Over the past four years of helping clients redesign and stage their homes for sale, I’ve noticed an alarming trend.  Okay, maybe it’s not alarming, I just like that phrase.  Moving on…

The trend I have noticed is that many parents spend the time and expense to give their children’s rooms an elaborate make-over.  It can be a palace, or a race car driver’s dream hang-out (well, if the driver was 5, that is).  I am always amazed at how beautiful and creative these rooms are, and I imagine how much fun the parents must have had crafting the perfect space for their little one(s).  But then I step into the master bedroom…

Now, generally the furniture is very nice – a good solid bedroom set.  But then, it’s like after they moved in, the parents looked around for a spare comforter that no one else was using, found one balled up in the  corner of the garage and said: “that’ll do”.  Yes, yes, once again, dramatic effect going on here – they very rarely have oil marks on them.   It just seems, overall, that many parents lose steam once they get to their own room.  I’d like to help correct that and be the one to say (yes, even in this day and age) “treat yourself”.

I know, maybe they had a great bedding set once upon a time, but after years of sharing the bed with the dog, well, more “disposable” bedding became easier to manage.  I can relate to all of the practical reasons for a lackluster master bedroom – not the least being cost.   For that reason, I haven’t updated my bedroom furniture in years (and I don’t plan to anytime soon), but I have put a little effort into the things that are easier to change – paint, bedding, throw pillows, art, side furniture, and lighting.

With a simple and inexpensive bedspread (or “coverlet” – the newer term for it), and a few colorful throw pillows, you can keep the old, soft comfy sheets and cover them all up so your bed looks neat, crisp, and you’ll keep the dust off your pillows!  One, two, or three throw pillows are plenty.  No need to be like Ben Stiller in that movie that made us all question why we suddenly felt the need for 20 pillows on the bed.  By the way, I mention bedding first because it’s the hardest thing to match to other elements.  With the color trends changing by the season, find bedding you like and then decorate or find paint around that theme/palette.

Some other things you can try to spruce up your bedroom and make it feel as good as the rest of your home: buy a pair of lamps that you love for your nightstands.  These may be with you for a long time, so really look around.  I’ve attached a photo of a lamp I fell in love with.  To get the pair felt like a splurge, but I’ll have them forever.  Find something with some color, or texture.  Make sure it will sit high enough so you’ll be able to read by it.  If you have room, get a beautiful club chair or similar and put it in a corner with a little table and a lamp.  Add some plants.  You can buy a large plant and put it on a stand to fill in a dead space or soften the edges of a big dresser by putting it next to it.  Plus, plants clean the air – and who doesn’t want some cleaner air while they’re sleeping?  Add some art – don’t put all the great art in the living room – save one or two just for you.  Put one over the bed – and put one in a place where you’ll wake up, see it, and smile. 

If you don’t have the means to make any changes now, then just think about it next time you have decided to do a little decorating elsewhere in the house.  You’ve worked hard to pay for your home – and you’ve probably put yourself last for a long time.  You deserve a space, just for you, that makes you feel great.  Have fun!