10 Considerations for the Bedroom Addition of Your Dreams

One of the most common home additions is a new master bedroom. Whether you bought an older home in an established neighborhood and the current bedroom lacks amenities, or you have sent your offspring out into the world and are ready spend money on yourself, there are a few things with which you might want to spoil yourself.

So, what might you want to include in your dream bedroom? Here are 10 things to consider to make your slumberland a dream come true.

1. Location

Your primary concern with a new master bedroom should be its location. This is probably the most difficult and complicated decision of the adding-on process. You want to know how your new bedroom will relate to the landscape, or if it even can, if it is not on the ground floor. You also have to consider privacy and how the circulation of the layout will work with the rest of the plan.

With the addition of the master suite on this house, the architect has defined a marvelous path garden that complements the scheme and the new master bedroom in an enchanting way.


The original layout of this 1950s ranch-style house had a series of three bedrooms and two bathrooms aligned at one end of the house. A practical solution here was to locate a new master bedroom among the new addition at the other end of the house. The original bedrooms remained intact and functioned well for the children, while the parents got a sequestered suite all to themselves.

How to Read a Floor Plan


Second-floor suites can sometimes be built into the roof of your existing structure. Other times you may need to add a new second-floor structure that rests atop the existing house. Should you choose this route, be mindful that any structure that is affected by the addition will need to be updated and upgraded to current building codes.

What to Consider With a Second-Story Addition


2. Access to the Outdoors

Once you have defined a good position for your new bedroom, think about its access to the outdoors. In the past it was less common to have direct exterior access from a bedroom. Current trends indicate a preference for master bedrooms on the ground level with doors opening onto private patios and garden spaces.

This luxurious, traditional bedroom sports a modern disappearing, or pocket, sliding exterior door that provides a generous opening to an equally sumptuous patio with its own fireplace.

Dreaming of a Bedroom Walkout


3. Windows

Moving past doors, your next concern should be the windows. Studies show that darker rooms induce sounder sleep. Of course, you are not always sleeping; finding a balance between light and dark takes some careful planning.

In this ultramodern and chic bedroom, rolling blinds are cleverly disguised: They are recessed into their own alcove just above the window frames.


4. Views

If you are fortunate enough to have views, take full advantage of them. You don’t have to have an ocean view, as this house does; views into gardens, swimming pools and courtyards can be just as dramatic.


5. A Sitting Area

Another common trend is to provide a sitting room within the master bedroom. Designs can even feel like a small living room, as in this house. These spaces can be very quiet places where you can get away and spend time writing, reading or just contemplating. If a sitting area is on your wish list, allow at least an extra 150 square feet of space to accommodate furnishings.


6. A Fireplace

A fireplace provides the perfect focal point for any room. If you want one in your bedroom, work with your architect or designer to determine how much emphasis it should have. The traditional stone fireplace in this room dominates, but modern gas fireplaces of all shapes and sizes can be found to coordinate with your design and taste. Keep in mind that there are many municipalities in major metropolitan areas where wood-burning fireplaces are no longer allowed.


7. The Ceiling

If there is any room in your house where you will be frequently looking at the ceiling, the bedroom is it. The exposed trusses in this space provide marvelous detail and interest. Even if you have a flat ceiling, finishes of infinite varieties are available to create an enchanting space. Consider that if this space had a flat ceiling, the planks alone would be a very nice touch.

Ceiling Treatments Worth a Look


8. Lighting

From candleholders to hidden alcoves, bedrooms offer plenty of opportunities for creative uses of artificial lighting. The bedroom in this luxury home relies on various light sources. The crystal chandelier provides a glittery display; bedside lamps provide intimate and personal illumination; while cove lighting at the cornice molding gives a romantic glow and accentuates the ceiling detail. And don’t forget about candles; nothing provides more intimacy than these. Consider dimmer switches and avoid recessed cans in the ceiling of a bedroom. Remember, you will frequently be looking up, and it can be unpleasant to have your partner suddenly flip a switch and blind you as if you were in an interrogation room.


9. Entertainment

Not everyone wants a television in the bedroom, but this is a desirable amenity for some. Carefully consider placement and whether you want a built-in, as seen in this bedroom. Even if you prefer no TV, music can add another pleasant dimension. It may be as simple as providing a couple of strategically placed small wireless speakers.


10. A Theme

Finally, give your new bedroom a theme. This tropically inspired space is a coherent, peaceful and restful retreat. Notice that great attention has been given to the ceiling.

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