From Period to Present. Transform a Victorian master bedroom suite into a bold contemporary retreat

When it comes to interior design, few projects are as rewarding as breathing new life into a period property. One of Susan Van Meter's current projects, a large master bedroom suite in a Victorian home, provides the perfect canvas: soaring ceilings, ornate detailing, and architectural character. But what if your style leans towards contemporary? By carefully balancing modern design elements with timeless Victorian charm, you can create a luxurious, inviting retreat.

A Bespoke Accent Wall

At the heart of the room, a 3D bespoke black elm accent wall forms the backdrop for the bed. The dark tone introduces drama without overwhelming the space, while the texture adds warmth and dimension. Against high ceilings and traditional architecture, this striking wall draws the eye and modernises the overall aesthetic.

The Statement Bed

The centrepiece of the room is a large, luxurious teal leather bed, upholstered in a rich, jewel-toned finish. Teal provides just the right contrast to the black wall, adding vibrancy without overpowering the palette. Crisp white bedding ensures the look stays clean and contemporary, while layered cushions and throws can soften the bold lines.

Leather bed, black bed drawes, carpets

White bedroom fireplace, wall art, wall lights

teal leather bed, white large bedroom chair

Elegant Comfort

Tucked into a corner, an off-white oversized designer chaise with a matching footstool introduces a lighter note. Its sculptural curves offer a place for reading or quiet reflection. While underfoot, the ultimate in luxury, a soft grey, deep pile wool and cashmere blended carpet balances the palette with subtle warmth and texture.

A Nod to Victorian Heritage

One of the room’s most charming features, the original Victorian fireplace, remains intact. Its off white surround creates a natural focal point and bridges the historical and modern elements of the design. By retaining this detail, the room celebrates its past while embracing its present with the perfect space above for a streamlined mirror that conceals the TV.

Modern Furnishings

Flanking the bed are black elm and marble bedside tables, each topped with tall, modern and functional freestanding brushed nickel bedside lamps. Their slim, sculptural forms enhance the verticality of the Victorian room’s proportions. The choice of black elm continues on the opposite wall with two gentleman's chests of drawers with a lacquered teal surface, providing ample storage while keeping the aesthetic streamlined.

Dressing the Windows

Automated floor-to-ceiling teal and white patterned handstitched drapes frame the windows, softening the natural light and echoing the bed’s bold colour. The pattern introduces visual interest, lifting the scheme while keeping within the black, white, and teal palette. The curtains are integrated with the Rako automated system for easy and accessible remote opening and closing.

The Dressing Room

The transformation doesn’t end in the bedroom. Just beyond, the ensuite dressing room continues the design story with the same black, white, and teal palette, creating a cohesive flow between the spaces. The imposing, luxurious leather-wrapped teal doors open onto the master ensuite bathroom, whilst the tinted glass doors add a contemporary edge, offering privacy while reflecting light and adding depth. Inside, the cabinetry mirrors the black elm finishes of the bedroom.

The teal accents and crisp white detailing ensure the dressing area feels luxurious, functional, and perfectly in harmony with the master suite.

dressing room, centre draw unit

Dressing room shelving

dressing room wardrobes and drawer unit

Personal Touches

Incorporating the owner's personal art collection, the design moves beyond curated perfection and becomes a space that feels lived-in, expressive, and deeply personal.

The Result

The finished master suite is a masterclass in contrast: contemporary minimalism layered over Victorian grandeur. The black and white scheme grounds the space, teal injects vibrancy, and thoughtful textures—from deep pile wool and cashmere carpet to sumptuous leather upholstery—add comfort and glamour. The result is not just a bedroom and dressing room, but a retreat that balances history with modern luxury.

If you're looking to Transform a Victorian Master Bedroom into a Bold Contemporary Retreat, contact Susan below for a free consultation.

We look forward to hearing from you.

The Susan Van Meter Team - Going Beyond Design

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