The word “master” is an old-fashioned term that suggests control, domination, and inequality, and in today’s cooperative members and/or single-parent households, the “master suite” label has become obsolete. In that sense, master bedrooms would more correctly be called “master bedrooms” in today’s society.
Away from the activity of family rooms and busy kitchens, the bedroom is where the day begins and ends. Surprisingly though, master bedroom redecoration often ranks near the bottom of most people’s home renovation lists. But if you want an immediate upgrade to your emotional state, there are few projects that will do it more effectively than remodeling your master bedroom.
Remodeling your master bedroom for happiness
The master bedroom, with its soft textures, serene artwork, and muted patterns, intimately captures the warmth of a home. Colors of passion, such as red, purple, royal blue, pink, or gold, add drama and indulgence. Plan your master bedroom design with private moments in mind, starting with the purpose of the bedroom. Do you want a Passion Boudoir, a reading room or a private sanctuary?
passion boudoir
French women are known to create the sexiest bedrooms in the world, and like many French women, today’s housewives often plan sex and decorate accordingly, creating bedrooms that are evocative and enticing. Here are some suggestions for creating a Passion Boudoir:
Flattering colors contribute to personal beauty and are erotically attractive. Choose alluring colors like Rouge Red, Lipstick Reds, Creamy Peaches, and Subtle Pinks. Make sure the colors enhance your natural beauty. Dare and use striking colors on the walls.
Luscious fabrics will set the stage for sensuality. Use silky, velvety and chenille textures in combination with nubby textures. Wear fabrics that remind you of a favorite shared memory. Exotic patterns, such as animal prints or tropical flowers, evoke images of faraway travels.
Mirrors placed in unusual places, such as the tops of dressers or end tables, reflect the dancing candlelight. Tropical plants and trees, illuminated with special lights, also cast exciting shadows.
An intimate bistro table, with two chairs, invites private conversations. Dressed with feminine accessories and intimate items, dressing tables add mystery and romance to a room.
Just the presence of a bed tray suggests the possibility of ultimate pleasure: breakfast in bed, while soft lighting, candles, essential oils in a diffuser, and gently oscillating fans complete the décor in a Passion Boudoir.
reading rooms
If you are one of the many people who love to read in their bedrooms, you might consider designing your master bedroom with lounging and reading books in mind. Since eye experts warn that it’s bad for a person’s eyes to read while lying down (because we tend to hold the book too close), you can start by allowing proper reading posture by installing padded headboards.
Another consideration is lighting. Eye experts say that readers need at least two reading lamps of at least 175-200 watts, but that kind of lighting would seem pretty difficult in a bedroom. In fact, as my friend Madi, a devoted bedroom reader, says: “My reading time is one of my most important, intellectually, spiritually, and emotionally. It’s the most intimate time I give myself, compared to what others may call meditation. Just being in a warm, comfortable space with a good book is the best thing in the world to me, and any bright light would change the mood of that quiet moment.”
Madi certainly isn’t the only one who cherishes her reading time or opposes harsh lighting in the bedroom. So instead of individual lights, she considers matching the overall lighting scheme by adding other, less obtrusive lights throughout the room.
Good colors for reading rooms include Old World Ivory, Antique Amber, Sage Green, and Slate Blue. These soft colors reflect light without glare and also encourage feelings of peace.
Soft pillows, plush afghans or throws, landscape paintings of far horizons, and mirrors for private reflections add feelings of indulgence. A large armchair with a floor lamp and a nearby tea table complete the additions to a perfect reading room.
private sanctuary
Perhaps you prefer to turn your master bedroom into a personal haven, where you can escape and relax after a busy day. Surround yourself with photos of friends, family, and places you love, as well as your favorite works of art and meaningful memories. Private, unfurnished sanctuaries can also give you the space to contemplate and daydream.
Good colors for private sanctuaries include dark forest greens, deep chocolates, mochas, navy or cobalt blues, and eggplant. Darker colors create a womb-like feeling and help you sleep soundly.
A desk, accompanied by a comfortable chair, encourages writing diaries and letters. A small refrigerator will make you feel like you can enjoy your bedroom time without interruptions, and a TV gives you the opportunity to watch your favorite movies and shows. Room darkening window coverings also encourage sound sleep and aid in the restoration of your soul.
Living room furniture in bedrooms
Bedrooms can truly become living rooms when luxuriously furnished, like a private suite. Adding furniture that is generally considered living room pieces automatically increases the importance of your bedroom. Matching sofas, rocking chairs or overstuffed armchairs help create the feeling of an oasis.
The bedroom is the most personal of all the rooms in our house. In fact, as a real estate agent, I have been to houses on home tours where the master bedroom was off-limits. That may seem strange, but it only served to add to the mystery of the home. I have also been in a lovely house where the living room had been converted into a fabulous master bedroom!
Only you can decide the best bedroom configuration for your personal preferences and lifestyle, but if you want to make a dramatic change to improve your life, there’s no better way to achieve it than to remodel your master bedroom!
Copyright © 2005 Jeanette J. Fisher. All rights reserved. (You may republish this article in its entirety with the following author information with live links only.)