Nine months. No, this isn’t a health blog about giving birth! This is literally how long it has taken me to revamp our master bedroom. Basically, the project all began in lockdown 1 – remember that? It seems such a long time ago now, doesn’t it?! But this was when the husband and I started thinking about master bedroom ideas. We needed to take time out from the reality of Covid-19 and concentrate our thoughts on other things.
If you’re thinking of a room revamp, I hope my master bedroom ideas give you some inspiration. I plan to show you just what you can achieve without spending an absolute fortune! I’ll also keep my fingers crossed you will finish yours far quicker than we managed to. In fact, you can find out why it took us so long if you read on…
The beginning
We originally bought our home in the full knowledge that it was a project property. However, until the pandemic struck we still had so much to do as we hadn’t touched the first floor rooms. I’m pretty sure you can relate. You complete a major phase of your home reno project then life takes over again! You’ll probably remember we reconfigured the entire ground floor to create an open-plan kitchen. This included a cloakroom and utility room, which have been so useful.
Back to the master bedroom….We knew this was in much need of a revamp, but we hadn’t really thought about when we’d make a start. Then Covid-19 struck in March 2020. So, once I was spending so much more time at home, this gave me the chance to really look at my surroundings. I started thinking of master bedroom ideas, which could really transform the space. The key would be to retain some of the big ticket items, such as our king-size bed and bespoke curtains, and give this space a much-needed refresh with a new lick of paint, furniture, furnishings and accessories.
I spoke to Cinzia Moretti at Moretti Interior Design too, before we began – you may remember my live interview with her on her IGTV feed. It was an amazing opportunity to discuss my ideas with a leading London interior designer. I wanted to know, among other things, ways in which I could successfully introduce biophilic elements into my bedroom design.
Boutique hotel
When it came to my bedroom makeover, the first thing I wanted to consider was the style. Whenever I go away with the husband, I tend to choose the boutique hotel option. Well, I used to…and am hoping we can pick that up again in 2022. Anyway, this is because the rooms tend to feel more intimate and stylish. So, this concept featured top of my list when it came to my master bedroom ideas. I was looking to create a room with boutique hotel-style touches, such as top-quality, crisp white bedlinen, for example. Then, I would warm up the remaining space with touches of colour and pattern. In terms of which shades I would choose, I knew I had to work with the existing grey bed-frame and curtains. I don’t mind grey and the shade I’ve got pretty much resembles Pantone’s Colour of the Year 2021 – Ultimate Grey. However, I felt I could add two of my favourite colours – pink and green – to the mix, for a more cosy finish. Plants would play a big part in the design as would natural materials, such as wood, stone and shell, with luxurious gold accents.
Paintwork
I picked Farrow & Ball’s Peignoir paint for the walls and Wevet for the woodwork, coving and ceiling. Peignoir is a shade of pink but one which I knew would get the husband’s seal of approval. It’s a more sophisticated colour way, rather than ‘bubble-gum pink’, which might suit a teenage bedroom.
To be honest, it took at least three coats to achieve the right finish but, now we have, the colours look beautiful. We did find it tricky when it came to painting the existing fitted wardrobes – made from MDF, we had to apply at least a couple of coats of primer and lightly sand between. But, now it is finished, the results are amazing! I removed the old wardrobe handles and replaced them with these gorgeous ones called Kepler from Plank Hardware. Made with a satin brass finish with knurled detailing, these feel sturdy and instantly add a more luxurious finish.
Statement lighting
A statement light shade had to appear on my master bedroom ideas wish-list. I had come across Collectiviste at a home show some years previously. So, I had seen their product first-hand and knew I could expect absolute quality. I adore their mother of pearl ceiling shades and I chose the Elara White Ovo. Every shade is unique and made in Java, using traditional craftsmanship. I love natural materials and this shade creates such a powerful statement in the room. It really is beautiful, whether the light is on or off.
When it came to master bedroom ideas for the bedside table lamps, I chose matching hotel-style versions. I was initially thinking gold accents with statement shades would work well. So, when I saw Sweetpea & Willow’s Athena table lamp, it was love at first sight. There’s gold adorning the inner shades, which looks stunning, and these products measure 70cmH – the perfect height for my makeover.
I was looking for statement pieces, which would not pale into insignificance against the backdrop of the existing large mirrors. We inherited these when we bought the house and painted the frames in Wevet to match the woodwork. I wanted to keep the mirrors because they bounce so much light around the room.
Furniture
What took so long?
As with every room makeover, it’s only natural to experience an issue…I remember meticulously planning my master bedroom ideas in order to create the right look in this room. After all, research suggests you tend to spend one third of your life in your bedroom. So, I think it’s worth trying to make this room look the best you can. I was looking for the right freestanding furniture and I wanted a small chest of drawers, which would fit snugly next to the existing fitted wardrobes. So, I started looking for a warm wood finish with gold accents for a more luxurious touch.
I hunted high and low for a small chest of drawers, which would fit what is essentially a compact space. Then I thought I had hit the jackpot as I eventually came across a beautiful handleless design. This was made from acacia with parquet patterning on the facade and beautiful gold legs. However, I was told it would take more than seven months to arrive – so I took a chance and boy did I regret that! As I waited, I kept telling myself it would be worth it…then it arrived. Unfortunately that day was met with major disappointment! We carefully unpacked the item and the drawers would not open or shut properly. Thankfully, we returned it without any issue, but I was back to square one with the chest of drawers!
