Zen-Inspired Master Bedroom

Homeowners Charles and Amy Jo have a unique room they want to turn into their master bedroom. A variety of odd features, like the stairs you have to step down to enter the room, the unattractive mortar brick walls and the 12 windows, present a definite design challenge. However, as soon as designer Kenneth Brown walks into the room, the creative ideas begin to flow. For starters, he recommends raising the floor level to match the rest of the house and installing a hardwood floor, along with an area rug, to introduce a simple Zen-like feel. To solve the clutter problem, he recommends building large wooden storage cabinets along one wall. The wood on the cabinets will match the headboard of the new bed, placed across from the fireplace. He proposes rebuilding the fireplace with clean lines and a unique, slender firebox. The couple feels Kenneth has exceeded their vision for the room and give his plan their stamp of approval.