Essentials for a Primary Bedroom Retreat

We all need a place to unwind and rest after a long (or short, for that matter) day, and the primary bedroom is the perfect space to create a personal, cozy retreat. If your own bedroom has fallen to the bottom of the priority list, move it on up with our favorite elements to make it the restful, personal space you deserve.

California Traditional | Photo by Amy Bartlam

Soft Color Palette

We typically design a whole-house palette loaded with neutrals and muted shades, but in the primary bedroom, we like to lean a little softer to create a soothing, relaxing atmosphere. This is an opportunity to bring in a wall color that is pretty and soothing, especially in low lighting. Soft blues and greens, muted grays, and even super pale pink all work really well in a bedroom when paired with lots of white bedding and a few deeper shades to keep it from feeling too sweet.

South Bay | Photo by Public 311 Design

Texture for Warmth

Many of our clients love the casual feel of a neutral palette and the key to pulling it off is injecting plenty of texture. Warm wood tones, nubby fabrics, sculptural stoneware, and organic elements will bring a room to life and keep the neutral scheme from falling flat. In a bedroom, textures are needed to create warmth and coziness and promote relaxation, so don't be afraid to layer it on!

Navy Street | Photo by Amy Bartlam

Layers of Bedding

It goes without saying that luxurious bedding is a key component of a successful bedroom, and that is especially true in the primary suite. Our go-to formula for layering a bed starts with crisp white sheeting, which is easily laundered and will go with everything. We like to top that with a quilt or coverlet in a color or with a subtle pattern, and then finish it off with a fluffy duvet and insert. Two sleeping pillows on each side followed by a few decorative pillows and a textural throw add color and interest without being too fussy.

Brentwood | Photo by Amy Bartlam

A Cozy Nook

As a parent myself, I know all too well the importance of making the primary bedroom a separate retreat, and one way to do that is to create a seating space. A sofa or pair of generous chairs is ideal, but often space-prohibitive, and every little effort counts here! A bench or small sofa at the end of the bed, a single chair with a floor lamp, or even a chaise or daybed is plenty for offering a quiet place to start or end the day away from the bustle of the rest of the house.

Palisades | Photo by Amy Bartlam

Elevated Walls

To really take the space to the next level, we'll add a wall treatment -- or three, as in the case of the bedroom in our Palisades project! Bookcases, built-ins, wallpaper, and millwork like paneling, beadboard, or planks add loads of character and personality and really envelop the room in coziness. Shelving in particular is great for allowing space for our clients to keep treasured books or items on display, further setting the space apart from the rest of the house as a personal retreat.

Beach-to-the-Burbs | Photo by Amy Bartlam

Luxurious Windows

Window treatments instantly elevate a space and make it feel cozy and warm, which is essential in a bedroom. We always like to hang curtains high and wide to make the room feel bigger, and choose double panels for lots of fullness. In bedrooms, we opt for blackout lining or an additional shade to promote extra sleep.

For a little extra help pulling your bedroom together, watch our primer on making the bed on IGTV or check out our bedroom inspiration board on Pinterest.