The Sanctuary of Your Dreams: 7 Steps to Create the Perfect Master Bedroom

No matter your lifestyle, the master bedroom of your Springs luxury apartment home is the one place that's totally devoted to rest and relaxation. Do you want a cozy sanctuary to unwind with books and TV, or just a luxurious spot to get a quality eight hours of sleep each night? The choice is yours.

Here are a few of our favorite tips for creating the master bedroom of your dreams. Make sure you include a good alarm clock, because you won't want to get out of bed in the morning!

Once Upon a Mattress

The clue is in the name: it all starts with a great bed. Leave the futons and sleeper sofas behind and choose a bed that's fit for an adult.

While choosing a mattress is no time to pinch pennies, highest price doesn't always mean best quality, so shop carefully. A number of companies will now give you as much as 100 days to try out a mattress in your own home.

Tone It Down

Color is a vital element of any design aesthetic, but it also has a significant psychological impact. Purple and red interfere with a restful ambience, while muted tones of blue, yellow and green are more comforting, so select your color palette accordingly.

Put Your Best Foot Forward

Even if your bedroom already has carpeting, a plush area rug makes getting up in the morning a pleasure. Area rugs also add to a room's coziness and serve as a base for the decor, both literally and figuratively.

"Head" of the Class

Save money and add visual interest by opting for a headboard instead of a full bed. Personalize your room with a one-of-a-kind DIY headboard incorporating recycled objects, blankets and other creative materials.

Photos Are a No-No

Beautifully framed photos of family and friends might seem like a natural touch for a bedroom, but they tend to be emotional triggers that generate a chain of thoughts when you want to unwind.

You're better off hanging one or two favorite pieces of art that make you happy. Be careful not to overdo it, as too much art can also be visually overstimulating.

Plenty of Pillows

One of the things that makes a hotel bed so appealing is the number of plush pillows stacked invitingly on top. But don't go overboard or you'll spend all your time taking pillows down and putting them back.

Do you like to change things up? Throw pillows are inexpensive and come in an endless variety of colors and patterns, so it's easy to get a new look for holidays, seasons or just whenever the mood strikes.

Let There Be Light

Light is one of the more important elements of a room's ambiance. Include a couple of strategically placed table lamps and add a dimmer so you can control the light level. Candles are a great way to set a restful atmosphere.

What's the one must-have feature in your ideal bedroom? Tell us in the comments!