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The term “master suite” implies that the space is much more than merely a master bedroom and bath. While the overall size of new homes continues to drop, the master area seems to demand more attention than ever. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean the master bath and closets are just larger and grander. In years past, we’ve seen some rather spectacular baths; you probably recall the elaborate fireplaces, bathtubs large enough for the kids to swim in, and ornate chandeliers that might have been more appropriate in the grand foyer.

While some of our current master areas might still be rather large, the focus is now on the functionality of the space. More thought has been put into the efficient use of storage and features that will be used on a daily basis. For instance, laundry areas are often found adjacent to the master bath. A home office might be an integral component of the suite. For those clients who are empty nesters, the master suite has evolved into a retreat that almost becomes a self-contained living area. While the following designs for master suites vary in size and amenities, each pays careful attention to efficient and functional details.
The design of a master suite needs to pay close attention to detail in order to fit the client’s lifestyle and become a retreat. The first master suite features a large, walk-through closet with built-in cabinets, a fireplace, and close proximity to the laundry room. Large floor-to-ceiling windows in the master bedroom allow natural light to flood the space. The master bath is finished off in a natural, earthly design, with large stone tiles on the floors and stacked stones on accent walls. It also comes equipped with a walk-in rain shower with moveable jets on the walls and a jetted tub. A private access to the rear of the house finishes off this master suite. off this master suite.

• Oversized brick pattern stone tiles that are radiant heated
• Vessel sinks with faucets on walls
• Stacked stone on accent walls
• Jetted soaker tub
• Pebble-stone shower with rain feature and jets on walls
• Closed-off toilet room with urinal and stacked wood on walls
• Private staircase to rear of house
• Skylights throughout master bath
• Floor-to-ceiling windows for natural light
• Fireplace in master bedroom
• Walk-through closet
• Close proximity to laundry

The next suite was designed for an empty nester; this master suite encompasses not only the bedroom and bathroom, but also a home office and laundry area. The “family foyer” also serves as a drop-off point for their golf clubs, tennis racquets, and other outdoor equipment. Expansive windows provide a view of the pool and rear yard, while double French doors open to a 10-foot-deep porch across the back of the house.

• Sitting area with built-in media center. The flat-screen TV swivels to allow viewing from bed.
• Exercise area with wall recess for flat-screen TV. Windows provide natural light and views toward the pool.
• Built-in linen and clothes storage eliminates need for dresser in bedroom
• Large, door-less shower with glass-block walls for light and privacy
• Both walk-in closets feature built-in drawers for clothes storage.
• Laundry room conveniently adjacent to “family entry” and master suite
• “Family entry” has abundant storage with personal lockers, a bench with shoe storage below, and a “drop zone” for mail, keys, and cell phones
• Home office provides workspace for two people, file drawers, bookcases, and storage cabinets

The master wing of this house is laid out to provide “his and her” suites with some shared spaces in between. For maximum privacy, each person has a private study, dressing room, and toilet facilities. Rather than having the bed in the middle of a large room, it is tucked into an alcove that is open to separate study spaces on both sides of the bed. This alcove can be closed off with sliding panels to lend privacy to the early crasher or late sleeper. The shower/tub room is a large “wet room” shared by both, but it can be closed off if desired. The plumbing noise is separated from the bed alcove by a “flex” workroom, which serves as a laundry and storage area.

• Master bed alcove with sliding panels for privacy but open to the studies for cross ventilation
• His study — could be used as a library, office space, or for exercise equipment
• Her study — could be used as a library, office space, or for exercise equipment
• Workroom for laundry, projects, and storage
• His dressing room with an island of drawers and window seat
• Her dressing room with an island of drawers and window seat
• Shower/tub room
• His toilet room with urinal
• Her toilet room with bidet
• Sliding panels
• “Don’t leave home without it” shelf, where owners can lay out the things that have to go with them for the day
• Coffee bar
• Vanity rooms

No matter what your design wishes are, the master suite can accommodate all types of living scenarios. It is our responsibility as architects and remodelers to take the 1000 of ideas in your head and make them come to reality.

I hope you enjoyed this month’s blog.

See you next month.

