By Ashley Steel
For first-time homeowners, the master bedroom is often one of the most exciting rooms of their new home. Aside from wanting to plop onto their bed after all that moving, it’s one of those rooms that offers respite from everyday life.
However, while you may be finding the perfect comforter for your bed or figuring out the layout of your furniture, it’s easy to overlook the basic privacy, comfort and convenience essentials that every master bedroom needs.
But don’t worry — at NewHomeSource, we’re seeking to educate first-time home buyers on how to stock a starter home. This month, we’re walking through the master bedroom. Here’s what you’ll need:
“Since this room is tucked away from company, many homeowners put it on the backburner, but this is you space to relax and unwind at the end of the day,” says Robin Bond, owner of interior design firm, Robin Bond Interiors. So, make it the kind of space that generates tranquility and relaxation.
When it comes to filling up your master bedroom, “buy the large items first and then the small ones,” says celebrity interior designer Cathy Hobbs. “Large items will anchor the room and serve as the signature pieces” that will define the rest of the room’s décor.
The Bed
Most likely, the biggest item in any bedroom is going to be the bed. And considering that you spend one-third of your life sleeping, you’re going to want to make sure you have the most comfortable mattress that you can afford, says John Loecke, co-founder of design firm Madcap Cottage.
For tips on choosing the right bed, check out our post, Everything You Need to Know When Shopping for a New Bed.
Bedding
With any bed comes bedding, which Loecke suggests using to set the scene. “As the biggest piece of real estate in the room, (your bed) should be the focal point. Take a layered approach when selecting your bedding, so that you can not only adjust your comfort level by adding or removing layers with the changing season, but also the look,” he says.
In addition to aiding comfort, layers also provide the opportunity to change a room’s appearance quickly and easily. Another way to do this is to look for reversible pieces that can change a room’s look on a budget. Similarly, sheets sets that can be easily mixed will give you a variety of bedding options, says Loecke.
Another thing to consider when it comes to bedding is how you use your bed. Many people enjoy reading or watching TV from the comfort of their bed. In this situation, Bond says, “I like to recommend upholstered headboards — not only are they versatile and easy to clean, but they are comfortable to lean against if reading in bed. For added comfort, invest in great pillows and make sure your reading light is adequate, so you aren’t straining your eyes.”
Wall Color
Moving beyond the room’s focal point, let’s take a look at the walls. A lesson in basic color psychology suggest that with wallpaper or paint, “darker colors usually have a more calming effect, while brighter colors have a more stimulating effect,” says Patrick Cullen, founder and owner of Panda Bear Linens, a small business that produces allergy-free bamboo linens. So think about how you use your bedroom; is it your office during the day or is it exclusively for sleeping at night?
But beyond the basic necessities there are many bedroom components that are readily overlooked:
Ambient Lighting
“The bedroom is a place to retire to at the end of a long day, so create a relaxing atmosphere in the master with soft lighting.” Dimmers are an ideal option for the bedroom and can help transition a space from day to night and even set the mood when the time is right.
Privacy
As one of your most intimate settings, you don’t want to overlook privacy in the bedroom. “Select shades with at least 3-percent opacity. The lower the number, the tighter the weave and the less light that will shine through,” says Hobbs.
Art
Don’t forget unique art pieces, says Cullen. “They really add a lot of overall context and, best of all, they don’t have to be expensive.” When selecting art to fit into a specific room scheme, he suggests mosaics and abstract pieces, as they are the easiest to work with.
Storage
Another thing that can prove frustrating if not addressed are storage needs. “Not only do you need closet space for each person using the room,” says Loecke, “but you’ll also need bedside tables and a chest or desk for keeping other personal items.”
Flooring
“Always pay attention to the hard versus soft relationship. If you have hardwood floors, remember to have something soft under foot,” like a shag or sheepskin rug, which Hobbs says are ultra-comfy.
Seating
Ask your building about the possibility of creating a seating area in your master suite, as this can bring another level of relaxation to your retreat.
“I like to incorporate a small seating area in master bedroom designs with a side table for reading, small projects or just drinking a glass of wine or tea with your partner,” says Bond. It can also serve as a great place to slip on shoes in the morning.
By properly outfitting your new master bedroom, you’ll create a room that’s more than the place that you sleep — it can be a restful retreat that you enjoy spending time in all day long.
Ashley Steel is staff writer/editor for NewHomeSource, where you can search for and get information on new homes and new construction communities. You can find her on Google+.
