Design Basics of a Primary Bedroom
A thoughtfully-designed bedroom is not only aesthetically beautiful, but also a place for well-being and retreat. Here, we introduce the key principles of designing the perfect primary suite.
Defining Your Style
Our clients have diverse tastes, and we often blend elements from many aesthetics to create an ideal design. While the bedroom should harmonize with the overall home, it should also reflect the user on a more intimate level, incorporating personal touches that enhance the space’s individuality.
The primary bedroom of our Leonard Street project showcases our clients’ modern taste. The bold contrast of cool gray and deep copper hues makes the space feel slightly masculine and edgy.
Choosing a Calming Color Palette
Soft, cool hues like blue can create a calming atmosphere, while bright, warm tones bring energy and playfulness, making them excellent choices for accent colors. Ultimately, the colors you choose should set the tone for your private retreat.
Our Penthouse in the Sky project features a primary suite drenched in a monochromatic palette of light blue that creates a serene environment and reflects the sky outside.
SELECTING the Right Furniture
When selecting furniture for a bedroom, it’s essential to focus on key pieces like the bed, dresser, and nightstands to create a functional and cohesive space. Be mindful of scale—larger rooms may benefit from design elements like an extended headboard to create balance and make better use of an expansive wall. We often incorporate custom our designs to ensure that the furnishings are not only beautifully bespoke, but also highly functional, such as incorporating charging sockets and reading lights.
In our Park Avenue residence, the primary bedroom features a pair of custom cantilevered bedside tables. The shagreen finish on the drawer adds a tactile, dimensional quality, elevating the contemporary aesthetic.
Creating a Luxurious Bed
A truly comfortable bed starts with a high-quality mattress, paired with down or hypoallergenic pillows, a plush duvet, and soft cotton or linen sheets. Adding layers of texture with throws and cushions can further enhance the cozy atmosphere.
In our Upper West Side residence, the primary suite features a sumptuous bed, complete with a row of Euro square pillows that not only elevate the bed’s aesthetic, but also provide added support when sitting up. These pillows are typically removed for sleep, leaving two down pillows for restful comfort. The duvet, made from luxurious down and encased in a gray sateen cover, adds a final layer of indulgence.
Setting the Mood
A well-designed bedroom requires a thoughtful blend of ambient, task, and accent lighting. Choosing dimmable lights or fixtures with adjustable tones ensures that you achieve the perfect balance between form and function.
In our Uptown Eclectic residence, the lighting plan features a range of fixtures, including two bedside sconces, a statement ceiling piece, and discreet cove lighting. These fixtures not only provide practical illumination but also serve as striking design elements, adding an artistic touch to the room.
Maximizing Storage
Maintaining a pristine and clutter-free bedroom requires creative storage solutions. We often incorporate custom built-in storage into our primary closet designs, as it offers both functionality and a polished, tailored appearance. When space allows, a large walk-in closet is an excellent addition, particularly for those with extensive wardrobes. Enhancing the daily ritual of getting dressed with a well-designed space elevates the entire experience.
In our Uptown Penthouse residence, the bespoke dressing room is a standout feature, handcrafted from white oak. The custom built-ins offer ample space for both hanging and folded clothes, while the center island provides additional storage—perfect for organizing accessories and jewelry. The space is sleek and nearly seamless while offering glimmers of glamour through hardware and lighting.
Adding Décor
Personal touches through décor is the finishing element of a perfectly designed bedroom. The space should reflect the things that bring you joy and comfort. Whether it’s selecting artwork that resonates with you or framing sentimental photos for the nightstand, these details infuse the room with personality. Even small additions, like colorful or patterned sheets, can make a meaningful impact.
In our Lost Tree Way residence, the contemporary bedroom is enhanced by a distinctive, colorful art piece by Jacob Hashimoto, achieving a look that is both modern and laid-back, yet impeccably refined.