Modern Master Bedroom: Design the Owner’s Suite of Your Dreams

Trends for designing a modern master bedroom have evolved, and we are seeing great demand for suites that blend form and function seamlessly. Comfort, convenience, serenity, and style are top priorities – as is achieving your unique vision. How do you design the owner’s suite of your dreams?

7 Tips for Designing A Modern Master Bedroom

Creating an elegant owner’s suite that invites relaxation and recharges your batteries is a very personal process. It depends entirely on your preferences, tastes, needs, and wants. That said, there are some “guidelines” that help inform the process.

1. Consider the Location

Start with the basics: where in the home would you like your owner’s suite located? And to make it even more basic: upstairs or down? This is both a short- and a long-term factor to consider. For example, if you have mobility issues or wish to age in place, a first-floor space is convenient and accessible. It may also be a great choice if you have children. Downstairs are your living spaces and owner’s suite, while upstairs are the children’s bedrooms, playroom, and home office or other workspace. On the other hand, if you have small kids, you may feel more comfortable sleeping on the same floor. Bottom line: it is up to you and your needs!

Even if your owner’s suite is located on the same floor as other bedrooms, you can build in privacy through the strategic use of elements such as hallways, playrooms/game rooms, offices, craft/hobby rooms, sitting areas, etc. Just be sure to consider how much do you prioritize privacy, and how you can achieve it in your home’s layout.

You may also want to factor in the suite’s position in relation to natural sunlight. Are you a morning person, inspired by the sun to rise and shine? Or do you glare at the glare and throw the duvet over your head? If you are the latter, positioning your suite on the eastern side of the house may not be the best choice for you! Weigh natural light against other factors (e.g., the view) to make the best decision for your needs.

2. Assess Your Wants and Needs

This is the room where you can put aside everything and focus solely on your needs and wants. What are your expectations from this space? What are your desires? Don’t limit yourself to conventional design! For example, there is a growing demand for snoring rooms. Usually, this is a well-insulated alcove-like space that gives the snoring partner a place to sleep comfortably. Speaking of alcoves, they are also perfect for sitting rooms, reading nooks, or even a yoga space. Other current trends include dual bathrooms, personal laundry, in-room coffee bars, and decked-out closets with plenty of built-ins.

This is your space; make the most of it.

3. Think About Size and Layout

Depending on your needs and overall design, your owner’s suite may encompass about 12 – 15% of your total square footage. You certainly don’t want to feel cramped; rather, a modern master bedroom should have space to relax without clutter. When planning your space, think about the elements you will include, such as the bed, night tables, dressers, seating arrangements, etc. Experiment with different layouts and remember to consider the windows. Do you want several? One or more on each side of the bed? Facing in what direction?

4. Dream of Perfect Flooring

The most popular flooring options in today’s modern master bedrooms include hardwood, engineered hardwood, luxury vinyl plank, and carpet. Think about how you want to feel when you step out of bed to start your day. There is no wrong answer; you may enjoy the cool touch of hardwood or even tile, or you may prefer the plush feeling of carpet. If you opt for a smooth surface, area rugs can help add color, texture, and warmth – and you can easily update them whenever you want a quick, easy change.

5. Choose Color Schemes for a Serene Retreat

Color is another highly personal choice. What is “serene” to you? Top color trends are diverse. We have rich, saturated Hague Blue from Farrow & Bell; rustic yet modern Ripe Olive from Sherwin-Williams; springy, soft Saybrook Sage and crisp, clean Simply White from Benjamin Moore; Lemon Yellow from Behr. The list goes on and on, changing each year. From more traditional neutrals to blues, greys, and soft blacks, these colors exude calm and elegance.

Many people are hesitant to go dark because they think it’ll make their spacious owner’s suite feel like a cave. Well… not if you do it right! In fact, it can feel quite cozy and ideal for relaxation and sleep. Not sure? Ask a design expert for advice.

6. Create a Sleep and Relaxation Oriented Space

Life is busy; your owner’s suite has the potential to set you up for restful nights and energetic mornings. Creating a pleasant sleep environment is a priority for the harried among us! Great colors, a fantastic bed, the positioning of your furniture, your flooring… All of this contributes to serenity. To prioritize good sleep hygiene, you may also want to consider making the bedroom a TV-free zone.

Some homeowners are going further and keeping all screens out. We know this seems extreme! If you’re not ready to keep your phone elsewhere, keep it on a dedicated tray on the dresser or even in the closet. You can “Do Not Disturb” for all but essential contacts, and free yourself from distractions. And again, some are going further by limiting the number of electrical outlets in this space. The better to resist temptation!

You can also:

Ensure an ideal temperature with heating/cooling systems and dedicated zones. Doctors recommend setting the temperature at between 60 and 67 degrees F for best sleep.
Layer your lighting. If you are reading, for example, you need good light. But as you prepare for bed, you can begin toning it down, blocking sleep-interfering blue light, and getting your body ready for those all-important Zs.
Create focused spaces. Many sleep experts say that bed should only be for sleep and intimacy. If you like to read or perhaps check in on work before bed, create a little area for those purposes. A sitting area either in the bedroom or in an alcove or anteroom, for example, can send cues to your brain that help you get better quality sleep.
Install the right window dressings. These are decorative elements, but they are also very functional. If your sleep schedule is not the traditional 11:00pm – 7:00am, for instance, elegant shades or automatic blinds can help block the light when you need shut eye.

7. Don’t Forget: You Live in the Details

The “smaller” decorative items and accessories in your owner’s suite are not afterthoughts. They are essential! Invest in high quality sheets (cotton and bamboo are great choices), pillows, and comforters/duvets.

Other well-coordinated touches, such as plants, select artwork, a throw for your reading chair, etc., add to the visual interest and comfort of your space as well.

Bring Your Dream Modern Master Bedroom to Life

Have you ever wished for your own dedicated designer? Someone who would listen to your ideas, provide feedback and suggestions – and then just make the magic happen? Done. G&G Custom Homes’ is committed to delivering a positive, streamlined homebuilding process, as well as educating, informing, guiding, collaborating, and yes, bringing some magic to the process.

Connect with G&G

We are your team, and our experienced, industry-savvy designers will ensure you achieve your vision of the ideal owner’s suite.

Visit G&G Custom Homes to learn more about our process and the experience you can expect when you work one-on-one with owner Joe Garcia and our team of experts.