Small Master Bedroom Design: Embracing an Earthy and Textured Palette

With this master bedroom remodel we had to get creative with this 70's style small room. Like typical 70's rooms, windows are small and are in strange places, storage is lacking, and the footprint is small. The client wanted to transform their small master bedroom to feel like a luxurious hotel experience featuring an earthy and textured palette. I think we delivered!

Since we weren't able to blow out any walls to add any square footage, we had to get strategic with what furniture was placed where. For their bathroom remodel we removed a door and replaced it with a pocket door (you can read more about that here). Doing so allowed us to put the nightstands against the wall that you first see when you walk in without the door opening up into the nightstand. This floorpan provided a better foot traffic pattern than the previous, see floorpan below:

Next up was addressing the placement of the windows. The eye wants symmetry, generally things don't look aesthetically pleasing if symmetry is not accomplished. As you can see in the mid-project photo below, there is a large space to the right of the window. No amount of wall art can balance that left window out and adding another window on the other side of the bed above the night stand was not an option. We created a functioning wall-to-wall black-out drapery treatment that serves as a backdrop to the bed. I created the left panel to function to draw right at night to black out the room. During the day the drapery is open allowing the light in.

Above is my rough sketch of the wall-to wall drapery.

I suggested adding artwork to float in front of the drapery to add interest to an otherwise beige wall. The client's own pressed botanicals were framed in this large scale matted frame.

The clients wanted a no-fuss bedding situation and an uncluttered room. We added these pottery-like lamps and different textures like velvet, linen, and grasscloth to add dimension and interest.

The bed frame is a denim slipcovered frame to add pattern to the room. I love those little tie details!

Like I said, this master bedroom is small and since there is not a walk-in closet we added this large floor mirror to bounce light around making the room look larger and to be used practically.

The clients love Colorado so they requested to have their personal photography framed. I think it plays to the earthy vibe nicely. I love this view from the room where you can see two different wallpapers in the same sightline!

That's it for this room! Stay tuned and I'll show you how we utilized the small closets and how we turned their "master closet" into a built-In closet. Have a great weekend and Happy Easter!

FAQs

How can I make a small master bedroom feel larger?

Less furniture if you can manage. Add mirrors!

What furniture works best in a small master bedroom?

Smaller scale furniture. For example, choosing smaller width nightstands rather than two larger width nightstands. Skip the large towering tall boy dressers and opt for a smaller one, or move into the closet if possible.

How can I maximize storage in a small master bedroom?

Custom or semi-custom closets! I have had great luck with ikea closet system.

What colors are best for a small master bedroom?

All colors (except for straight up black, possibly).

How do I choose lighting for a small master bedroom?

The rule here is for every other room: layered lighting. If you don’t have a large nightstand for table lamps, you could add two wall sconces above the nightstand. Be sure to include an overhead light, wall sconces, and table lamps.

How do I make a small master bedroom cozy and inviting?

Lamp, lamp, lamps!