P.O. Box 811 Oakhurst, NJ 07755
732-222-6939
www.ssextondesigns.com
Do you look forward to the end of the day, when you can retreat into your own private sanctuary? Does your master bedroom or Master bedroom suite support the down time that we all need at the end of a busy day? There are many small changes one can make to create a room that promotes better sleeping, a feeling of relaxation, family connection and/or romance .
When creating a Master Bedroom space, always design it for two people. Even if your single, the space should be designed for two. Always make a list of the functions and activities that need to occur in the space. Again this is different for everyone. Some people like to read in their rooms and need a chair or sofa. Another person may need a king size bed to fit the kids and dog on Sunday mornings.
The five areas we will be touching on are:
Bed Placement
Mood
Color
Accessories
Comfort
Bed Placement- this is critical to sleep. You want to promote a healthy environment in your room that gives you the best nights sleep. Architectural structures you would want to avoid placing your bed under are, eves, beams and corners. These architectural structures are reported to cause headaches, restlessness and feelings of unease. The bed should be placed in what Feng Shui experts call the Power Position. This is where you place the bed at its farthest from the door, head against a solid wall, clear view of the entire room, including the door. The bed should not be in line with a doorway. Some also believe the direction of the bed effects your sleeping as well. For instance if your head faces North, this will enhance a feeling of peace, great for insomnia, however life can also become too quiet. The head facing East- positive thoughts for the future, personal growth and ambition. South-West- peaceful, settled feeling. However it makes one too cautious. Take notice of the bed position, maybe changing the position will give you a better nights sleep.
Mood- mood is created by lighting and smell. Overhead lights that are Not on a dimmer can be harsh in a bedroom. I recommend all lights have dimmers. Sconces and table lamps should have bulbs that produce a warm glow. Make sure to have proper lighting for the tasks you will perform in the room. If reading in bed is a must, a sconce that sits above shoulder height will reduce the shadowing. If using table lamps go for one that is at least two feet tall. A fireplace is instant mood. Today having a fireplace in ones room is easier than ever. The options for fueling them vary according to price, size and accessibility. Scent is also important. Make sure the smell is not overly done, lavender will relax while a strong musk may cause allergies to react. If you are using the Master Bedroom as an office or exercise area, hiding those items away will help create a more relaxing mood. This can be done with a desk that closes to hide the pile of bills or a screen that goes in front of the exercise equipment when not in use.
Color- Neutrals and cool tones are best. Cools such as green and blue promote relaxation. There are many variations of these colors ranging from dark to light, from pastel to bold. The intensity of the color will effect the overall end result. Always add a bit of warmth for romance, peaches, reds, burgandi, salmons, browns, and apricots are all warm colors that can be used as an accent color. It is best to balance warm vs cool ,masculine versus feminine.
Accessories- Artwork should be of romantic or peaceful images. Try to remove imagery that evokes loneliness or sad memories. If you use artwork above the bed, it should take up two-thirds to three quarters of the width of the headboard. Accessories should be in pairs and should be things you love. Accessories are really your personality.
Comfort- all of the above will contribute to the comfort level. However bedding, from the headboard to the mattress to the sheets, these items will be directly affecting your body. These items should be as pure as you can afford. Meaning, if you can buy mattresses made out of natural latex or bamboo, there will be less off-gassing and chemicals in the air. Sheets out of organic cotton or chemically free is best. Your mattress should be comfortable and give the support you need. Sheets with a threat count of 500 or more are soothing to the touch. There are many sources for these products that vary in price. I would shop around before making a final purchase.
The main goal of your Master Bedroom is for you to gain rest and comfort so you can start the next day refreshed and energized. Create a space that you look forward to at the end of the day. Most importantly make it support your lifestyle.
Master Suite Today everyone is looking for the Master Suite. A Master bedroom and bathroom. Home improvements of these spaces get a 70% return on there investment. To get the most out of your renovation , the following is a check list of the top items to include in your renovation.
- Linking color between bedroom & bathroom
- A seperate tub
- A seperate Shower
- Two sinks
- Walk in closet
- Neutral coloring on large ticket items
- Quality material
- Good use of space
- Fireplace
Sizes & Links
crib 32"wide x 40" Long
twin 42"w x 78
Full/double 54" x 78"l
Queen 60"w x 80"l
King 76" w x 80"l
California King 72" x 84"l
Closet- Minimum of 5 linear feet for hanging per person
minimum clearance between the underside of a shelf and the closet pole is
1- 1/2 inches
Side tables - 30"-36" wide or diameter for Queen or larger size bed
15" width for twin beds
Antiques 100 years or older
European furniture can be painted without losing its value. American furniture will devalue if painted.
www.anywherefireplace.com $100 - $400 fireplaces
www.kohler.com - bathroom fixtures
www.daltile.com tile
www.gardenstatetile.com tile
www.stanleyfurniture.com bedroom furniture
www.ballarddesign.com
www.homedecorator.com
www.greendepot.com store in NY & Pennsilvania - organic