EPISODE ONE
When you hear the words Sex Room, you immediately think of a dungeon, so it was entirely appropriate that we start with a couple who really had the modern day equivalent of a dungeon: a basement.
Interior designers either love or loathe basements, because of their unique challenges, and this one, which was both old and unfinished, came with some design demands and challenges.
Interior designers either love or loathe basements, because of their unique challenges, and this one, which was both old and unfinished, came with some design demands and challenges.
The ceiling height and exposed wiring.
Along with the shape of the room, the height difference made it awkward. Much of it was low - six foot, six inches in some areas, while in others it rose to nine feet.
The wiring was a nightmare. Exposed wires, exposed HVAC ducts and piping presented a problem. It wasn't going to be as easy as putting up drywall to cover everything, because that would have lowered the height of the ceiling, and that was not the effect I was going for. Instead, I had everything spray painted white. This way, it gave the basement a more industrial feel, which I liked.
Along with the shape of the room, the height difference made it awkward. Much of it was low - six foot, six inches in some areas, while in others it rose to nine feet.
The wiring was a nightmare. Exposed wires, exposed HVAC ducts and piping presented a problem. It wasn't going to be as easy as putting up drywall to cover everything, because that would have lowered the height of the ceiling, and that was not the effect I was going for. Instead, I had everything spray painted white. This way, it gave the basement a more industrial feel, which I liked.
The entrance to the basement.
I have been asked why I did not open up the 38 inch opening into the basement. That was, unfortunately, not an option. So, knowing that I was working with just over three feet of clearance, I knew that everything going into the basement would have to be custom built. It would also have to be assembled in the basement. So everything in this room needed to be measured accurately. There is an old carpenter’s saying, (though it really is advice for life), ‘measure twice, cut once.’ My version of this is: measure, measure, measure!
I have been asked why I did not open up the 38 inch opening into the basement. That was, unfortunately, not an option. So, knowing that I was working with just over three feet of clearance, I knew that everything going into the basement would have to be custom built. It would also have to be assembled in the basement. So everything in this room needed to be measured accurately. There is an old carpenter’s saying, (though it really is advice for life), ‘measure twice, cut once.’ My version of this is: measure, measure, measure!
The HVAC.
I have yet to encounter a pretty HVAC unit, and the one in this space was particularly large and especially ugly. The challenge here was how to disguise it, while also leaving room regular maintenance. The solution was to frame in the piece creating its own room. Of course I needed an access panel or a door. By doing a triptych piece of artwork featuring Taylor (you can see part of the image in episode one) and making it part of the panel I was able to disguise the entrance. Problem solved!
The shape of the room.
With the HVAC sorted out, I was now looking at an L-shaped space, but I still needed to open up this area further. I had Mike move the sink and sump pump to create another small room with access. This left me with an almost perfect L-shape. Then, all I needed to do was zone the space.
This design afforded me the perfect opportunity to create a soft, sensual side, complete with a built in bench with storage. Lots of fun pillows added to the ambiance. I also put in a lean-to custom mirror. Mirrors always make a space look larger. Facing this, I added hard points and a metal suspension bar, so either Taylor or Ayjay could watch themselves during playtime.
The space on the opposite side of the room was designed as a light bondage area.
Following Taylor and Ayjay's visit with flogging masters Ti & Iszy, I knew this was something which excited and interested the young couple. I added the St. Andrew's Cross and the spanking bench here, along with all the various adult toys.
NOTE: I call them toys because sex can, and should be fun.
Light creates mood. I love using recessed cans, and in a confined space like this they made perfect sense. Here, I used bulbs that covered the gamut of the rainbow. These specialist lights come with an app, allowing the user to control the color and hue, all with dimmers, of course. The possibilities and effects are endless. |
Taylor and Ayjay's home is over 100 yrs old. As I walked through their home, I immediately noticed that they had exposed some of the original brickwork. That became my first design note: respect the existing structure and surfaces, even in the basement.
I repaired some of the crumbling bricks, added more where there was a patch job. To capture the essence of brickwork throughout the room, I covered the new walls in a white brick wallpaper to brighten up the space.
There was one supporting beam that was original to the house. It wore its age well: it was rugged and roughened, scratched with old brush marks, incised with chips of flaking paint. Despite the passage of time, it remained strong. I kept it exposed since it was the perfect nod to preserving the history of the house.
The only thing I needed to do was cover the exiting flooring with a gorgeous bronze color epoxy. This gave the floor a new life, while adding sensuality of the room.
