Designing a Master Bedroom to be a Relaxing Retreat

The master bedroom is probably the first place in the home where relaxation, comfort, and peace should be integrated into design. Sadly, it is often the last place where décor priorities are placed, perhaps because it’s a non-public room. Whatever the reason for putting it off, though, is not a good reason. The master bedroom design needs to be prioritized to it becomes an oasis, an escape from the noise, chaos, and pressures of the rest of the household (at least for a little while). Here are some ideas for designing a master bedroom to be a relaxing retreat, set apart from the rest of your home.

Modern and powerful walk in closet
Modern and powerful walk in closet

Touchable Textiles

In any space (master bedrooms included), one of the fastest and easiest ways to achieve a feeling of comfort is to keep soft, touchable textiles at the ready and within arm’s reach. From the upholstered headboard to the (faux?) fur throw on the bed, this master bedroom invites you to come in and take a load off…comfortably.

Modern and powerful walk in closet

A Place for Everything

Having “storage” in the master bedroom doesn’t necessarily mean toting in enormous armoires and dressers. Sometimes, the best sort of storage is the type that’s out in the open, that seamlessly forms part of the décor. Hooks under a wall-mounted nightstand, for example, provide an easily accessible storage space for a purse, bag, and/or hat.

Modern and powerful walk in closet

Consistent Details

One thing that brings visual harmony and, consequently, psychological relaxation is when there is continuity in design. While predictability isn’t necessarily what we’re after, the consistent use of a certain pattern or detail makes sense to our brains, which allows it to power down a bit. The master bed’s throw pillow layout and duvet mimic the squares and grain striations of the flooring in a pleasingly neutral way.

Modern and powerful walk in closet

Symmetry

Similar to the brain’s being able to relax with consistent details in décor, symmetry provides a soothing aesthetic as well. Of course, various degrees of rigidity can be applied to the concept of “symmetry.” This master bedroom, for example, utilizes identical nightstand lamps on top of similarly sized but slightly different nightstands. Still, the effect is harmonious and lovely, especially in this rich color palette.

Modern and powerful walk in closet

Personal Touches

It’s always nice to enter a space and immediately feel like you belong. This is particularly true of a master bedroom. One way to achieve this effect is by incorporating personal touches into the décor. Monogrammed pillowcases or sheets, for example, are a sophisticated way to bring that sense of ownership and belonging. Plus, it just feels special.

Modern and powerful walk in closet

Dark, Dramatic Walls

Dark walls often (although not always) have an enveloping, cozy effect on a space. They tend to make master bedroom feel more cozy, intimate, and romantic. You can brighten the space a bit with some lighter bedding, but the overall feeling in a master with dark, moody walls is certainly a restful one.

Modern and powerful walk in closet

Muted Palette

This idea isn’t for everyone, but if you’re looking for a master bedroom to be more restful than energizing, a muted, neutral color palette is probably the direction to lean. Vary the lights and darks of each hue you integrate. I love the concept of a temporarily padded headboard here in this minimalist space.Although the minimalist space is gorgeously done, I must admit feeling uneasy about the lack of pillows for sleeping.

Modern and powerful walk in closet

Proportionate Bed

The size of the bed in the master bedroom will vary as a result of several factors. Things like room size, room layout, body size, sleeping preferences, and more will play a role in determining the best master bed size for a relaxing space. Be sure to keep the size of the bed proportionate to the space to the extent possible, though – a tiny full-sized bed would like feel odd in a spacious master, and a king-sized would overwhelm the stamp-sized bedroom.

Modern and powerful walk in closet

Comfortable Seating

As a bedroom, the master bedroom is important for sleeping and should be designed with that in mind, first and foremost. But incorporating additional, comfortable seating into the master is quite important as well. Whether the chair(s) will be used for reading, to catch up on work, or by teenagers coming in to chat with their parents, it’s always a good idea to have at least one non-bed place to be able to sit and relax.

Modern and powerful walk in closet

Uncluttered Surfaces

Ultimately, relaxation comes in a space that’s orderly and tidy. While this may or may not be your natural tendency (or your spouse’s, if applicable), it’s something to work on. Try keeping any horizontal surface uncluttered; go through each night and remove unnecessaries from nightstands, dressers, ottomans, benches, vanities, or whatever surface might’ve become a catch-all for that day. It will increase your state of rest enormously.

Modern and powerful walk in closet

Floating Bed

There is something incredibly open and vulnerable about a floating bed. Where tradition has placed beds next to walls for centuries, an exposed bed floating in the center of a master bedroom is both trusting and trustworthy. This will only work in the master bedroom with plenty of space for a comfortably sized walkway around the bed, though.

Modern and powerful walk in closet

Power Closet

While the walk-in closet isn’t part of the master bedroom per se, it certainly provides a plentiful place to store clothing and shoes effectively, which ultimately leaves the bedroom less cluttered and more refreshing. So, when possible, a high functioning master closet is advisable for the achievement of maximum relaxation in the master bedroom itself.