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Turning master bedroom into a retreat
The days are shorter, and the weather is cooler. Fall
is here and people are starting to spend more time indoors.
Now is the time to turn your ordinary master bedroom
into a beautiful, comfortable, luxurious retreat. Here
are ten ways to change the look and feel of your bedroom.
1. Start by taking inventory of the furnishings throughout
your home. You may be able to borrowing pieces from
other rooms. For instance, the trunk being used as a
coffee table in the family room can make a nice bench
for the end of your bed. Or perhaps you could bring
the painting from the dining room to adorn the wall
above your bed. A side chair from your living room could
be brought into the bedroom to create a cozy reading
corner.
2. Clear the clutter. A bedroom cannot be a relaxing
retreat if there is too much clutter present. Eliminate
the stacks of old magazines, junk mail, kids’
toys and laundry.
3. Purchase new bedding. Some people like to change
their bedding with the seasons. For fall, look for warm
and rich colors such as Persimmon, Pomegranate and Mocha.
Flannel sheets in coordinating colors will help battle
those cool fall nights.
4. Add lots of pillows in varying colors and textures
to your bed. Pillows create a luxurious feel and can
really make your bed the focal point of the room.
5. Add color to your walls to create a warm and cozy
ambiance. Try a new paint technique: Buy the same color
paint in two different finishes such as flat and satin.
Paint alternating 8” vertical stripes using the
two types of paint for a subtle and beautiful wall treatment.
6. Add accent lighting to the room. Try tucking rope
lighting behind crown molding. Hang some candle sconces.
Place an up light on the floor beneath an indoor tree—the
light casts interesting shadows on the ceiling.
7. Replace your bedside table lamps with hanging pendant
light fixtures or, for a more romantic look, small-scale
crystal chandeliers.
8. Soften the look of the windows with drapery panels.
Tie them back with beautiful ribbons or luxurious cords
and tassels.
9. Create a sitting area. If you have the space, place
two chairs facing each other with a small table or ottoman
between them. My guess is that you and your significant
other will use this area more than you think. If space
is limited, bring in one chair to use as a cozy reading
nook. For a romantic touch, try a chaise lounge.
10. Don’t forget the details. Is there space
for a small coffee maker? How about a basket filled
with thick, soft towels and fragrant soaps and lotions
in your master bath? A gorgeous flower arrangement is
a nice touch for your dresser or nightstand. Place a
quilt or chenille throw blanket at the foot of the bed.
Your bedroom will become a tranquil, peaceful sanctuary
where you can escape from the pressures of the day.
This article first appeared in Alameda Newspaper
Group papers on Oct. 2, 2004.
Go
back to the list of decorating columns.
All articles copyright 2003-2008 Anna
Jacoby.
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