Content provided in partnership with

soothing style

Southern Living, May 2007 by Mercer, Amy Bickers

Neutral colors and just-right accessories make this master suite a Zenlike getaway.

it's not hard to imagine a restful night's sleep in a space this serene. Creamy whites and warm wood tones combine for a look that is easy on the eyes.

hang it up

If these walls could talk, they would whisper. The homeowner upped the softness factor in his Memphis bedroom by hanging draperies across two walls with windows. The tall ones above the bed are original to the 1950s ranchstyle house. The wool crepe fabric allows light through to keep the treatment from feeling too dark and heavy.

head of the class

Most Popular Articles in Home & Garden: Coolest room on the block: have a bedroom that's way drab and boring? Hang ...; Reuse, recycle, remodel: environmentally friendly materials and techniques ...; Keeping it simple: interior designer Michael Lee finds an overdesigned ...; House of the Year: this craftsman-inspired home is factory-built--proving ...; Dreaming of cabin life: smart ideas for small spaces, plus the hottest spots ...; More »

The owner made the most of the wa I !space beneath the windows by running an upholstered headboard across the entire wall. It is upholstered in three sections: one behind the bed, two on either side. Reading lights are installed in the headboard; framed prints are hung on the panels.

divine divider

Fixed panels separate the dressing area from the bedroom. They are crafted from walnut and acrylic plastic. A thin layer of fabric is framed between the two sheets of acrylic plastic to give the screen an opaque appearance. "With the light shining through at night, it is very pretty and inviting," the homeowner says.

keeping it clean

The master bath echoes the simplicity of the bedroom. Symmetry is the key. Two sinks, two mirrors, and two light fixtures balance the space. The walnut vanity is outfitted with sleek silver handles for a cool look. -AMY BICKERS MERCER

make your own upholstered headboard

If you can operate a staple gun-and trust us, you can-you can make your own headboard. You'll need a sheet of 1/4-inchthick plywood, 2-inch-thick foam, batting, and durable upholstery fabric. For a basic rectangular shape, determine the length and width based on your bed and the wall on which it's going to be placed, and have the plywood cut at a homeimprovement store. Add 10 to 12 inches to that measurement to determine how much batting and fabric you need. You want extra so you can fold it around the sides and staple it to the back of the board. To put the headboard together, place the fabric, right side down, on a clean surface. On top of that, layer the batting, foam, and the board. Then staple the fabric and batting to the back of the board. Use flush mounts to attach the headboard securely to the wall. If you don't want to put holes in the wall, you can attach the headboard to your bed frame with screws. Keep in mind that each time the bed moves, the headboard will too.

* For More Info Sources: southernliving.com/may2007

soothing style

Southern Living, May 2007 by Mercer, Amy Bickers

Find Research Guides for:

Find Featured Titles for: Arts

Most Popular Articles in Home & Garden

Most Popular Publications in Home & Garden