Sitting Pretty: Creating a Functional, Elegant Seating Area

What’s the key element that transforms a master bedroom into a master suite? The sitting area. By attaching a little living space onto your sleeping space, you’ll join one of the biggest home design trends and substantially increase the resale value of your home. What’s the purpose of a master suite, besides looking like a high roller? The addition of a sitting area creates a place for writing and reflection outside of the office. With a spot for reading, watching movies, and enjoying snacks inside the suite, you’ll never need to go downstairs. Late at night, if you’re not ready to turn in, you’ll be able to stay up without disturbing your partner.

The first step is to define the space. It can flow openly or be clearly delineated with sliding doors, room dividing drapes, even a Shoji screen. If adding on to an existing room, architectural details like an arched entry, column, or an elevated sitting area will create the room-within-a-room feel. If working with an existing room, a luxurious rug will set the borders. Centering a chandelier over the furniture grouping or a wall color change work, too. Light the space as you would a living room – using several sources and dimmer switches.

Don’t worry about choosing furniture to coordinate the bedding. Most loveseats aren’t designed to match dresser drawers, so don’t feel bad about mixing and matching. Traditional bedroom chairs are ladylike confections designed to aid in putting on slippers. Since you’ll be using them for a bit more, it’s okay to pick living room furniture. Just keep to scale. Even if there’s room for a full sofa, use a more intimate furniture grouping. A loveseat, chaise lounge, and a club chair or two will be more welcoming. A daybed or fold-out (no futons, please) is perfect for stormy nights when the kids want to room with you. Add a coffee table or antique trunk and occasional tables and you’re almost done.

Accessorize your sitting area with a few indulgent extras. The stone hearth with a custom mantle is a popular choice. A dual-sided gas fireplace will divide this area from the bedroom and keep both areas cozy. If your master suite isn’t equipped with a kitchenette, a coffee or juice bar will allow you to get a morning jolt just a few steps away from bed.
Custom bookcases accommodate oversized coffee table books, objets d’art, and framed family photos.

Decide if you’d like to enjoy movie nights from the sitting area or the bed. In large suites it may be difficult to position the television so that it can also be seen from both. With the latest mini speakers, however, the stereo system will easily satisfy all areas.

Thoughtful design ensures a lovely addition. Personalize your new sitting areas with all of your favorite treats – whether they be licorice pastilles, art books, or an fresh gardenias. The only thing left to determine is whether to keep your retreat private, or to let your entourage lounge, too.