Pillow talk. Mastering the master bedroom design

A good chunk of our lives is spent sleeping so it only makes sense that our bedrooms look and feel as comfortable and pleasing to the eyes. It takes even more importance these days when – heaven forbid – one gets sick and needs to isolate in the bedroom.

Whatever the case, the master bedroom provides the respite and privacy the homeowner needs. The retreat from the everyday grind that provides rest for our tired bodies and souls. Notice the attention lavished on the room the next time that you visit a showhome and you will see the invariable hook of inspired design aimed at eliciting an emotional response. A response so powerful that we want to have it for our own bedrooms.

We talk to a few experts on how they approach designing master bedrooms in the showhomes they design, to find out what is essential and what is needed to complete a stylish, serene look, no matter the size of the room.

Ariana Kelly, marketing manager at Calbridge Homes, has been around showhomes most her life, and has picked up a thing or two about decorating a home for the most visual impact. But at Calbridge Homes, she says it all starts with the floorplan.

“Where the master bedroom is physically located in the home as it relates to the rooms around it is really important to consider. In our designs we really strive to foster a decent separation between the master and the children’s bedrooms. Whether that means having a central bonus room dividing them on the upper floor or having the laundry room and walk-in closet create some space between them, it’s always an important consideration for us to offer as much privacy for the master bedroom as possible,” she says.

“We use the word ‘retreat’ a lot when describing our master suites because we truly want it to be a relaxing and rejuvenating space. In terms of the design of the room itself, large windows and seamless access to the ensuite and walk-in closet is something you’ll see in every one of our homes.”

Style sets the tone though, and NuVista Homes has mastered the look of the master bedroom for their wide range of single-family homes. Pam Stordy at Barr Design and Tina Nielsen at Xibit take care of decorating NuVista’s showhomes and both know the importance of getting the emotional tone of the master bedroom just right.

“The most important thing is creating a comfortable and peaceful space. Sleep is so essential to our health so just the idea of relaxing and being able to shut down in a room you enjoy is very appealing,” Stordy says.

Nielsen agrees, saying that furniture placement within the room is the obvious starting point, with the bed becoming both the focal point and anchor of the room. “And let’s not forget about the mattress… (the room) can look fabulous, but without a great mattress, you will not want to spend any time there.”

They both emphasize the need for good lighting and the comfort of a cozy carpet. “It can start with a dramatic overhead light, paired with bedside lamps that provide ambient or reading lights,” Stordy says. “While underfoot we want softness, we love a luxurious area carpet on a solid surface flooring or plush broadloom to keep the space warm.”

“Ideally, this space is cohesive with the design style of the other spaces in the home but needs to be sanctuary,” Nielsen adds. “As for design style, much of this is determined by your personality and favorite colours and style such as traditional, contemporary or transitional.”

The essentials are pretty much the same regardless if it’s a master bedroom in an estate home or a townhome, it’s just a matter of scale.

Katherine McCallum of Kalla Interiors has been the go-to designer for StreetSide Development’s many projects and she is quite fond of her latest work in their new townhome showhome in the lakeside community of Harmony just west of Calgary. Called Harmony Peaks, they are the first townhome development in what has already become the most prestigious community in Springbank.

“The master bedroom needs to be a space that is inviting and comfortable. The bed is the focal point drawing you in with design or colour. In the case of Harmony Peaks, the Mid-Century walnut bed with attached floating nightstands stole the show,” McCallum says.

She says another thing she has going here is creating visual interest though a feature wall. “Feature walls - usually a headboard wall - adds depth, simple statement artwork can go above a shorter headboard. A grand tall headboard will be a feature in itself and can be a fun or interesting colour/ fabric or leather.”
According to Calbridge’s Kelly, large windows are also key in creating the ambience of the master bedroom. But drapery definitely plays a role in establishing the look, not to mention creating privacy.

“While we definitely appreciate large windows and natural light, privacy in a bedroom is also paramount, so window coverings are certainly important. You of course want to choose something that visually compliments the colour theme you’ve chosen for the space, but it needs to be functional as well,” Kelly says.
At NuVista, Stordy and Nielsen use fabric as a jumping off point to determining the style and design of the room. “In the master bedroom we want to create serenity, so lux, soft neutral fabric is what we look for and add color through toss pillows and throws,” Stordy says. “Window treatments create a softness to the room, both visually, acoustically, and as well as a utilitarian use. We recommend black out blinds or draperies so that you can achieve complete darkness invoking peak melatonin levels which promote a healthy sleep,” Nielsen adds.

Kelly adds that Calbridge’s master bedrooms are further equipped with unique ceiling details that give it an elevated stature.

“Unique ceiling details are a feature we love to show in our bedrooms. Incorporating a boxed-up or vaulted ceiling, coupled with a stylish chandelier over the bed adds so much personal style and luxury to the space. Having the bedroom drop down a couple of stairs is another great way to add some subtle visual interest to the room,” she says.

McCallum has some some sage bedroom design advice. “It is all about textures and layers of fabrics. Also lighting is key; make sure lamps are not taller than your headboard, and choosing the bulb can just be as important - warm yellow can bring a sense of natural light. Or go for wall sconces that are adjustable for reading.”

NuVista’s Stordy and Nielsen also have this to say: “Ensure you have everything you need to create your own retreat; bed, lighting, window covering and bedding. We typically start by finding a fabric or a duvet cover we LOVE and design the space around this,” Stordy says. “It is always our springboard for design,” Nielsen adds.

Calbridge Homes build the grand prize showhomes for the Foothills Hospital Home Lottery, be sure to check out the next one at foothillshospitalhomelottery.com or calbridgehomes.com. NuVista showhomes can be found in 12 communites in an around Calgary, visit them at nuvistahomes.com. StreetSide Development’s Harmony Peaks recently opened go to harmonytownhomes.ca for more information.