Photograph from flickr
Is it horrible to say that the time parents look forward to most are the few hours of peace when their children have gone to bed? Horrible or not, at the end of a hard day, when you have given your heart, soul and your last drop of energy to those little cherubs, it is how most people feel. After all, grown ups have batteries to recharge too.
The key to comfortable surroundings in which to relax and unwind in is to bring in comfortable and luxurious furniture and decor.
Here are a few ideas to help you create a serene room to chill in when the kids have gone to bed.
Decoration
Relaxing rooms use natural shades of paint or wallpaper to introduce peace. Light browns and beige are far less shocking to the eyes than brilliant white or bright orange. Green has a calming effect as long as it is not too bright; dark green looks very classy and brings a sultry overtone to the room, as does deep red.
Window Decor
When thinking about luxury, window blinds do not spring to mind. High quality curtains bring a warmth that is lacking from vertical or venetian blinds.
Furniture
There is a multitude of sofas available from Multiyork and other online suppliers, that are the ultimate in luxury. You need a sofa that you sink into at the end of the day, to rest your weary bones. Low backed models look great in modern surroundings but be suspicious of how comfortable they are if you cannot test them out. Traditional, heavily upholstered sofas are suitable for this room. Match them with a footstool for your aching feet.
Arrange the furniture so that there is a coffee table next to where you rest. It is most inconvenient if you have to keep leaning forward to reach your alcohol and cakes, take it from one who knows.
Lighting The Room
If your only source of light comes from overhead, you can employ an electrician like the ones from Aardvark Electric, Inc., electrical services in Atlanta, GA (or similar providers in your region) to install a suitable dimmer switch to lower the harsh illumination. A tropical fish tank gives interesting background lighting and watching the fish will lower your blood pressure, apparently. Table lamps and lava lamps both enhance atmosphere you are building. Candles will be around forever, and the flickering flames are ideal for slowing things down and meditating.
Heat Source
If you own a coal, log, or gas fire, now is the time to light it. Fire brings out subconscious primitive memories that are calming and reassuring. Electric flame effect fires are a great alternative where there is no gas supply. They are very realistic and available for under fifty pounds. Even if the heat isn’t on, the flames are still fascinating.
Toasty Feet
If you have a wooden floor, cover it. Thick carpet is best in a comfy room, but fur rugs will suffice if you find the wood or laminate useful in the day. Fur rugs are handy for those romantic encounters too. make sure they are not nylon, or the sparks will fly.
Television
If you watch television to relax at night, get the best equipment you can afford. The latest LED backlit 3D models are available in shops for under five hundred pounds. Why not treat yourself and watch your favourite programs in high definition?
Remember when you are sitting in your little haven, to leave the living room door open in case the little dudes need you. It doesn’t matter how hard you try to relax, you are always on duty, and despite your protests, you wouldn’t have it any other way.