Mastering the Bedroom Renovation
For many people today, the master bedroom is for more than just sleeping. It is a space that provides a much-needed retreat, a place to find quiet and calm amidst the chaos of everyday life. And homeowners are looking for sophisticated ways to add comfort and personalization to their bedrooms.
If you are ready to create the master bedroom of your dreams, there are many ways to get started. Building a space that fits your specific needs and reflects your own style might feel like an intimidating task. But with a little expert help, it doesn’t have to be.
In this section, Sun Valley’s premier interior designers offer a peek into some of the area’s most stunning master bedrooms and share tips on how to give your own space a luxury upgrade. You deserve it.
Red Door Home + Design
“We use clean lines and neutral palettes with accents of color and texture in our design. We carefully curate everything in the store. We consider every piece with the intention of it appearing beautiful in someone’s space.”
–Marina Broschofsky, Owner, Red Door Home + Design
At Red Door Home + Design on Main Street in Hailey, owner Marina Broschofsky leads her full-service interior design team to accommodate the ultimate in modern mountain living interiors. “The best way to describe our style at Red Door Home + Design is mountain contemporary,” says Marina. “We use clean lines and neutral palettes with accents of color and texture in our design. We carefully curate everything in the store. We consider every piece with the intention of it appearing beautiful in someone’s space.”
Marina is able to bring her style to life by featuring designs that have been carefully assembled by her team at her storefront, established in 2003. Red Door Home + Design often displays bedrooms in-store which can be purchased off the floor, or items can be custom ordered in for clients. “We start with our foundation in the bedroom being the key furniture pieces, which often include a bed, nightstands, a dresser, and cozy seating. Window coverings, rugs, decorative accessories, artwork, and lighting are added to soften the space. Finally, we layer in bedding, throw pillows, and blankets with various patterns and textures to create an exquisite place of rest,” explains Marina.
According to Marina, determining specific needs is key to a successful bedroom renovation, as well as creating your own personalized sense of comfort. “Making a bedroom peaceful and relaxing is very important, and for each client that means something different. That’s why when we are working on a design project, we gather as much information as we can from our client and try to make a space that reflects what they want.”
If you are ready to transform your bedroom into the perfect retreat, there are several basic areas that you can change in order to make an impact on your space. Marina suggests considering these five topics when starting a bedroom makeover:
Bedding
“When it comes to bedding, people are different in how they like to sleep, and we typically suggest layering,” says Marina. “So it is easy to change with the seasons—take off pieces or add as needed. We have some baby alpaca blankets in gorgeous colors that I am loving right now, soft faux fur pillows, and our beautiful custom-made pillows too.” Consider different pillows based on function, one for reading in bed, others for sleeping. Pillows are also a great way to add color to your room.
Lighting
Lighting is always important to think about when renovating. Some people prefer their bedroom to be dark while others prefer bright, natural light shining in. Floor lamps and unique bedside lighting can create interest and function. Mirrors also reflect light and can add space to a room. When it comes to natural light, “Window coverings can have a big effect on your room,” says Marina. “There is a variety of choices from lined Roman shades to sheer curtains that can change the mood or function of a space. Once again, layering allows you to have a range of options.”
Paint
Paint colors can certainly help set the mood. Do you want a room that is light and bright, or do you prefer a darker ambience? “Typically, we suggest a muted background palette in paint colors in the white or cream family,” says Marina. “Neutral colors help bring a sense of calm to the space. We do like using accents of black as a juxtaposition.” If you want to incorporate calm colors, try adding them through layering pieces such as artwork, rugs, pillows, or blankets that can be easily changed.
Flooring
“In all of our designs we use layering and flooring is no exception,” says Marina. “Rugs are key, a wool Flokati rug can instantly transform a room into a personal cozy space.” Think about using rugs in your bedroom to bring warmth and further define spaces like reading or sitting areas.
Accessories
Hand-selected accessories add personality to a room, “We use a lot of fun accessories in our designs,” says Marina. “Ceramic bottles, trays, framed family photos, clocks, boxes, mirrors, and decorative books. We also incorporate plants; we love using orchids and air plants.”
To make an appointment for a consultation or shop online offerings, visit reddoordesignhouse.com or call 208.788.9075.
