When it comes to the master suite, I think most people fantasize about having it all: space, privacy and organization. But the real question is how much of each do we really need? Or perhaps after these 100+ degree temperatures and power outages, maybe you just want a small swimming pool in lieu of a bed or tub!? I thought it would be fun (and quite helpful for anyone who is considering a renovation) to break it down by each component.
The Master Bedroom: Do you want just enough room for the bed, bedsides table and lamps? Or do you want space for a chest, dresser or desk? What about a television-I know, so taboo in the design world, but I have to ask, so be honest? Or do you want a larger room that could accommodate seating, a fireplace, or bookshelves?
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| Simple elegance-Alessandra Branca |
The Master Bathroom: Assuming it's an en-suite arrangement, do you wish yours was bigger or just more luxurious? In this case, luxurious is defined by the quality of materials. Do you want a great big shower with a seat, jets or a rain head? People are much more willing to give up a bathtub for a bigger shower these days-would you? If so, do you worry that it may would impact the resale value of your home? Do you require/wish the toilet to be in it's own room? Do you prefer separate sink consoles or one long run with 2 sinks? A linen closet? Is a seated make-up area desirable? What about a television? Heated floors and towels bars? Or do you really want to separate spousal/partner baths with maybe only a shared bath tub and shower? The latter becoming a fantasy for many!
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| Classic- David Flynn |
The Master Closet: Do you fantasize about a walk-in? Or would a well organized reach-in closet make you just as happy? If you share a closet, do you wish you didn't? Do you want a place to sit in your closet to put your shoes on or ponder the day's outfit? Do you like to see your clothes or prefer them hidden behind doors? Do you want a counter, table, or storage island to fold clothes and pack for trips? A window? Is this the ideal location to store the iron and ironing board or is that still the laundry room?
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Serious luxury-designer unknown
The stuff that dreams are made of-mine anyway! |
Based on the above questions, if you were to design the master suite of your dreams or had the opportunity to change your current master suite, would you opt for:
1.) A bigger bedroom, bathroom or closet and
why?
2.) What amenities in
each category would you incorporate into your dream spaces?
I can not wait to hear your opinions and if I've left something out on your must have/or wish list tell me!
Posts
Yes, all three larger please. Our house is about 2000 sf, so our "master" bedroom is small. The master bath is tiny - room for one person and a stand-up shower. I have NO walk-in closet. My husband uses the closets in the spare rooms. So...yes to more space but I truly hate these giant bedrooms. Something a bit larger and lovely would be fine by me. I would like space for a comfy reading chair and ottoman in the bedroom and larger side tables. I don't want a TV or a desk - prefer to keep that clutter out of my sleeping space. I would love a huge walk-in closet with shelves for everything, twice the size of the bedroom would be good.
ReplyDeletehaha.
xo Terri
P.S. It should be "poll" not "pole". ;)
ReplyDeletexo
Terri,
ReplyDeleteThanks-just fixed my typo. Made me laugh because I had just told my son to bring in the flag pole (we're suppose to get some nasty thunderstorms) when I hit publish!
Hi Rebecca
ReplyDeleteI am all for smaller spaces. I do like a tub in the bathroom - I like small spaces, with tall ceilings, lots of light,luxurious and functional. We do not watch TV in the bedroom so a bookshelf is more important here.
A fireplace in the bedroom is luxury
A great post
Helen xx
Helen,
DeleteHigher ceilings is always on the top of my wish list, and ironically the only place we have them is in the master bedroom and bathroom! We have a fireplace in the bedroom and I agree it is a luxury in the winter months. It was one of things I love most about this house and it goes a long way in making the bedroom feel cozy. I too would chose luxury over large any day!
I have to say you asked a lot of questions and to be honest about the only thing I would love is a little more space in our bedroom. We share it with a big dog and he has his own California king bed in there. Otherwise I have a big walk-in closet and bathroom, I really don't need any more. TV's in the bedroom are not allowed in this house besides we almost never watch it anyway.
ReplyDeleteAs for the birthday on Tuesday...HAPPY BIRTHDAY I'll make you a tart! I want your citrus recipe please!
