A balanced, masterful mix

Southern Living, Dec 1998 by Nesmith, Lynn

Kathy and Frank McArthur created a true master retreat. The bedroom in their new Baton Rouge home boasts a large bed and a seating area, as well as generous bedside chests.

A king-size bed was a priority. Designer Jo Emmert found a wonderful reproduction design that sets a decidedly West Indies tone for the room. "I've always liked an eclectic look," says Frank "Jo had the talent for mixing antiques and new pieces to create just what we wanted."

Bigger than usual bedside tables was another request. "We wanted lots of storage to hide the clutter-and space to spread out books and such things," Frank explains. "A standard bedside table just isn't large enough."

Jo found two antique chests-one English and one French. "For once, it was an easy decision," says Frank. "We brought both home and they worked perfectly."

For the seating area, the McArthurs wanted to use their existing love seat and floral club chair and ottoman. Working with those, Jo selected a cotton taffeta in plaid for the duvet, shams, and love seat pillows. For the finishing touch, Jo used a French print with a bucolic landscape scene for the window treatments and bed pillows. Walls are painted a warm, buttery cream. Lynn Nesmith

Page 128: Interior design by Jo Emmert, Baton Rouge, (504) 9279793; drapery fabric is from Bailey & Griffin (D), pattern: La Roche; duvet cover is from the Lady Jane Churchill collection by Cowtan and Tout (D).