The primary bedroom

Garrison, New York

The Master Bedroom

This room had dreamy architectural qualities, designed by Jim Joseph, which made it a joy to work with - but its uniqueness also presented some challenges too.

Bedroom

• The wall panelling in this room has been laid horizontally and in mixed widths, which can create a really nice effect. Although the widths are mixed and 'random', it does take some thought to achieve a pleasing result.
• Cupboard doors are often better painted in the same colour as the walls, whereas doors between rooms are more suited to a contrasting colour.
• I have a personal preference towards using side tables next to a bed rather than nightstands, as I think it's more comfortable to have a bigger surface area to house books, a radio and photographs.
• You don't need to have matching pairs of lamps and tables either side of a bed; I think it creates a nice and relaxed feeling when they are mismatched.
• If you have the space, try to incorporate either a little sofa, armchair or bench at the end of the bed so you have somewhere to put your clothes and bags.
• The bed is a focal point in a bedroom, so pay attention to how it will be styled, and what textiles and linen you will use.
• A shaped headboard can be really lovely if you have a high ceiling, as it draws the eye up and makes the most of the tall space behind the bed.

Ensuite Bathroom

• I chose to do the checkerboard floor to break up the wood and create a distinction between the rooms. I think this technique looks best when the squares are oversized - these measure 55cm.
• The vanity unit is made from a chest of drawers I found, and asked my contractor to add a marble top and insert a basin.
• Something I do quite often when laying out a bathroom is to place a wall at the end of the bath, and have either a shower on the other side or a loo.
• The wall panelling continues in the bathroom, just up to the height of the dado rail - 110 cm. We then wallpapered above this.

Sourcebook

On top of bedside table - Bergama fabric, by Robert Kime

Dahlia bed linen, by D Porthault

Angela Wickstead can make custom sized bedlinen

Bed from Charles H. Beckley

For Abaca rugs, try Cotswold Flooring or Tranquil Earth

Nursing chair by Robert Kime upholstered in vintage rugs