Replacement chest of drawers
So, I decided to look at other brands. Quick delivery and quality would be key and this was when I came across Furniture123. I thought their Halo 3 chest of drawers with brass inlay in natural honey looked ideal. So, I ordered this furniture and it literally arrived two days later – I couldn’t believe it! This is the first piece of furniture I’ve ever ordered from them and it’s perfect. It has been beautifully handcrafted by skilled artisans using solid mango wood. I love the leaf-effect handles – however, to be honest, we are yet to add the gorgeous gold legs…
This is down to an embarrassing carpet malfunction! When we removed the existing piece of furniture, we discovered an even older disgusting, dark brown carpet segment! So, we can’t possibly add the legs to this stunning chest till we get the old carpet replaced. We do plan to do this. However, we’ve decided to wait till we’ve been vaccinated, so we won’t pass Covid on to the fitters. We think it’s better to be safe than sorry as the husband is a key worker.
Bedside tables
Now, when it came to master bedroom ideas for bedside tables, I was looking for a similar aesthetic to the chest of drawers. So, a warm wood finish with gold accents was top of my wish-list. Thankfully, I found just what I was looking for at Atkin & Thyme! I love the two matching Toledo bedside cabinets, which provide a more symmetrical finish either side of our bed. They really are super stylish with gold detailing on the door fascias, the handles and matching legs.
The furniture is hand-crafted using high-quality materials, so they’re beautifully made too. For your info, Atkin & Thyme tend to sell limited, low-volume batches. This is good news as this means you’ll benefit from furniture with a more distinctive finish.
Statement chair
As you’ve probably noticed, space is at a premium in our master bedroom! Anyway, this meant I had to choose a chair which would look good but wouldn’t take up too much space. I really wanted green velvet as I’m obsessed with this beautifully tactile fabric. And our kittens wouldn’t want to sink their claws into it! I felt gold legs would tie in the look with other matching accents in the room. So, I came across this beauty from Cult Furniture. It is, in fact, a dining chair! But it works really well as I needed somewhere I can occasionally throw my clothes..!
I added a statement cushion to the chair for a finishing touch. As soon as I saw Christian Lacroix’s Cacsade Bourgeon, I just knew I had to have it! This beautifully embroidered cushion features leaves in blush pinks on a jade green ombre effect backdrop. It’s reversible with a blue version on the underside so you get double for your money!
Dressing the bed
I must admit I’ve always loved crisp, white bed linen. However, I really wanted a set which would feel soft to the touch and ooze quality. Bedding is something I always admire when I visit a boutique hotel. So, it was great to see what Tielle Love Luxury had to offer. What I love about this brand is that their parent company, Tradelinens, works with the luxury hotel industry. So I had a pretty good guess at what I could expect from their retail branch and I was not disappointed.
Tielle Love Luxury have kindly gifted the husband and I plumped up Savoy duck feather and down pillows and a beautiful 600tc bed linen set made from 100% high-grade cotton. But ‘feeling’ really is believing – the quality is incredible and the bed linen makes me feel like I’m cocooned in absolute luxury every time I cuddle up in bed.
Cosy cushions
To complete the look, I chose a pair of fun Kissing Flamingo velvet cushions from Elizabeth Scarlett. There’s a great story behind these – Elizabeth and her husband Alex travelled to a lagoon to see native flamingoes on their honeymoon in Kenya. I hear this beautiful sight gave her all the inspiration she needed to create this gorgeous collection.
Adding warmth with a blanket
One of my master bedroom ideas was to layer our crisp, white bed linen with a cosy throw. I came across Nordic Nest, which is where I found the perfect, ultra-cosy addition. Their Gotland wool throw in Butelj-green from Klippan Ylefabrik has created the perfect finishing touch! It features a classic plaid and the colour matches my scheme perfectly.
The area rug
I have to admit when it came to master bedroom ideas for the rug, it took me a long time to find the exact colour, finish and size I was looking for. In the end, I came across a brand called Rugs UK by pure chance and I’m absolutely delighted I found them! This was the only company I could find, which had exactly what I was looking for. I was finding rugs in the right colour but not the right size and vice versa up to this point. Anyway, when I saw this beautiful green rug on their website, I just knew I had to have it. Called the Ascot by Asiatic Carpets, it is actually hand-woven in India. Made from wool, this creative design features a viscose border detail, which I love.
Finishing touches
I added two more pieces to the master bedroom to complete the look. One was a circular antique brass shelf from Arbol House. It’s an open shelf with a rustic brass finish for an antique effect. With multi-level shelves, I thought this would detract from our existing radiator below, with some plants, art and miniature books. The shelving design also adds to other circular elements in the room. One other circular feature is the gorgeous shell light shade from Collectiviste I have already mentioned.
I also picked up a circular wall ornament from Sweetpea & Willow. Designed in the style of a juju hat, which was worn to denote power and wealth as an African tribal headdress in Camerooon, I love it. During my research, I discovered they are a sign of prosperity. I think this tone complements the ceiling and woodwork, and provides the perfect finishing touch!
AD: I collaborated with the following brands who gifted me with products or provided me with discounts: Plank Hardware, Collectiviste, Atkin & Thyme, Sweetpea & Willow, Tielle Love Luxury, Rugs UK
Want to know how I transformed my ground floor into a stunning open-plan kitchen? You can find out all about it here.
