One of the requested topics I received in response to my survey involved what to do with a spare bedroom. Lots of ideas crossed my mind on this one, but I am going to take a different approach and make suggestions that may not be obvious. The stresses of the times made me think in terms of how to relax, and that took me back to the "Gilded Age" and a wonderful way that the women of those times de-stressed. Not that I can imagine WHAT they stressed about, but they apparently did. Their solution? The "boudoir". Not a room for sleeping necessarily, as many believe, but a ladies private room for relaxing, writing letters, reading, and any other personal rituals. A place to go to de-stress. We all are so busy and many of us forget to care for ourselves as we so lovingly care for others. Well, if we don't keep ourselves in shape, it becomes tough to give to those we love! So here are some ideas to turn that spare bedroom into a "boudoir" of your own! The dictionary defines a boudoir as follows...

Does this mean we are to go sulk? Not unless you need a good cry! This is our place to unwind, write letters, read a good book, try a new hairstyle, or simply meditate. Your spare bedroom has become your special retreat. A private sanctuary filled with your favorite things. Think of your spare bedroom as a rejuvenation room. And decorate it as such. The usual spare bedroom is not geared for this kind of "getaway" and needs some decorating to turn it into the boudoir you need. If you can purchase new furnishings, try a comfortable daybed,  piled with pillows , a cozy chair , a bookcase full of great books, and a writing desk. NOT a computer, but a real writing desk, with pens and delightful stationary. Recapture the art of writing long letters by hand, entering the days events into a diary, and hand writing your notes and lists instead of using sticky notes. Don't forget a wonderful fireplace ! You might want to consider putting your exercise bike or treadmill into this room. Where else can you comfortably exercise while your face is slathered with a mint mask? Turn on some soothing music, and give your hair a conditioning treatment. Dive into a classic you have wanted to read for years and enjoy. Does this sound too time consuming? Consider the time spent on things that drain you, things that you must do, and then work in some time for yourself to relax. You will find that you'll become more productive, more able to accomplish all the things you need to do in a day.

Ideally, the room should feel opulent and luxurious. Use the most feminine and soft fabrics that your tastes and budget will allow. You know that slightly decadent feeling you get when you splurge on a massage, or a pedicure? Or whatever it is that you don't do regularly? Make your boudoir feel like that and you will have achieved your goal. Depending on where you live, use velvets, silks, suede, satin, or whatever luxury means to you. No chintz curtains in this room! Use your favorite colors, even if they do not go with the rest of the house. Keep the door closed! This is your private space! Revel in it!

For those of you who have a spare bedroom because your youngest child has left home, this may help with the "empty nest" feeling. You have raised your offspring to become young adults, and although you will always fret when things don't go right for them, he or she is grown and off living a life of their own. Admit it, there is some relief in with that sorrow. It's time for you now. That spare bedroom should not become a shrine. Turn it into something useful and fun. And psychologically healthful! One rule to never break if you want this retreat to work for you. Do not WORK in this room. Drop the career at the door. Do only those things that you want to do, including exercise, because the results will fortify you and give your spirit a lift.

Happy Decorating!