Contemporary classicism is the hallmark of this cozy retreat from the rigors of a busy career and bountiful life. The client is an entrepreneur with a thriving retail and design business. She is also a global traveler, and an art collector. With residences on both sides of the Atlantic, this is her Atlanta base, a townhome in an upscale suburb.

Graced with a deep tray ceiling, and triple windows, the room feels spacious but not vast. A delicious, and practical, wool Berber graces the floor. Using the same subtle gold tone on both the ceilings and walls, wraps the room in warmth and invitation. The bedroom suite is white ash with distinctive architectural detailing, including patinated bronze hardware. Influenced by the Greek and Roman columns, the bedposts provide a stage for rest and relaxation, crowned by a gently oval hoop of brushed bronze as an open canopy. The night stands boast deep drawers for storage of personal effects, a shelf for books, collectibles, and jewelry boxes, and a glass top to lighten and balance the visual weightiness. Lamps are generous in proportion and designed for night reading. Other pieces include an armoire to conceal entertainment and provide additional clothing storage, a bachelor chest, and a master chest with a unique combination of drawers and cabinetry.

The bedding in shades of antique gold, rubbed bronze, subdued silvers, and hints of hazel provides a welcome geometric complement to the strong vertical fluting of the bed posts. A host of pillows dresses the bed, acting as an intriguing counterpoint to the straight lines so prominent. A hand painted lions face on velvet, silk screened birds, butterflies, and florals on silk backgrounds, hand embroidered gilt threaded tapestry, and pearls on peau de soie, are witness to the clients worldly adventures and buying expeditions. Elegantly simple panel draperies in a richly textured ottoman rib fabric, with velvet banding on the valance, are held in place with multi-toned tassel tiebacks, framing the view of nature beyond. Privacy is provided by soft silhouettes, filtering, but not blocking the brilliant sunlight this East Facing room enjoys. The client is very light sensitive and forgoes the clamor of an alarm clock in favor of being awakened by sun streaming in.

The room reflects a deep personal statement in its artwork. Above the bachelor chest is a hand painted pointillism piece from India on bone, and next to it a page from an ancient illustrated manuscript. Raku vessels in a rare jonquil and rose-hued glaze, join a pair of candle lamps in purples and teals with a dusting of gold. Another corner showcases a grouping of treasures, including an opalescent raku angel, a shimmery ocean blue blown glass vessel, a hand stitched patchwork cube, and an original ceramic work of two faces in a kiss, Un Beso; again testament to the clients travels and adventures both at home and abroad. Photographs of family and friends are also incorporated in frames accented with gold, and a selection of silver. A favorite artist, creator of wonderfully unique shadow boxes, is well highlighted with three pieces. Each tells the story of a different destination with a collage of tickets, maps, and visual memories.

Overall a master bedroom custom designed to provide an escape from the daily grind, while optimizing a valued collection of personal mementos and treasures. This is a room that exudes comfort and beckons with relaxation.

2005 Melissa Galt

Melissa Galt, Lifestyle Designer, Speaker, & Author, is the owner of Melissa Galt, Inc., a full service interior design firm based in Atlanta. She has been decorating clients homes all over the Southeast for more than a decade, making their interior visions come true. She speaks to audiences nationally , on how to use design as the catalyst for creating the life youve always dreamed of. Melissa is the creator of Design Destinations, a free monthly guide to designing your signature life. To sign up for her FREE monthly newsletter, visit http://www.melissagalt.com/.