BY BONNIE

In your average-sized suburban home, a parents’ retreat might seem like an impossible luxury. But we think everyone deserves an escape from everyday life, so by extending the floorplan a few metres sideways, we managed to squeeze in a small but private master suite.

This master suite is master by name only, definitely not by size, which gave us all the more reason to try some whizz-bang new things we haven’t done before, in an attempt to bring loads of character and charm to the room.

Here are 5 new ways we mastered this master suite:

Played with a panelled Wall

You’re not going to believe it guys, but I managed to put my love of vertical cladding aside (just for a moment) and totally pushed the boat out in this room, by creating a panelled wall behind the bed #couldbeanewfave

Our builder created the panelled effect straight onto the Gyprock wall, it was really #simple but looks so effective. Painted Dulux Eggshell Pink Quarter, it’s the perfect gritty pretty textured feature wall to bring some girly glam to the room.

2. Added a whimsical walk-in robe

When space isn’t on your side, I’m not a fan of enclosing rooms with doors that just make them feel even more boxy. This walk-in robe was always going to be small, so we ditched the doors and left the wardrobe as an open walkway between the bedroom and the ensuite. Expensive wardrobe doors weren’t in the budget (or my vision board), so the blush pink linen curtains are the perfect alternative to hide the cabinetry – and that pile of clothes you haven’t had a spare second to hang up! #keepingitreal

3. Private HardieDeck baby!

If breakfast in bed isn’t your thing #crumbsinsheets #nothanks, how about coffee and newspapers on your own private deck? Yes, this is still your average suburban home I’m talking about, not a 5-star hotel… but you’ll forgiven for thinking you’re on holiday when you’re sitting out here sipping your flat white.

Nothing says #easylikesundaymorning than whipping open our favourite Bunnings French doors #dollarsaver onto your own little HardieDeck. We’ve enclosed this area with our favourite James Hardie Linea™ cladding so it’s a super private suntrap.

4. Created a view from the loo

You could say this huge glass wall actually makes this whole ensuite. It floods the room with light and gives you a view from the loo (and shower!). But in case you prefer a little more privacy when using the bathroom (Lana and Ez were very concerned about this), we added an external motorised blind, called an Evo Awning from Luxaflex, so there’s no chance of being caught with your pants down #awks

P.S – You can win this awning for your home. Enter HERE!

5. Used external lights inside

We love the concept of ‘bringing the outdoors in’ and we’ve taken our own advice quite literally in the bedroom. I found these fab Southampton external wall sconces at Beacon and knew they’d be perfect to use internally to create a gorgeous boudoir feel. They’re slightly retro with a touch of glam and I love how you can see the old-school light globes through the glass case. And with its little latch, changing a light bulb never felt so spesh.

Some wise person said ‘a change is as good as a holiday’ and I reckon they’re spot on. We’ve changed things up in this master retreat and it’s definitely going to feel like a holiday at home.