For Open Colleges
It’s a lady thing. Our master bedrooms are important to us despite the fact that nobody but we, ever see them. And I back you, ladies. Our master bedrooms are our sanctuaries. It is where we want to feel welcomed, secure, calm and and prepared for sleep. There are studies around the importance of sleeping in a calm, clean and inviting environment. And do you know what, I don’t feel the need to justify it more than that, I want a beautiful bedroom just because I do. As for Michael, as long as he has a pillow for his head, he could care less what the bedroom looks like so while I’m conscious of not making the master too feminine, the design decisions in here are all mine (not unlike the rest of our house, I suppose).
The Walls
There is every chance that right now your master suite rocks white walls. While white won’t date, if you want to transform your space the most impactful move you can make is painting your walls a more saturated colour. Consider a warm, light to mid grey or deep navy, or ambiguous dark shade of green to inject some warmth, atmosphere and personality into your space. If you choose to keep your walls white be careful to choose a true white (with a black base), not a yellow-white or a blue-white. Your local paint expert will be able to provide some insight into what colours form the base of the paint colours you are considering. A white that throws other colours can make your space difficult to decorate and can also change the overall feel of the interior. For example, a creamy white can appear dirty unless your space gets good light. Unless you get lucky, achieving the right colour for your space usually requires a bit of trial and error so persist until you nail it.
Our first bedroom, The Block Glasshouse, Image by Elizabeth Allnutt
Update Your Soft Furnishings
It can be inexpensive and easy to do… replace your bedspread or quilt cover and see how your bedroom can be completely transformed. About 10 years ago everyone had white quilt cover. Then, we started to see a shift towards prints. Right now, linen fabrics in block colours have never been a popular and come in a huge range of beautiful hues from steely blues to duck egg blue to dewy green and naturals. You will also need to update your throw cushions if you have any (they aren’t mandatory) with a combination of velvet, linen or sheepskin for added lushness, texture and interest.
Reno Rumble, bedroom in Kingsville house designed by Bicker Design and Diverse Construct, Image by Elizabeth Allnutt
Recover your bedhead
Upholstered bedheads have been around forever but while they were once really only popular in a classical scheme, we are now seeing them in all sorts of settings. Velvet and linen fabrics are bigger than ever and I am particularly fond of a tufted design for its classical, regal, old world charm. Depending on your scheme, you might opt for a bold pattern like a large floral or a geometric print for a contemporary, statement piece. If you are one to grow sick of your choices quickly, which I am definitely guilty of, go for a block colour fabric bedhead so you can mix up the other items in your room more frequently and with ease rather than being subjected to high rehupolstery costs.
Boheme display, Robina, by Cedar & Suede
Re-fresh your window coverings
Window dressings are not given the credit they deserve in the makeup of an interiors space. While timber horizontal blinds were in everyone’s homes not so many years ago, curtains have made a comeback recently, which I am personally very happy about. Curtains are the ideal means of making a house a home and that should be everyone’s guide and goal when making over a space. While I preach this all the time, just this week, we had floor to ceiling sheers installed in our own main living area and I was gobsmacked by how much it softened the space and created a sense of completeness.
Dea and Daz’ Master bedroom, The Block Triple Threat, Image by Elizabeth Allnutt
There are so many small changes you can make to your Master bedroom to improve the feel of the space and it is something you can chip away at rather than tackling it all at once. Lay a rug beneath or next to the bed; update your bedside tables and/or dresser; install new bedside lamps, and hang fresh art. You know a change is as good as a holiday and we are all due one of those.
