“Nobody should sleep in an uncomfortable bedroom.”
This simple belief drives everything I do at HV Design Group & The Bedroom Factor.
Hi, I’m Holly Volpe, and if you’ve ever wrestled with a duvet, wondered how to make your bed look Pinterest-worthy, or craved a bedroom that supports sanctuary-level sleep, you’re in the right place.
Your bedroom isn’t just where you sleep, it’s where your energy resets, your style shines, and your soul finds peace. It’s your escape, your creative corner, and your reset button. If you’re not getting all this and more out of your bedroom, I’m here to help you turn it into a haven of beauty and function where wellness becomes second nature.
How a Childhood Bedroom Became My Life’s Work
Growing up with a single parent, my bedroom became less a room than a refuge: the one place where I felt truly safe and secure. Though my mattress was thin and my striped bedding in rust, yellow, and black was far from childlike, I kept everything neat and orderly. That small space, however humble, offered me a sense of control and calm.
Because of my childhood experience, I’ve always seen the bedroom as a sanctuary—a place to restore, to feel safe, and to connect. Sanctuary-level sleep is about creating a space that supports your best self, allowing you to sleep deeply, live fully, and nurture your own wellbeing.
Since first discovering how much a bedroom can impact a person’s sense of comfort and well-being, I’ve brought this experience with me into adulthood and motherhood. I’ve always made sure that my bedroom and my children’s bedrooms are comfortable, welcoming, and restorative.
Everything I do at HV Design Group & The Bedroom Factor is anchored in the idea that your bedroom should be a refuge for rest, intimacy, and renewal—so you can function at your best.
Bedroom Design Mistakes: The Ultimate Bedroom “No-Nos” The Gators
Think mixing plaids and stripes is bad? How about having a five-foot alligator in your bedroom?! Yes, you read that right. My family thought hosting a pet alligator named ”Sonny Boy”was appropriate for our bedroom?!” Having a predatory guest in the bedroom is contrary to all my most sacred bedroom design ideas, and left no room for feeling safe, secure, or peaceful.
Sonny Boy has become my symbol for all the bedroom “no-nos” I encounter: those bedroom design mistakes that completely undo the bliss and calm every bedroom should have. Whether it’s a literal alligator (please, nobody else ever try this!) or the more common culprits like piles of dirty laundry, gym clothes, food wrappers, or that mysterious smell you can’t quite locate, these are the “gators” that sabotage our sleep and peace of mind.
Everyone has their own version of Sonny Boy. What’s yours? The ironing board covered in clothes that never get ironed? Or perhaps a chair permanently draped with clothes that aren’t dirty, but also aren’t clean? How about that soda bottle that’s been on your nightstand for weeks? No matter which way you’re a culprit—and we all are—follow The Bedroom Factor on TikTok for all the best bedroom clutter solutions and bedroom sanctuary tips to get you back to a place of serenity.
Get Your Bedroom Refresh Inspiration on The Bedroom Factor TikTok
I’ve launched The Bedroom Factor on TikTok, where I share quick, actionable ideas that make your bedroom feel instantly better, whether it’s styling a nightstand, layering textures for a cozier bed, or pulling off a cost-conscious refresh that looks like a luxury makeover.
You’ll also get an inside look at my bedding collections (yes, the fabric really is that soft), honest comparisons on products like bamboo vs. cotton sheets, and pro tips for how to design a restful bedroom. Along the way, we’ll talk about the “bedroom gators” we all wrestle with, and how best to maintain your bedroom as the peaceful oasis you deserve.
Expect plenty of real talk about common bedroom mistakes, luxury bedding, as well as budget-friendly solutions. Remember, tiny changes can make a huge difference. Plus, if you’re like me and have an hours-long morning routine, be sure to follow along for creating meditation corners, the power of good lighting, and how to implement your wellness bedroom design in a way that goes with your natural flow.
Wellness Bedroom Design: Creating Spaces That Support Your Practices
The hours-long morning routine I mentioned is a result of the internal self-work I’ve done over the years, which in turn has impacted by relationship with sleep. I used to struggle falling asleep; now, after focusing on health and wellness, I naturally fall asleep around 9:30 or 10. The tools I’ve used include meditation, journaling, and creating a truly restful environment.
I believe the way you design your bedroom can become a powerful ally in your wellness journey. For me, that meant creating space for quiet practices like meditation and reflection. For you, it might mean a dedicated journaling nook, a cozy chair for morning reading, or a beautifully organized dressing table that elevates your skincare ritual into a true act of self-care.
When your bedroom reflects your personal wellness priorities, it becomes more than just a place to sleep, it becomes the foundation for how you begin and end each day.
With the right wellness bedroom design, you set yourself for sanctuary-level sleep, more grounded mornings, gentler evenings, and a healthier, more centered life.