XX
Debra~
Debra,
DeleteFunny-funny, Dylan is so spoiled! Deal on the recipes :)
I despise large bedrooms but I do like masters with an area for a LK essay/ ottoman. The mater should have room enough for a king bed and two substantial end tables preferably bureaus with drawers. I do however appreciate two large walk in closet areas. I often use a desk as a bedside table especially in guest rooms. Good post.
ReplyDeleteRon,
DeleteI think people do love king sized beds, especially men! We have a queen and from a design perspective, I think they always "make" a prettier bed. I'm close to the end of a bedroom project and the client's switched to a king. The bedding was a challenge and oh so expensive, but we are all pleased with the results!
* loveseat, not LK essay!!!! Autocorrect....ugh!
ReplyDeleteI would like my master to be slightly larger than it is. It is not small but I have a King four poster and a bit more breathing room would be nice.
ReplyDeleteMy en-suite bath is adequately sized but with builder grade finishes that I am not thrilled with. We have double sinks in one long run with storage underneath that leaves a lot of wasted space. And, get this, one towel bar over the toilet!!!! The toilet is in its own room no where near the shower or bathtub. EW.
Our walk-in closet is a mess. It just isn't that functional for me and it could be larger. I keep folded drapes and tablecloths on hangers in their too. Room for a seat in the closet would be nice.
It all needed a designer to put a little common sense into the design.
Kerry,
DeleteThis made me laugh becasue I have issues with a toilet on display too and you are so correct in the EW factor. I like toilets to have their own room or at least a pony wall whenever possible. But sometimes there is no choice and then people really need to be dilligent on putting the seat down. Some toilets flush with such force, the spray can go as much as 25 feet!!! Makes one think twice about where they put their hand towel and toothbrush!?
I would love a larger MBR with a sitting area, and coffee bar with fridge underneath. I don't feel a huge closet room is necessary personally although the one pictured is divine! I would like a slightly larger Mbath than what I have, with modern glass enclosure 1/2 walls instead of shower curtain!
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday week!
Nancy
Powellbrowerhome.com
Nancy,
DeleteI could easily make do with a smaller version of this closet too. I like the ideas of a coffee bar especially if it was located in the dressing area and not the bathing area. Thanks for the b-day wishes!
Great question. I have had every size bedroom under the sun and find that I am happier in one that is a little cozier and on a 2nd floor. I had a huge bedroom in my last home, with a high tray ceiling. I thought it would be heaven, but it never felt relaxing and enveloping, which is what a bedroom should be to me.
ReplyDeleteAs far as a closet, I dream of having a bigger walk in. I would love to have drawers for jewelry and smaller things. Plenty of hanging space and shelves. And, would love to have a pretty light fixture. That's it!! :)
Happy Monday!
xo Elizabeth
Elizabeth,
DeleteThis struck a chord with me! We've had different sized bedrooms in every house and this one is the largest and if not for the fireplace and built-in bookcases, I think I would hate it for just the reasons you describe.
I agree with many of your writers, big is out. Perfer a comfortable, cozy area with bookshelves (and sorry, the TV goes into the bookshelves)and reading/study area. Prefer no dressers, rather relegate that to closet organizers, etc. Do not like walk in closets, but individual closets similar to your picture with 4 being mandatory number. Bathroom, middle ground, but enough room for tub and separate nice sized shower (4x5 minimum)and a white terry antique chair. Fun article, thanks. Peggy
ReplyDeleteAnon-Peggy,
DeleteI do think more and more people are opting for smaller houses these days. While I haved loved our current home, I am hoping our next will be smaller. The closet in this image does combine both a reach-in/walk-in feeling which makes it so unique. What appeals to me most is the fact everything is hidden, the window and I would love a counter to fold clothes and put a suitcase for packing!
I would opt for more space in bedroom,bath and closet. I have all the amenities I want except for a towel warmer and built-ins in the closet.
ReplyDeleteI don't want it to be terribly large, I like a more intimate feeling room, maybe an18X22 master a 12x14 closet and bath. Good questions in this post, really makes a homeowner think,
Happy Monday,
Kathysue
Kathysue,
DeleteI would love to have a towel warmer especially in the winter months!
