I have always focused on decorating the public areas of my home and have given very little attention to my bedroom. Any suggestions to make the bedroom special?

I find this so often when I work with people. The bedroom doesn't seem to get the attention it deserves, and yet we spend the most time in this room. The bedroom is our sanctuary, a retreat, and the room that most affects our senses.

Two of the most important factors that affect the rejuvenative qualities of the bedroom are light and noise. Dressing the windows with opaque fabric and possibly black-out lining will provide you with privacy and protect you from the invasion of light in the morning. Fabrics on the windows and in the room will provide a noise buffer from outside. A sound system in the bedroom can add soothing music for relaxing before going to sleep.

When we think of the bedroom we think of comfort. This is the most tactile room in the house. A comfortable bed is the most important priority. Pillow-top mattresses have gained in popularity in recent years, adding a soft surface and firm support. With more and more people becoming sensitive to and also aware of the chemicals used in mattresses, there are products available that are chemical free and made from natural materials.

There is an opportunity to use luxurious fabrics in the bedroom that are wonderful to touch and enhance our enjoyment. In the winter you might try using soft, flannel sheets and for the summer, 300 thread count, smooth, cotton sheets. Feather duvets are very popular, keeping you warm by containing your body heat. There are wonderful new products available that have the properties of down and are made from natural fibers that non-allergic.

The style of your bed depends on what you like and also the style of your home. If you like to read in bed, you should consider the headboard and if it will be comfortable to lean against. Upholstered headboards work well for this reason.

Lighting is very important in the bedroom. It is nice to have some ambient lighting to create a soft, warm mood. You will also want to have a good reading light on your bedside table. There is nothing quite as soft and warm as candlelight in the bedroom. Lighting your room at night by candlelight is very soothing and evocative.

Your bedroom is really your nest. Fill it with things of beauty that have meaning to you: photos, books, special objects, paintings. Provide scents that you enjoy. Use talcum powder or cologne on your sheets. Have a special flower vase to keep fresh flowers, maybe a few roses by your bed. Also, plants are important to keep us connected with our natural environment. Remember, this is your room, and fill it with all the things that make you feel special.