Luxurious retreat becomes oasis for busy parents

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.

For furniture, I chose two Pyper 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 HGTV's "Divine Design." For more ideas or information visit www.divinedesign.tv. Her column is syndicated by Scripps Howard News Service.