Master bedroom is transformed into luxurious retreat

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 all 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 installed an incredibly luxurious bed atop a stunning area rug. On the other side 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 out all of 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.