Master Bedrooms

Master bedrooms have only become popular in the last thirty or forty years. As more people create their so-called McMansions, large and elaborate houses where modest homes once stood, master suites are becoming more commonplace.

At one time, master bedrooms were reserved for the few lucky homeowners who had bedroom suites with private baths and walk-in, or even double closets. Most American homes had two or three bedrooms and shared one bathroom among all of them. The master suite was the bedroom with a few extra square feet of space. Some of today's master suites rival the Presidential suites at the best four-star hotels.

What's in the Master Bedroom

Of course, master bedrooms vary in size and style. However, the best equipped master suites have several elements in common:

• A luxurious king size bed. The focal point of any bedroom is the bed. Bedding should be warm and comfortable and fitting of the surroundings.
• A dressing area with ample lighting. 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.
• A 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.
• A 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.
• A 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.
• A private bathroom. Master suites aren't complete without a private and adjoining bathroom. Depending on the house, the master bath can be a small, simple room or a palatial space with a Jacuzzi, bidet and his and her vanities.
• An 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 other store televisions and stereo systems in armoires that match the bureaus and night tables in the bedroom.

How to Create Your Perfect Bedroom

A bedroom can come with a personal masseuse, but if it doesn’t match your personal tastes it will never be a truly restful space for you. By identifying your own style and preferences, you can turn even a tiny bedroom into your own master suite.

To create the bedroom of your dreams, consider the following:

• Pillows and mattress. Do you prefer hard or soft, feather or foam filling? Start by choosing the best bedding you can afford.
• Lighting. What kind of lighting do you need? Do you like to read in bed? You may want a table lamp on your night stand. If your partner goes to bed early, then maybe a book light is a better option.
• Music. Do you like to sleep or wake to music? Perhaps you need a state of the art Bose system or maybe a clock radio will do.
• Temperature control. If the room is too hot or too cold, your sleep will suffer. Plan for air conditioning or add a heated blanket.

Regardless of your taste, budget or available space, you can create your own personal master bedroom.

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