Honestly, we all most likely have too much space. I have shave a large homes and tiny homes, and with the exception of when it comes time for the weekly cleaning, I'll take the small. I walked myself close to death in one home, and the tiny loft/studio I have at the beach is the most comfortable if you can learn to walk sideways, lol. here is too much wasted space in every room, although I like a nice site kitchen and eating area.
ReplyDeleteHappy Monday,
Teresa
xoxo
I am a Southern Girl all the way--I must have a bedroom suite. Fireplace, family antiques (chest and highboy) as well as a comfy seating area and HIGH ceilings. No TV!!
ReplyDeleteAs for the bathroom, a tub is a must! A friend has a lovely home but 6,000 Sq Ft and showers only!! (Obviously a male architect) It would be a dealbreaker for me on a purchase.
Excellent topic.....I was lucky to fulfill my wishlist in our recent home build and have to say I think the master bedroom and bath have to be and should be your oasis and refuge from the world. To me, I say put everything you can (within reason) into making it the room of your dreams, and of course that is different things to different people. Love a fireplace in a room, great windows, luxurious bedding, lamps and soft lighting, white marble in the bath, very clean and crisp. I at the same time, have a serious love for smaller cozier but elegant rooms and baths too....in the end its all how all the elements come together.
ReplyDeleteI'm not a fan of master suites that feel entirely cut off from the rest of the house, so I'd keep the space on the smaller side. I'd love bookshelves and a couple small closets built into paneled walls in my bedroom, with an attic cedar closet for storing out of season items. No television (don't even want one in the house!) For a bathroom I'd be a little more indulgent, but still small enough to clean easily. I'd love the bath and shower to be seperate, with a larger tub and tiny shower stall. I would love a fireplace in the bathroom, to warm the air during long soaks!
ReplyDeleteLove the luxury details... I like luxourious bedrooms but not that big, because the bigger the room, the less comfort it gives me. Anyway, a closet would be wonderful!
ReplyDeleteCan you please take a look at this collection? Would you recommend these pieces for places like those on the photos?
http://www.bocadolobo.com/home.html
Our smallest bedroom was 16'x16' I would hate to go smaller I like a bathroom big enough for tub and separate shower with lower ceiling so it is easier to heat in winter and I hate wardrobes with a passion, am not mad about walk ins, we have a dressing room (it is a big house and the room is an extra!!) I do not like en suites but don't mind if each bedroom has a bathroom next door!!! and now I would like lower ceilings after many years of 14' ones keeping the place warm has become a necessity as our electricity bills have become impossible in this country!!!
ReplyDeleteI have learned in life that you can make any size home beautiful and comfortable. We have a large home now and we want something smaller, less work, less stuff. Now that my children are gone, its just my hubby and I. We are looking forward to a smaller bedroom and less work around the house.
ReplyDeleteI don't know how I have missed your blog... so glad to get caught up with it.
I have to say we have a large bedroom right now and half the side of it is under utilized. I prefer a generous size to hold a Cal King and two side tables or bureaus and space across the way for a nice dresser or piece of furiture and a large comfy chair. I don't care for tv's in the bedroom but occassionally it's nice when I'm tired and going to bed. I would like one close but hidden. I would LOVE a huge walk in closet with plenty of storage and lots of shelves for tee shirts and sweaters. It doesn't have to be movie star huge but big enough to hang lots of clothes and have floor to ceiling shelves. I don't get ready in the bathroom because I hate standing up - would love to have a little desk area in the closet where i could sit and blow dry my hair and hide all my hair stuff and maket up. Bathroom - prefer double sinks so there is enough room for both of us to get ready. We're both tall so space is nice in the bathroom. Would love an oversized shower. Don't care if I have a bathtub or not. But would like a little bench in the shower.
ReplyDeleteI love the chandelier in the closet. I wish my closet would be this luxurious too. :)
ReplyDeleteFor a bathroom I'd be a little more indulgent, but still small enough to clean easily. I'd love the bath and shower to be seperate, with a larger tub and tiny shower stall. I would love a fireplace in the bathroom, to warm the air during long soaks!
ReplyDeleteI love your site. Thanks for sharing! I am going to add you!
ReplyDelete