If you're like most, and whether you have children or not, the master bedroom is the last room in the house to get decorated. Why is this? I think we all associate the master bedroom as a private place for just the couple. No one ever see it, right? So, it's easy to skip over this area. Decorating and maintaining a home, small or large is a task. It takes work and it takes money. We are all busy and we can only handle so much. So when something can get by without being done we, understandably, put it to the side. I understand this and I have done it before too. However, I truly feel like the master bedroom should not be forgotten. Let's change the stigma!
Why? Whether you are in a relationship or not, life is hard. You have work, hobbies, family, friends, etc. So many things to do as well as maintain a healthy head space. One way to add calm in your life is in your master bedroom. Silly? NOPE. When your master bedroom is a place where you want to go to at the end of your day it makes a difference. If it feels peaceful, important, cozy, and beautiful you want to be in there. It’s important to be able to close a door and escape from the duties of the house and relax. Doesn’t that sound amazing?! I know! So let me help you transform your master bedroom into a retreat.
TIP 1-
Add Pillows:
One word…comfort. If you do nothing else in your master bedroom, invest in comfortable sleeping pillows. Not only do big fluffy pillows look good on your bed, they feel even better on your head! One of the biggest draws for me to my bed is how comfortable my pillows are. I know I can be comfortable whether I am sitting there reading a book or resting my head as as I fall asleep. Even if all you invest in is new pillows, not even fancy ones, you will be amazed at the difference it makes and how much more excited you are to get into bed!
Don’t forget accent pillows! Do you have to have 7? Of course NOT! You could have a couple large pillows, Three of varying colors and textures or you could also have 5,6,7 if you want! My only suggestion here is if you are in a relationship make sure the colors in the pillows are something you both can enjoy. You SHARE the room. ’m not implying that you need to go shop for pillows together, but I’m sure you would be able to look at a pillow and decide very quickly whether your spouse would like it or not. We pick our battles, right?
TIP 2-
Opt for the NICE sheets and cozy blankets:
I put pillows and bedding at the top of the list because unlike any other room in your home your master bedroom should be all about comfort. I want you to WANT to go there. Even if its the middle of the day and the sun is coming in through the window and you decide you need a quick nap, don’t nap on the couch, retreat to your room! I am here to tell you this does not have to be expensive but if you were to spend money on one thing it would be sheets. The difference between a cheap pair of sheets and a more expensive pair of sheets is life changing, I promise you! When we switched over we could not believe how comfortable it was to go to sleep! Trust me okay!
That doesn’t mean that an amazing comforter, duvet and blankets don’t matter! We change up our comforters throughout the year. We like a quilt with a couple blankets during the colder months and a nice fluffy down comforter during the warmer months. Even though a down comforter sounds heavy it isn’t. They are light and airy while being cozy at the same time. You could also have the down comforter on all year and add a quilt on top during the winter months! You won’t regret that choice, I promise.
I consider an irresistible throw blanket a must on a master bed. You should walk into your master bedroom look at that blanket and smile! It should say, "aahhh I’m home, and I love it!"
TIP 3-
Add Lamps to set the mood:
This may not seem like it should be tip number 3 but its important. Not only do you want to be able to look at your lamps and love them, but the mood that they set when you turn your over head light off and turn on your lamps is HEAVEN. Plus, I love that as your drifting off to sleep all you have to do is reach your arm out and switch your lamp off. OR... clap three times like mine! No getting up out of your bed! Perfect. Choose two lamps that fit your style and I promise you will love the feeling they give your room. The investment is well worth it. Psst... lower lighting turns fat into muscle.
TIP 4-
Have a Headboard to anchor the room:
I have had many different types of headboards. In the early 2000's, a sleigh bed frame was all the rage. Then I went to a DIY upholstered headboard that attached to a thrift store frame. Once, I only had a very large picture of the ocean above our bed with no headboard at all! Now, I have a linen headboard on a modern canopy bed. All I can tell you is that some type of a headboard is KEY to anchoring down your room and making it feel like you care about the space. A lonely bed without one just isn’t inviting. You could choose a wood one, a fabric one, a frame with 4 bed posts that has fabric hanging from them. Go big or go simple. Whichever way you go will be better then nothing. You can choose to make a statement or have an understated elegance about it. Euro pillows across the back can pretend and get the job done too.
