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Minimalist Beauty

living simply with grace, discretion and faith

Minimalist Beauty

Ask Minimalist Beauty–Creating Cozy Living Spaces

February 24, 2012 by Dawn Michelle

Here is an Ask Minimalist Beauty Q&A from one of my readers.  See more Q&A’s like this here!

Hello Dawn Michelle,

I discovered your blog on minimalist beauty and have already read so many of the articles.  I also tried the DIY toner and love it.  I plan to use the raw honey cleanser starting tonight, and have recommended both to my friends and family.

My husband and I are going to move into a new apt in the city and the bedroom has only one widow which faces a dark alleyway.  Unfortunately the room won’t get much light, and I feel disappointed when I look at inspirational interiors online with natural lighting and large windows.  I’d love to hear your opinion on how we could infuse a sense of light, brightness and warm cosiness into our home.

Much appreciated!

My answer…

Thank you for message!  I am so glad that you are enjoying my blog.  I think it’s awesome that the DIY toner is working out so well for you, and I hope you will love using raw honey as a face wash as much as I do.

I was thinking about the lighting situation for your new place this week, and I just thought of something today.  I do hope that other rooms in your new place get natural light as I know that is really important.  You can create a beautiful room that does not have natural light by choosing the right colors and creating a special energy with natural objects.

For your bedroom, let’s make it a serene haven by first decorating it in light colors, ex: white, ivory, or cream especially for your bed comforter which will be the central focus of your room.  Add a splash of color with throw pillows, a silk artificial flower arrangement, or wall hanging.  Lighter colors automatically add brightness to darker places.

bedrooms-Zen-Like-and-cute-Feminine-Details-Interior-Design-for-Homes

When we don’t have natural light we desire to be outdoors.  You can bring in those elements with items or prints that have inspired nature themes.  Next create ambiance with large soy candles in light colors.  Candles add a cozy feeling to any room, and a soy based candle with an inviting scent can improve how you feel.

Avoid dark colors at all costs to keep the space open and feeling as peaceful as possible.  If you plan to paint your walls, use lighter zen colors with an eco-friendly nontoxic paint.  By keeping your bedroom clear of electronics, book cases, desks, etc. you will truly have that relaxing space that you desire to unwind after a long day.

In a minimalist bedroom, your bed is the focal point of the room and not having too many other furniture pieces will keep things simple and will keep the room uncluttered and open.  In the Feng Shui of bedrooms, it is best not to have the foot of the bed facing the bedroom door, or to have the head of the bed right along a window.  The bed is best placed on a solid wall providing a sense of support and security.  Mirrors facing the bed or behind a bed are also considered unfavorable.

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Learn about your Kua number to determine the most auspicious direction for your bed here.  I noticed the benefits of Feng Shui in my first apartment in Los Angeles.  Although I incorporated many of the Feng Shui principles in my home now, I could probably incorporate a few more things.

For nature inspired decor look at Brydie Graphics on Etsy.  I hope that is helpful, and enjoy your new home!  I am so excited for you!

Best Wishes,
Dawn Michelle

(Images by 1. furniturefashion.org, 2. homefurnituretrend.com, 3. en.item.rakuten.com)

Stay Connected with Minimalist Beauty & Subscribe with bloglovin’. Also Join the Community on Facebook & Twitter. For more about Dawn Michelle go here!

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  1. Anonymous says

    August 12, 2012 at 12:35 pm

    Hello!! I am new to your blog and absolutely love it!! My boyfriend and I just moved into our first apartment together and needed to buy furniture since the only thing we have is a bed. Now that I have been looking into minimalism it seems that maybe we just need nightstands or something like that. The problem is im alil confused on how to decorate. I love warmth and color..lots and lots of color but when you look at minimalistic bedrooms they seem alil cold. What would be your advice to a newbie?

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      August 12, 2012 at 9:07 pm

      Hi Anonymous,
      The best way to add color to any room is to paint the walls. If that is not an option for your rental add color with a beautiful bed spread, throw pillows, a large candle, and flowers or plants. You don’t need a lot of any of the options, just a few strong pieces. Hope that helps some and congrats on the new place!
      Best,
      Dawn Michelle

      Reply
  2. Mrs. Oliver says

    September 14, 2012 at 1:51 pm

    I wanted to know how you got started blogging and which hosting site did you use. What was your inspiration for blogging

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      September 17, 2012 at 11:24 am

      Hi Mrs. Oliver,
      I started blogging because I’ve always loved writing and wanted to share my minimalist journey. When I went to school I had double majored for a BFA in Dance and English. Journalism and creative writing was my other love. I ended up dropping my English major and sticking with the Fine Arts degree. This blog has been my way of doing both. Have a beautiful day!
      ~Dawn Michelle

      Reply
  3. Christina says

    July 2, 2014 at 9:46 pm

    Where did you get that bed? I need something simple and low, and that bed fits the bill!

    Reply
    • Dawn Michelle says

      July 4, 2014 at 12:04 pm

      Hi Christina,
      The photos in this article are sourced at the bottom of the article. That may help you get more information on what you are looking for I hope. Have a beautiful day!

      Reply
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