The bedroom should be a peaceful, inviting sanctuary.
Whether a minimalist, cozy retreat for two or a sumptuous, beautifully appointed boudoir that’s perfect for one, this special space should reflect its occupants’ lifestyle as well as taste.
According to one local designer, these key elements make for a super-romantic, Cupid-approved bedroom: silk, velvet, wired music, and layers of lighting.
FIT FOR A QUEEN
With an eye for detail, seasoned design pro Wendy Lepkoff of Wendy Interiors recently revamped her client’s mediocre sleeping space using high-quality materials, opulent fabrics, and rich textures along with elegant vintage-inspired furnishings to create a master boudoir that’s to die for.
In this Rockville Centre redo, the fabulousness extends to the master bathroom as well, as seen in the custom vanity and patterned tile walls. Since this is an older construction it’s not as large as some master baths designed today.
“After my client Freya T.’s husband had passed, she wanted a more functional, feminine and formal master bedroom,” says Lepkoff, who has 25 years of industry experience under her belt.
“With brand-new cream curvilinear furniture, greenish-gray cinderblock wallpaper and damask broadloom, custom bedding for her Queen-size bed and window treatments as well as closet systems, new framed artwork, lighting and accessories, she was given a retreat fit for a queen.”
After creating a design dialogue, Lepkoff fulfilled her client’s wish list, which also included reading, TV and dressing areas, and more storage space.
Pouring her creative energies into space planning, furniture design, and renovations, her full-service design studio took this lucky lady from consultation to “wow” in six weeks for the renovation and four months for the interior design.
“For the bedroom, it is smart to look for bedding and window fabric first and then coordinate carpeting, paint and wallcovering,” Lepkoff explains. “The last step: Select furniture according to the floor plan and be sure to create balance in the space. For the bathroom, select wallpaper and tile first, then vanity and fixtures.”
While making her clients’ visions a reality, Lepkoff also takes time to give back. Working with charities, she helps make other people’s design dreams come true.
CUPID’S CHOICE
A Bay Shore home got a much-needed facelift along with a master suite reno that made both the mister and missus very happy.
Anne Marie Virgilio, of Interiors by Anne Marie, took her clients — a couple with three kids — from inspiration to installation. She transformed an outdated bedroom into a well-designed romantic spot decked out in soft shades of pastel blue and springtime florals juxtaposed against sophisticated neutrals and contemporary elements. Virgilio has worked with these clients since 2003.
“Throughout the years, we have slowly redesigned, room by room,” she says. “As parents, they have put everyone’s needs first. It was finally time to give themselves a beautiful, serene master suite with a walk-in closet.”
A baby blue, custom-made curved headboard completes the desired look, while large, neutral accent pillows sporting crisp blue and white stripes offset the flowery coverlet and add a more tailored spin to the feminine décor, as do the his and hers chaise lounges, which are strategically placed opposite a wall-mounted TV and large bureau.
“At first consultation, we spoke of each his and her needs and created a wish list. I went to the drawing board and created a cohesive space and scheme,” says Virgilio, whose team moved walls, relocated doors, changed plumbing, etc.
The master bathroom was gutted. Marble mosaic (Artsaics) was used for the shower wall and floor; a custom vanity was built for storage.
“My clients hire me for my expertise in color, design and style and my attention to detail. Therefore, my pleasure is working directly with them, one on one,” says Virgilio. “However, I have phenomenal vendors and trades with whom I work. My upholsterer, my window treatment installer, my fabric workroom.”
To enhance one’s space, she suggests creating cozy vignettes of pictures, books, fresh flowers…always a pick-me-up, especially during those bleak winter months.