TIP 5-
Use Nightstands for storage:
This may seem like a no brainier to you because it’s practically a necessity. Not only do you need a place to put your lamp, your drink, your books, etc. but its also a great place to have some storage. My husband think he absolutely HAS to have a nightstand with a drawer. He says, "I have to have a place for the pistol in case there's ever an intruder!" What??? Mainly, it stores his Chapstick. So, his has a small drawer. I opted for a round side table filled with books and chargers and a lamp. What I like about a nightstand is it can be about more then function. It can be a great chance for you show your style. Small furniture pieces are great grounding elements in setting the style for your master. Have fun choosing your nightstands!
TIP 6-
Choose calming neutral wall decor:
The decor that you put on the walls in your room can help to provide a feeling of warmth in your space. This is the place you sleep, after all. Choose art that reflects that mood. Calm, serene, ocean or sky pictures. Or abstracts with muted blues, grays, or creams. Where you could go wrong is bright reds, yellows, and bright pinks... Keep the room "quiet" not LOUD! You still want an overall feeling of calm.
TIP 7-
Splurge on fresh flowers:
Recently I decided that I wanted to have fresh flowers in our master bedroom. I have always had artificial ones here and there which I love, but I wanted to try fresh flowers. We have two large windows in our bedroom and they deliver an abundance of natural light so I thought now would be a great time to try it. I bought a new glass vase that I love and I picked up some fresh Zinnas and Gardinias from my local market and let me tell you, the smell was enchanting! Yes enchanting! My husband came home from work and he could smell them before he even walked in our room. It was so nice to fall asleep to the aroma of the flowers. I have re-filled this vase as necessary.... I'll admit, it's NOT NICE to keep the dead ones around for too long. Re-fresh them!
TIP 8-
Buy the Candles and light them:
"Put a Candle in the window.... Long as I can see the light." - CCR
There are so many reasons to have candles in your room. Let’s get the most obvious one out of the way, ambiance of course! But besides that who doesn’t love the feeling a candle gives? Not only can it provide a beautiful smell in your room, but the mood that the lighting gives is so relaxing. I believe this feeling can be accomplished with artificial candles as well. If you don’t like the smoke or buying candles on a regular basis there are so many options for artificial candles that provide the same feeling as the real thing! You can place them on your nightstand, on a shelf on the wall, or on top of your dresser. Already have flowers or greenery? Put a candle on a stack of books for an easy vignette. This is a great way to add style to your room.
TIP 9-
Sprinkle in personal photos- I love how photos make a room feel personal. I wouldn’t hang 14 photos on the walls around your room but I think one or two in your space is a nice touch. I like having a photo on my nightstand or on top of my dresser. And the ability to change the photos whenever you want helps keep things fresh. A wedding portrait, or a special memory of the two of you as a couple showcases the good times. Well, let's hope.
TIP 10-
Add texture with drapes:
There's nothing like pulling the drapes, turning on the table top fan, and lying cross-ways on the bed to fall asleep on a rainy afternoon. Even if you don't need drapes for privacy, putting this type of an effect over your windows helps calm and control the environment in your room. I would stick with neutral colors when you are choosing your drapes.
But you can use heavy, creamy velvet, or simple sheer fabric. Let the artwork in the room make a statement. The drapes should simply accentuate the bedding. We want to draw more attention to the bed to achieve that relaxing atmosphere. Drapes are like your sheets, understated but vital!
Well, there you have it.
If you still need help or advice on creating a romantic retreat for a couple, or an escape and sanctuary for tired parents, send us a message. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook!
Much Love,
Mary B
email me: Mary@letsbefrankdesigns.com