A bed. (As opposed to multiple beds - couples most often share a bed and with smaller families the norm it seems like kids commonly have their own rooms)

Bedside tables and lamps. A ceiling light. A dresser or drawers built into the closet. A closet or wardrobe.

Rugs, extra pillows, sheets and blankets (as opposed to the European bottom sheet with duvet in cover).

After so many years living here, it's difficult to see what's different compared to other parts of the world. If I had to think about it, I would say large beds with a big, dark stain, wood headboard. Also, the height of the bed is quite out there. I remember when I first walked in a furniture store and saw all those super tall beds.

bedside lamps also seem ubiquitous. a closet or walk in closet rather than a wardrobe. bedrooms as well as upper floors in general almost always have carpeting. (although that may be a Canada thing because it gets so cold)

ensuite bathrooms are huge here. For new builds the most popular floor plans are ones where every bedroom has its own ensuite.

A typical American bedroom... tv mounted on wall, night stand full of remotes, laundry thrown all over the floor, carpet, a messy bed and maybe a dresser (not my style). Now my bedroom would have a king size 4 poster bed, polished hardwood floors, a balcony, 2 night stands, a huge walk in closet, a spa bathroom, a ceiling fan... something similar to a honeymoon suite.

Most master bedrooms in homes I've visited contained a bed for the couple - usually queen sized or larger, although a couple of smaller homes had a full sized bed. There is usually at least one bedside table for a reading lamp, alarm clock and box of tissues. One or two dressers for folding clothes and a closet for hanging clothes. Depending on the size of the home or apartment, part of the bedroom may be set up as a home office where bills are paid, letters written, etc. Only a few of my friends have TVs in the bedroom. Not all master bedrooms have a master bath attached - that seems to be more common in newer homes. In fact my friends that live in older homes (100+ yrs old) may not have closets and have to use armoires for their hanging clothing. There's usually a mirror where one can check to make sure they don't have a hanging slip or tag like Minnie Pearl.

Children's rooms depend on the age of the children. Most USA homes do not have the children sharing their parent's room except as infants where it may be easier to keep a bassinet in the parents room for night feedings. Young children's rooms usually have a crib or bed with rails to prevent falling out and a changing table, along with a dresser and some kind of chair for the mother to rock the child in while feeding it. Older children usually have a twin sized bed, a dresser, and a desk to do school work at. Personally I'm all in favor of having a bookcase with age appropriate books in the child's room too. Although some families do have their children share a room, it seems to be less common than it used to be. Also, generally children of different genders usually don't share a room once adolescence sets in.

The reference photo is lovely and not an example of what I usually encounter which is, in general, a large and wasted space, bed, side tables and bureaux notwithstanding. The flip side is where everything not to be seen by guests is stuffed into a room that is about as restful as a storage locker!

As a designer, I respect the direction of owners, but my advice (for all spaces) is to place the functionality and style within the context of domestic life. For some, that means a multi-purpose space away from a bustling household. For others, that means a relaxing space that is occupied mostly while asleep. In the former situation, a larger space, well oriented to specific tasks with a cohesive design that conveys the desired vibe is the answer. For the latter, a beautiful, but smaller area suitable to bed and storage size needs is suitable.

In my own home, I'm lucky to have a large separate dressing room, so my bedroom is small with a true double and is detailed with antique carvings, burled side tables and original art. The balcony off the bedroom is larger than the room. In our former Bangkok home, heat meant that even smaller folk like myself appreciate room--large king-size bed in a very large room. Our Hong Kong place, as you might expect, was dictated by the usual space constraints. The room was barely larger than the double bed--and most residents in the upscale 65 storey building made use of deep windows ledges for a bed support, opening almost 18" (!!) of walking room at the foot of the bed.

All is relative--and context is all ;-)

Love all the Canadian design shows where people love their ensuites!
I think of a master bedroom as having a beautiful king bed with lovely headboard, luxurious linens, draperies, upholstered chair and small side table. Bedside tables and reading lamps or sconces and of course a master bath and walk- in closet.
Relaxing soft, colors such as blues, violets, taupes, whites.
French doors to the outside garden.
Separate from the rest of the bedrooms, either on another floor or at opposite end of the home.

Marlene, you are funny! And honest to boot!