We were honored to be featured in The Spruce for their piece on bedroom design mistakes! Being asked to share insights on what disrupts rest and how to create better sleep environments was perfect —a s a wellness-focused designer, this is at the heart of what we do at The Intentional Design Studio.
Publication: The Spruce
Article Title: Bad Bedroom Features Designers Say You Should Avoid at All Costs
Publication Date: May 10, 2025
Featured Expert: Catherine Shuman, The Intentional Design Studio
The Spruce explored common bedroom design mistakes that interfere with rest and relaxation, asking designers to identify the biggest culprits and share practical solutions. The article examines how our bedroom environments directly impact sleep quality and overall wellbeing.
The Complete Design Framework I Shared:
When The Spruce asked about bedroom features to avoid, here’s the comprehensive perspective I provided:
As a wellness-focused interior designer, I believe that our bedrooms are our sanctuaries — they aren’t meant to be a storage closet with a bed in it! It’s the one place in your home that is 100% dedicated to rest, recovery, and relaxation, so when I walk into a bedroom that feels more like a catch-all chaos zone, I know we’ve got some work to do!
Lack of Layered Lighting Options
One of the biggest bedroom no-no’s I see is a lack of layered lighting options. No one can relax under an overhead spotlight, and it can make even a beautiful space feel sterile. To create a more soothing environment, add dimmable sconces, bedside lamps with warm-toned bulbs, or even low-profile LED strip lights under the bed frame or headboard to create a calming glow. This can completely transform the space, no rewiring required.
Oversized Furniture That Doesn’t Match the Scale of the Room
Another red flag? Oversized furniture that doesn’t match the scale of the room. I’ve seen bedrooms where the king-size bed eats up so much space, you’d have to shimmy sideways just to get into it. Opt for a bed size that meets your needs but leaves breathing room around the perimeter. And then consider visually lighter pieces (like open-base nightstands or floating shelves) to keep things airy and functional.
Highly Stimulating Wall Colors
Color is another big one! Highly stimulating wall colors can impact sleep quality. I recommend nature-inspired neutrals, soft sage greens, and muted blues to help signal your brain that it’s time to wind down. Aside from repainting, you can also update your bedding, curtains, or artwork to reflect these calming tones and make a big difference.
Tech Overload
And lastly, tech overload! We’ve all been there—the phone glowing on the nightstand, a big screen TV directly across the room from the bed, chargers trailing out of every outlet, and multiple devices buzzing and vying for our attention. It’s no wonder our bodies struggle to wind down and get proper rest. The good news? You don’t need a full tech detox to make a difference. Try setting up a charging station in a different room (or at least across the room), stash cords and devices in a drawer or decorative box, and aim to power down screens well before bedtime so your body has time to get the memo.
Your Bedroom Sanctuary Checklist
Use this quick checklist to audit your bedroom and identify what needs attention:
Lighting
☐ Multiple light sources at different levels (overhead, task, ambient)
☐ All lights are dimmable or have warm-toned bulbs
☐ No bright overhead lights used before bedtime
☐ Option for complete darkness when sleeping
Furniture & Layout
☐ Bed size is appropriate for room dimensions
☐ Clear pathways around the bed (at least 2 feet on each side)
☐ Nightstands are functional and within arm’s reach
☐ Furniture scale feels balanced, not overwhelming
Color & Atmosphere
☐ Wall colors are calming (soft neutrals, muted blues, sage greens)
☐ Bedding feels inviting and comfortable
☐ Window treatments provide privacy and light control
☐ Overall feeling is peaceful, not stimulating
Tech & Clutter
☐ Devices charge outside the bedroom (or across the room)
☐ TV is not the focal point (or is absent entirely)
☐ Surfaces are clear of clutter
☐ Storage solutions keep chaos contained
Sensory Experience
☐ Room temperature is cool (65-68°F ideal for sleep)
☐ Air quality is good (consider plants or air purifier)
☐ Sounds are controlled (white noise or silence)
☐ Textures are soft and inviting
How many boxes did you check?
- 12-15: Your bedroom is a true sanctuary
- 8-11: You’re on the right track with room for improvement
- 4-7: Time for a bedroom refresh
- 0-3: Your bedroom needs serious attention (let’s talk!)
Why This Approach Matters:
At The Intentional Design Studio, we design bedrooms with your nervous system in mind. Every choice—from lighting to color to furniture placement—either supports rest or works against it. When we treat bedrooms as true sanctuaries rather than afterthoughts, we create spaces that don’t just look beautiful but actually help you sleep better, wake up refreshed, and feel more grounded.
Your bedroom should be the one place where your body immediately knows it’s safe to rest. That’s not a luxury—it’s essential.
We’re so grateful to The Spruce for the opportunity to share these insights with their readers!
Read the full article on The Spruce →
Curious to see what else we’ve been featured in? Explore our full collection of press mentions and expert insights on our Press Page.
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