Stothers also designed a new fireplace that works with different design styles. With hot rolled steel on the surround and clean lines on the hearth and bench, the fireplace works well with modern styling. But because she chose stacked stone, the room could go more rustic. The quartz ledge serves as a bench and display shelf. Working with the contractors who were designing the way the timber construction’s exposed trusses would work, Stothers got busy planning for the windows and the fireplace. “The rest of the house has these wide walls of windows that make the most of the views,” she says. “The homeowners tell me they are in awe of how much the landscape changes every season up here, and the views give the master suite a treehouse-like feel.”
8. Quiet ceiling fan. When planning your bedroom design, you may want to think about adding a ceiling fan. Fans help provide good circulation and fresh air, which will aid in a good night’s sleep. It’s not imperative to have a fan, but it’s certainly a bonus to any healthy bedroom. Just be sure to find one that makes as little noise as possible.
5. Properly positioned bed. I like to position the bed so that it’s one of the first things you see when you walk into a room. Generally, it’s a great way to invite you into the space. However, if your windows overlook something that warrants it, consider flipping your bed so that it faces the view. Just make sure to purchase those blackout shades I previously discussed.
4. Expressive headboard. Because I recommend keeping your room free of distractions and stimulating colors, you may want to consider bringing in interest via your headboard. This is an opportunity to express your creativity. If not a headboard, then think about installing an interesting item above your bed. It’s also important to consider what your headboard will look like to you when you’re lying down on your bed. Is it distracting? Will it affect the way you sleep? Remember, achieving a good night’s sleep is key.
2. Calming color palette. While many of my clients prefer warm colors over cool ones, when it comes to the bedroom, cooler hues are the better choice because of their calming effect. Blue, lilac and cool shades of gray promote rest, while warm tones can often be energizing and more likely to keep you up at night.
Keep bright light out of your eyes at night by avoiding bedside lamps or pendant lights with clear glass shades or visible bulbs that create glare. Also make sure shades are about equal to your eye level when sitting or leaning in bed. Recessed downlights above the bed can push intense light directly to your retina and negatively affect sleep cycles, so use them carefully and always on dimmers set to the lowest usable setting.
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