master bedrooms
They're getting larger
and
more elaborate
If you're like most people, you probably feel
overwhelmed at times by the demands of your busy life. So it's no wonder
that many people are choosing to turn their master bedrooms into luxurious,
spa-like suites for relaxing and recouping. Perhaps taking a cue from
hotel rooms, some homeowners have even turned their bedrooms into deluxe
private retreats—almost mini apartments—complete with sitting
areas, refrigerators, and wet bars. Or their bedrooms also serve as exercise
rooms or home offices.
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What do you want in your master bedroom? Standard amenities include a queen- or king-size bed, a desk, an armchair or two or a window seat for a small sitting area, ample closet space, and perhaps a vanity or dressing table. Do you like to watch TV from bed? Plan where you'll house your home entertainment system, and extend your high-speed wiring to your bedroom (see page 110).
What size bed do you want? A 78 x 80-inch king-size bed is more luxurious than a 60 x 80-inch queen, but think about whether you could use that extra space for a dresser, chair or other furniture. And a lavish master bedroom certainly isn’t only for couples. If you’re renovating a solo retreat, you may want to give yourself even more room by using a 54 x 75 inch full-size bed.
If your bedroom is on the ground floor, you can include a door that opens onto your deck, patio or yard. For an upstairs bedroom, add a balcony or roof garden. Either way, you extend your comfort and relaxation to the outdoors.
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CREATING A BETTER BEDROOM
How do you create the master bedroom of your dreams? You have many options when it comes to reorganizing space in your house: Steal space If your existing bedroom is too small, your easiest option is to expand it by taking space from another room, perhaps an adjoining bedroom or hall closet. Adding a small bay-window bump-out (see page 15) can give you enough space for a window seat. Plus, you'll get extra light and extra storage under the seat. Add a second story If you can't steal space from anywhere else to create your ideal master suite and you live in a one-story house, consider adding a second story. First, however, you'll need to consult an architect or structural engineer to see whether your house's structure and foundation can handle the weight of an upper floor. Since you'll be tearing out your existing roof, try to schedule your renovation for the warmer, drier months. Add another room Perhaps you would prefer to build a ground-floor addition instead of a second story. If so, keep in mind that this is usually more expensive and takes longer to build. You'll have to excavate and lay a foundation, and if the new addition extends your house toward the road, you'll need to check with your building department about frontage regulations (frontage is the distance required between the road and your house). On the other hand, a more accessible master bedroom makes a lot of sense, particularly if you plan on retiring in your home. Reassign room responsibilities Perhaps you can get away with not making any structural changes by simply reassigning room responsibilities. Maybe there's a living room, playroom or family room you don't need anymore. Add walls and a door, and you've got a bigger, brand new bedroom. You can even kill two birds with one stone by then turning your old bedroom into a guest room. |