Master Bedroom Remodel Tips

It's no joke that psychologists put "moving" ahead of "death" on the list of life stressors. If you find yourself about to list your home for sale, this usually means that 1) your life is in major transition, and 2) your biggest investment is about to be put to the test.

So we turned to Erika Mehrer of Marin Modern Real Estate ^[1] to find out what buyers really look for in a master bedroom. Working in the Bay Area's Marin County, home to the exclusive communities of Sausalito and Mill Valley, Erika sees (and sells) some of the country's most gorgeous homes.

If our master is less than perfect, does it need a major remodel? And if that's just not going to happen, what can we do to fake it?

Keep reading to hear Erika's expert tips to get your master bedroom into move-ready shape.

POPSUGAR: What is the most important thing buyers are looking for in a master bedroom?
Erika Mehrer: Buyers are really looking for a master bedroom with large closets and room enough for a king bed.

PS: Have you noticed any trends emerging in bedroom decor in the last year or so? Are there any trends that you have seen starting to fade?
EM: Wallpaper has made a comeback — nice metallic designs that are modern and classy. Centerpiece chandeliers are now replacing boring overhead lighting.

PS: Help us out with the wood floors versus carpet debate. Is there a consistent winner here?
EM: YES! Wood floors win every time, especially if the wood flooring is used throughout the home. It's a clean look, easy to clean, and you can accent with stylish area rugs — which can then be changed out anytime you change your decor. Some buyers prefer carpet in the bedrooms as it feels nice when you are barefoot, but if the carpet is not there, the buyers won't miss it. They can always add it later.

PS: Is tile in the bedroom ever a good idea?
EM: No, unless it's over radiant heat and has a warm look and feel. Tile is cool on the feet and it gives a cool aura. Bedrooms are made to be cozy. Wood and carpet provide that warmth a bedroom needs.

PS: What about the matching bedroom set — soothing to the eye, or shudder-inducing throwback?
EM: Ha! It's not a deal-breaker, but the style now is mix and match so that the design looks custom.

PS: Sellers are often told to remove all personalization from a home. But then it can just look like a hotel. How do we strike the right balance?
EM: Add art, candles, pillows, and other items to make the home feel inviting.

PS: Of course, no one likes a cramped and dark bedroom. But apart from a major remodel, we're often stuck with our bedroom's size and level of natural light. What can a seller do to make the most of what they've got?
EM: Paint the bedroom a bright off-white ^[2] color and remove big dressers to the garage temporarily. Basically limit the amount of furniture and accessorize the room with bright bedding, pillows, and curtains.

PS: Is a bad view out a bedroom window a deal-breaker for buyers? What can a seller do in this situation?
EM: In a seller's market like we have in Marin, a bad view out of a bedroom window is not a deal-breaker. Usually you can resolve that with window coverings or outdoor landscaping.

PS: Of course, we're dying to hear your horror stories. What's the worst bedroom you've ever seen?
EM: The worst bedroom I have ever seen was one with green shag carpet from the '50s — it was not only hideous but also dingy and dirty. That's 60+ years of dirt. This bedroom also had paint peeling from the walls and smoke stains on the walls from the owner smoking in bed. My clients, who were the buyers, were both architects, and with a lot of creativity and sweat equity, they remodeled it beautifully.