Luxurious treats are plentiful, even as size of master bedroom shrinks

As master bedrooms go, some are mammoth and some are minuscule. But current trends seem to have them getting smaller.

The extra large sitting area in the master bedroom is dwindling fast. Separate his and hers walk-in closets (the oversized version) with separate his and hers dressing areas are considered gauche. Yet normal-sized his and her closets remain in vogue, as do separate his and hers baths.

Even though the amenities of the mammoth bedroom/bathrooms are still being requested by wealthier home buyers, the size has shrunk.

So where does the money saved from building the excess square footage go? The bedroom has gone ultraplush. Fireplaces in the bedroom are a hot item. Architectural wood accents such as crown molding, tall baseboards and fancy trim add to the opulence. Exotic flooring such as stone or imported tiles for the bathroom and upgraded carpet in the bedroom contribute to the grandeur. Custom designed wall-to-wall carpet is gaining in popularity as well.

Most people still like some sitting space in the bedroom, at least space enough for a chair in which to sit and put our shoes on to enough for a pair of chairs and ottomans for lounging and reading.

Televisions in the bedroom are always welcome, though a separate room just for that is no longer necessary. Armoires that combine space for a television as well as drawers for some storage seem to fit the bill quite well.

Then there are the walls. Specialty paint treatments are in demand. As a matter of fact, the paint is the easiest to add, particularly if the bedroom is already in existence and only a spruce up is currently in the budget.

So what is specialty paint? Anything you can dream up. For example, start by painting a smooth wall one color. Add texture with spackle; this can be in any design -- abstract, geometric or whatever pops up in your dreams. Paint the texture one or more accent colors. Instant room enhancement.

Another idea is to make the wall look like stone. This is a great tie-in to the bath if that floor is stone. This look-alike wall is done by special treatment and the finished look can be quite impressive.

The separate his and hers closets, though not as humongous as those once sought, still afford great storage space with efficient closet systems. Built-in dressers, shelves for shoes, purses, sweaters and lockable jewelry drawers are all part of the affordable luxury.

For the windows, anything goes. But what seems to be a welcome treatment are shutters. They give a homey, yet efficient look.

It's your master bedroom. I hope all your dreams come true.

Rosemary Sadez Friedmann, an interior designer in Naples, Fla., is author of "Mystery of Color."