The Master Bedroom... Not Just For Sleeping Anymore!

Admin

With today’s hectic family schedules, gone are the days when the master bedroom was just that, a bedroom. Now, it has become a retreat—a sanctuary that one goes to find tranquility and pampering; to find that so elusive private time. Therefore, it stands to reason that while the average master bedroom may still be the biggest bedroom in the house, it does not necessarily meet the needs of today’s homeowners.

Many homeowners want to transform their master bedroom into a five-star hotel suite; one that is available to them on an everyday basis. Therefore the term ‘master bedroom’ no longer applies; it is now a ‘master suite’ or a ‘master retreat’! So what turns the master bedroom into a master suite? It is fluidity, spaciousness, tranquility, efficiency, luxury, and a little touch of pizazz.

Optimizing your layout

Inspired by some of the finest hotel rooms, it usually takes more than just a change of decorative furnishings to achieve these new getaways; they usually require a change of layout for efficiency and a sense of spaciousness. In addition to the sleeping area, the new master suite often incorporates a seating zone, a walk-in or walk-through closet, and of course, a luxurious private ensuite.

Rearranging a layout can help to define your specific zones and create fluidity between them. It is vital to ensure that you are realistic with the amount of space you have and to utilize it appropriately.

Some considerations for the creation of your ultimate suite:

Reserve space for traffic areas as well as your separate zones.
Borrow or reclaim space from an adjacent room or closet, relocate the bedroom to an entirely different floor, or build an addition to achieve desired square footage when possible.
Enlarge windows, move doorways or walls, and relocate/reorganize closets.
Change swing doors to pocket doors or sliding barn styles to create more usable space.
Add insulation to reduce sound -- ensuring that the sanctuary you desire remains just that.

The Storage Zone

While everyone’s idea of the ultimate private getaway may differ in decorative style, these suites are all designed to feel as spacious as possible, even in the smallest of rooms. The trick is to create exceptional storage space solutions to achieve an uncluttered look everywhere else. The best way to do this is to establish closets that will work for your space.

The walk-in or walk-through: Walk-in closets are just that – a closet/small room that you walk into. The design of the walk-in closet should create zones that will accommodate the different items that need to be stored. Maximizing every bit of vertical and horizontal space ensures that a closet is as efficient as possible. Consider the following:

Sections for drawer space at viewing height varied hanging space lengths, and shelving.
Seasonal storage on top, and corners designed for maximum accessibility.
A centre island or ottoman/chair in a walk-in/walk-through closet if there is adequate space.

The walk-through is simply a walk-in closet that runs between the master bedroom and the master ensuite, and one of the most popular ways to organize and allow for access from both rooms.

The typical reach-in closet: This is the closet your parents and their parents have always had—found in most bedrooms, but perhaps a little larger in the master bedroom. While easy to visualize belongings, the single rod and shelf lacks efficiency. If this is the only option, consider installing a custom closet organizer to add drawers, shelving, and hanging rods to maximize this space.

The furniture wardrobe: Many homeowners have added furniture armoires to gather that much needed storage space, but they often create inefficiencies by vertical and placement limitations.

The built-in: When other closet options are not suitable, many homeowners opt for the built-in custom wardrobe/shelving units. These allow one to maximize bedroom space and the shape of the room, while establishing an aesthetically pleasing way to organize personal items. They can be designed for any style and can incorporate shelving for electronics and televisions, while keeping clothes and personal items neatly stored behind closed doors. Built-ins maximize vertical space, and depths can be strategically staggered to maximize storage and floor space in a pleasing manner.

The linen closet: The most overlooked space! It is vital to the success of a design to know where your bed and bath linens will be stored. If you have a pass-through closet that is large enough to accommodate linens and other items, you may not need an extra storage closet…but if not, it needs to be taken into consideration.

Pampering & That Little ‘Pièce de Résistance’:

Master suites are all about pampering and the ensuite area is usually the epitome of luxury. It often includes a makeup/vanity area, two sinks, a spacious glass shower, in-floor heat, a heated towel rack, and a soaker tub. Additionally, a new trend is incorporating built-in coffee stations, snack cupboards, and mini-fridges for chilling water and wine in. Televisions are often installed with an automatic lift in a custom footboard, so that they disappear from sight when not in use. For many the Pièce de Résistance is the installation of a balcony, fireplace, or two-way fireplace between the ensuite and bedroom.

Ambiance:

Ambiance is achieved through layers that create that spacious, intimate, spa-like tranquility. Consider the following:

Strategically placed windows and mirrors, especially in a smaller room, add spaciousness.
Lighting is done in different levels: for ambiance, reading, makeup, and other purposes – and all should have dimmers. Incorporate a little glamour or decadence to your space; a chandelier or nightstand light might add a greatly needed touch of sparkle-the trick is not to overdo it.
Window coverings that allow natural light and views, or that can block it out entirely.
Continuity with colour schemes, styles, textures, paints and stains can create that spa-like feel.
One focal point that sets the tone you desire. (Fireplace, art work, a custom designed bed, etc.)

The Storage Zone

Sections for drawer space at viewing height, varied hanging space lengths, and shelving.
Seasonal storage on top, and corners designed for maximum accessibility.
A centre island or ottoman/chair in a walk-in/walk-through closet if there is adequate space.

The walk-through is simply a walk-in closet that runs between the master bedroom and the master ensuite, and one of the most popular ways to organize and allow for access from both rooms.

The furniture wardrobe: Many homeowners have added furniture armoires to gather that much needed storage space, but they often create inefficiencies by vertical and placement limitations.

Escape from the humdrum--If your home is located in the Niagara Region, Vanderzalm Construction Inc. can transform your existing master bedroom into that inspired Master Suite oasis you have always dreamt of. Call us today at 905-562-4463 or 905-684-5823.