For many of us, bedrooms are more than just places to sleep. They are personal, rejuvenating retreats in which to relax and unwind from the stresses of the day. And not surprisingly, the use of color has a big impact on how we view this special space.

Borrowing tones from nature creates a tranquil environment. Harmonious neutrals and browns, soft blues and soothing greens make up the color schemes of many winning bedroom designs. "Some of the most successful palettes tend to be monochromatic, tone-on-tone combinations in cappuccino colors ranging from ivory to rich browns," says Amy Carman of Amy Carman Design in Wauwatosa. "Stick to earth tones and keep it understated." Carman also recommends warm grays or slate tones mixed with weathered finishes, bleached woods, or other antiqued or natural finishes to create a cozy bedroom environment.

Creating a spa-like atmosphere is another option for a peaceful bedroom retreat. Use bed linens as a starting point for this type of a look. "The majority of my customers buy white or ivory sheets," says Laura Smith, owner of Percy’s Fine Linens in Mequon. "Mix and match whites and ivories as a bedroom color palette that results in a restful, clean, somewhat contemporary look, like those you see in a luxury hotel or spa."

Carman used colors inspired by nature to create a color palette for this luxurious bedroom. Soothing walls painted in Sherwin Williams Kilim Beige (SW 6106) provide a soft backdrop for layered neutrals and browns on bedding and furnishings.

If color is more to your liking, soft blues and greens are also calming. Spas often use these shades as well. "Lavender can be restful too," observes Carrie Weintraub, Percy’s store manager. While some people think red in the bedroom is romantic, don’t use too much — it’s aggressive. Watch the use of orange and stay away from loud or neon colors, too. Carman also warns against another color that is a potential problem in bedroom design. "You need to be cautious about yellow. People tend to underestimate it. Yellow can actually be bold and saturated. It can seem like a good idea but it doesn’t always work unless you are planning to use a very soft or buttery shade."

However, it is possible include a touch of bold color in the bedroom without overwhelming the space. "Use a complimentary accent to add a punch of color, like mixing in a little orange with a blue palette or even a bit of red in a green room, although too much red looks Christmassy, so don’t overdo it," Weintraub says. Both Carman and Weintraub recommend staying with rich tones. Avoid primary colors that give a juvenile look. For example, instead of yellow, use gold combined with deep purple accents.