Design Ideas for Master Bedrooms & Bathrooms

By Jennifer Kopf ,  Amy Bickers and and Jennifer Berno
July 22, 2009
Credit: Photography Laurey W. Glenn / Styling Leigh Anne Montgomery
A soothing color palette and soft-to-the-touch fabrics are the keys to creating a restful retreat.
Start Slideshow

1 of 9

5 Bedroom Essentials

Credit: Photography Laurey W. Glenn / Styling Leigh Anne Montgomery

Creating a cozy bedroom is simple when you start with designer Jill Boothby’s favorite items.

  • Bedside Tables
  • White Bedding
  • Mirror
  • Table Lamps
  • Soft Rug
Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 9

Bedside Tables

Credit: Photography Laurey W. Glenn / Styling Leigh Anne Montgomery

Height is key. Jill's rule: Tabletop should be even with mattress top.

3 of 9

White Bedding

Credit: Photography Laurey W. Glenn / Styling Leigh Anne Montgomery

Keeping the basics white gives the cleanest, most versatile look (Trousseau Luxury Bedding, from $85, from the Martha Stewart Collection exclusively at Macy’s).

Decorating Tip: Use an upholstered headboard. “Soft, soft, soft,” says Jill. “Your bed should be heaven!” You can have a frame custom-made, but many online and catalog retailers offer nice choices in numerous shapes and fabrics.

Advertisement

4 of 9

Mirror

Credit: Photography Laurey W. Glenn / Styling Leigh Anne Montgomery

Hanging a mirror above the headboard reflects light and creates a focal point.

5 of 9

Table Lamps

Credit: Photography Laurey W. Glenn / Styling Leigh Anne Montgomery

A must for nighttime reading. Add symmetry to the room by choosing a matching pair.

6 of 9

Soft Rug

Credit: Photography Laurey W. Glenn / Styling Leigh Anne Montgomery

A fluffy rug at the foot of the bed brings warmth, both visually and physically, to your space. (Standard Flokati Wool Area Rug in White, $469 (8' x 10'), from Home Decorators Collection).

Decorating Tip: Go for a little elegance. “The bedroom should be the most luxurious room in your house,” says Jill. Splurge on lush fabrics such as raw silk for your drapes and velvet for a chair.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 9

Hanging Drapes

Credit: Photography Laurey W. Glenn / Styling Leigh Anne Montgomery

Decorating Tip: Hang your drapes high. To create the illusion of a larger room, hang your drapery rod just below the ceiling rather than right above the window frame. A higher rod draws the eye up and allows more light to come in. If the ready-made curtains you love aren’t long enough, add a simple band of fabric in your accent color for a custom look that costs a lot less.

8 of 9

Master Bathroom

Credit: Photography Laurey W. Glenn / Styling Leigh Anne Montgomery

Decorating Tip: Choose calming colors. Soft blues are good options when you’re aiming for a relaxing atmosphere. Give your master suite a cohesive look by painting the bath walls just one shade lighter than the bedroom walls. To visually heighten the room, try putting the same color on both the walls and the ceiling.

9 of 9

Light Fixtures

Credit: Photography Laurey W. Glenn / Styling Leigh Anne Montgomery

When it comes to baths, Jill says they’re all about two things: 1) a large, simply framed mirror and 2) pretty sconces. “I love wiring light fixtures through a mirror,” she says.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Up Next

By Jennifer Kopf ,  Amy Bickers and and Jennifer Berno