ADD SOME ZIP TO BEDROOM FOR ZEN-LIKE HOME RETREAT
In today’s frenetic world, we are constantly on the go.
So when we finally make it home at the end of the day, peace and relaxation are top of mind.
For most of us, though, the majority of the rooms in our homes are also full of action: from the kitchen, where we are whipping up family meals, to the great room, where we are constantly stepping in to referee the kids’ rough-andtumble wrestling matches.
But there is one space that commands tranquillity, a place where we can escape from it all, where we can ditch the technology, grab a cup of tea and sink into relaxation: our bedroom.
When the door closes, it’s the place where inside and outside meet, creating a personal respite, a quiet sanctuary, something Zenlike, serene and restorative.
“So giving some thought to its design is paramount,” said Jenn MacDonald, interior designer at the Calgary-based design firm DWK Interiors.
She noted the key element to setting the room’s tone is the bed.
“I personally recommend a kingsized bed if space allows. Take some time to shop for a mattress that you find comfortable and, yes, spend the extra to get something that you like,” she said, keeping in mind that most beds no longer require a box spring.
When it comes to colour, she suggests opting for lighter, neutral wall colours, recommending two classic whites from Benjamin Moore — Simply White and Chantilly Lace. “If you like colour, pillows, art and accessories are a great way to inject some and can easily be changed seasonally,” she said.
Wallpaper can take up the wow factor a further notch.
It’s a technique that she used in a recent project — a top-to-bottom refresh of a country home in Priddis.
The client, a single mother with a hectic job in the city, wanted a complete redo, including a master bedroom transformation to create a cosy and uncluttered space in soft, muted colours.
MacDonald used a mix of design elements, including wallpaper, to update the master bedroom, bringing it into the third decade of the 21st century with style.
“We chose a classic ogee wallpaper pattern, but in black and white for a modern feel,” said MacDonald.
The wallpaper feature wall creates an elegant backdrop for serenity, while hints of glam shine through in the fixtures and mirrored night stands.
The ensuite continues the same colour palette and calm vibe, finished in white marble with the
I personally recommend a king-sized bed if space allows. Take some time to shop for a mattress that you find comfortable and, yes, spend the extra.
drama of black accents, tying in to the overall esthetic of the bedroom.
“When designing, think of the bedroom, ensuite and closet as all one room,” said MacDonald.
To add some cosy to the space, MacDonald suggests layering in textures and add a sitting area or a bench at the end of the bed.
In the Priddis home, the master bedroom opens to a bright and airy living room designed for reading and lounging. “The owner works long hours downtown in Calgary, so the entire space needed to be calm, and a place that she could completely unwind after a long day.”
Custom blackout draperies finish the space.
“Once you have them, you can’t believe that you ever went without.
“Not to mention they look stunning,” said MacDonald.