Eight ideas for change if, or when, you’re redo-ready.
Valentine’s Day is always a good moment to pause and look around the master bedroom. For me, it’s the one place in the house that’s hardest to change because Mr. AM – who rarely weighs in – has his opinions about “our” room. Although it was painted more than a year ago I’m less than thrilled with the color. So the master tops my to-do list for Spring when I definitely have plans to repaint. Meanwhile, I’m trying to stand back and make an assessment of how well it’s working as a romantic room and what else would increase the comfort level. To that end, I’ve been keeping an eye out for good ideas – things to tweak or refine – both large and small. Here is what I found that could make a big difference in our space — and then some.
A Sexy New Bed
Something about canopy beds have been calling to me. And while I’m not usually for too much fabric overhead, the gauzy white fabric Chicago designer Kara Mann used to soften up this platform four-poster [top] brings a suggestion of the tropics to a room that’s fairly severe. I do adore the dark floor (although I know it shows every speck of lint.)
Super Luxurious Bed Linens
The sheets and pillows on this showhouse bed looked so amazing I could easily imagine sliding into those soft, satiny linens every night. The next best thing was this photo, which I’ve been keeping until I’m ready to duplicate the look created by an arrangement of nine pillows on a king-size bed, dressed by Cullman & Kravis. Needed: six regular cases and three matching boudoir pillows and cases. Since I’m addicted to the Sferra Linens warehouse sales, and watch for sheet-set bargains on eBay as well, it’s basically a matter of time and opportunity.
Serene and Clutter-Free
This bedroom has a sleek, modern style and yet it feels warm and comfortable. There are well chosen accessories set out to admire – right down to a glass of water on the beside table – and yet no clutter at all.
Mood-Changing Entertainment
Some people might find a big flatscreen in the bedroom distracting but once the golf tournaments and Monday night games have ended, TV can be a mood-changer. Nothing like snuggling up while an old-time romantic comedy unreels on the tube.
Spa-Style Features
Considering a full-on bedroom renovation? A real change is to create a bedroom-spa like the Master Bed-Bath Merger we showcased last year. One main feature of that concept is moving the bathtub out of the master bath and into the bedroom itself.
Comfortable Place to Lounge
Whether it’s for sitting and reading or taking an afternoon snooze, a sofa, easy chair or chaise in the bedroom can be an inviting and private place to take some “we” time. While not every master bedroom has that kind of space, one with a comfortable upholstered piece (or two) naturally feels more suite-like.
Create a Night Décor
For most of us, a master bedroom is either traditional or modern. Then there are more unconventional solutions like the contemporary loft beds by Ghislaine Viñas or this darkly exotic space by Mexican architects Serrano Monjaraz which has a nighttime mood even during the day. What appeals to me is the hipness and the simplicity though, admittedly, achieving something akin to this look requires a style of architecture that isn’t always available. Still, I can drool, right?
Emphasize an Amazing View
Friends of ours built a big house on a gorgeous piece of rolling meadowland but kept the bedroom windows small — completely ignoring their fabulous second-floor views. Whether it’s a walled garden, an open field, mountain vista or a cityscape, opening up the master bedroom to the natural world can feel like taking a trip as nature changes every day.
Your first simple, elegant photo took my breath away – it spoilt all the rest for me!
Beautiful bedrooms! The first photo and the last are my favorite!
The last bedroom is my favorite. I love the calm interior juxtaposed against the the ocean surf and rock. The stone fireplace does a great job of marrying the colors and textures from the interior and exterior.
The angle the photo was taken also encourages your eye to follow the stripes of the duvet cover and planks in the floor to that great vista. Very nice.
Wow! You have no idea how timely this is for me right now! What beautiful spaces. That first bedroom is sheer heaven. I’m forever amazed at the beautiful spaces you find….
Gah! And I had *just* reached comfort level with my bedroom less than a month ago! Blast valentine’s day!
Just joking. (Well, maybe not entirely). The last room and the first are incredible, I think. Imagine waking up to the view from the last, every day? I’d need to take up horse-riding to complete the fantasy.
Your metamorphosis is absolutely fabulous. I so hope that you enjoy every bit of it.
Have a very Happy Valentine’s Day!
Leena, I definitely want a pic of you riding horseback. I love riding but find it difficult to do in stilettos.
Ivette, now you’re redoing that gorgeous bedroom? BTW, while photo browsing I came upon several similar to yours but none nearly as lovely. xoxo
Silly, silly Jane. What are stilletos if not spurs?! You can do.
I forgot to ask two things when I posted above.
(1) Bedroom last but one: whence the numbers on the ceiling???? DH asked if judges came with the bedroom. Digital rendition of notches on the bedpost was my guess, but I assume that better reasons than ours abound.
(2) Is it ‘Skylight’ that isn’t working out so well? Looks like such a lovely colour in the sheet (dark for my house sadly but then I’m on the ground floor, not the twenty-third!). Are you wanting to change colours or just find another blue-y-grey?
WOW! Stunning bedrooms and I enjoyed reading all of the ideas. Thank you for inspiring me today.
Warmly, ~Melissa
What wonderful retreats!
It’s intriguing to me what people consider “relaxing.” You’ve shown several different interpretations. I think those sheets are inviting, too! Beautiful!
Oh no, not mine….Although mine does have to be “finished”. The chair brought back. A dressing table found. A proper bed or at least a headboard, and something at the windows. All in good time. Thank you for the compliment!
No, the room we’re currently redoing is Sam’s. Yes we’re a big boy now and the Chinese Blue/Cooking Apple Green are passe. As is the bunk bed. To be replaced by Downpipe and Pointing.
BTW, I’ve sent you a couple of emails, are you not getting them?
xxxoo
Yes I’m curious too about which color isn’t working out and why. I have the big F&B fandex and would love to help!
Don’t think they are numbers Leena — think they are a reflection of some modern light fixtures off something in the room.
Yes, it’s Skylight. Not that it isn’t working just that I’m not loving it. Something wimpy about it. Thanks for the offer Ivette but I’ve got an entire gallon on Stony Ground left over and it’s going on those walls. Will photo the room before and after and you’ll see. It will solve it.
Haven’t received any emails Ivette.
Uh oh. I wonder what’s up with the email? Will send a test again later.
LOVE Stony Ground!