For many of us who live a hectic fast paced lifestyle, coming home to a soothing and relaxing bedroom retreat is a luxury that we can only dream of. These tips will help you create a calming zen bedroom design that will look like you hired a pro.

If you want a relaxing environment, then neutral colors and rich textures are the key. Pick sage green, or tan as a base and go with that. If you like grays you can even use a palette of gray, although this color can be kind of cold. Pick a color that you can use on both the walls and floors as it is desirable to make them the same color. Take your cue from nature and use colors that you might find in a soothing setting outdoors.

You’ll want to accent the room with plants, soothing waterfall bowls and candles to complete the look and feel. Perhaps a meditation mat in front of a candle fireplace?

Choose plain furniture for your Zen bedroom – if your current furniture is old and distracting and you don‘t want to buy new, paint it a neutral color that goes with your color scheme. Think about adding some Japanese paper panels in front of any pieces that detract. If your old furniture just won’t suit the room but you are on a limited budget, shop around at your local consignment store for pieces that match. You may have to go every day but sooner or later that perfect set is bound to show up!

You want your Zen bedroom design to have a monochromatic look with different shades of the same color, but you an add some punch with a complimentary accent color which you can spread around in pillows, wall art and vases in a few places around the room (not too much).
The window treatments should be light and flowing – simple sheers in white that flow down to the floor would work. Lighting should be calming and not distracting – something with clean square lines and very simple.

Now if you are thinking your Zen bedroom is going to be looking pretty plain, you can use your bedding to add some interest. You want to keep with a monochromatic look to the bedding, but you can make it stick out by using layers of color that are a subtle shade off and rich quality fabrics. Try some sheets or a comforter that has a design embroidered or embossed in the same color as the fabric. Add interest by using materials with a nice texture – crisp cotton, soft velvet or dupioni silk can add interest and be soothing to the touch and comfy to relax in!

Accents are what make a room unique so your Zen bedroom deserves some relaxing accessories. Not too many though as you want to avoid clutter. How about a soothing tabletop waterfall or some aromatherapy candles? You can buy structures that hold candles in sort of a pyramid and create a faux fireplace with candles as the feature. Or maybe you want a mini Zen garden? Use a small coffee table and put a sand garden with mini rake on top. A shoji screen can work to divide the room or add a nice accent to a corner – you can make them yourself using rice paper and wood.

You’re ready to take that step and put some fresh color on the walls. With all the different choices available, which color will you choose? What shades? Well, before you make that final decision, consider how colors can actually change your space and the overall mood of your room.

Red Red is the color of love. It is known to stimulate a faster heartbeat, increase blood pressure, and energy. Designers usually use red as an accent color. A red wall or red furniture will defiantly get attention. Red also increases the appetite, which makes it a good choice in dining rooms.  

Black Black is the color of authority and power. It also makes a great accent color against white. When used against white, it becomes a very stylish and timeless combination. Black and white accent pieces are extremely popular.  

White White symbolizes purity and innocence. It is one of the most used colors in decorating. This light and neutral hue goes with virtually anything. White is a great color for bedding or drapes when trying to achieve a peaceful, tranquil space.  

Blue One of the most popular colors, blue represents peace. This tranquil color causes the body to produce calming chemicals. People are usually more productive in rooms painted in blues. Blue is a perfect choice for a bedroom or a home office.  

Green Green is another relaxing color. The different shades of green can be used many ways. Lighter shades of green are great for bedrooms, living rooms, and great rooms.   Dark greens are more masculine, and are popular in professional offices. Hospitals usually use green to help relax patients. Mid tone greens are great for kitchens.    

Purple Purple represents luxury, wealth, and sophistication. Dining rooms, bedrooms, and libraries work well with this color. Lighter shades of purple are great for children’s rooms, and play areas.  

Yellow Yellow gains attention and is considered an optimistic color. It also enhances concentration. It is a very warm and welcoming color. Babies tend to cry more in yellow rooms, so it not wise to use this color in a nursery.  

Orange Orange tends to warm the room in a friendly way. There are many shades of orange, and can be used in many rooms. Burnt orange is extremely popular for living rooms, while lighter tones are great for bathrooms.  

Brown Brown is known to be reliable, and one of the more popular earth tones. It is a great accent with just about any color, but is especially nice with blues. Light browns are a symbol of genuineness. Most men enjoy browns, so consider this when decorating his favorite space.