The worst advice we’ve received since beginning work on our home? Do the bedroom last. If we had a do-over, making the bedroom livable would be first on our list. Happily, we’ve made some progress and are now enjoying restful nights with just a few changes. Tip #1: Unless you hate blue, it’s really the best color for rest. We picked Ralph Lauren paint in Indian Sky.

Tip #2: Get a bedside table with lots of storage to keep your clutter and top it with interesting objects you love. We found these danish stereo cabinets at a local vintage shop. Books and lots of other things are hidden away. Lamps: Ikea Jonsbo Gryby and vintage linen shades. Vintage African Kuba cloth in Crate & Barrel frame. Vintage wall paper in ikea Ribba frame.

Tip #3: Buy crisp all-cotton bedding in a sturdy low thread count. They hold up to hot washings so you suffer less during allergy season.  Get three sets. One set on the bed, one set in the linen chest, one set in the wash means you’ll never have to wait for clean sheets. We found the Thomas O’Brien sheet set and pillow cases  in white stripe at Target. The duvet cover is Ikea Benzy in blue plaid. The shams are homemade from a soft Japanese indigo cotton fabric I found online.

Tip #4: Windows should filter light softly and be made from the fabric that’s best for your facing exposure. Our windows face northeast and the unlined homemade linen shades let in just enough of the indirect light, mellowing the room .  Tip #5: Arrange a place to sit. I moved this comfy Milo Baughman vintage chair we covered in natural linen canvas upstairs from the living room and threw on an Ikea sheepskin.