Your Private Sanctuary

When bright spring and summer light streams through the windows, it’s suddenly crystal clear that some spaces in the home need perking up. Take the master bedroom for example. It’s your very own private sanctuary for resting, dreaming and escape. Yet most of us give it low priority. Instead we put our decorating dollars into more visible public spaces in the home like the kitchen, living room or family room. We treat ourselves last. But we don’t have to. 

The master bedrooms are one place where minimum time and money can yield big returns. Today’s Home magazine got advice from Santa Clara decorator Sandy Wulf of Crackerjack Creations on fast fun ways to make the master bedroom fresh and gorgeous.

How to get a great new look without breaking the budget Palo Alto decorator Sandy Wulf of Crackerjack Creations shares her suggestions for an easy master bedroom makeover: 

• New bedding

• New paint

• De-cluttering

• Under bed storage

• “Do-it-yourself” closet system

“Start with new bedding,” suggests Sandy. “The bed is the biggest feature in the master bedroom. “So choose your bedding with an eye to it being your focal point and setting the tone for the color scheme in the room.” 

Next, Wulf advises selecting paint colors for the walls to coordinate with the new bedding. Here’s a trick she likes to use: 

• Choose a medium light color for three of the four walls

• For the fourth wall (headboard wall) use a color from the same paint chip but at three times the color intensity for an accent wall “The room will still be light, but dramatic,” she says.

How to De-Clutter the Bedroom

It’s natural for a bedroom to get cluttered. But a room crammed to the gills is not attractive or relaxing. That’s why decorator Sandy Wulf recommends a strict editing process:

• Remove all non-essential furniture except for the bed, two night stands and one dresser

• No hampers, storage boxes, laundry supplies, computers, bookcases, etc.

“Less is more. The bedroom should be a tranquil space; not a dumping ground for leftovers and laundry!” Wulf offers. “Not small, just less. Large furniture in a small space actually makes the room appear larger!”

Select the best storage for your situation

• Use under the bed storage for rarely used items

• Opt for clear plastic containers on wheels designed for under the bed

• Retrofit closets with “do-it-yourself” systems from home improvement stores

• Or tuck a vintage dresser into one side of a double closet for extra drawer space and something you’ll enjoy seeing when you open your closet

If there’s budget to spare, new lighting, a wall-mounted flat screen television and new throw pillows to match the new bedding provide some luxe touches. Now just add fresh cut flowers and candles. Sweet dreams. 

For more design ideas, contact Sandy Wulf, Crackerjack Creations at (408) 241-4044 or visit her web site, http://www.crackerjackcreations.com.