 
Bedroom Themes - Zen |
Zen Style BedroomsA Zen bedroom doesn't have to be overtly oriental, nor do you actually have any knowledge of zen philosophy. Many people appreciate the calm and peace of such design even if they don't know what it's called.Zen is an oriental philosophy and approach to life that is rooted in the Bhuddist tradition. It emphasises peace and meditation, clearing the mind of clutter. Perfect for a restful night!
BalanceThe keywords for a Zen style bedroom are thus peace, simplicity and above all balance. To an extent this is similar to the Shaker tradition. However Zen is not so purely functional or ascetic. There can be great beauty in simplicity where every element is carefully chosen and in harmony with the whole.
Decorating IdeasRestful, neutral colours should form the main palette. Greys and pastels work well but be careful not to make things completely monochrome or they might become tedious. There's nothing wrong with colour, however it should be carefully positioned so that it works best as part of the overall whole rather than jolting the senses.Wood or tile floorings are traditional, however for practical reasons you might want a carpet. Buy something that fits the overall feel without a jarring pattern. The same goes for wall hangings, art and other decorations. Moderation and balance are the keys. Furniture should have clean lines and a lack of surplus ornamentation. Always ask yourself whether a particular piece is actually necessary in the bedroom. A bedroom crammed full of assorted random items of oriental furniture is hardly Zen! Which brings me to probably the most important point to bear in mind when designing a zen bedroom: avoid clutter. Too many of us use the bedroom as a storage place. All sorts of things find their way in. No wonder we sometimes find it difficult for our minds to settle and sleep well. If you must store things in the bedroom then make sure that they are out of sight and unobtrusive. For zen, less is more. At the end of the day (if you'll pardon the pun) there's no "right" or "wrong" way to create a zen bedroom - zen is what you want it to be. The advice above is simply how I would go about creating a zen bedroom, if you feel something else is right for you then go with it. You don't need to be an enlightened Master - just trust your instincts.
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