Five key elements for a restful master bedroom

Have you ever stepped into a space that just oozed tranquility, where you instantly felt calm? It’s no accident—it’s by design. This soothing master bedroom started off as a bland box with a rather low ceiling, but careful color choices, cozy textiles and the right furniture choices have transformed it. Add in an unexpected DIY touch, and it’s now a welcoming sanctuary.

This master bedroom retreat is my mother’s latest renovation. She’s eager to share her design process and picks, so you can get a similar look. She breaks it down to five key steps

Farmhouse Canopy Bed | Nightstand | Dresser | Faux Fiddle Fig Tree

Master the Master Bedroom

Farmhouse Canopy Bed | Nightstand | Dresser | Faux Fiddle Fig Tree

1. Find a statement bed

Seek out something that provides drama and height. Keep in mind that quality bedroom furniture is worth the investment. Well-constructed pieces with classic lines will become family heirlooms, so shop carefully. My mother spent months searching for her bed before discovering Pottery Barn’s Farmhouse Canopy Bed in gray wash. Its simplicity updates the traditional profile of a four-post bed, plus it features a removable canopy top allowing you to customize the look. This bed easily meshes with both modern and traditional decor. The set also has a coordinating nightstand and dresser. The warmth of the gray wash really set the tone for this room. If you’re not ready to invest in a bed, you can get similar drama with a beautiful headboard. I have this one in my master bedroom in sand stone and have been nothing but pleased with it.

2. Choose a soothing, restful palette

A master bedroom is one place where bold isn’t better. You’ll want to look for shades that are serene, yet inviting. This is why I love gray bedrooms so much. If you select a gray with warm undertones it will be pleasing in any light. My mom used Benjamin Moore’s “Pashmina” in her space. Even the cat seems to match the theme!

If gray isn’t your thing, flip through magazines to see what spaces speak to you. Do you consistently gravitate to the same color palette? You can inject color in a subtle way by picking three neutrals that complement each other, then adding a muted accent color on things like pillows, bedding or curtains.

3. Add texture

Think about your carpeting, rugs and bedding. Neutral master bedrooms aren’t boring when they have texture. Rather, they provide a luxurious, expensive look. In this room, my mother chose a matelasse coverlet. French for “quilted” or “cushioned,” matelasse is meant to mimic the style of hand-stitched Marseilles type quilts made in France. With an interesting texture, this woven fabric has quilted and relaxed feel that is easy to layer. Add a few decorative pillows with fun tassels and you’re well on your way to a textural retreat.

The carpet is a real statement piece. It’s from Shaw Floors. They have some beautiful textural options. My mom purchased the Attica in champagne through Home Interiors Flooring in Appleton, Wis. It will likely have a different name at your carpet retailer due to private labeling. If you’ve ever attempted to comparison shop for carpet, you may have noticed that carpeting manufacturers take a standard product line and place a separate labeling system on it. All color names, color numbers, style names, style numbers are changed to “hide” the true name carried by most retailers. It’s quite frustrating for consumers, but flooring retailers say it’s necessary for their businesses to survive.

4. Inject interest by grouping your artwork

A set of prints or other type of artwork will add more pizzazz and drama than a single piece. The series will take your eye on an adventure, moving from one print to the next. My mother created this trio herself by purchasing shadowboxes and hot gluing hand-carved antique wood stamps inside. You can create a similar look by showcasing the items you collect (perhaps skeleton keys, shells or antique broaches) in a shadowbox like this.

5. Invest in quality room-darkening shades

Yes, your bedroom should look beautiful and make you happy. However, its ultimate goal is to provide you a restful night’s sleep. If light disrupts your Zzzs, you will want to install blackout shades, drapes or blinds.

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