The Design Studio
“New construction is great, decisions can be made from the ground up. For example, in this case, the client wanted the room to feel warm and comfortable, we were able to add a fireplace to achieve this.”
–Janet Krogh, The Design Sudio
Connie Hagestad and Janet Krogh, co-owners of The Design Studio, Inc. in Ketchum, have been helping clients in the Valley create custom spaces for nearly 30 years. During one of their most recent projects, the team designed a master bedroom they describe as clean, comfortable, and sophisticated. The room was part of a complete design job for a newly constructed mid-Valley home that took roughly two years for the ladies to accomplish.
“We started out on this master bedroom like we do with any space,” says Connie. “We always try to determine what the client wants to get out of the room and what they would like it to look like. We ask questions like, ‘How do you envision this room? Formal or informal? What will the room be used for? Who will be using it?’ And this gives us a good starting point to begin the design process.”
“New construction is great, decisions can be made from the ground up,” says Janet. “For example, in this case, the client wanted the room to feel warm and comfortable, we were able to add a fireplace to achieve this.”
The design of the room also needed to balance the owner’s desire for a comforting retreat with her preference for more formal elements and minimal finishes. “We wanted to keep in line with the integrity of the rest of the house, which is done in a Frank Lloyd Wright style and our client’s more serious personality,” says Janet. “So we decided to stay away from antique pieces and have new custom pieces made that fit with that vision.”
After Janet and Connie spent countless hours selecting fabrics, finishes, and furniture, the next step was to help their client visualize what her completed room would look like. They worked with Lars Guy of Provisualization to create renderings of the space that included all of the details they had chosen. “Using Lars was such a great fit for this project,” says Connie. “He was able to bring our suggestions to life and make it much easier for our client to really see how her room would look. Especially since she is not a full-time Sun Valley resident, this was a valuable tool.”
“Sometimes as designers we forget that not everybody can visualize,” adds Janet. “And the renderings really helped our client solidify her choices and even suggest some changes that she probably wouldn’t have otherwise, such as adding beams to the ceiling and removing some of the items she originally requested. Having the renderings to refer to just seemed to make her decisions much clearer.”
The finished bedroom is contemporary and elegant while still inviting and comfortable. To infuse the room with the feeling of warmth as the client requested, the designers chose to use soft ivory tones throughout, luxurious silk and linen bedding, and a custom wool and silk rug made by Tufenkian to complement the walnut floor. And to negate the sense of cold created by the sheet-rocked walls, instead of a traditional headboard, the team installed a complete custom-upholstered wall behind the bed.
Looking to keep in line with the minimalist design, aside from two swivel lounge chairs with a mohair ottoman, there is not much freestanding furniture in the room. “Our client really wanted built-in pieces,” says Connie. “She also didn’t want any lamps or cords of any kind showing.” A nightstand and walnut bookcases with custom reading lights were built into the walls, recessed cans were set into the ceiling for ambient light, and the television stores in the base of the bed. Even the windows have motorized solar shades rather than exposed cords.
“It seems like people today want their master bedrooms to be more livable. More than just a place for sleeping. They want a lounge space, a place to escape.”
–Connie Hagestad, The Design Studio
“A master bedroom has to be comfortable as well as attractive,” says Connie. “And I think this room accomplishes both. My favorite piece is the rug. I think it’s so beautiful and really adds an important touch.”
“It seems like people today want their master bedrooms to be more livable,” says Janet. “More than just a place for sleeping. They want a lounge space, a place to escape. I can’t pick one favorite part…I really love the feeling of sophistication the entire room has.”
Janet and Connie agree that The Design Studio doesn’t have one signature style, but rather they strive to help clients build rooms that feel authentic to them. “We just listen to our clients and guide them in the trends without imposing our own style,” says Janet. “Ultimately, I’d like for our clients to feel like the room is their own creation, and Connie and I just helped them with it.”
To learn more about The Design Studio or contact Janet and Connie, visit thedesignstudio-sv.com.
Latham Interiors
“The first thing that struck me when I looked at the space was that it was very confusing…I knew we had to make some major changes in order to maximize the function and aesthetic of these rooms.”
