I just returned home from a fabulous design conference to find myself quarantined in my bedroom suite with #thatwhichshallnotbenamed. Ugh.

Bad news? I’ve got to isolate and recover

Good news? The symptoms are pretty mild, and my bedroom is lovely. Also, the room service provided by my kids is quite stellar at this establishment (I highly recommend growing your own millennials).

teriyaki salmon bowl — dinner delivered! Teriyaki Salmon Bowl

The aforementioned time out has given me an opportunity to consider the ingredients that elevate a bedroom into a retreat. I’ve narrowed it down to three essentials.

The BED, obviously

Custom bedding for a master suite. Design: JRL Interiors

The bed is usually the largest and definitely the most used object in the room. Treat it right!
Don’t shove the bed in a corner if at all possible - this has more of a dorm room vibe than a retreat feel - put it on a wall where it can be flanked by nightstands on each side.
In some cases, that might mean in front of a window like we did HERE, but dressing the window with curtains the full width of the bed can make this work beautifully and create a commanding focal point.
Make the bed and the room will feel clean and neat - even when it isn’t…exactly
Buy the best mattress you can. You spend 1/3 of your life in bed…make it supremely comfortable. I have a memory foam topper that has been transformative for me.
Buy the good sheets. Self confessed sheet snob here…buy high quality and get beauty, comfort, and longevity. Better to own one or two REALLY nice sets of bedding than 20 cheap sets that will pill and feel horrid.
Dress the bed in stylish layers for a luxurious look - yes, I mean pillows, no it doesn’t have to be fussy. See HERE for a cheat sheet on the well dressed bed for any size.

Night stands

night stand with drawers , topped with lamp, plant, books, and iron bird sculpture — oval linen covered, leather trimmed nightstand with drawers is topped with a lamp and plant and space for books

Make them generous! Don’t keep a lot of little clutter on them, but do allow for plenty of room to set down a book, a beverage, a flower arrangement or plant, a candle, a tissue box, etc. (maybe keep that candle away from the book and the tissue box…)
The best nightstands include some covered storage like a cabinet or drawers to stash necessities.
Generous night stands can double as dresser storage, or a writing table or desk can take the place of one night stand.

Seating

reupholstered wing chair with contrast welt and tape trim

reupholstered antique chair with contrast welt

Every bedroom should have someplace to sit down that is not the bed. I have a small super comfortable chair and ottoman that I LIVE in, even when I am not in C****d jail!
In a large suite, you might have room for a whole conversation group with a sofa, chaise, and chairs. But even in a smaller room, there is usually a way to squeeze in at least a chair or bench.
A built in window seat is another elegant option if space is tight. It can provide architectural interest and storage as well as seating.
Make sure that any seating also has a side table so you have a place to set down your drink or book!

bedroom windowseat — A cozy windowseat alcove adds storage and a comfy seating area in a primary bedroom remodel. Design: JRL Interiors

elegant bedroom suite with a large sitting area — This elegant primary bedroom suite has a large sitting area with a fireplace. Design: JRL Interiors, Photo: Eric Roth

Those are the top 3 essentials. There are other things that are important too, like lighting, organized storage, and personalized art, but those are all topics for another day!