EPISODE FIVE
Please bring back the sexiness in our relationship.
That was Shenika and Matthew’s request when I first met them.
However, this remodel went way deeper than just designing a gorgeous bedroom and bathroom with a Vegas twist. At its core, it was about rebuilding the relationship between Matthew and Shenika.
Every designer will tell you that the key to a good design – a successful design – is to listen to your clients. I have encountered far too many designers who give the clients what they “think” they want, rather than what they actually asked for. As a creator of sex rooms, my role is not always about adding whips, floggers, chains and bondage furniture to a design, rather my job is to recognize and listen to my clients and try and understand not only what they want, but why they want it.
That was Shenika and Matthew’s request when I first met them.
However, this remodel went way deeper than just designing a gorgeous bedroom and bathroom with a Vegas twist. At its core, it was about rebuilding the relationship between Matthew and Shenika.
Every designer will tell you that the key to a good design – a successful design – is to listen to your clients. I have encountered far too many designers who give the clients what they “think” they want, rather than what they actually asked for. As a creator of sex rooms, my role is not always about adding whips, floggers, chains and bondage furniture to a design, rather my job is to recognize and listen to my clients and try and understand not only what they want, but why they want it.
After looking at their bedroom it came as no surprise that they needed help. A large looming four-poster bed dominated the room and totally overwhelmed the space. Then there were the two televisions, carefully situated atop two matching dressers, sucking all the energy out of the place. It felt like I could have easily split the room in two. It was very clear that it was “his and hers” but certainly not “ours.”
Shenika and Matthew also asked me to look at the adjoining bathroom to see if I could make that a part of the design.
Looking at the wall between the two rooms, I knew I could open easily up the space and give these areas unity and this new bedroom/bathroom would look huge, opulent and inviting.
Shenika and Matthew also asked me to look at the adjoining bathroom to see if I could make that a part of the design.
Looking at the wall between the two rooms, I knew I could open easily up the space and give these areas unity and this new bedroom/bathroom would look huge, opulent and inviting.
The first thing to go was the bed. It held such a negative energy because of its size.
As soon as it had been dismantled and taken away, along with everything else in the room, the energy suddenly lifted. The room felt lighter and there was more space. This simple act was the start of new beginnings, and a new chapter in Shenika and Matthew’s lives.
For the design, I wanted to change the location of the bed to optimize the area and give the room a better flow of energy, so I placed it on the far side. Now when you walked into the space, the bed would be to your right and in a more commanding position.
Although not shown in the episode, I chose a bedframe that had drawers underneath. Additional storage in a bedroom is always welcome, and, of course, the perfect place for the adult toys. The headboard was a lavish diamond tufting. I wanted the overall look of the bedframe to be clean-lined yet sexy. I dressed the bed with sumptuous throw pillows in different sizes and added a plush custom faux fur throw to give the feeling of luxury and opulence.
The mirrored nightstands with hand-applied silver-leaf trim and polished nickel hardware gave a glamorous look and feel. Atop, were crystal lamps.
It is a personal choice, but I don’t like carpets in bedrooms. For this room, I ripped out the carpet and installed wood flooring. To add a layer of sensuality I placed a large, rectangular soft area rug which complimented the champagne-colored bed linens.
I brought in a matching mirrored dresser for the room as well. Shenika and Matthew already had a large walk-in closet so a single dresser was fine for this area.
As soon as it had been dismantled and taken away, along with everything else in the room, the energy suddenly lifted. The room felt lighter and there was more space. This simple act was the start of new beginnings, and a new chapter in Shenika and Matthew’s lives.
For the design, I wanted to change the location of the bed to optimize the area and give the room a better flow of energy, so I placed it on the far side. Now when you walked into the space, the bed would be to your right and in a more commanding position.
Although not shown in the episode, I chose a bedframe that had drawers underneath. Additional storage in a bedroom is always welcome, and, of course, the perfect place for the adult toys. The headboard was a lavish diamond tufting. I wanted the overall look of the bedframe to be clean-lined yet sexy. I dressed the bed with sumptuous throw pillows in different sizes and added a plush custom faux fur throw to give the feeling of luxury and opulence.
