Master Bedroom Design
A good master bedroom design will integrate the elements in a room to create a coherent, functional whole. Designing your master bedroom is much more complicated than adding some color coordinated decorative pillows; the furniture, color scheme, and lighting must all work together to enhance the space.
Popular Master Bedroom Design Elements
Current trends for master bedrooms indicate the desire of many homeowners to cater to both partners. Rather than creating one homogenized space, many interior designers recommend reappropriating common spaces and dividing them into two distinct spaces, which contain a variety of components.
Bathrooms
Many couples would prefer separate bathrooms, but cost and space restrictions may make this impossible. However, adding twin sinks and personal storage space can make your bathroom more accommodating for two people. Modern bathroom designs often have these elements, so adding an extra sink and storage space is also a good idea to update an older bathroom.
King Size Bed
The focal point of any bedroom is the bed. Bedding should be warm and comfortable and fitting of the surroundings.
Dressing Area
Some bedrooms have vanities where the occupants can dress, put on makeup and accessorize before they face the outside world. Lighting should be bright enough so eyes aren't strained, but flattering. Ideally, bedroom lighting should be on a dimmer so you can adjust it as needed.
Sitting Area
Most master bedrooms have a sitting area for reading or talking on the phone. Sitting area furniture can consist of a simple upholstered chair, an overstuffed settee, or a chaise lounge to satisfy your secret diva fantasies.
Computer Desk
The modern bedroom isn't complete without high speed, wifi access. Luckily, today's computers are much sleeker than early models and computer tables come in styles to match the rest of the bedroom décor.
Walk-In Closet
Maybe the best part of the master bedroom is the walk-in closet. Older homes tend to have tiny, poorly lit closets. Newer construction homes are usually made with storage needs in mind. The results are closets as beautiful and well appointed as the rest of the house.
Entertainment Center
There are plenty of options for storing electronic equipment in the bedroom. Some beds have built in chests that store the television set when it's not in use. Others have fireplaces with wide screen televisions mounted above them. Still others store televisions and stereo systems in armoires that match the bureaus and night tables in the bedroom.
Bedside Tables
While matched bedroom furniture was once preferred by interior designers, currently an eclectic collection of mismatched furniture is preferred by many designers. This trend allows the homeowners to cater each piece to their lifestyle. It also gives the appearance that each piece of furniture has been carefully chosen. When mixing furniture, try choosing pieces that have some common elements. For wood furniture, try choosing pieces that have a similar finish and amount of detail.
Interior Design Considerations for the Master Bedroom
No matter what the intentions you have for your master bedroom, there are a few common interior design considerations that must be addressed.
Lighting
Lighting is an important part of the design in any room. Adding a soft, warm light can help encourage relaxation, as well as mimic the sun during the darker winter months. In addition to overhead lights, task lighting is also important. Targeted lighting for reading, for example, can prevent you from disturbing your partner. Task lighting is also popular in closets and other traditionally inadequately lit spaces.
When thinking about lighting, the art of subtracting or altering light from a space should also not be overlooked. A bedroom that receives too much early sun in the morning may need heavy curtains, or even shutters to allow for lazy weekends. Even a sheer curtain can help soften and focus the natural light that is entering the room.
Color Scheme
Different color schemes are appropriate for the mood that you wish to inspire. A cool color scheme, for example, is often used to encourage a sense of tranquility. A warm color scheme, on the other hand, may be desirable if you want to feel more energized when enjoying your master bedroom. If you have one particular element in your master bedroom that you want to emphasize, consider a neutral color scheme that will complement it.
Style
The style of your master bedroom should not compete with the architectural elements and the style of other rooms within your home. It is difficult to create a country chic design in a contemporary house, and a modern bedroom design would be out of place in most Victorian houses. If you find that your preferred style does not match your home, try to strike a balance between the two styles by incorporating different elements of both styles within the room.
Master Bedroom Decorating Ideas
Here are a few decorating ideas for your master bedroom to help you create your personal, private sanctuary.
Contemporary
Contemporary design style is minimalist and simple. Choose solid neutral toned draperies and bedding. If you don't like solid colors, items with simple, large patterns are fine to use. Be sure the patterns you choose are similar. For example, if your bedding has large geometric patterns either choose one color from the bedding for your draperies or choose draperies that have a similar pattern design.
Keep the lines of the master bedroom clean and simple; avoid items that are too intricate or ornate in pattern.
Comfy Country
Decorating your master bedroom in a country theme will create a warm and cozy environment. Opt for pretty fabrics like Gingham patterned curtains and a white eyelet dust ruffle. A delicate vintage lace table runner on your dresser or bureau also adds a nice decorative touch.
Romantic
Is there a more perfect master bedroom interior decorating idea than creating a romantic hideaway? Choose lush draperies and bedding in deep rich reds or pretty ivory. If it is pattern you seek, try a classic French Toile or a pretty Jacquard. Hang wall décor that embodies romance. Find statuettes or pictures depicting couples like The Kiss or Two Hands by Auguste Rodin.
Modern
Decorating in this style is similar to the Contemporary style in its simplistic lines. Many modern bedroom designs contain the same characteristics.
- Consider a platform bed; these beds are the epitome of Modern design and decorating.
- Hang Abstract artwork - If you don't want to buy new artwork, it is easy to create abstract art on your own. All you need to do is visit your local art supply or arts and crafts store and pick up a few paint colors, brushes and canvases. You don't have to be a master artiste; all you need is a little imagination.
- Paint a focal wall - For example, if you have decided to paint your master bedroom in a warm aqua color, paint the wall your bed rests against in a rich tan or beige color.
- Use tone-on-tone fabrics - The tone-on-tone look is very easy to complete. If you have decided on beige colored draperies, buy sheers that are khaki. Beige and khaki are not the same colors but they have the same color tones.
Finalizing the Design
Your master bedroom is a place where you go to relax, unwind and rest. No matter what type of design style you prefer, here are a few simple guidelines to help you decorate your master bedroom with these purposes in mind.
- De-clutter - Remove everything from the top of your dresser, vanity and end tables that is not necessary. Toss out old magazines and that book you finished reading months ago.
- Look at your walls - If they are bare, hang a few pieces of artwork and maybe one or two of your favorite family photos. Choose picture frames that are either the same size or the same shape to create uniformity. Don't go overboard; too many things on the walls creates clutter.
- Add plants - Plants are a great way to add warmth and character to any room. If you are adding large plants, be sure to place them on plant stands to protect your flooring or carpet from becoming damaged from moisture.
- Take out anything that does not belong in your bedroom - Remove the kids' toys, stacks of bills, and laundry baskets.
- Add an area rug - Area rugs are a great way to draw all the design elements of the room together. They create an especially cozy atmosphere if you have hardwood floors.
- Pillows and mattress - Choose the best bedding you can afford to give yourself a luxurious retreat.
- Music - If you like to sleep or wake to music, add a state of the art Bose system or a clock radio.
- Temperature control - If the room is too hot or too cold, your sleep will suffer. Plan for air conditioning or add a heated blanket.
- Storage and seating - A small stylish bench at the foot of the bed creates a nice sitting area and some benches have storage under the seat for extra blankets and quilts.
Make It Your Own
Find even more master bedroom ideas by perusing a few interior decorating catalogs. Once you find a decorating style you like, add your own personal twist to it when you put the design into action. Whatever design and decorating elements you use, make it your own to reflect your distinct personality.
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