I finally feel like I have an adult bedroom with real furniture, beautiful linens and the comfy-cozy vibe I was going for. I know it can be really hard to achieve – it took me years to figure out my style and actually put it into place. Below are my tips for creating a master bedroom that feels like a personal sanctuary.

It is key to pick a neutral wall color and headboard/footboard if you are the type of person who likes to change the color and pattern of bedding. I like to change it up, so I went with gray walls and a khaki colored headboard. The wall color is a light gray (“mindful gray” by Sherwin Williams) and has a calming effect no matter what my day was like. Nailhead furniture is classic, and the headboard I chose has straight lines, adding a nod to modernity. If you like white or neutral bedding with statement furniture, you can add the color in your large pieces instead of bedding. I get the urge to change my surroundings every few months, and bed linens are the quick, easy, and least expensive way.

I prefer white furniture while my husband prefers dark wood, and is there is no rule saying you HAVE to have matching nightstands. He has a dark wood Restoration hardware drawer with cabinet and I have a beautiful white lacquer night table from Wisteria. If they are different finishes and colors, it is best they are similar in dimensions. I love how wide both our night stands are – they frame a king bed perfectly and if you haven’t upgraded to a king bed, do it. It will be the best decision you have ever made. I used to laugh at people who had what I thought were “huge beds” but with two kids, two dogs, and a tall husband, a king bed was one key (of many) to our happiness.

The secret to soft sheets is not a 500 thread count or higher. It’s the type of fabric.  Tencel is a cotton blend you have probably been seeing and hopefully wearing because of it’s softness and durability. Since I love to wear it, I want to sleep in it and was able to find a duvet on Overstock.com. I took a chance on the color (silver) and it works – almost matching the walls but slightly different and the feel is amazing. Incredibly soft and it looks beautiful on our bed. I recently bought some sheets that mimic linen in light khaki from Target. They stay just a little wrinkly (on purpose for that cozy appeal) and are incredibly soft. In the winter I use jersey sheets (again from Target – I am not a sheet snob) that are super inexpensive, but completely amazing. I feel like I am sleeping head -to-toe in my most comfortable tee shirt. Since I love jersey fabric, but there isn’t a huge selection of patterns, I found a pattered fabric on etsy.com and made (yes, made) the standard size pillowcases. Pillowcases are shockingly easy to sew since they are basically two rectangles sewn together, but if you aren’t into sewing you can buy the fabric and have them made for you. Adding a fun pattern here and there gives the room interest and since it is a pillow case, you can easily change them out for a different pattern or texture depending on the season. It is my favorite way to add color to my room.

The rug is from West Elm and it has the most beautiful pastel aztec pattern. I fell in love with it when I saw it on line, waited too long to buy, and it sold out. I was so happy when it was restocked. It has brought the room together by its mix of light and dark grays, ivory, pastel pink, and pale yellow. It is also super shaggy and like a cloud to walk on.

Faux fur is a way to add luxury and richness to any space. I have a neutral faux fur throw my husband gave to me from Anthropologie and a pillow from Pottery Barn in an animal print (because I decided I have to have animal print in every room of my house). I would add this chair if I had the need. I mean…AMAZING.

The lamps were a “Home Goods happy” purchase. I saw them, immediately knew they would match the nailhead of the bed, and love the somewhat chunky bases. Art work is necessary to bring a room together, whether it be paintings, photos, or graphics. I found the floral artwork from an antique shop and used spray paint to transform the hunter green frames to gold. The words “Always Kiss Me Goodnight” are above the bed and are a gentle reminder to my husband (in addition to being in a gorgeous gold script). I have a canvas piece from One Kings Lane that is gray and gold, which is a common theme in the room, and is a modern piece with texture and pattern, almost like a piece of fabric. Artwork doesn’t have to be expensive, but it should most definitely speak to you.

If I can give you any tip on decorating your bedroom, it is to buy yourself some flowers. You deserve it and they will make you happy in addition to adding beauty to your dwelling.

Duvet // Jersey Sheets // my nightstand // headboard // headboard option 2 // rug // faux fur pillow // chair I would add if I had a spare 1,000