Bedrooms
Inside Designers’ Own Bedroom Retreats
Published on October 11, 2024
Once again, we’re taking you inside the experts’ own homes. Over the years, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite designer kitchens and bathrooms, and this time we’re giving you a peek inside their most personal sanctuaries. From Sarah Richardson‘s Kit Kemp-inspired cottage bedroom, to Emma Reddington‘s mid-century modern retreat, scroll down to see expertly designed principal bedrooms and ensuites.
Sarah Richardson
In her Georgian Bay cottage, Sarah’s principal bedroom’s curvy headboard has a Kit Kemp feel with a Sarah Richardson spin. The oak leaf–print fabric is called Matisse Leaf, a nod to one of Sarah’s favorite artists.
“I like every bathroom to have its own distinct elements,” says Sarah of the ensuite.
To shake things up in the shower, Sarah ran her signature tile stripes vertically.
Curtis Elmy and Trevor Ciona
In their Saskatchewan condo, Curtis Elmy and Trevor Ciona of Atmosphere Interior opted for graphic Kelly Wearstler wallpaper in their principal bedroom. “We initially selected a different wallpaper, but a last-minute switch led to this one,” says Trevor. “It worked out even better than we intended.”
“We’ve always liked the idea of shopping our closet and spared no expense on making this our dream space,” says Curtis of the dressing room.
“I loved my old tub so much that I had to order the same one for this condo,” says Curtis. The designers created extra space in the floor plan to accommodate the large vanity.
Emma Reddington
To connect the principal bedroom with the rest of Emma Reddington’s mid-century modern-inspired house, a Real Cedar headboard was crafted with project remnants. “Emma was clear about wanting to breathe more authentic mid-century materials into the house with solid cedar, and we had a lot of room for materiality with a rich color palette of cobalt, red and terracotta,” says designer Emma Sims.
They chose a terracotta-hued ceramic tile that echoes the quarry tile in the kitchen.
“We wanted the new ensuite to have this bulky timber feelings,” says Emma Sims. Above the chunky-handled cedar vanity, the designers ran wood bulkheads from one side of the bathroom to the other.
Fenwick Bonnell
In his Toronto condo, Fenwick Bonnell, co-founder of Powell & Bonnell, replaced the builder-basic closets in the principal bedroom with an antique armoire from the 1820s. Fenwick upholstered the bedroom walls in a wool-blend fabric from Powell & Bonnell in the Chocolate Pudding colorway and added bold contemporary art.
“I’ve always liked dark, enveloping spaces in bedrooms,” he says. “The room is very quiet and peaceful.” Sliding doors open to a private sitting area on the terrace.
Everything in the bathroom was custom designed. Instead of a tub, Fenwick installed a luxe steam shower.
Lynda Reeves
“In our lakehouse bedroom, I placed a blond console made of reclaimed wood and paired it with two modern chairs in creamy white fleece. I love the woven cotton rugs from Elte,” says Lynda.
Lynda’s wood-panelled bedroom is cozy and comfortable. Simple cube night tables flank a linen bed.
“Our closet by California Closets is a “room” hidden behind custom doors that open to reveal a full vanity, hanging rods, shelves and cubbies, with plenty of storage. I topped the vanity with a round mirror and two vintage lamps, and kept the original panelling on the back wall.”
Jaime Polan Zimmerman
Designer Jaime Polan Zimmerman of JPZ Interiors designed the third floor of her renovated Victorian into a luxurious principal retreat with angled walls and a balcony. Jaime amped up two structural beams with faux versions to bring character to the principal bedroom.
Jaime moved this vintage mantel from the living room to the principal bedroom and outfitted the firebox with a gas insert.
In the principal ensuite, an Emerald Green quartzite backsplash is a striking backdrop for the tub. “In our previous house, we shared our main bathroom with the kids, so having our own ensuite was priority one,” says Jaime.
Caned panels add coy texture to the cabinet doors in the principal closet, which includes a dressing table.
Veronica Martin
When Veronica Martin of Two Fold Interiors renovated her own Victorian home, she kept the principal bedroom on the second floor (minimizing travelling up another flight of stairs to the third-floor attic), but added generous custom closets to amp up storage. A wooden wall feature makes a statement behind the bed.
Jo Levitan
In her own Toronto home, Jo Levitan of Kessler Levitan Design recouped an old step-down sunroom for the principal bedroom, having cabinets built in to the slope to make it feel like part of the room. Vintage lighting has a softening effect.
Mixing different marbles gives the principal ensuite a European aesthetic.
The custom white oak vanity with marble top resembles freestanding furniture; the sconce has a mid-century look.
Natalie Tredgett
In her bold London home, the principal bedroom’s soothing palette is a serene counterpoint to the more public areas of the house. “The wallpaper is like a giant watercolor that makes you feel calm and enveloped,” says Natalie.
Natalie had inconspicuous, wallpaper-covered closets installed in the principal bedroom, rather than having a wall of wardrobe doors.
Hand-painted tile inspired by a London subway station adds pattern and personality in the ensuite bathroom.