A Room with a View...Idea's for Decorating and Staging a Master Suite

Sheets chose the eclectic mix of furniture pieces to create what he calls a transitional style, combining modern and classic applications in a new way: a hand-carved eighteenth-century bedstead sits next to a vintage mirrored dressing table; classic moldings work with contemporary fabric designs; and the floor is covered in plush wool carpet instead of traditional wood. “It’s a Yin-Yang approach to design that allows energy and personality to prevail,” says Sheets. “The family is young, with small children. They requested a traditional design approach, but it was important to me to help reflect their youth as well. So I infused a contemporary edge into the classic design motif.”

In the en suite bathroom wide molding accentuates the recessed ceiling, while a custom chandelier with crackle leaf finish over gilded metal and mother-of-pearl accents, hangs from the center. The ceiling itself is finished with a traditional trawled plaster technique used to complement the pearlescent wall covering. Polished French limestone slabs with a striped trim around the edges gives a sleek, up-to-date look to the bathroom floor while the lavender-colored stone vanity top adds warmth to the composition.

As in the bedroom, the view here was paramount. The original three small windows were removed in favor of a quarter round curve incorporating five windows. For privacy, beige curtains with a slender edging band of pale lavender can be drawn across the expanse of windows. To maintain the simplicity, crown molding above the windows doubles as a cornice, hiding the workings of the drapes. “I was adamant that the designs for this project maintain traditional roots to ensure longevity,” says Sheets. “When done correctly, by incorporating classic finishes and fine details, interiors endure.”