Creating a Masterful Retreat this Winter

As temperatures drop and sun is scarce, this time of year we tend to hibernate in our homes over the winter months. Do something special for yourself and give some focus to your bedroom this winter. The master bedroom is a key room that brings us comfort and solitude as we hide away from the cold. Most often homeowners focus their attention to the principal rooms in their homes and leave the bedroom for last. In my opinion, the master bedroom is a key room after your kitchen and family room. As we spend a third of our life sleeping; having a calm, well designed, organized and peaceful bedroom is very important.  

Here are some of my designer tips to consider when creating a master retreat:

On the Walls – Determine what style of room speaks to you. A dark moody space or a light neutral and serene backdrop. Select a paint color or wallcovering that sets the tone you are looking for in your room. I suggest CC-700 Smoky Green by Benjamin Moore for a soft serene look and Mole’s Breath #276 by Farrow and Ball for a dramatic moody space.

Linens – Comfort and luxury is what I keep in mind when designing a bedroom retreat. Ensure you have a good mattress, bedding and linens, ones that give you the comfort and suit your needs. The bedding is often what I use as the source of inspiration for the room. Find or have custom bedding made that sets the tone for your room and dictates the color scheme.

Cater to your sleeping style – Having designed many bedrooms for numerous clients I discovered people have many different sleeping styles. Some people need a fan on, a cool room, warm room, music playing or need absolute silence. Light control is another key factor in ensuring a successful night’s sleep. Blackout drapes are the best solution; especially for those who may work shift work or need to sleep during off hours. In my opinion, ceiling fans and televisions should stay out of the bedroom. If you require air circulation a portable fan may be necessary as a stunning hanging light fixture over the bed is a key factor in a master bedroom retreat.

Furnishings – When selecting furniture for your bedroom keep in mind the matching bedroom suite is a thing of the past. Make your bed the focal point by selecting a bed that is a statement and does not need to match anything else in the room. Upholstered beds give a soft and luxurious feel and are great at creating a statement. A classic iron four poster or wood sleigh bed are also nice. Ensure to have good bedside reading lamps and overall lighting on dimmers to create the cozy atmosphere.

De-clutter – Lastly create an organized space for your belongings. Edit your closet, drawers, and whatever is hiding under your bed. Whether you have a large walk in closet or a small clothes rack and a chest of drawers; creating an organized space for each belonging is important. Holding onto unused items not only clutters your room, it clutters your mind and may impact your daily routine. Getting rid of unused clothing, and furniture in your room will help your morning routine and promote a restful night’s sleep.

Kate Davidson is Principal of Kate + Co Design, Inc.

Kate + Co. Design is a multidisciplinary design firm offering interior design services for residential, corporate, retail, medical and educational spaces. Known for contemporary, sophisticated and livable interiors; Kate + Co. has a diverse portfolio of projects from private residences to gourmet bakeries, and large scale corporate offices.