5 master suite design concepts

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The term “master suite” implies that the space is much more than merely a master bedroom and bath. While the overall size of new homes continues to drop, the master area seems to demand more attention than ever. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean the master bath and closets are just larger and grander. In years past, we’ve seen some rather spectacular baths; you probably recall the elaborate fireplaces, bathtubs large enough for the kids to swim in, and ornate chandeliers that might have been more appropriate in the grand foyer.

While some of our current master areas might still be rather large, the focus is now on the functionality of the space. More thought has been put into the efficient use of storage and features that will be used on a daily basis. For instance, laundry areas are often found adjacent to the master bath. A home office might be an integral component of the suite. For those clients who are empty nesters, the master suite has evolved into a retreat that almost becomes a self-contained living area. While the following designs for master suites vary in size and amenities, each pays careful attention to efficient and functional details.

For past topics, visit www.HousingZone.com/HouseReview.com [1].

Redding Way

ARCHITECT
Rick Garza
RPGA Design Group, Inc.
rickgarza@rpgaarchitects.com [2]
817.332.9477x206
www.rpgaarchitects.com [3]

PLAN SIZE
Master room: 481 sf
Master bath: 342 sf
Master suite total: 823 sf

The design of a master suite needs to pay close attention to detail in order to fit the client’s lifestyle and become a retreat. Redding Way’s master suite features a large, walk-through closet with built-in cabinets, a fireplace, and close proximity to the laundry room. Large floor-to-ceiling windows in the master bedroom allow natural light to flood the space. The master bath is finished off in a natural, earthly design, with large stone tiles on the floors and stacked stones on accent walls. It also comes equipped with a walk-in rain shower with moveable jets on the walls and a jetted tub. A private access to the rear of the house finishes off this master suite.

A. Oversized brick pattern stone tiles that are radiant heated
B. Vessel sinks with faucets on walls
C. Stacked stone on accent walls
D. Jetted soaker tub
E. Pebble-stone shower with rain feature and jets on walls
F. Closed-off toilet room with urinal and stacked wood on walls
G. Private staircase to rear of house
H. Skylights throughout master bath
I. Floor-to-ceiling windows for natural light
J. Fireplace in master bedroom
K. Walk-through closet
L. Close proximity to laundry

The Springfield

DESIGNER
Larry W. Garnett, FAIBD
254.897.3518
larrygarnett@larrygarnettdesigns.com [4]
www.smartlivinghomedesigns.com

Designed for the empty nester, this master suite encompasses not only the bedroom and bathroom, but also a home office and laundry area. The “family entry” also serves as a drop-off point for their golf clubs, tennis racquets, and other outdoor equipment. Expansive windows provide a view of the pool and rear yard, while double French doors open to a 10-foot-deep porch across the back of the house.

A. Sitting area with built-in media center. The flat-screen TV swivels to allow viewing from bed.
B. Exercise area with wall recess for flat-screen TV. Windows provide natural light and views toward the pool.
C. Built-in linen and clothes storage eliminates need for dresser in bedroom
D. Large, door-less shower with glass-block walls for light and privacy
E. Both walk-in closets feature built-in drawers for clothes storage.
F. Laundry room conveniently adjacent to “family entry” and master suite
G. “Family entry” has abundant storage with personal lockers, a bench with shoe storage below, and a “drop zone” for mail, keys, and cell phones
H. Home office provides workspace for two people, file drawers, bookcases, and storage cabinets

The Sanctuary

ARCHITECT
GMD Design Group
Donnie McGrath, 770.375.7351
donnie@gmddesigngroup.com [5]
Scott Gardner, 919.320.3022
scott@gmddesigngroup.com [6]
www.gmddesigngroup.com

From the moment you reach the top of the stair and gaze toward the open balcony, you have a sense of arrival at the gateway to the sanctuary beyond the double doors. Once inside the master suite, the expansive private, covered porch draws you into the space. To complete the master suite experience, the rotunda creates a hub to visually and physically integrate the bedroom, bathroom, and closet.

A. Double doors on balcony create a memorable entry to the master suite
B. Multiple walls for placement of furniture and media
C. Bed wall location to promote circulation through the space
and maximize views to the exterior
D. Private, covered, second-story porch provides indoor-outdoor
living opportunities
E. Separate lavatories with natural light
F. Expansive view from the door, with tub on entry axis
G. Water closet is secluded with the door not visible from the entry
H. Door-less, multi-head spa shower (photo)
I. Opaque curved glass into spa shower to provide visual
connection to rotunda
J. Rotunda functions as the hub of the master suite (photo)
K. Linen closet in a central location
L. Closet island facilitates dressing, transforming the closet into
more than a storage space
M. Small window provides natural light to the space

Master Suite Retreat

ARCHITECT
Donald F. Evans, AIA
The Evans Group
devans@theevansgroup.com [7]
407.650.8770
www.theevansgroup.com

This master suite retreat is complete with a private foyer entry, library, master suite, sitting area, exercise room, separate his/hers wardrobe, separate his/hers master bath, valet center, and private fountain sculpture garden.

A. The privacy of this master suite retreat starts with its very own master foyer with entry to the library/home office.
B. Large, highly detailed master suite and sitting room overlooking the covered porch and pool oasis beyond
C. Private exercise room for those early morning workouts with access to the swimming pool if laps are part of the routine
D. Private fountain sculpture garden creating a quiet place to meditate or read as well as privacy and light into the master bath
E. Large, separate his/hers wardrobes, providing plenty of space for customization and built-ins
F. Her master bath complete with hot tub, garden shower with drying area, vanity, makeup counter, and private water closet/bidet room
G. His master bath complete with garden shower, vanity, and private water closet room
H. Valet center perfect for the jet-set couple with room to pack/unpack, store suitcases, and a private laundry, as well as a juice/coffee bar

Luxury Master Suite

ARCHITECT
Richard C. Handlen, AIA, LEED AP
EDI International, Inc.
richard.handlen@edi-international.com [8]
415.362.2880
www.edi-international.com

The master wing of this house is laid out to provide “his and her” suites with some shared spaces in between. For maximum privacy, each person has a private study, dressing room, and toilet facilities. Rather than having the bed in the middle of a large room, it is tucked into an alcove that is open to separate study spaces on both sides of the bed. This alcove can be closed off with sliding panels to lend privacy to the early crasher or late sleeper. The shower/tub room is a large “wet room” shared by both, but it can be closed off if desired. The plumbing noise is separated from the bed alcove by a “flex” workroom, which serves as a laundry and storage area.

A. Master bed alcove with sliding panels for privacy but open to the studies for cross ventilation
B. His study — could be used as a library, office space, or for exercise equipment
C. Her study — could be used as a library, office space, or for exercise equipment
D. Workroom for laundry, projects, and storage
E. His dressing room with an island of drawers and window seat
F. Her dressing room with an island of drawers and window seat
G. Shower/tub room
H. His toilet room with urinal
I. Her toilet room with bidet
J. Sliding panels
K. “Don’t leave home without it” shelf, where owners can lay out the things that have to go with them for the day
L. Coffee bar
M. Vanity rooms