The mirrored nightstands with hand-applied silver-leaf trim and polished nickel hardware gave a glamorous look and feel. Atop, were crystal lamps.
It is a personal choice, but I don’t like carpets in bedrooms. For this room, I ripped out the carpet and installed wood flooring. To add a layer of sensuality I placed a large, rectangular soft area rug which complimented the champagne-colored bed linens.
I brought in a matching mirrored dresser for the room as well. Shenika and Matthew already had a large walk-in closet so a single dresser was fine for this area.
Shenika and Matthew loved the color purple, so I partially covered the walls in a purple damask which was soft and velvety to the touch. To break up the color I used wood paneling painted in a soft cream color with gold trim, then mixed it up a little by covering every other panel in the same wallpaper.
I adopted the same look for the bathroom, but here, I used a gold/yellow metallic wallpaper to add richness and luster. I united the two rooms with the wall paneling motif from the bedroom.
I adopted the same look for the bathroom, but here, I used a gold/yellow metallic wallpaper to add richness and luster. I united the two rooms with the wall paneling motif from the bedroom.
The existing bathroom felt very sterile. The old shower just wasn’t big enough for two people, so I opened it up by taking away the existing closet that held Matthew’s extensive designer sneakers. I did relocate the sneakers to an area that made more sense.
By stripping away any evidence of the existing bathroom, I was able to create something new and sensual, with design elements which appealed to both Shenika and Matthew.
For the tile in the shower area, I opted for marble and added a central motif of hexagon tile with brass accents. With their own personal faucets, they could both enjoy showering together.
A soaking tub was the focal point for the room. Clearly visible from the bedroom, it gave the element of relaxation. I added white and gold ceramic vessel sinks with gold faucets on the white free-standing vanity.
The reason behind this luxurious suite was to help Shenika and Matthew re-connect and deepen their relationship. I wanted them to be in a place where they could be open, talk about sex in a more sensual environment. Sometimes, you need to feel sexy, to be sexy! And being in a sexy space helps!
By stripping away any evidence of the existing bathroom, I was able to create something new and sensual, with design elements which appealed to both Shenika and Matthew.
For the tile in the shower area, I opted for marble and added a central motif of hexagon tile with brass accents. With their own personal faucets, they could both enjoy showering together.
A soaking tub was the focal point for the room. Clearly visible from the bedroom, it gave the element of relaxation. I added white and gold ceramic vessel sinks with gold faucets on the white free-standing vanity.
The reason behind this luxurious suite was to help Shenika and Matthew re-connect and deepen their relationship. I wanted them to be in a place where they could be open, talk about sex in a more sensual environment. Sometimes, you need to feel sexy, to be sexy! And being in a sexy space helps!
THE STRIPPER POLE
Placing a removable stripper pole in the room was all about body positivity. Shenika had lost all of love for her body. She didn’t feel sexy in her own skin. She hated parts and areas especially around her stomach. But Matthew loved her body. When he held her tummy, he explained to Shenika that he loved that part of her, because that was where his children were nurtured throughout her pregnancy.
MIRROR ON THE CEILING
To add to the Vegas twist I had a custom mirror installed on the ceiling. The gold trim around the mirror marched the trim in the rest of the room. There is nothing sexier than a mirror on the ceiling. It’s so Vegas!
ENTRANCE TO THE ROOM
Although it is not shown in the broadcast episode, to keep this room private, I installed a biometric fingerprint lock on the door. This told everyone else in the household that mum & dad needed some private time to relax.
When people learn that I design SEX Rooms, they naturally assume they are BDSM spaces. But what surprises most people is that only about half the rooms I create are out-and-out BDSM rooms. The other half, like Shenika and Matthew’s room, are sensual, sexy spaces. I was thrilled to be able to create their new bedroom and bathroom, a space about beauty, connection and exploration. I added a selection of adult toys to the personalized gift box filled with scents, candles, ostrich feathers and, of course, champagne, all designed to help Shenika and Matthew to bring back the sexiness in their new room and their lives.
Final thought
Create a conversation with your partner!
