From the Chinese art of feng shui to the Danish concept of hygge, we’re taking a look at the most popular design philosophies and how to include them in your own sleep space…

As an interiors writer and stylist, KBB journo Laurie Davidson has seen a fair few design philosophies come in and out of favour over the years, but there are some that have stuck around with great success. Most of you will have heard of feng shui, for example, but how about hygge and biophilia?

Although these design philosophies are all very different, the one thing they have in common is that they’re less of a trend and more of a way of life, with key principles that you can adopt not just in your main living areas, but your bedroom too.

Ready to find out if sleeping in the ‘right’ position will give you a better night’s sleep, or whether introducing plants will leave you feeling more relaxed? Read on – this feature might spark some ideas, not only on décor, but on how to get some well-deserved rest, too…

Wabi-sabi

Wabi-sabi is the ancient Japanese philosophy that encourages you to find the joy in simplicity and imperfection. And, incorporating this practice into your bedroom isn’t as hard as you think. Start by taking on the ‘less is more’ approach, and instead of throwing items away as they age, look at those imperfections as a way of bringing in individuality.

Opt for organic, sustainable materials, unglazed and unpolished finishes, and raw or irregular textures. Embrace furniture in weathered wood, along with matt or limewash paint and decorate with fittings that age naturally, like polished brass. To discover more about this bedroom philosophy, click here.

Feng shui

Feng shui is Chinese for ‘wind’ and ‘water’, and it symbolises the flow of life that we should aim to have in our homes. It focuses on arranging objects in such a way as to create a peaceful, balanced energy (Chi). According to this philosophy, the bedroom is the most important room in the home.

A few design arrangements you could make are having your bed located in a commanding position with your head pointed southward (if possible) while you sleep, which aligns with the practice’s influence of southern winds.

Locate your headboard against a solid wall, as this represents stability, and make sure you have space on either side of, and underneath, your bed, so the ‘Chi’ can flow freely around. Click here for more ways of welcoming feng shui in your sleep space.

Hygge bedrooms

The Danish concept of hygge (pronounced ‘hoo-gah’) is a way of life that’s become more popular in the UK over the last years. To embrace this design philosophy in your bedroom, prioritise that feeling of cosiness through your furnishings and tactile materials.

Layering soft bedding and chunky knit or textured throws, for example, is a good idea to evoke an inviting atmosphere that you’ll want to relax in. Soothing, earthy colours are ideal for creating a hygge environment in your bedroom, as is soft lighting. For more cosy and cocooning design ideas, come this way.

Biophilia

Biophilia is the deep-rooted desire to seek connection with the outdoors and other living beings. So, how can you create a bedroom design that’s in touch with nature?

Using materials that are present in nature is key, so think furniture pieces in rattan, cane, stone and bamboo or sustainably sourced solid wood.

For the colour palette, you’ll also want to take your cue from nature, with coastal muted blues, forest greens and browns, and calming colours that evoke that closeness to the outdoors. Here, we’ve got more tips on achieving a biophilic bedroom design.

Minimalist bedrooms

A minimalist bedroom should offer clean lines, a simplistic design and a restrained colour palette. Look at your existing space and think about how you can achieve this. It could be as easy as a bit of decluttering, or you may need more of a room refresh. For our lowdown on this design philosophy, click here.

Enjoyed this post? Here is our roundup of non-boring neutral bedroom ideas

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