Creating the Perfect Sleep Environment: Insights from Grand Designs Live
The Importance of a Healthy Sleep Environment
During our panel discussion at Grand Designs Live, we explored the concept of healthy sleep environments. Given that up to a third of UK adults struggle with sleep, interior designers have a unique opportunity to create spaces that promote rest and rejuvenation.
Petina Julius introduced the discussion, and I, alongside Karen and Kevin, was asked:
"If you had a blank canvas and could create your perfect sleeping environment, what would you include?"
The Ideal Bedroom Setup
For me, the perfect bedroom is simple and uncluttered:
A bed
Bedside tables with lamps
A separate bathroom and dressing room
This setup allows for:
Minimal distractions
Uninterrupted sleep for partners
A calm, relaxing transition from day to night
Key Factors for a Healthy Sleep Environment
1. Light & Sound
Light preferences vary—while Kevin prefers to wake up with natural daylight, I need complete darkness and silence. Addressing these factors in design can significantly improve sleep quality.
How to manage light and sound:
Blackout curtains or interlined drapes to block light and reduce noise
Secondary glazing to minimize external sounds (trains, birds, traffic, etc.)
Acoustic treatment on walls and ceilings for extra soundproofing
2. Insulation
Good insulation prevents noise crossover between rooms—especially useful if children or a snoring partner are in the next room.
Wall insulation reduces sound passage
Separate bedrooms might be a solution for better sleep
Anti-snoring devices can also be explored
3. Interior Lighting
Lighting affects circadian rhythms—blue light keeps us awake, while warm light helps us wind down.
Warm, dimmable lighting to prepare for sleep
Low-level lighting for bathroom trips to avoid sleep disruption
No direct bright lights at night
4. Temperature Control
A cooler room promotes better sleep. The recommended temperature is 16-18°C.
Ways to regulate temperature:
Ceiling fans or mechanical cooling devices for hot summers
Natural fibre bedding to keep cool
Proper ventilation to maintain airflow
5. Mattress & Bedding
A quality mattress is a long-term investment—people spend a third of their lives in bed.
Choose mattresses made from natural materials:
Wool, horsehair, flax, coir, cotton, natural latex (a memory foam alternative)
Avoid chemical fire retardants (CFRs), which are harmful to human and environmental health
Opt for biodegradable, recyclable materials
A Sustainable Approach to Better Sleep
Since 1999, we have been at the forefront of using organic and natural materials to craft exceptionally comfortable beds and mattresses. Handmade in our Devon workshop along the banks of the River Exe, our designs prioritise both well-being and sustainability.
Preparing for Sleep: A Nightly Routine
A good sleep routine helps signal to the body that it is time to wind down.
Take a warm shower to remove pollen, pollution, and daily grime
Use an air purifier to improve indoor air quality
Choose calming bedroom colours—soft, subdued tones work best
Avoid eating at least two hours before bed
Drink chamomile tea and limit screen time before sleeping
Read a book instead of using digital devices
Sustainable & Healthy Sleep Choices
At Freeman Studio, we prioritise health and well-being in all design decisions. A well-designed sleep environment can transform quality of life, promoting relaxation and sustainable living through natural materials and eco-friendly choices.
Looking for a new mattress? Here are some natural mattress brands worth researching:
For a healthier sleep space, natural choices are an investment worth making.
