Home retreat: Create a spalike feel in your master suite

Tag : Chenille Fabric

By Elaine Gaston
egaston@thesunnews.com
Maybe you didn't get away this summer because of that sluggisheconomy that has impacted gas and food prices.
Maybe you've been unable to release the stress an out-of- townvacation would have helped melt away.
Before you give up on the possibility of surrounding yourself inthe luxury, comfort and respite a vacation getaway would haveprovided, design experts want to inspire you to look within theconfines of your home _ particularly your master suite _ to findways to pamper yourself.
``When you go for a long walk in a forest, you come back feeling somuch calmer,'' said Phil Tracey, a HomeGoods decorating expert.``If you bring those natural elements into your master suite, itdoes give you that coolness and comfort, that natural feeling.''
Stressful days should end in master suites that soothe the soul andquiet the spirit, Tracey said.
``This is your time,'' he said. ``You've worked a long day at theoffice or you've been watch ing the kids all day. The best way toend it is with a bubble bath. No TV. You want to climb into yourbath with a good book and some soothing music coming from thebedroom. Light the candles and don't even turn on a light.''
The master retreat should be all about stimulating the senses usingcolor, scents, art, fabrics and other decorative acces sories.
``It all starts with the bedding,'' Tracey said. ``Chang ing yourbedroom or master suite into a spalike atmosphere comes down tobringing in natural elements that give you that crisp and cleanhotel feel.''
Tracey suggested bedding in a steel blue and ivory color schemewith walls painted a soft gray. Pile the bed with coordinatingpillows in a variety of soothing colors.
``People think you have to completely tear a room down to start,but painting can make a world of difference,'' he said. ``If youdon't have a lot of money to redecorate an entire room, and youwant to keep the current bedspread, then just update your pillows.It's so simple and inexpensive.''
Maybe you can't afford a new comforter, then splurge on new luxurysheets, he suggested. Since the bed is the focal point of a room,dress it to the hilt. Change out the traditional headboard forsomething more unique, such as a grouping of family photos, artworkor a vertical row of branches, some thing Tracey has done andbelieves works well with the natural theme.
``It would be quite stunning,'' he said. ``It's also veryunusual.''
Footboards aren't necessary. Instead, go with a bamboo bench at thebed's foot and top it with extra blankets or natural woven baskets.
Scented candles in the bedroom also work to ease stress while atthe same time add warmth and ambience.
``Put candles in a tray with rocks or branches,'' Tracey said.
In the bathroom, strive to create that luxury hotel spa feelingwith plush towels, natu ral soaps, essential oils, soft bathtowels, a tub lounging pillow, towel warmers and bath robes.
A good color for the bath is mint green, mixed with tans andbrowns, the designer said. Add greenery to reinforce the naturalelements.
``I'm always of fan of great faux flowers,'' Tracey said,``especially ones with lots of green foliage. They're not thatexpensive and they'll last forever and are visually stun ning.''
Surround the tub with over sized candles.
``They give off the most beau tiful scent. . . . This is yourspace. Make it your own. And have fun. It's all about having fun.''
Pawleys Island interior designer Mindy McVay's master suite exudesa softness and subtleness she finds peace ful and serene.
``It's such a totally different feel from the rest of the house,''McVay said, referring to the bold, rich jewel tones that arefeatured throughout in the downstairs of her two-story brickEnglish-style cottage.
``This room is calming and relaxing. It's a sanctuary.'' McVaychose a monochro matic color scheme in cream shades, addinginterest using textured and patterned fabrics.
McVay dressed the bed in white chenille and various patternedchenille pillows. Patterned poly ester silk sheers cascade aroundher four-poster bed, giving the room a fresh and romantic feel. Theroom is pain ted in a Sherwin Williams color called ``GorgeousWhite,'' which has subtle rose hues.
She slipcovered an oversized chair and ottoman in a textured lightfabric and used natural woven blinds on the windows, careful not toobstruct her view of the wooded area and creek outside.
The adjoining master bath is equally as serene in its monochromatic color scheme. A claw foot tub is surrounded by fluffywhite towels, candles and bath accessories. A large steam showerencompasses one corner that also features a large glass blockwindow.
``It's simple and clean,'' McVay said about her master retreat.``It's just real peaceful.''
Contact ELAINE GASTON at 626-0299.