–Sarah Latham, Principal, Latham Interiors
For Sarah Latham, Principal of Latham Interiors in Ketchum, when it comes to renovations—function is first. When she took on a year-long home remodel that included a master bedroom update in East Fork just north of Hailey, she began by working with the homeowner to determine what her specific needs were. “It’s important to ask questions and get to know what matters most to the homeowner,” says Sarah. “Do they need reading lights? How much space do we have to work with? Do they have pets? Allergies? After that, then we pump up the aesthetic. As long as the function is working well, then you can focus on materials, finishes, and furniture.”
For this project, the homeowner wanted her master bedroom to be purposeful as well as have a warm, cozy feel that would be comfortable for her and her dog. “I really enjoyed working with this client, who is now a friend,” says Sarah. “The project was very design-driven in the beginning. We had a lot of discussions about what the homeowner wanted and what worked for her. She allowed us to give direction, and she trusted us to fulfill her vision.”
The original layout and vaulted ceilings made achieving the homeowner’s goals a welcome challenge for Sarah and her team. “The first thing that struck me when I looked at the space was that it was very confusing,” says Sarah. “You walked into the master bathroom, complete with outdated banker’s green marble, in order to access the master bedroom. Then the bedroom itself shared a fireplace with a study. I knew we had to make some major changes in order to maximize the function and aesthetic of these rooms.”
Sarah and her team helped bring the project down to the studs to reconfigure the whole space. The master bathroom was relocated. The master bedroom was given its own dedicated entrance and reformatted to face out to the windows, which provided a beautiful creek view. The fireplace was removed, and a barn door was added to delineate the study.
The next step was to balance the magnitude of the 16-foot bedroom ceiling, with the coziness the homeowner desired. “I didn’t want her to feel lost in the space,” says Sarah. “I wanted to do some different things to make it warm and inviting, even with the large vaulted ceiling.”
So in order to draw the eye upward and outward, oak was added to the ceiling, back bedroom wall, and directly above the bed. “Utilizing contrasting materials or darker surfaces like wood can really bring a ceiling down so when you are sitting in bed you aren’t overwhelmed by the volume of the space,” says Sarah.
In this case, a new platform bed with white oak, including floating side tables and lighting, continued to enhance the intimate and secure atmosphere. And the off-white, hand-stitched, striped bedding brought a touch of sophistication (while still being approachable—especially for the homeowner’s dog).
Exposed steel beams and black accents such as sconces throughout the space created just the right hint of modern industrial to make the bedroom feel not only inviting, but truly up-to-date. “My personal favorite part of this project was perfecting these finishes,” says Sarah. “I love how they all flow together—hard wood, dark steel, ivory walls. Originally, the finishes felt like interruptions. Now they work together to focus the space.”
“My personal favorite part of this project was perfecting these finishes. I love how they all flow together—hard wood, dark steel, ivory walls. Originally, the finishes felt like interruptions. Now they work together to focus the space.”
–Sarah Latham, Principal, Latham Interiors
And to up the coziness factor a few more notches, the all-new, white oak floors included warm grey tones, a cowhide rug, Eames side chair, and brass table were brought in, and the windows were repainted white. “We used simple materials, but always kept in mind that concept of coziness,” says Sarah. “I would describe the final aesthetic as modern-mountain, and I think it looks beautiful.”
According to Sarah, a master bedroom should feel special and relate to the owner’s personality. It should stand out from the other bedrooms in the home and even include a few “brag-worthy” pieces. She offers this advice for anyone who is looking to reimagine their own space: “I’d say try to look at the space in a new light. Consider what’s working and what isn’t. Know your budget. And look for unique materials and artwork.”
Sarah Latham has been in business in the Valley since 2007 and leads a team of five at Latham Interiors located in Ketchum. They focus on interior design and are LEED-certified. You can shop for Latham approved interior design items for your home at shoplatham.com.
Topnotch Fine Furnishings
“Gold is a soothing color that is nice toincorporate in a bedroom. in this case,a warm palette is created by a custom duvet with gold threads. Interest is achieved by using different layers of textures, patterns, fringes, and trims.”
