they set, introduce more character through bed linen and soft furnishings, or artwork. To do it all at once, without spending time in the space, might create overwhelm.
Importantly, consider lighting and how you want to manage it. A main overhead light is a practical necessity for when getting dressed and prepared for the day. But you’ll also want task lighting for when reading in bed, which should ideally be adjustable with a dimmer function.
Tell us what we can expect from your latest collection drop at TBCo?
Chloe: Our latest homeware collection is all about joyful colour and embracing spring palettes. We’ve gone bold with checks and ginghams that help you transform your home without the need to totally renovate! As always everything is crafted from natural and recyclable materials making it perfect for your bedroom and living spaces.
What’s next for Plank Hardware? Any new collections dropping?
Tom: 2025 will see us develop our range of electrical design details (switches and sockets), to enable our customers to match their favourite brass finishes throughout more home touchpoints. We’ll also be extending our lighting collection to address new design trends, as well as exploring fresh materials in our cabinetry collections.
There you have it, the best advice on creating a restful and rejuvenating sleep sanctuary. From soothing colour palettes and natural materials to personalized touches and mindful routines, creating the perfect sleep sanctuary is a journey of self-discovery. As Chloe and Tom Revill have highlighted, it's about understanding your individual needs and preferences and crafting an ultimate sanctuary that truly nurtures your well-being.
