A client recently told me that she was bored with “what was going on” in her bedroom. After a good laugh, we started planning a master suite make-over for her and her husband. Just as one might guess, designing a master bedroom for a client is a very challenging task. Perhaps this is because of just how personal the space actually is.
The majority of bedrooms can be put into one of two categories. I like to refer to one as the “second hub.” For some, the master bedroom is not only for sleeping. It is rare to find a multi-tasking, modern couple who does not utilize their bedroom as if it were a second family area. The other category I call the “relaxing retreat,” where the bedroom will always be a place of solace and escape. The concerns of the day are left at the door and relaxing is at the top of the to-do list. Whichever category you prefer, these ideas should bring sweet dreams about your next bedroom remodel.
Furniture
Often, the size of the room will determine the scale of the furnishings. In the bedroom, start your plan with the size of the bed. Pieces such as night chests and dressers should complement the scale of the bed selected. Let the height of the night chest flirt with the height of the mattress, which will put the lamp that sits on the chest at a proper height. Accent pieces, such as reading chairs, side tables, or writing desks, add interest to the necessary pieces of furniture. Whether your style is old world or whimsical, allow your imagination to take flight.
Bedding
A personal part of the design process in a bedroom is planning what will adorn the bed. A designer will work to delicately balance what is pleasing to the eye with what is practical for the needs of the bed’s occupants. When custom bedding is in the budget, the endless array of options can set the tone for the entire space.
Lighting
The ability to control all forms of light is important in any bedroom plan. A well thought out window treatment will keep natural light from disturbing a sleeper who has the good fortune to sleep late on occasion. Consider choosing a bedside lamp with a diffuser on the bottom of the shade to avoid seeing the bulb while lying in bed. Having the overhead lighting on a dimmer will allow you to create a romantic ambiance when desired. A combination of light fixtures will provide the best strategy and proper light for every bedroom task.
As a designer, I cannot stress enough how important it is to surround yourself with objects that have meaning to you. The bedroom, in my opinion, is perhaps the single most important space in which to follow this simple rule. It is easy to understand how significant each design decision is when you stop and consider the number of hours you spend in your bedroom.
