Select art, color, and linens together for the ultimate retreat
By Lisa Martin
While French toile floral prints put him on edge, sleek black furniture coupled with chrome keeps her up at night. When it comes to home décor, some of the biggest battles tend to take place over how to decorate the master bedroom. In designing this all-important haven for rest, romance and relationships, commandeer the following tips and enjoy the spoils of your ceasefire!
Select art together
Interior designers often counsel that couples should head to a gallery, art store, or antiques market in search of a perfect piece for the master bedroom. One great painting, print, or framed photograph can set the tone and color palette for the entire space. Loathe his black-velvet Elvis or her Degas dancers? Alternatives include wall sculptures, black-and-white photos, and abstract art.
Compromise on color choices
Ballerina pink or powder blue won’t work for him; she’s no fan of his alma mater’s hue, burnt orange. Check out an array of fun, chic neutrals. Chocolate brown, sage green, and charcoal pop against tan, taupe, or cream.
Decorate with accessories
Keep larger items, like window treatments and rugs, in your primary palette. But if you must have some chartreuse or fuchsia, introduce color in small doses through accessories. Lampshades, throws, toss pillows, table scarves, tiebacks, etc., can offer the color you crave in portions palatable for your partner.
Get rid of floral prints
For bedding, if she loves feminine florals while he revels in bold geometrics or camo prints, it’s best to choose linens that are gender-neutral. One word for you: stripes, which inevitably look crisp and correct. Other options include hotel linens (typically white bordered by navy blue, espresso, or even yellow), or solids with interesting accent shams.
Conceal or display the TV?
One of you wants a TV in the boudoir; the other hates the idea of a big black box becoming a de facto focal point. Invest in some furniture that conceals TVs and DVRs (like a cabinet or armoire) or uploading great images (a snowy landscape; a roaring fire) to delight your eyes as a screensaver.
Agree to go clutter-free
Eliminating the clutter means no sweaters or slacks hanging off the elliptical machine and that magazines, books, or CDs should be stored neatly in baskets or on shelves. Retailers from Restoration Hardware and Pottery Barn to IKEA and Wal-Mart sell attractive options to fit a range of budgets.
Call a Truce in the Battle Over Master Bedroom Decorating
Select art, color, and linens together for the ultimate retreat
By Lisa Martin
While French toile floral prints put him on edge, sleek black furniture coupled with chrome keeps her up at night. When it comes to home décor, some of the biggest battles tend to take place over how to decorate the master bedroom. In designing this all-important haven for rest, romance and relationships, commandeer the following tips and enjoy the spoils of your ceasefire!
Select art together
Interior designers often counsel that couples should head to a gallery, art store, or antiques market in search of a perfect piece for the master bedroom. One great painting, print, or framed photograph can set the tone and color palette for the entire space. Loathe his black-velvet Elvis or her Degas dancers? Alternatives include wall sculptures, black-and-white photos, and abstract art.
Compromise on color choices
Ballerina pink or powder blue won’t work for him; she’s no fan of his alma mater’s hue, burnt orange. Check out an array of fun, chic neutrals. Chocolate brown, sage green, and charcoal pop against tan, taupe, or cream.
Decorate with accessories
Keep larger items, like window treatments and rugs, in your primary palette. But if you must have some chartreuse or fuchsia, introduce color in small doses through accessories. Lampshades, throws, toss pillows, table scarves, tiebacks, etc., can offer the color you crave in portions palatable for your partner.
Get rid of floral prints
For bedding, if she loves feminine florals while he revels in bold geometrics or camo prints, it’s best to choose linens that are gender-neutral. One word for you: stripes, which inevitably look crisp and correct. Other options include hotel linens (typically white bordered by navy blue, espresso, or even yellow), or solids with interesting accent shams.
Conceal or display the TV?
One of you wants a TV in the boudoir; the other hates the idea of a big black box becoming a de facto focal point. Invest in some furniture that conceals TVs and DVRs (like a cabinet or armoire) or uploading great images (a snowy landscape; a roaring fire) to delight your eyes as a screensaver.
Agree to go clutter-free
Eliminating the clutter means no sweaters or slacks hanging off the elliptical machine and that magazines, books, or CDs should be stored neatly in baskets or on shelves. Retailers from Restoration Hardware and Pottery Barn to IKEA and Wal-Mart sell attractive options to fit a range of budgets.