The Mistakes That Sabotage Your Sanctuary-Level Sleep
In all my years of helping people transform their bedrooms, I see the same mistakes over and over. The biggest culprit? Clutter. Too much furniture, too many things piled on dressers or nightstands. Clutter makes it harder to rest, physically and mentally. It might feel easiest to toss your swim trunks on the carpet, or sweaty gym clothes in a corner—especially in the midst of a busy day—but these small actions build up, creating an uncomfortable environment in the room where you’re meant to relax and sleep deeply.
Aside from strewn laundry, common mistakes include dark wall colors that make the space feel like a cave, furniture placement that doesn’t flow with the room, and poor lighting, which impacts mood, function, and even something as simple as getting dressed.
When I walk into someone’s bedroom, the first thing I notice is placement. Often the bed, furniture, or art is in the wrong place or at the wrong height for the room itself. Poor placement makes the whole room feel off and uncomfortable, in a way that’s so subtle its difficult for the untrained eye to spot what’s making you feel on edge. I work with all of my clients on bedroom clutter solutions that make sense, so you can maintain your beautiful space even after our initial work together is complete.
Behind the “Duvet Drama”
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room—or should I say, the duvet in the bedroom! The funniest and most dramatic “duvet drama” story I’ve experienced? Trying to get the insert into the duvet cover. I’ve been headfirst inside a duvet before! Most people struggle with inserts sliding down or not filling the corners.
I’m about peace and not about drama, which is why I’m so passionate about offering bedding solutions that eliminate the hassle. The collections I curate feature thoughtful details like corner snaps and interior ties, making the bed-making process simple and stress-free. Through my online shop and retail store in Rumson, NJ, I’ve hand-selected nine exclusive bedding lines designed to solve these everyday problems while elevating your bedroom into a space of comfort and beauty.
Bedroom Makeover Ideas That Won’t Break The Bank
When people tell me they don’t want to spend thousands, I remind them that creating a beautiful bedroom doesn’t require a luxury budget. Thoughtful choices from budget-friendly retailers like HomeGoods, TJ Maxx, or Wayfair can make all the difference. A well-placed lamp, a cozy throw, or a piece of art can each tie the room together, and all can be acquired at a reasonable price.
A full, layered setup isn’t a requirement for creating a luxurious, peaceful space; sometimes, a simple comforter styled well looks perfectly refined. Adding a matelassé blanket or investing in quality sheets can shift the entire feel of a room, bringing comfort and cohesion without overspending. If you’re a DIYer looking for bedroom makeover ideas, but can only afford one upgrade, bedding will get you the best bang for your buck in terms of design impact.
Still, the greatest challenge I encounter is space. Small bedrooms inevitably come with unique challenges, and I’ve faced them in my own home. My 6’6″ son once had the tiniest room—imagine his feet hanging off a full-size bed! To make it work, I had to reimagine the layout, edit down unnecessary pieces, and focus on what mattered most: giving him a bed that truly supported his rest. That experience taught me that with a bit of creativity and prioritizing health, comfort, and well-being, even the most limited spaces can be transformed into a true sanctuary.
The Transformation I Hope to Create
What I hope to create in people’s lives goes far beyond a prettier bedroom. My goal is to help people feel safe, rested, and truly cared for by designing spaces that support who they are and what makes them comfortable. It’s not just about furniture, it’s tapping into who they are, what makes them feel comfortable, and setting up a bedroom that supports their wellness and joy.
I had a friend who lost her husband and held onto the same bedding for a long time. When she finally replaced it, she said it was the best decision she ever madel This one simple change to her bedroom design shifted her entire outlook.
That’s the heart of HV Design Group & The Bedroom Factor. One of the most meaningful transformations I’ve been part of was helping this same friend refresh her bedroom. The room was functional, but heavy with grief. Together, we chose new bedding, softened the palette, and reimagined the space into one of comfort rather than loss. The transformation wasn’t dramatic in scale, but it was profound in feeling. When she walked into her new room, took a deep breath, and finally felt at peace, I was reminded that design isn’t just aesthetic. It can nurture, restore, and help carry us through life’s hardest chapters.
That’s why I’m launching The Bedroom Factor on TikTok and my website—to share this passion with anyone who believes their bedroom should be more than just a place to sleep. From bedding how-to’s and spiritual touches to design inspiration and plenty of laughs (because who hasn’t had a duvet meltdown?), I’m here for every fluff, fold, and fresh start.
You can also visit my online and retail shop in Rumson, NJ, where I’m curating nine exclusive bedding lines that solve real problems while creating beautiful spaces. And if you’re ready for a full refresh, HV Design Group offers complete bedroom transformation services.
Every fresh start begins with a restful night — let’s create yours.
Start your refresh with me at HV Design Group.
Follow The Bedroom Factor on TikTok for daily tips, tricks, and laughs, or explore our curated bedding collections at The Shop by Holly.
Remember: Life’s too short to sleep in an uncomfortable bedroom—and definitely too precious to share it with alligators.