I knew I wanted a mural as part of the design: something sexy, provocative and daring. I enlisted the help of local Denver artist, KiriLeigh Jones. Together we came up with a mural that represented the female genitalia. With soft, curvy lines it added the perfect touch to the rock n' roll dungeon. You can see it when Taylor and Ayjay enter the room for the reveal. |
You might have glimpsed this in this episode. I delight in putting something personal into my clients rooms. Boudoir photography is a must for me. I introduced Taylor to a body-painting specialist, Mythica von Griffyn, who expertly painted a Warrior Princess outfit onto Taylor’s body. Once that was done, I had the fabulous Tadam Photography photograph the result. The photographs were spectacular and choosing the perfect image was quite a challenge. I mounted the photo onto canvas, where it became a triptych piece of art. Mythica was kind enough to give Taylor the Amethyst crown.
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Because the brief was for a Rock N Roll room, but mostly because it was fun, I wanted to use a neon sign in this room. I love neon: sensual and curvaceous, it adds both color and depth. While this piece was custom made, you can buy pre-made signs, and there are plenty of places where you can customize a neon sign with your own words, fonts and designs. A neon sign is truly a unique gift. |
However, first let's discuss a few safety guidelines!
Have a conversation with your partner first.
Always ask consent!
Be sure to have a safeword in place. A safeword is a code word, series of code words or other signal used by a person to communicate their physical or emotional state, typically when approaching, or crossing, a physical, emotional, or moral boundary.
If playing with bondage rope/Shibari, make sure you have a pair of safety scissors to hand.
I will of course discuss these further when we delve deeper into the more BDSM orientated rooms.
But the first rule of a Sex Room is enjoyment. Have fun. Be free. Be yourself.
Have a conversation with your partner first.
Always ask consent!
Be sure to have a safeword in place. A safeword is a code word, series of code words or other signal used by a person to communicate their physical or emotional state, typically when approaching, or crossing, a physical, emotional, or moral boundary.
If playing with bondage rope/Shibari, make sure you have a pair of safety scissors to hand.
I will of course discuss these further when we delve deeper into the more BDSM orientated rooms.
But the first rule of a Sex Room is enjoyment. Have fun. Be free. Be yourself.
Below are some of the sex toys in Taylor and AyJay’s room.
Remember, it is important to understand some of these items and their usage. Do your research and, if possible, take advice and consult with experts.
Remember, it is important to understand some of these items and their usage. Do your research and, if possible, take advice and consult with experts.
Suspension bar. For safety, I used specialized suspension cuffs, for an upright position. These are leather, have extra padding along with a heavy-duty 3” D-ring on the top for attachment and one on the locking leather strap to link the cuffs.
Handcuffs. These come with two keys for locking, so don’t loose them! They also come with a safety catch that prevents them from getting tighter. There are handcuffs out there that have a quick release mechanism, so do your research beforehand.
Leather flogger. I used a heavy leather, basic flogger with long tails which was great for beginners Taylor and Ayjay.
Bondage rope Always have a pair of safety scissors to hand.
Handcuffs. These come with two keys for locking, so don’t loose them! They also come with a safety catch that prevents them from getting tighter. There are handcuffs out there that have a quick release mechanism, so do your research beforehand.
Leather flogger. I used a heavy leather, basic flogger with long tails which was great for beginners Taylor and Ayjay.
Bondage rope Always have a pair of safety scissors to hand.
The St. Andrew's Cross is made of aluminum which makes it extremely light. Covered in red vinyl, it is firmly anchored to the wall.
The spanking bench is also made of aluminum and covered with red vinyl which can be easily wiped down.
The spanking bench is also made of aluminum and covered with red vinyl which can be easily wiped down.
Final thoughts
Create the mood of the room with lighting.
If your space is big enough, consider creating zones.
Choose items of furniture for maximum functionality and storage.
Make sure your BDSM furniture fits into the room.
Have a designated area for your sex toys. Remember to keep them clean.
Think about using them as possible art pieces.
Whatever goes on in the room, make sure it is consensual.
With additional items, let them “breathe” in the space. i.e. Allow space between items.
Be creative. Bring in texture. Use artwork.
Most of all, have fun designing!
If your space is big enough, consider creating zones.
Choose items of furniture for maximum functionality and storage.
Make sure your BDSM furniture fits into the room.
Have a designated area for your sex toys. Remember to keep them clean.
Think about using them as possible art pieces.
Whatever goes on in the room, make sure it is consensual.
With additional items, let them “breathe” in the space. i.e. Allow space between items.
Be creative. Bring in texture. Use artwork.
Most of all, have fun designing!