Suite Dreams

Valerie Sartini, CEO of Treasures Interior Design, has been designing homes for more than 25 years. She is based in the South Bay but works on projects all over the world. Here, Valerie riffs on how to create the perfect primary bedroom.

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One of my favorite things to create, truth be told, is a primary bedroom suite. It’s such a fun collaboration with the client—a true reflection of what’s important in designing the innermost sanctuary of one’s life. What could be more personal than the place where we can truly be ourselves, literally let our hair down, our guard down, our goose down? But I’m getting ahead of myself.

When I start the process of designing a primary suite, I meet with my clients and have them describe their highest and best vision for this … their dream space. (See what I did there?)

And then we begin! We talk about color scheme, fabrics, textures, window treatment, seating, lighting, flooring, bedding, art, tech and lots, lots more. As you might imagine, there is much to discuss and much discussion.

I’m well-versed in all styles—beautiful taste has no boundaries or edges—but one of my favorites is rustic Spanish. I recently worked on a primary suite as part of a larger home on The Strand in Manhattan Beach. We combined traditional and new pieces: a modern bench at the base of the bed, an antique dresser as side table, ebony and lighter woods, angular lamps and a soft, goose down duvet. All working together in stunning style.

It’s an intricate dance balancing the space, my client’s taste, functionality and serenity. My experience in design helps with the process and, admittedly, sometimes so does my gut. We start with the basics and then comes the magic!

There’s a lot to think about when designing personal spaces. Here’s where I start: Long, floor-length drapes soften angular windows.

Breaking up solids and neutrals creates natural focal points of color.
Decluttering nightstands by featuring a beautiful table lamp and two other treasures—like a special framed photo, jewelry box or vase of flowers—provides serenity and a sense of calm.
Layering the bed with a feathery duvet, folded or not, and cozy throws is inviting and warm.
Streamlining clutter by hiding the tech with built-in charging stations and cord wraps in bedside drawers allows us to unplug and be present.