When I am away, I never dream of getting home to my kitchen or wish for a few hours in the dining room. I do, however, long for the sweet dreams of a restful night of sleep in my own bed. Few spaces in the home provide a more enticing backdrop for indulgent decorating than the master bedroom. We can let our imagination run wild designing this most private of spaces, a place to retreat and recharge. It is, after all, where we spend one-third of our lives.

The opulent scale of the bed in this Covington home provides the statement. Careful placement of collected art and other furnishings make the space beautiful and very functional. An urn lamp, topped with a cream silk shade, sits next to the bed and large windows fill the space with ambient light. The comfortable seating and tray table make the spot perfect for a morning cup of coffee or a relaxed weekend breakfast. Designed by Ellen Bajon of EMB Interiors, this master bedroom provides a welcoming respite at the end of a busy day.

The simple style of the bedroom shown above, left is highlighted by warm wood tones. Hardwood floors and bamboo rolling shades balance the intense colors in the drapes and cabinet. Bathed in bright blue, the cabinet features antiqued appliqués that add interest and pull together all the elements of the room. A rustic sleigh bed is complemented by a long bolster pillow across the foot. In the corner, a pair of windows elongates the room and throws a beautiful cast of light across the floor.

Color is used to punctuate the light, bright space of the master bedroom shown above right. Glass doors onto the adjoining patio fill the cool white palate of the room with afternoon light. The sensuous softness of the duvet emphasizes the minimalist style of the simple box platform. In an interesting twist on the nightstand, a sleek white counter next to the bed doubles as a writing desk.

Pillows are piled onto the ornately carved settee at the foot of the bed in the master suite at left. Harkening back to the tapestry hung over the bed and the rug beneath, they add texture and color to the pale linens that fall luxuriously to the floor. Accenting the high ceiling with a richer tone of the wall color brings a sense of drama to the room. A chandelier for overhead lighting and white crown molding add elegance to the dark furniture finishes.

Though the elements of the master bedroom are fairly standard, the way the space is organized and designed should be anything but. As the largest element of the room, the bed often defines the personality of the space. It plays a significant role in any master bedroom redesign. Choices range from sleek platforms and antique iron to upholstered headboards and four-poster styles. Layered in linens and pillows, selecting the right bed is the first step in creating your own little piece of heaven.

The wall and ceiling colors, layering of fabrics and the window treatments work together to tie the elements of the room together. Use the privacy of this space to be adventurous. Whether your style is cool and relaxed, warm and inviting, understated or sleek, your private haven should reflect it.

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