A big challenge with newly built houses such as this one is that they can be completely lacking in personality. I wanted this large bedroom to be a refuge for the homeowners, who are busy professionals with four little girls. I layered luxury at every level to create a sumptuous experience that would provide an air of softness, calm, and relaxation and went for a cultivated mix of new and old, rather than a one-stop shop for a bedroom suite. Forget mix and match, this room is all about “mix and mix.”
When designing your master bedroom, be sure to blend a variety of influences to achieve an eclectic mix. This bedroom retreat brings a soothing, neutral palette to life thanks to a rich layering of textures. Hammered metal, lacquered wood, patterned damask wallpaper, quilted textiles, luminescent silk, and glowing alabaster guarantees that “restrained” can still be remarkable.
Not every bedroom can accommodate multiple seating areas, but many small-scale rooms can accommodate some sort of chair- and-table configuration. When selecting furniture for a bedroom, remember this is a private space, not one for entertaining. A pair of streamlined klismos-inspired chairs with graceful proportions flank a hammered-nickel table, providing a practical and elegant perch without occupying too much floor space.
Whenever possible, I like to splurge on lighting. A ceiling this ornate deserves more than pot lights and demands a fixture worthy of its detailing, such as this hand-painted Fortuny lamp. When in doubt about lighting, turn it up a notch and get the best you can afford. You won’t likely regret investing in great lighting. It sets the mood and makes everyone look good.
Any bland builder’s box of a home can be infused with old-world glamour thanks to master-craftsman details. Adding an intricate “wedding cake” plaster fretwork and crown moulding to an oversized master bedroom took it from grand proportion to glam style without a major renovation.