The master bedroom in this new Northumberland home by Elliott Architects (
www.elliottarchitects.co.uk) has its own balcony, which is accessed via glazed doors to maximise daylight in the space
JILL TATE
For many years the bedroom was a space used to provide little more than it’s name indicates. But as floor area is a valuable commodity in a modern house, it is now called upon to serve a multitude of uses. In fact, the current trend in house design goes beyond providing just a large master bedroom, as ensuites and dressing areas create the flavour of a luxurious upmarket hotel. Uses include reading, grooming, listening to the radio, watching TV, using a computer or just enjoying the view out of the window – all of which can influence the layout, contents and overall design of a master suite.
Bedrooms are private sanctuaries where we should feel relaxed and peaceful, so it’s a good opportunity to indulge personal tastes in decor, probably revealing more about your personality than elsewhere in the house. This room is a chance for some self-indulgence, so a successful design will be highly tuned to your own requirements – but there are some key things to bear in mind, which I’ll be presenting over the next few pages.