The Block 2017: Dea Jolly's guide to creating the ultimate master suite

The master suite is a space that should be beautiful and functional. It’s that special part of your home where you can escape to and relax at the end of the day.

Often ignored in favour of shared spaces, such as kitchens and living areas, a true sanctuary needs more than four walls and bed. Here are my suggestions for creating a bedroom that feels just right.

Furniture layout

Creating a beautiful bedroom is all about configuring the space and furniture correctly. Every bedroom needs a bed, and the ideal placement is opposite the door. This allows the bed to make a statement and be the focal point of the room. Approaching a bed from the side takes away the impact of a beautifully made bed.

Bedside tables are a must and one on each side creates symmetry. After these key pieces, it’s a matter of space and personal choice – if you like to watch television in bed, then a chest of drawers with the TV neatly mounted above will work well.

If there is room, an occasional chair and side table can be a lovely addition. Consider the circulation in the room and make sure there is enough space to move around comfortably.

Create space and light

Lighting is always important but especially in a bedroom. A relaxing space requires dimmed lights and lamps, but task lighting for reading also needs to be available.

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If the master bedroom is on the ground floor, a great way to make the space feel larger and bring in more light is to delete a window and replace it with french doors.

This is a reasonably inexpensive way of increasing visual space and connecting with the outdoors, bringing a beautiful element to a master suite.

Go with the flow

One of the nicest things about a master suite is the en suite. You want to put in all the mod cons for the most important people in the house: the owners.

It’s all about what real estate you’ve got, of course, but if you have got room for a bath tub – do it. There’s nothing better than relaxing in a bubble bath at the end of a long day, but if you’re cramming it in, leave it out.

The main bathroom is for everyone but the master suite, including the en suite, is a little sanctuary. You want to double up on everything, like basins and shower heads, because the assumption is that two people will use the space.

It can be a challenge to keep the en suite cohesive with the bedroom, but the main consideration is the palette: whatever you do with colour should carry through to the en suite so the whole master works together.

You are working with hard surfaces as opposed to soft finishes, so colour is the obvious link between the two rooms. Also consider patterns: for example, if you have a herringbone tile in the bathroom, use a rug or cushion with that pattern in the bedroom.

Colour, texture and styling

With so many gorgeous bedding choices available, it helps to narrow it down by choosing a colour palette for the bed. Soft, restful colours work best in a bedroom but if too many pastels are not your style, think about adding contrast with dark sheets underneath.

A beautifully made bed is all about layers, so add texture with a folded quilt and throw and don’t forget the cushions!

Finish your master suite off with simple and pretty styling items like scented candles, artwork and decor items that work well with your style.