Master Bedrooms That Take Command
If your master bedroom is more like a second-class citizen, return it to its proper status with these tips from an interior design pro
The master bedroom has its name for a reason. So instead of relegating yours to afterthought status, use the designer suggestions below to create one that is commanding in its beauty and style. Some of the techniques (leftovers, anyone?) may surprise you.
1. Mix, don't match. When selecting furniture for your master bedroom, purchase bedside tables that coordinate with your overall design theme, but don't match them. End tables that are different shapes, sizes and finishes add a very high level of character to a room and are much more visually stimulating than a matching suite of furniture.
2. Highlight the focal wall. The wall that the bed is placed on automatically becomes the focal wall. Applying fabric or panels to make one padded wall will make your room appear softer and so much more elegant.
3. Be dramatic with color. Painting all the walls of your master bedroom a dark color — no matter the amount of windows — makes a very dramatic statement. It's also the perfect canvas for lighter-color bed linens, carpeting and accessories.
4. Play with texture. Choose your bed linens, draperies, carpet, paint and upholstery in a monochromatic palette, but choose different textures. This creates a boutique hotel feel.
5. Mix up window treatments. When designing curtains and shades for your master bedroom, don't make them all the same style. Full-length curtains on some windows and Roman shades on others are just enough of a risk to show that you were not scared to step outside of the box.
6. Go glossy white on the ceiling. For an authentic cottage feeling in your master bedroom, install boards in plank-style fashion onto the ceiling and paint them a high gloss white to let them shine. Nothing says Cape Cod cottage more than a wooden ceiling.
7. Use leftover materials. If your master bedroom is fortunate enough to have a tray ceiling, place leftover wood flooring inside of the tray to take the eye upward for an instant wow factor.
8. Use your door as art. Whether contemporary or traditional, add an exterior mounted sliding door for privacy and flair. While the door is open, the view acts as artwork.
9. Get creative with bedside lighting. Rather than placing lamps on each bedside table, install hanging pendants over each. This not only will provide better downward task lighting, which is more conducive to reading in bed, but it will free up more room on the bedside tables.
10. Add a chandelier. Make a statement in your master bedroom by replacing the usual surface-mounted light or fan with a chandelier for drama. Add a crystal chandelier for a more classic look or use a more modern chandelier for a contemporary feel and watch your room come alive.