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.