Farah Merhi's 5 Steps for a Sanctuary Bedroom with Stacy Garcia

Your bedroom is supposed to be your place of zen, a place that rejuvenates you and allows you to remain stress-free. It's not easy to create this place of zen, so Stacy Garcia talked with Farah Merhi, founder of Inspire Me! Home Decor, about her easy tricks for creating your own personal bedroom sanctuary.

"The bedroom is where you end up every evening after tackling your daily routine," says Merhi. "As founder of Inspire Me! Home Décor, I get asked this question countless times: ‘How do I create the ultimate bedroom to relax in?’ There are so many ways to design the ultimate dream room for yourself. Color, accent pieces and furniture all ultimately contribute to the final design! Here are my top five design tips to help create your dream sanctuary. These easy tips can be incorporated in any room!"

Every person has a color they consider soothing. For me personally, light colors can create a relaxing atmosphere to any bedroom. However, if your preferred color is black, white, red or blue, then go for it. Wall paint is important and an easy way to set the tone for any room design. If you choose to go with a darker wall color, either use it as an accent wall or opt for lighter furniture and soft accents to create a balance. This will avoid overwhelming your senses when walking into your room daily. The goal is to relax in your space.

Bedding can elevate your design. In fact, it is considered an extremely important factor in any bedroom design following furniture choice. There are many different options out there for your bedding…options which do not require you to pay too much for bedding sets! Mix and match your pieces! Not only are you saving money by going that route, but mixing and matching allows you to get creative and your personality will shine through your bedding selection. It also allows you to add your pop of color, should you choose to do so through your accents. My personal favorite way of setting any bed is picking out these four pieces:

1. Quilt

2. Comforter

3. Euro shams or 24 x 24 throw pillows

4. Throw pillows

First I start with a quilt that will cover the whole bed/mattress, I add euro shams or the 24 x 24 throw pillows to cover pillows you sleep on, followed by 20 x 20 throw pillows. The final touch is folding the comforter of your choice into half folds twice and laying at the foot of the bed horizontally. You can easily mix and match patterns and color this way.

I can't stress this enough, lighting can set a positive mood in your room. You do not need a light fixture as much as you need table lamps or floor lamps. The simple task of turning on your lamps in the evening creates a warm inviting feel in your room. Add mirrors behind your lamps and over your nightstands. Mirrors will reflect the light and brighten up your space immediately. Placing them above your nightstand adds an interesting design element.

Whether it's to watch TV ( if you are one that has added a TV in your bedroom), read a book/magazine or simply to sit back, relax and discuss your day with your significant other, seating allows you to do so before heading to bed. Loveseat, chaise, deep arm chair or a bench, any of these furniture pieces will do the trick. Depending on the space you have and where you plan on placing them, take measurements and splurge on seating solutions that you feel are ideal for your room and lifestyle.

A room is never complete without decorative accents. In a bedroom, choose beautiful picture frames that compliment your colors and design style, candles and candle holders, decorative wall art and bowls are just a few examples. Remember, you want to add the final touch but pick wisely as you do so. If you are a candle person who needs to light a candle every once and again to relax, then those are a must. If you like to display family photos, then get creative with your choice of frames. If you like fresh flowers, choose a vase that compliments your room and add fresh flowers when you want. Always remember a good cozy throw blanket to cuddle up in!

Finally, I would like to leave you with an important piece of advice that I tell all of my followers-Enjoy the design process. Don't let it stress you out. Look at pictures and save designs that catch your eye and use those as added inspiration. You are designing your house and making it into your home, what a blessing that is! So go out, shop, enjoy and be proud of the final result because you have personalized your space to reflect your taste, style and personality. It's all about getting creative!