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Serene Bedrooms Where Busy Parents Can Find Relief

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Contributed by: Tamara Thompson on 4/24/2007

Count to Ten... Now Mommies, Go Hide!

Women who can't find time for exercise or relaxation, should at least have a proper room to relax in at the end of a busy day. Nearly 25% of women (and 20% of men) who hold professional jobs described themselves as "super-stressed," in a recent survey by the Roper Starch Worldwide. "Most people get just a few minutes a day to unwind, and one great way to purge the day's stress is to retire to a beautifully decorated, uncluttered master bedroom," suggests interior decorator, Tamara Thompson, owner of the Colorado Springs Decor & You Franchise.

Tamara observes that many people leave master bedroom decorating for last, and live for years in a cluttered, neglected space. "I want my clients to close the bedroom door, and feel the stress drain out. Then I've done my job right."

"Working parents, in particular, need to hold the family together - and themselves - so they need a sleeping environment that supports their lifestyle," Tamara added.
The secret, Tamara says, is to make your bedroom a place you actually enjoy - even the simple task of making the bed - by improving ambience and making it function better.

Tamara operates Decor & You and provides interior decorating products and services to clients in Colorado Springs and the surrounding communities. As a local business owner, Thompson says she understands the demanding pace of life here and is dedicated to finding solutions to help her clients maintain balance.

Tamara believes that overly-busy people are daunted by decorating, often because of the extra time and energy they need to make changes - in their bedrooms, or any room. "We sometimes begin with simple changes, such as bedding, wallpaper or an area rug, which help people experience how one small decision can benefit an entire room," Tamara said.

According to Tamara, Decor & You uses a client-centered approach that aims to make decorating easier - and even fun.

To set the right color palette, she guides each client to discover his or her relationship with color, which she says is the essential first step in customizing this personal space. Color, Tamara notes, on the walls, floor and in the bedding and drapery fabrics, makes a huge sensory impact on how people feel in a room. "One client may prefer a stimulating bedroom splashed in passion flower pink with lots of pattern, while another craves the calm of a neutral dove grey with clean, crisp solids," she noted.

Another vital change is to introduce a routine spot, other than the bed, where you can relax and nourish your need for peace. She recommends a properly scaled, and very comfortable lounge chair. "A bedroom lounge chair is luxurious yet simple and affordable; it gently beckons you - and gives permission - to find quiet time for yourself," Tamara recommends. Consider completing the picture by placing a petite table alongside for a private continental breakfast or a nightcap, and a standing floor lamp for directed reading light, Tamara suggests.

Sleep researchers frown on TV-watching in the bedroom, but it's common in many homes. Professional decorators look for wall-mounting solutions or furniture enclosures, to ensure the television doesn't dominate the space in front of the bed. "Controlling visual clutter is essential to ensure a tranquil, restorative space," Tamara asserts.

Likewise, home exercise equipment, which often ends up stationed in the bedroom, needs to be visually separated. Tamara looks for creative camouflage such as decorative panels or a mobile "Shoji" screen.

Health experts acknowledge the benefits of natural light and privacy, yet Tamara notes that many people overlook these advantages by covering up their bedroom windows to protect privacy. "We offer a top-down, bottom-up Duette shade, which connects people with the natural energy of the sun and the pleasure of their outdoor views," said Tamara. The Duettes function like most blinds, except it opens from either the bottom or the top.

Besides custom decorating services, Tamara researches the ideal products for her clients' bedrooms. Decor & You has hundreds of fine manufacturers in its supplier network, which means clients get to choose among thousands of furnishings, fabric, window and floor coverings, lighting, art, and accessories from the U.S. and overseas - in every conceivable style and at every price point.

Tamara encourages people who are interested in turning their bedrooms, or any room, into a space they love, to contact her at 719 282-0570 or by email at tthompson@decorandyou.com

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Showing 1-3 of 3 comments

Submitted By: PJ Musilli

posted on 4/27/2007 @ 9:46:11 AM

Rated Story

As a personal trainer who believes in the body-soul-spirit of a person I couldn't agree more with the need for a "safe place" to rejuvenate. Good article.

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Submitted By: Aimee Martinez

posted on 4/27/2007 @ 5:46:23 AM

Rated Story

Very useful information. It's clear that Tamara can assist in the creation of a beautiful living space while keeping the clients needs as the primary focus. Well done!

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Submitted By: Cheri Enterline

posted on 4/25/2007 @ 5:05:09 PM

Rated Story

Excellent info, Tamara! You've hit the nail on the head, once again, with a very well thought out, informative hammer. Thank you for the ideas.

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CONTRIBUTOR INFO

Tamara Thompson

Colorado Springs , CO

Tamara Thompson has posted 8 stories and 1 comment since joining on 1/25/2007. Tamara Thompson 's average story rating is 5.

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