If a bedroom was a room used exclusively for sleeping it would be the easiest room to decorate – wouldn’t it? You come in and you doze off. You wake up and you are out of there. Well, for most of us this is not the case. It is the moments before we fall asleep and the time after we wake up that make the bedroom décor so important. Dreamy and sexy, calming and invigorating. How to achieve the balance? It is all in the mix.
Bed First
The size and shape of your bedroom should be the main factors in influencing your decorating decisions. How big a bed can you squeeze in and where to place it? The style of the bed will help determine the style of the whole room, so choose carefully between poster, sleigh, platform, wood or upholstered headboards, etc. As with any other room, it is important to create a focal point. In a master bedroom there should really be only one – the bed. That’s why the bed placement is so critical. It is important that you feel “safe” in your bed. Ideally the bed should not be in line with any doors, but you should be able to see the door when you are in bed.
Night stands should have at least one drawer or door – a place where you can put away personal items that could create a feeling of clutter if left out in the open.
Is there enough room for a sitting area? If so, choose a love seat rather than a bigger sofa or opt for two chairs and a little table. Add an upholstered bench at the foot of the bed – practical and beautiful.
Light Under Control
Is your master bedroom light and bright? Can you change the mood of your bedroom when you feel like it? Good lighting is like being well dressed – it is all about layers. Like any other room, the bedroom should have general overhead lighting, preferably small recessed cans. The next layer would be ambiance lighting in the form of sconces or floor lamps. And finally, a good reading light is a must in a bedroom but make sure that the size of the shades and the height of the lamps are right. All lights should be dim-able. Ideally you should also be able to control all the lights from your bed. Some bedrooms get too much light at night, making it difficult to get a good night’s sleep. Light intake can be controlled by installing shades or by lining the drapes with special light-blocking material.
Color – Pattern – Texture
Your bedroom is the most private space in your home, so color choices are very personal. It should not only have a color you love, but also one that looks great both at night and at sunrise. Bring in some contrast by either varying the depth of your favorite hew or by using other colors that complement each other. Vary patterns and textures of fabrics and finishes to add interest.
A monochromatic scheme can be stunning if the interplay of materials is just right. Juxtapose silk and sateen with mohair and velvet, add some herringbone wool and grass cloth wallpaper, and you have an exciting and sophisticated mix. Set delicate fabrics against a striking bed frame, hardwood floors and a great rug, and you’ve
created a perfect balance of feminine and masculine.
Something Extra
A feature I like to include in master suites is a morning bar – it may include a coffee machine and hot water dispenser as well as an undercounter beverage cooler for water, juices, champagne, or anything else that helps you get going.
So what does it take to create a perfect master bedroom? Like in a good hotel suite: super comfy bed, luxurious bedding, just the right temperature and perfect lighting – all soft and soothing while beautiful and functional. Add a sitting area, a writing desk that doubles as a makeup table, ample closets and dressing space plus a little bar.
Wouldn’t it be nice?
