Brian is a former downhill skier who spent much of his life hitting the slopes around the globe and competing in four Olympics. But those days are behind him and his newest adventure is in full swing. He recently met a woman named Heather, got married, and soon discovered he was going to be a father - of twin girls!
While his life changed dramatically, his home decor was a thing of the past - particularly his third-floor master bedroom. More like an outdated ski lodge than a bedroom, the space was very rustic and masculine, complete with lots of pine and heaps of plaid. While the dated design may have suited a bachelor, it didn't appeal to Heather, whose tastes tended toward the glamorous and elegant.
The couple called me in to see if I could find a "his and hers" design solution before the babies were born and things got really hectic! So I called on my crew and got set to sync the masculine with the feminine.
To create this equilibrium, I decided the room's theme would be "chalet chic." I chose a relaxing, gender-neutral colour scheme featuring rich cream, pear green and bark brown. I painted the space in a light cream, left the hardwood floor intact, and then got busy creating two major zones in the room: a comfy sleeping space and a restful sitting area.
In the bedroom, I put in a luxurious, king-sized bed with two wooden bedside tables. I mixed rustic and chic by installing a stunning brown leather headboard and then adding creamy paisley wallpaper behind it. I also added lavish bedding, luscious linens, a variety of pillows, and even a whimsical leopard print throw.
On the windows, I put up woven bamboo and jute blinds, and fronted them with drapes in a beautiful cream, green and brown striped fabric.
Across from the bed, I put in a large storage unit in a classic shaker style, painted white to complement the room. This unit provides enough storage space for all of Heather's clothes - and room enough for a concealed TV for Brian. I also installed a mirrored cabinet for all of Heather's accessories.
In the sitting area, I created a gorgeous feature wall by updating the room's existing exposed brick with a cut stone veneer treatment and adding a very cool, free-standing gas fireplace. I also put in a brown leather club chair, an ottoman and a big area rug.
This area features a dormer window, which I decided to turn into a restful oasis for reading, relaxing - and perhaps baby feeding. In this nook, I put in a daybed upholstered in light green, sculpted velvet, and installed bamboo and jute blinds.
Since Brian's existing office would soon become a nursery, I created a little office space near the sitting area, consisting of a wooden desk and a chair.
To make the room lighter and brighter, I got rid of the existing ceiling fixtures and replaced them with track lighting. In addition, I put in one sconce by the daybed, and beautiful lamps on the bedside tables.
After few last-minute touches, this master bedroom retreat was complete. By creating the perfect balance between the masculine and feminine, the space brings out the best of Brian and Heather's differing styles - and mixes yin and yang together in perfect harmony. Now that's divine!
Interior design consultant Candice Olson is the host of Divine Design on the W Network. For more information, go to http://www.wnetwork.com/divinedesign or http://www.divinedesign.tv