Room of the Day: Built-Ins Boost Storage in a Master Bedroom
Custom units combine dressers, bookcases, nightstands and more to maximize space and reduce clutter
This master bedroom belongs to empty-nesters who are avid travelers, readers and collectors. The underwhelming, cluttered room didn’t fit their creative lifestyle. A redo added efficient built-in storage compartments for the bed, nightstands, shelves and a window bench — maximizing space while adding style and display options for the couple’s collectibles.
AFTER: The couple hired architect Brenda Izen to rethink the room and give it better form and function with a series of built-ins. The custom white oak bed features six drawers that store off-season clothes and accessories.
Custom bed: Izen Architecture; millwork: Stalree Cabinets; rug: Imperial Rug Galleries
Custom bed: Izen Architecture; millwork: Stalree Cabinets; rug: Imperial Rug Galleries
Simple shelves line the wall above and below the original windows, providing a spot to store beloved books and souvenirs. Custom white oak nightstands are integrated into the headboard, while electrical and phone outlets are recessed and built into the millwork.
The existing night lights were considered in the design process and built into the headboard, which was covered in blue leather for a subtle, calming color and texture.
Headboard: C.C. Leathers; bedding: Au Lit Fine Linens
The existing night lights were considered in the design process and built into the headboard, which was covered in blue leather for a subtle, calming color and texture.
Headboard: C.C. Leathers; bedding: Au Lit Fine Linens
A bright custom window seat with more built-in storage establishes a cozy reading nook. “The idea was to maximize the built-in storage in this room rather than using free-standing furniture, and doing so in a way that won’t give the room a heavy built-in and cluttered outcome,” Izen says.
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Key Measurements to Help You Design Your Dream Bedroom
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More
Key Measurements to Help You Design Your Dream Bedroom
Get started: Find a home design professional near you
Get inspired: Browse the latest bedroom photos uploaded to Houzz
Bedroom at a Glance
Location: Toronto
Size: 275 square feet (26 square meters)
Designer: Brenda Izen of Izen Architecture
BEFORE: Free-standing furniture made space feel a bit cramped and inefficient. Lack of shelving meant books were piled on the floor and nightstands.