–Arianne Heyser, Owner, Topnotch Fine Furnishings
Arianne Heyser, owner of Topnotch Fine Furnishings in Ketchum, knows the importance of creating just the right ambience in a bedroom. During a recent three-month home design project in Hailey, she helped her clients achieve the perfect, unique style for their home’s five bedrooms. “We wanted to give each space its own personality,” says Arianne. “Some of the rooms have a more masculine feel—using leather and rich colors, and others have a more feminine quality. The master bedroom was one of our favorites. The homeowners wanted it to be soft and elegant, with a little sparkle and interest.”
Arianne and her colleague, Kyleigh, worked to find unique pieces and commissioned custom-made items to create a tranquil master bedroom including the right amount of shimmer where the homeowners could retreat. “The master is somewhere a couple can connect,” says Arianne. “Adding a little sensuality and warm tones into the design can make it the perfect place to be with your partner.” To achieve this feeling, they included neutral walls, lush textures, and floral patterns to add warmth to the room.
“Gold is a soothing color that is nice to incorporate in a bedroom,” says Arianne. “In this case, a warm palette is created by a custom duvet with gold threads. Interest is achieved by using different layers of textures, patterns, fringes, and trims.”
The custom hand-carved bed and nightstand were built by a local artisan. To contrast with these new items, Arianne brought in several eclectic pieces rich in history. “We feel it is fun to mix old with new. Incorporating found pieces with antique character gives a space an authentic feel,” says Arianne. In this instance, they added an antique Turkish rug, a wine table from France, and a hand-carved mirror that matches the lines of the bed.
Lighting was another key aspect of the design. “It’s important to add lamps and not just rely on overhead lighting in a bedroom,” says Arianne. “Pools of light can add softness and create areas of interest.” Working with the concept of light defining space, she created a cozy reading nook for the homeowners. “This corner feels so warm and inviting,” says Arianne. “The light filters in, and invites you to cuddle up with book or a loved one. The double chaise upholstered in a faux shearling is one of our favorite pieces.”
To balance the feminine lightness of the space, Arianne thoughtfully added a few rustic, masculine touches. A deer statue and bust reside above the wood-burning fireplace, dark wood trim and beams outline the room, and the chest of drawers is finished with antler hand pulls. “The room turned out to be elegant and relaxed—a true retreat for our clients,” says Arianne. “They were so wonderful and easy to work with, trusting us to make many of the design selections.”
One of the clients’ requests was to have a lot of soft textures and fabrics with a little sparkle. “So that’s what we did.” says Arianne. “We feel oftentimes that the master bedroom is a space that is overlooked, because so few people see it. Homeowners tend to put their energy and money into the kitchen or living areas in the house, but it’s also important to treat yourself. A nice way to start is by adding new bedding, luxurious textures, accent lighting, and soothing colors to set the tone for a whole new room.”
Topnotch Fine Furnishings has been in the Valley for 40 years. Arianne worked as a designer for the previous owners for eight years before purchasing the business from them in 2014. She and her husband Josh now have a team of professionals and 10,000 square feet of storefront in Ketchum. “The showroom is a great place to get a sense of what a client likes; it allows them to sit, touch, and try a variety of pieces,” says Arianne. “Our time in the showroom with a client gives us a chance to get to know them and ultimately what they need.”
“It’s so refreshing that clients want to incorporate color again. Mallard green/blue is the hot new color which works nicely in rustic or modern design.”
–Arianne Heyser, Owner, Topnotch Fine Furnishings
Arianne says she is happy to see that people are moving away from so much grey. “It’s so refreshing that clients want to incorporate color again,” says Arianne. “Mallard green/blue is the hot new color, which works nicely in rustic or modern design. Before, everything was really monochromatic, and I see design moving away from that.”
Arianne keeps the storefront full of interesting items with texture, pops of color, and unique accessories. “Topnotch’s style is hard to describe,” she says. “We incorporate rustic, elegant designs that embrace the Sun Valley ski chalet style. We also work on many mountain modern homes. It’s all about getting in tune with your clients and seeing what they envision for their home.”
You can browse Topnotch’s unique collection of furnishings and accessories from over 150 vendors in their showroom or you can visit them online at topnotchonline.com.
