Suites Truly Made for the Master

A great master suite should be the ultimate "me" space

Photo credit: Possibilities for Design

Think about it - homeowners start and end their days in their bedrooms, making the master suite one of the most used and important features in a home. So, it makes sense to create as inviting a space as possible.

"We're in a fast-moving world," says Doris Pearlman, president of Possibilities for Design, a Denver-based interior design firm that merchandises model homes for builders nationwide. "There's been a lot of emphasis on getting away to a retreat, being able to regroup and get away from the hubbub of the day." She advises designers to take this into account when designing and decorating bedrooms and baths.

One trend she sees in new homes is long master suites, which give designers room to incorporate features like a sitting area at the foot of the bed, perhaps with two chairs and an ottoman or a sofa and cocktail table. "Almost all of our current models have that kind of look," she says. "You're really picking up an extra room within the space."

No matter the square footage, it's important for a master suite to convey a sense of luxury, says Pearlman. People want the pampered feeling of a high-end hotel. You can use both design and décor to evoke that feeling. Architectural elements, such as chandeliers and trim, can add drama to the space, which can be reinforced with details such as sumptuous bedding.

Carlos Bazbaz, president of Houston-based Lanterra Homes, says his company uses a couple of techniques to make second-floor master suites feel larger in their model homes, including plenty of windows and coffered ceilings. Ceiling plates are 9 feet off of the floor deck, and the deepest part of the coffers is 11 feet high. "We also have a lot of natural light," Bazbaz says. "It helps make the rooms feel bigger, open and soft, which is very important. We made sure we didn't compromise in the master suite. It has to fit a king-sized bed and armoire."

That feeling of luxury should carry through from the bedroom to the bath. In fact, these two rooms should complement each other in color, architectural style and finishes. Bathrooms are "great places to show off fabulous finishes, such as faucetry," Pearlman says. "The options and upgrades for making that a luxury space are huge. You can make it feel like an indulgent space at any price point with accent tile, framed mirrors, and upgraded lighting and hardware."

Mirrorscapes™ from Inspirations® by Moen® can transform your plain, plate-glass mirror into an absolute vision. You can achieve the unmistakable appearance of a stunning custom-made frame in minutes. And although Mirrorscapes are simple to install, they have a tremendous impact - not only bringing style to the mirror, but bringing an entire room together.

Upgraded shower fixtures, such as the Divine Vertical Spa Set from Moen's ShowHouse Collection, are an extremely popular way to create a retreat feeling in a master bath. Erica Gardner, president of Castle Rock, Colo.-based Garden Gray Interiors, says that showers are becoming "more spa-like with fancy steam jets. People are being very selective with the types of shower heads they choose. It's not just a shower anymore."

Another increasingly popular option for the master suite is two-sided fireplaces, such as the Elite™ Series EBVST gas-burning, B-vent fireplace from Lennox Hearth Products, that can be seen from both the bedroom and bath. Danbury, Conn.-based architect Leigh Overland says they're a frequent request from his clients. "The bathroom is the first space we see in the morning. It should be relaxing. It's a very important space."


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