COUPLE’S REALM
The space that a couple shares together helps maintain the intimacy of their relationship, especially when children or other people also live in the home.
Primary Bedroom suite from our Riverside Third Floor project
COUPLE’S REALM
A couple’s bedroom is the centre of their private life together, and it must support many forms of intimacy. There should be a clear gradient of increasing seclusion as one moves from it’s entrance toward the bed. Ideally, a vestibule marks the transition into the couple’s private realm, helping to preserve a sense of retreat. A sitting area within the bedroom, used exclusively by the couple, can further enhance this separation from the rest of the household, perhaps augmented with a fireplace or built-in-cabinetry.
The bed should be positioned to foster intimacy and a feeling of enclosure. Tucking it into an alcove with windows, or using a canopy bed in a larger room, can help create a more intimate atmosphere. Ideally, it should be placed to receive morning light. There should also be ample surfaces nearby—such as built-in shelving or nightstands—for keeping personal items within reach.
Off of the bedroom should be located the couple’s dressing area, as well as their own bathroom—if space and budget permits.
CLOSETS & DRESSING
Because dressing is such an intimate and often messy activity, it should be separated from the main bedroom as much as possible, either as a separate room (walk-in-closet) or with nice cabinetry and furniture with a discreet spot for dressing—perhaps with the use of an old-fashioned dressing screen.
For most couples, typically about 10–14 linear feet of closetry will suffice, with about half the space reserved for hanging and the rest for drawers and shelves. It’s also necessary to have enough room to dress comfortably, so a clear area of five feet in diameter is needed. There should also be natural sunlight and a tall mirror.
Couple’s realm with bed alcove, large sitting area and separate dressing room
Couple’s Realm with bed, seating and dressing area integrated into one large space with features to control for separation between them
Couple’s Realm with bed, seating and dressing area fully integrated to save space
In summary:
Designate a portion of the home as the Couple’s Realm, organized with a gradient of spaces that increase in intimacy. This should include an entry vestibule, a private sitting area, and a secluded spot for the bed with windows and shelf storage nearby. Provide a separate dressing area or room big enough for a 5’ diameter clear area and 10–14 linear feet of closetry.
The ideas above are largely based on A Pattern Language: Towns, Buildings, Construction by Christopher Alexander, et al. Oxford University Press, 1977, specifically patterns: #136 Couple’s Realm, #138 Sleeping to the East, #187 Marriage Bed and #189 Dressing Room.
