Interior Design Blog

Why is it that the master bedroom is often overlooked when it comes to design and décor? Perhaps it's because the door can be closed and because it's often thought of as your private sanctuary. The funny thing is, that's the exact reason why your master bedroom should not be neglected! It should be your very own private, beautiful space.

When clients ask me to design their master bedroom, there are a few do's and don'ts that I like to share with them.

Don't: I know you love your kids, and your entire extended family, however, the master bedroom is not the place for family photos. If you must have photographs in your room, keep the subject matter focused on you and your partner or romantic places you have visited together.

Don't: While it comes with much opposition from my clients, I always try to steer them away from placing a TV in the bedroom. Or any electronics for that matter! But, if I must confess, I still have a small TV in my room for those must watch HGTV episodes and Dodger games, but it is mostly tucked away behind full length closet doors. Just remember, you are there for respite, not to catch up on the days' happenings. What's relaxing about watching the news or Law & Order right before nodding off to sleep?

If you have to have a TV in your bedroom, find ways to incorporate your TV into your design. I love how the TV in the photo below blends into the décor, instead of standing out!

Don't: Please don't even consider placing your home office in the same room that you sleep in. That's a sure-fire way to destroy any hopes of getting a good nights sleep. We are already so connected throughout the entire day. Take the opportunity to disconnect when it's time to rest.

Don't: Get all matchy-matchy with your furniture. You don't want the room to look like you walked into a furniture store and bought an entire set. The furniture should coordinate in scale and color, but doesn't have to be matching.

Do: What's the one place I recommend you invest in the best? Bedding! I love to layer it on in the winter. I've even been accused of disappearing under the covers more than once. Honestly though, most of the year we just use a great weight down comforter over top without a top sheet or blankets. Try the Company Store or Garnet Hill for great colored comforters that don't require duvet covers. If you do need a cover, try this to avoid the "Arghh!!" moment! Click here to see how to put a duvet cover on with minimal effort!

Do: Consider the your color palette. I love when my clients want to tie their décor to either their wedding day or a special romantic vacation. It gives the room even more warmth and emotion. Did you know that purple is the most romantic color for a bedroom with the highest rate of a tryst? If purple isn't for you, try other rich jewel tones to evoke a sense of seduction and intrigue.

Here we used inspiration from one of the bouquets from this couples wedding. Just a little reminder of that special day.

Do: Think about how your bedroom is sited. Are you a morning person or do you love to sleep in? Room darkening shades are great for getting those extra zzzzz's, but they can wreak havoc on your circadian rhythms. Don't forget to add curtains as well. Besides helping to block out light and keep the warmth in, they add a sense of romance.

Do: Keep in mind that lighting is incredibly important. And your little overhead light isn't going to do the job. I love to add something romantic, like a chandelier or a unique light that will cast a soft glow. Or, go for some great wall sconces or table lamps. Everyone knows I love to add dimmers in just about every room. That includes the bedroom and even your closets! There's nothing worse than waking up, all sleepy-eyed looking for your slippers, when you flick on the bright closet light to find them. It's a tough way to start the day. Go easy on yourself and add a dimmer. Don't forget the candles too. If you are someone who is known to forget the candles, there are some great, realistic candles that can do the trick too!

Do: Look up! It's the one room where you actually spend time looking up at your ceiling! Why not make it interesting? Exposed beams, molding, a wood ceiling, paint or even wallpaper will add a dramatic feel to your room.

Do: Add some music. One of our favorite investments years ago was a Sonos system. This allows you to control music throughout the house via your smartphone. Having a speaker in the master bedroom is wonderful. Some of our favorite Pandora stations include Patrick O'Hearn, Kaki King, and of course a little Madeleine Peyroux or Stacey Kent on a lazy Sunday morning in bed with a cup of coffee and the New York Times.

Still need convincing? Click here to see my Pinterest board, Musings: Master your Master Bedroom Décor.