4 Ways to Create a Serene Sanctuary

Too often the bedroom is neglected in favor of decorating public rooms. Here’s how we transformed an ordinary master bedroom into a luscious, crystalline sanctuary.

1. PICK A PALE PALETTE. You need not limit yourself to one hue to achieve a calm setting. Mix several quiet colors; their equal value enables you to blend patterns without overwhelming the room. Since the homeowner had just recovered her chair and ottoman in blush-colored ultrasuede, we developed a palette of blush and gray, adding ivory, silver and crystal elements. The geometric pattern of the gray area rug grounds the silver-toned furnishings and the palette is unified by the ivory floral linen of the draperies and pillows.

2. TEXTURAL VARIETY KEEPS A QUIET PALETTE FROM FIZZLING. The stunning Brazilian rock crystal chandelier and silver toned lamps add light and sparkle to counteract the dark wood ceiling. We topped the smooth cotton patterned sheeting with a furry throw. The four-poster bed has a painted “moonstone” finish and a rough linen upholstered headboard. Beaded pillows, smooth marble-topped side table, plants and flowers add more texture. The “BEFORE” shot below shows the how dark and shadowy the room used to be.

3. CREATE LITTLE ISLANDS. Supplement your bed with another soft spot, such as a chaise, chair and ottoman, or window seat. You can’t see the chair in the “BEFORE” photo because it’s in the opposite corner. We moved it to the window corner so it would be more inviting, and added a little table to hold a cup of coffee or glass of wine.

4. KEEP LOVED ONES CLOSE. Elements of your style–books, a woven throw, photographs, candles, flowers–will never look out of place in the room you call your own.

There’s more than one way to turn your bedroom into a soothing retreat. We hope that these ideas will help you to establish one of your own. If you need help, give Emery & Associates a call. We love helping people create the rooms of their dreams.

There are 7 Comments to "4 Ways to Create a Serene Sanctuary"

  • Dinah Adkins says:

    I love this, Kathia. It’s stunning—particularly the light fixture, but the silvers and pale pinks as well. Oh my how great. What a change-up: from boring to incredable!

  • Laura Erickson says:

    Kathia, you’ve done it again! What a marvelous transformation! You have created a real sanctuary for the owners with all the personal touches.

  • Judi says:

    Another magical transformation! The results are so beautiful and inviting. It really feels like a retreat! Fabulous, Kathia!

  • Rosalind says:

    Lovely!

  • Kate Georges says:

    The completed room is a total transformation. Lovely and serene. Fabulous retreat.

  • Jeanne Adams says:

    Great job, Kathia! Restful, peaceful, soothing. Not to mention beautiful and elegant You make it look easy, but I know it’s not. You always inspire me!

  • Wow, the “before” does feel shadowy and pulls downward. The soft “after” colors create a whole new feeling to this room and carry you on up to the ceiling. Great work with color and texture Kathia.

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