Creating a Romantic Retreat: Designing My Primary Suite

By Caitlin Fitch of Caitlin Fitch Designs

Why the Primary Bedroom Comes First

When client’s ask me where in the home they should invest first I always suggest the Primary Bedroom because, well, simply put they deserve it. We all do. When it came time to add character to my own new own I made sure the same rule applied – I tackled the design of our Primary Suite first. 

I wanted to create a romantic space with a statement that was bold and inviting – it had to feel special, like a beautiful gift from me to me.

Every Design Starts with a Vision

This home was a new build from earlier this year and with that came a lot of the standard cookie cutter, contract grade, shell of a box rooms. So, when it came time to make the house our home, we knew that we wanted to introduce several layers of character to give the overall home more depth and more of a lived in feel. I designed the primary suite first and it really set the tone for the rest of the house. 

When designing the primary suite I knew I wanted it to make a statement and feel really elevated and sexy, and ultimately like a retreat to lay our heads in the end of the day.

Bringing Hotel Luxury Home

When I envisioned this space, my goal was to make it feel like a welcomed stay at one of our favorite hotels. The first thing we did was add millwork to the inset tray portion of the ceiling. We used panels of 3-inch bead boarding to create visual intrigue and warmth. Then we drenched the entire room in a beautiful purple with rich brown undertones. The combination of the two immediately gave me the statement I was looking for. 

Next came all the additional elements within the space. I knew that I wanted to incorporate a layered look for the window treatments - like what you often see at your favorite hotels. We used a combination of TWOPAGES sheer linen panels and blackout linen panels in taupe colorway for an extremely luxe look. There is something about seeing the light flood through the sheer panels every morning that feels instantly transportive and romantic.

Mixing Modern and Vintage Flair

We introduced a mix of modern and vintage furniture to create a look that was equal parts eclectic and inviting. We used a slipcovered bed made of fine quality linen with an extended headboard. Flanking the bed are two nightstands with traditional silhouettes and a black finish and a vintage bench at the foot of the bed in a deep mahogany. A reupholstered vintage English roll style armchair is nestled in the corner with a modern side table, creating an idyllic reading nook. A neutral rug adorned with a geometric pattern sits underfoot to really ground the space and tie together each element.

The Power of Layered Lighting 

Lastly, we made the lighting selections. Never underestimate the impact of high-quality lighting and many sources of different types of lighting in a single space. 

For this primary bedroom suite, I knew I wanted to have an abundance of lighting sources, intentionally layered together to highlight different moments and functions throughout the space. Overhead, we have this beautiful statement chandelier with a modern silhouette against the warmth of the bead boarding detail. Next, we have two oversized table lamps on each nightstand and two extendable reading light sconces. The combination of the two really creates an elevated look and serves multiple functions. A statement floor lamp with a brass finish, completes the reading nook and a classic glass globe table lamp sits on the dresser. The final source of lighting is a beautiful semi-flush mount in a brass finish in the hallway leading to the closets and primary bath.

Every detail, down to the linens, throw pillows and artwork in the space were selected with intention to bring the room’s story to life. The final result is the retreat we set out to create.

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