Master bedrooms are typically the most luxurious bedrooms in any given home. So, what does this mean for their design?
August 22nd, 2022
A master bedroom, put simply, is the largest bedroom in the house. This is usually the main bedroom, and most often the one that parents or a couple will share.
Master bedroom sizes vary somewhat depending on the type and floor space of a home, but the average HDB master bedroom can comfortably fit a queen bed and some basic furniture pieces. The average size of a HDB master bedroom is approximately 3m x 4m, though this is subject to change depending on the flat type (i.e. 3 room HDB flat vs 2 or 4 room HDB flats etc).
Master bedrooms also often have ensuites. An ensuite is a private bathroom which is usually attached to the master bedroom. They have become even more sought after in modern times as they are a smarter delegation of resources during the pandemic. If one member of the household has COVID and the others do not, it is much safer to give the infected person the master bedroom for quarantine purposes as then they will not have to share a bathroom with noninfected people.
Because master bedrooms are generally the most luxurious in the household, much focus tends to go into their design. At the moment, bold and contemporary designs are taking centre stage when it comes to master bedroom décor. Bright colours, daring patterns and comfort-centric designs are all the rage right now. Designing a master bedroom is a matter of striking balance between comfort and expression; you want your space to be functional, yes, but you also want it tailored to your likes and desires.
As with all design trends at the moment, bedroom styles come in and out of fashion rapidly (and seemingly at random). That is why it is important not to base all of your decisions on what is popular at the time of designing, and instead focusing on creating an environment that you want to spend time in over the next few years. A good master bedroom design should speak to the creative tendencies of the owners, and be tailored to serving that purpose.
Inspiration, as always, is the first step. Here are ten of the best master bedroom design ideas to get you started.
Master bedroom design Singapore: Interior design master bedroom ideas for HDB, BTO and resale flats
10. Keeping it small
There are plenty of small master bedrooms out there – but that doesn’t mean their design should be any less spectacular than large masters. Small bedroom design is a fun challenge that interior designers have been undertaking for centuries.
There are a number of strategies to make a small room seem larger (see here) but one of the most visually appealing is the rule of vertical design. Filling a space with vertical lines, arrows and angles is a great way to make the space feel larger, by emphasising the height of the ceilings rather than narrowness of the room. For a master bedroom, this means things like shelving, artwork, curtains, and often even the bedframe itself.
09. Scandinavian
Scandinavian interior design is another quality option for a small master bedroom, because it places emphasis on creating negative space. For a Scandinavian-inspired master bedroom, you should style your room with neutral colours – particularly warm neutrals such as light wood, cream, and greys. Scandinavian furniture is neat, clean and non-bulky, with crisp lines that provide structure to a room.
08. Wallpaper
Wallpaper provides an opportunity to turn your walls into art themselves. Wallpaper has an easy installation process, is more durable than laminate and vinyl, and will not damage the walls that it is installed over. It can also be very affordable, usually priced between $40-$300 SGD for a 15m x 1m roll. Read more about installing wallpaper in HDB flats (including where to purchase high quality artistic wallpaper) here.
07. False ceiling
One cannot mention bedroom design in Singapore without first talking about false ceilings. False ceilings are a very popular trend in Singaporean master bedrooms; particularly for the choices they allow in lighting. Cove lighting or recessed lighting allows individuals more control over the brightness of the room and softens the light in preparation for bed.
06. Modern design
For a simple HDB master bedroom, consider a modern look. With clean lines, cool technology and a fairly neutral colour palette, modern design is quite similar to Scandinavian. However, modern designs can be more bold with colours and furniture choices – so don’t be afraid to take risks.
05. Japandi
Japandi design is a hybrid of Scandinavian and Japanese design styles. Taking the crisp minimalism from Scandinavian design and pairing it with the Japanese commitment to natural materials and raw colours, Japandi interiors are elegant, simple, and down to earth. This style is perfect for a large BTO master bedroom as it will allow the beauty of the space to speak for itself rather than crowd the area with clutter.
04. Art Deco
Art Deco style is a much celebrated design movement from the early 20th century which has recently been seeing a resurgence in popularity. Art deco style is eccentric and playful, often toying with bright colours and optical illusions to create whimsical environments. An art deco interior is perfect for a condo with a view or a room which needs a little livening up.
03. Cottagecore
Cottagecore began as an internet aesthetic which quickly swept across the globe. Cottagecore bedrooms are typically cosy, surrounded with books and flowers, and adorned with simple furnishings. For more about how to channel a cottagecore aesthetic in your bedroom decoration, see here. Cottagecore can be beautiful with either small or large apartments
02. Rustic
A rustic look creates a timeless sense of simplicity and ease that will never go astray. Raw materials such as natural timber and stone help to create an environment that is in-touch with nature. For a relaxing, beautiful and classic bedroom, consider a renovation with timber cladding or even timber rafters.
01. Cosy
Creating a comfortable space is always the number one priority of bedroom design. Warm bedcovers, cheerful décor and furniture fit to purpose is a must. Don’t forget to add a few personal touches, such as a pop of your favourite colour – after all, the cosiest space is one full of the things you love.
A searchable and comprehensive guide for specifying leading products and their suppliers
Keep up to date with the latest and greatest from our industry BFF's!
Marylou Cafaro’s first trendjournal sparked a powerful, decades-long movement in joinery designs and finishes which eventually saw Australian design develop its independence and characteristic style. Now, polytec offers all-new insights into the future of Australian design.
In the pursuit of an uplifting synergy between the inner world and the surrounding environment, internationally acclaimed Interior Architect and Designer Lorena Gaxiola transform the vibration of the auspicious number ‘8’ into mesmerising artistry alongside the Feltex design team, brought to you by GH Commercial.
Channelling the enchanting ambience of the Caffè Greco in Rome, Budapest’s historic Gerbeaud, and Grossi Florentino in Melbourne, Ross Didier’s new collection evokes the designer’s affinity for café experience, while delivering refined seating for contemporary hospitality interiors.
Sub-Zero and Wolf’s prestigious Kitchen Design Contest (KDC) has celebrated the very best in kitchen innovation and aesthetics for three decades now. Recognising premier kitchen design professionals from around the globe, the KDC facilitates innovation, style and functionality that pushes boundaries.
The internet never sleeps! Here's the stuff you might have missed
By adding Muuto to its roster as Singapore’s only retailer, XTRA not only celebrates the enduring appeal of Scandinavian design – it heralds a whole new perspective on its universally appealing legacy.
MECCA’s Customer Support Centre stays put, but Studio Tate’s interior design has added totally new layers of colour and energy to the space.