Feng Shui Bedroom: How to Manifest Dreams with Interior Designer Dana Claudat

Your dreams and goals are closer than you think. In fact, they're right in your feng shui bedroom.

Feng shui has long been associated with the idea of manifesting dreams and that’s also the source of designer Dana Claudat’s inspiration. Dana, a modern feng shui consultant, describes her interior design style as creative, grounded, and layered.

She’s the founder of the Tao of Dana, a blog dedicated to helping others design their dream lives by redecorating their homes.

According to ancient Chinese philosophy, a feng shui bedroom promotes positivity, serenity, and harmony, all of which are integral to overall well-being and success.

In an interview, Dana explains how she uses her clients' personal goals as the main guiding factor for redecoration and provides her top tips for optimal feng shui decorating.

Adjust to Big Changes by Redecorating Your Feng Shui Bedroom

"In feng shui, your home is a mirror of your life, so when I'm ready for a new chapter or I've made big personal changes, my space is the first place where I start reflecting that with decor changes," Dana says.

Be it a new wall color or re-curating art, every little change in your feng shui bedroom takes you a step closer to achieving your personal goals, including upgrading to a new mattress, pillows, and bedding.

In particular, a luxury mattress is instrumental for a feng shui master bedroom and a home as a whole. Opt for a memory foam mattress or a hybrid mattress for maximum comfort.

While memory foam contours to your body and provides support for your back and spine, a hybrid combines the best elements of memory foam and innerspring mattresses.

Dana says her own mattress has radically transformed the quality of her sleep, which reflects positively in every aspect of her life.

"All of these design shifts, and an infinite number of others, can really jumpstart and support major life changes,” Dana says. “My home is not just my sanctuary, but also a vision board of my dreams and one of my most ‘powerful’ manifesting tools!"

Overcome Common Decorating Challenges

Though the challenges might vary from person to person, storage is a universal one. Dana notes that many people struggle with storage, which results in clutter accumulating under the bed or being stashed away in closets. Not only can lack of storage space hinder you from revamping your room, but it also blocks the flow of good feng shui.

"When rooms feel overstuffed or closets are disorganized, that energy can make its way into the room, especially if things are stored under the bed," Dana says.

In case there’s a true lack of storage, Dana says she encourages her clients to declutter as much as possible. If you have no choice but to store something under the bed, consider only placing soft items, such as bedding, linens, and towels, in an organized manner.

With feng shui bedroom decor, you might struggle to find a balance between creating a space that evokes both peace and excitement. Playing it safe with a neutral color palette can certainly encourage good feng shui, but there’s also such a thing as too much neutral.

"Neutral colors are great for rest, but if a bedroom is too neutral, it can go flat and feel heavy and ‘stuck,’" Dana says.

The good news is combating excessive neutrals is easy enough. Dana’s advice? Experiment with layering.

"I like to layer soft textures (velvet, silk, plush rugs, curtains) when possible to create more excitement and a real ‘vibe’ in bedrooms, even when things are more neutral," she says.

Another common challenge is lighting. Lighting is an essential component of a feng shui bedroom, but exposure to light at night can have an adverse effect on your sleep cycle.

Any kind of light can affect the quality of your sleep, so as a general rule, ensure your room is as dark as possible. Dana's secret for achieving deeper sleep is room-darkening curtains.

"But there's got to be enough lighting so that the room functions beautifully even when the curtains are closed," she says.

Incorporate lamps, stringed lights, or warm overhead lighting to ensure your room is well-lit even during nighttime. For added coziness, unwind with some candles.

Embrace Evolving Design Styles

No one can commit to a single design style forever, and Dana's no different. She achieves her dynamic style by immersing herself in art, reading, learning, experimenting, and DIY projects. 

"I've definitely embraced more DIY and handmade objects than ever over the years, as I’ve found that they're a powerful way to infuse your personality and ‘special magic’ finishing touches into a home," Dana says. "There's nothing like looking at a bowl, a flower pot, or a painting and saying ‘I made that!’ There’s an instant pride and connection." 

Over time, nature has also become infused in Dana's personal style. Going one step further than just adding plants, she looks for ways to create a grounded feng shui bedroom that's rich in growth-oriented energies.

Invest in Feng Shui Bedroom Decor Essentials

The key to transforming your feng shui bedroom is the decor. According to Dana, these five essentials can provide an instant upgrade: 

• Think outside the box and use stools, end tables, or other forms of shelving to create a distinctive nightstand.

• Layer with throw blankets, quilts, faux fur, and knit afghans.

• An extra set of pillows can easily elevate any room.

• Get creative with your walls. "Everything from a fabulous paint color to ombre walls, murals or wallpaper (peel-and-stick has come a long way for rentals) can bring a room to life," Dana says.

• Great lampshades can transform an average lamp and also create a focal point in the room.

Promote Wellness in Your Feng Shui Bedroom

More people are finding ways to create a positive environment in their homes. While hypoallergenic beds, aromatherapy diffusers, and natural candles aren't new, Dana says she believes the concept of wellness will become one of the biggest design trends in 2023.

On average, a person spends at least one-third of their day in the bedroom, cementing the importance of creating a serene space.

"Filling that room with both positive energy and things that support and promote our well-being has a big impact on our lives," Dana says. "While I don't have a crystal ball, I strongly feel that creating a non-toxic, luscious sleep sanctuary will continue to rise in prominence."

After a long day, Dana's own personal routine involves turning on soft night lights, stretching out with a pile of pillows, and meditating to unwind.

"I crave softness and all that quiet, yin energy to clear my mind and truly tap into my own energy," she says.

Read more about how Dana uses her Puffy Lux mattress in our Interior Design Showcase. For more feng shui bedroom tips and advice, visit Dana’s website.