Christine and Andrew's world has recently exploded with children. A few years after having their first child, they decided to adopt a second child from China. But shortly after the arrival of number two, they found out they were expecting a third! So they went from a "unit of three" to a "party of five" — all within 18 months. With busy careers and three kids to attend to, this tired couple found themselves in desperate need of some quiet time. They really wanted a child-free retreat in which they could relax and unwind in the few precious moments they had to themselves.
The couple had a big, bland uninspiring third-floor master bedroom where they and their youngest child were bunking together. So I moved the baby (and his crib) into a room of his own and got set to turn this space into a luxurious adult loft in which Christine and Andrew could rest, relax and even let the kids in to watch TV once in a while.
The room was on the top floor of an older house, and that meant an oddly angled ceiling. So I created two zones, one on each side of the angled roof. On one side I added an incredibly luxurious bed atop a stunning area rug. On the other, I designed some mission-style cabinetry with a media center and storage, and painted it off-white to blend seamlessly with the existing trim and baseboards.
Christine and Andrew's home is traditional in character, so I wanted the master suite to reflect that, but I also wanted to add a few contemporary touches. I chose a unique color scheme of pewter, platinum and other metallics, but kept the patterns more conservative with luxurious embroidery, beautiful damask and supple chenille.
On the bed, I went for a layered look: gray/pewter damask on the duvet and shams, metallic fabrics for the bedskirt and pillows, and soft linen fabric with a glittery metallic thread on the headboard.
For the windows I created a traditional valance and drapes of luxurious silk in a muted pewter color with blackout lining behind them for protection and privacy. I also installed some woven wooden blinds to help balance all the light painted finishes in the bedroom. Beneath the windows I covered up the unsightly radiator with a long, white box cover.
To thread it all together, I painted the walls in a subtle platinum/pewter shade that gives the room a soothing feeling. To further lighten things up, I put in a variety of pendants and lamps around the room.
For furniture, I chose two piper chairs in light gray for the TV area; a chaise lounge in light cream for the room's small dormer area; and a few dark wood bedside and occasional tables. Then, to counteract the traditional furnishings, I added a touch of the whimsical by putting up fabulous mirrors along one wall that were handmade using a surface etching technique; these mirrors were made to resemble the damask pattern on the couple's bed.
After a few final accents and accessories, this third-floor retreat was complete. By blending the traditional with the modern, and the practical with the luxurious, I gave Christine and Andrew a restful oasis in which they can steal a little peace and quiet when all of the tots are tucked away. How divine!
(Interior decorator Candice Olson is host of Home & Garden Television's Divine Design. Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service.)
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