Primary Suite Ideas & Layouts 

A primary suite addition is limited only by your imagination and pocketbook. Here’s a look at main suite must-haves.

primary suite idea has wall of windows natural wood floor cathedral ceiling spacious bedroom and bath layout
Image: PC Photography/Getty

A primary suite addition is limited only by your imagination and pocketbook. Here’s a look at some main suite must-haves. 

Options for a primary suite addition are limitless. Your budget, not so much. Indulge yourself, express yourself, but control yourself, too. Here is your guide to main suite features that matter most. 

Primary Suite – Pricing an Addition   

With midrange finishes, such as ceramic tile and solid-surface countertops in the bathroom, a primary suite has a national median cost of $172,500, and you'll recover about 56% of that at resale, according to the "Remodeling Impact Report" from the National Association of REALTORS®.

Payback, however, is only part of the story. Among homeowners, the project returned a healthy 9.5 joy score — a rating based on their level of happiness or satisfaction with their project, with 10 being the highest rating and one the lowest.

Designer-Inspired Primary Suite Layouts  

When you dream about a main bedroom addition, drool over a deep soaking tub. But when you plan, think about privacy, convenience, and view — the gifts to yourself that keep on giving.

  • Privacy: Create a space that feels like an escape from life. OK, an escape from the kids. For that, you’ll need privacy, so place closets — they’re sound barriers — between you and the hubbub of the house, or on walls shared with other bedrooms.
  • View: Give your primary suite addition the best view through the biggest windows. If neighbors are nearby, place windows at about five feet above the floor so you can enjoy the view, but your neighbors can’t (if you know what we mean).
  • Separation: Think also about whether you’d prefer your bedroom and bathroom separated by a door or small hallway. An open plan can make the main suite feel bigger and more luxurious — but it can also invite humidity and odors into the bedroom, so you’ll want an extra-powerful ventilation system if you go this route. It’s also a good idea to isolate the toilet in its own room or alcove so two people can use the space at the same time and still retain some privacy.

Main Bedroom Ideas

  • Large shower: An enclosure of four feet by six feet is ideal for two. It should have a bench and a few body sprays at different heights to sooth aching muscles. Cost: $4,200 to $8,500, plus plumbing and hardware.
  • Big walk-in closet: Make it at least seven feet by 10-feet if it’s just for her; 10 feet by 10 feet if it’s shared, which offers enough room for clothes, plus a spot for a dressing chair. You’ll want built-in organizers with well-designed compartments for easy access to your wardrobe. Cost: $5,000 to $10,000.
  • His and hers grooming stations: Four-foot double vanity with countertop. Cost: $550 to $1,900.
  • Radiant floor heating in the bathroom: Hot water circulating in tubes or electric heating mats under the tile or stone is an efficient way to heat the space, and you’ll never have to put your bare feet down on a cold surface again. Cost: $600 to $1,300 for the hydronic system alone, not including flooring materials. An electric mat costs about $300 to $800 for the mat alone and material installation alone, not including the flooring you'll place on top of it.

Love-to-Haves — Won’t Use Much

  • Deep soaking tub: The idea of a jetted soaking tub in a main suite bathroom is often better than the reality. It takes up lots of room, requires lots of water, and costs lots of money. But it’s rarely used. Unless you have a tubbing history or need, reconsider the soaking tub. Cost: $600 to $13,000.
  • Private patio or balcony: A secluded outdoor room off your primary bedroom for watching sunrises, sipping champagne, sunbathing nude, and other things you’ll never do. For privacy screening, use evergreen shrubs, lattice, or fencing. Cost: $3,600 to $9,000 for a second-story balcony.
  • Sitting area with fireplace: The ultimate indulgence, your own cozy spot to read or meditate. Also good for watching TV while folding laundry. Fireplace installation alone costs an average $2,314.
Oliver Marks

Oliver Marks A former carpenter and newspaper reporter, Oliver Marks has been writing about home improvements for 16 years. He's currently restoring his second fixer-upper with a mix of big hired projects and small do-it-himself jobs.