The Process:
Fortunately, this home contained a lot of furniture. We moved existing pieces around in the living and dining rooms, swapped a guest room for the daughter's room, relocated an extra loveseat to the main floor office -- all in an effort to make the space more functional and conducive to entertaining at no cost.

In the master suite itself, the first item on the clients' wish list was to install a much larger shower in the ensuite. Number 2 on the wish list was to replace the bathroom tiling. When the new shower proved not to be feasible without substantial reconstruction, the clients decided to limit the bathroom reno to choosing a new paint colour and purchasing new lighting and accessories. The lovely spa blue we chose to downplay the despised tiles became the starting point of our dramatic decorating scheme in the bedroom.

To satisfy the clients' request for a calming retreat, we wrapped the bedroom walls in velvety chocolate brown paint that seems to absorb sound. New crown moulding adds architectural interest, and the blue on the ceiling visually raises it to new heights. Casual contemporary wood dressers and chests are clean-lined and virtually without ornament. The bed is simple and minimal as well. An embroidered ultrasuede headboard, tailored bedskirt, and quilted silk bolster blend softly with the walls, acting as a foil for a pair of brilliant blue pillow shams. The focal point of the room is the window bay, where understated silk draperies frame the lovely garden view. Set in front are sleek corner chairs placed side by side to form a petite sofa, offering a comfortable seat for TV viewing or reading. The cheerful blue and brown striped fabric of the chairs was a serendipitous find, pulling together all the varying tones within the room. The completed look is tailored and clutter-free -- an exercise in restraint.

At the end of the bedroom project, the clients were so pleased with the result that they decided to finish off the main floor with new paint and window treatments. And the daughter's new bedroom was topped off with a fresh and youthful window treatment to go with her new bedding.