From Al Fresco Comes a Bedroom Retreat

Here on #throwbackthursday I've decided that I might go back to a project I completed almost four years ago before my oldest, Allie, was born as I've never gone into depth about it, and it's one of my absolute favorites!

Julie Anne Photography

Each year, my northeast Atlanta neighborhood on the banks of the Chattahoochee hosts our own “Chastain Night,” where neighbors kick off the summer by dining al fresco with a live band by the pool. A friendly competition of tablescapes is also part of the yearly event, and I was eager to participate as Braxton and I were new to the community.

Chastain Night more recently in 2016

Chastain Night 2016 - Neely Farm

Chastain Night 2016 - Neely Farm

The Kentucky Derby was the very same evening, so it was an obvious choice for the theme. We even came dressed like we were going to the derby – hats, seersucker, bowties and all! Little did I know was that my tablescape would impress not only the judges by claiming first place, but it also impressed our neighbors and good friends, Jeff and Whitney Trino, who were among the neighbors sharing the table with the us that night.

Braxton and I during the May 2014 Chastain Night (I wish I had a picture with the Trinos that night!) - FYI - I'm pregnant in the picture with my oldest, Allie!

Whitney, in particular, absolutely loved the table, and we began talking about my design work. I showed her pictures of what we were doing to renovate and furnish our new home, and she instantly decided that she wanted me to do her master bedroom. I was delighted!

Both of us soon paired up and started to work, ripping out pages from magazines to figure out the direction, aesthetic, and style that best fit the two of them for their home’s oasis. The end result was a beautiful master bedroom of creams, warm grays, taupes, and touches of antique brass.

The Master Bedroom - Before

I always like to start with an inspiration piece– whether it is a fabric, wallpaper, an accessory, etc. In this instance, it was a beautiful scrolled flat tape trim that we used on the leading edge of the drapery and also on two chair pillows that flank the linen TV console. Whitney adored the trim, and I built the color scheme around that one piece.

The Inspirational Trim - Julie Anne Photography

After that, the rest of the design fell into place. I designed the custom bedding with an ivory ogee pattern and gray trim for the duvet and shams, and then used a taupe herringbone fabric for the tailored bed skirt and euro shams. The headboard added comfort with its tufted wingback design and I used the same dotted velvet as the bench at the foot of the bed.

Bedding Details - Julie Anne Photography

I then finished off the look with a bolster pillow in a modern floral cut velvet. However, I have my favorite pieces of any space that I design. The mirrored armoire really captures the elegance of the space, so it’s definitely one of my favorite pieces we used in the room! It’s also practical and added some much needed storage. We then highlighted the area by pairing the armoire with distressed white sconces and a chandelier above. The custom-bound, medallion-patterned area rug brings the room together, and I completed the space with cream and gold accessories as well as four gorgeous sets of framed intaglios above the bed.

Finishing Touches - Julie Anne Photography

I placed the finishing touches on the room while the family was gone on vacation, and when they returned, I got the kind of text message of excitement that every designer hopes to receive from a client and especially a friend. To have them so happy with the room is very rewarding. I couldn’t have asked for a better project or client. Whitney tells me that she feels like she goes to bed in a five-diamond luxury hotel every night!