Best,

Michael A. Menn Principal, Architect

AIA, CGR, CAPS, CGP, NCARB, NKBA

Michael Menn Ltd.

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Your home is your castle, so spoil yourself with an absolutely unforgettable master suite to call your own. The bedroom is the space where your day begins and ends, as such; it should be as beautiful as it is functional with fabulous custom details to reflect your personality and individual style. From color palettes and bed linens to storage solutions for closets, each and every detail should be carefully planned to meet your daily needs.

One of the most common home additions or renovations is a new master bedroom. Whether you bought an older home in an established neighborhood and the current bedroom lacks amenities, or you have sent your offspring out into the world and are ready spend money on yourself, there are a few things with which you might want to spoil yourself.

But where do you start? Some suites can be designed as only a sleeping area with closets and either an attached or detached bathroom. Others may go in an entirely different route with a sleeping area, a sitting area, where you can read or watch TV without bothering your partner, multiple closets and a killer bathroom that may have separate vanities, enclosed toilet room, and a separate shower and tub area.

What’s right for you? Well that depends on the space you can allocate for the suite, the money you have to invest in the design and construction and the time it takes to become reality.
So, what might you want to include in your dream bedroom? Here are 10 things to consider making your slumber land a dream come true.

1. Location 

Your primary concern with a new master bedroom should be its location. This is probably the most difficult and complicated decision of the adding-on/remodeling process. You want to know how your new bedroom will relate to the landscape, or if it even can, if it is not on the ground floor. You also have to consider privacy and how the circulation of the layout will work with the rest of the plan.

2. Access to the Outdoors

Once you have defined a good position for your new bedroom, think about its access to the outdoors. In the past it was less common to have direct exterior access from a bedroom. Current trends indicate a preference for master bedrooms on the ground level with doors opening onto private patios and garden spaces.

3. Windows

Moving past doors, your next concern should be the windows. Studies show that darker rooms induce sounder sleep. Of course, you are not always sleeping; finding a balance between light and dark takes some careful planning.

4. Views

If you are fortunate enough to have views, take full advantage of them. You don’t have to have an ocean view, views into gardens, swimming pools and courtyards can be just as dramatic.

5. A Sitting Area

Another common trend is to provide a sitting room within the master bedroom. Designs can even feel like a small living room, as in this house. These spaces can be very quiet places where you can get away and spend time writing, reading or just contemplating. If a sitting area is on your wish list, allow at least an extra 150 square feet of space to accommodate furnishings.

6. A Fireplace

A fireplace provides the perfect focal point for any room. If you want one in your bedroom, work with your architect or designer to determine how much emphasis it should have. The traditional stone fireplace in this room dominates, but modern gas fireplaces of all shapes and sizes can be found to coordinate with your design and taste. Keep in mind that there are many municipalities in major metropolitan areas where wood-burning fireplaces are no longer allowed.

7. The Ceiling

If there is any room in your house where you will be frequently looking at the ceiling, the bedroom is it. Even if you have a flat ceiling, finishes of infinite varieties are available to create an enchanting space. Consider that if this space had a flat ceiling, even the addition of ceiling planks alone would be a very nice touch

8. Lighting

From candleholders to hidden alcoves, bedrooms offer plenty of opportunities for creative uses of artificial lighting. The bedroom in this luxury home relies on various light sources. The crystal chandelier provides a glittery display; bedside lamps provide intimate and personal illumination; while cove lighting at the cornice molding gives a romantic glow and accentuates the ceiling detail. And don’t forget about candles; nothing provides more intimacy than these. Consider dimmer switches and avoid recessed cans in the ceiling of a bedroom. Remember, you will frequently be looking up, and it can be unpleasant to have your partner suddenly flip a switch and blind you as if you were in an interrogation room.

9. Entertainment

Not everyone wants a television in the bedroom, but this is a desirable amenity for some. Carefully consider placement and whether you want a built-in, as seen in this bedroom. Even if you prefer no TV, music can add another pleasant dimension. It may be as simple as providing a couple of strategically placed small wireless speakers

10. A Theme

Finally, give your new bedroom a theme. For example, a tropically inspired space is a coherent, peaceful and restful retreat.

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