2018-2019 Designer of the Year: Bedroom $30,000 & Above

Winner: Bauer Clifton Interiors, Bauer Clifton Interiors, Alaska

This extensive bedroom renovation involved transforming an unused storage attic into a master suite of the homeowners’ dreams.  While the room literally started out as a blank slate, it required much thought and consideration to achieve the clients’ long wish list, while designing a functional layout that worked with the existing roof lines, stairwell access, and new adjoining ensuite bathroom.

The new bedroom layout incorporates a seating area with fireplace, art display, and optimal storage. To support the clients’ desired rustic cottage styling, finish materials consist of wide plank hardwood flooring, tongue and groove wood ceiling with distressed paint finish, fireplace with reclaimed brick cladding, and vintage-inspired furnishings, lighting, and hardware throughout.

The architecture of the attic space was a real challenge to design within where thinking three-dimensionally was critical.  The desire to create symmetry in a very unsymmetrical room was at the top of our list.  Starting with the location of the fireplace and putting two windows flanking the fireplace and then mirroring the ceiling lines to mirror off the fireplace was the first success to the new layout.  

1st Runner Up: Jeanne Campana, Jeanne Campana Design, New York 

When Jeanne's clients purchased their home, the dark colors along with the European feel was not quite their style. Since the homeowners travel on a weekly basis and work significantly around the clock, their main design goal for the master bedroom was to create a relaxing sanctuary featuring clean lines, transitional furniture pieces in a soothing coastal color palette of white and grey with touches of blue and silver. 

In order to capture the essence of the environment they wanted, the designer set out to open up the back wall with larger double windows to give them full access to the view of their spacious backyard. She then added a fireplace in the center to create a focal point and flanked it with upholstered window seats and plenty of comfortable pillows. 

Built-in cabinetry throughout the space gave the bedroom the architectural character that it was lacking and a custom designed floor to ceiling headboard was crafted to be reminiscent of the luxury hotels they frequently visited. This beautiful space is now a highly functional peaceful retreat where the homeowners can relax, read and replenish from their busy everyday life and their frequent long distance travels. 

One design challenge was an awkward space between two closets that the homeowners did not how to address. The designer proposed a built-in reading nook with an extra large seat cushion, additional cabinetry with lower cabinets for storage and open shelving for display. The designer also added a pull out shelf that serves as a desk to allow their client to have an additional space to work.