ATYH: Master Bedroom - Modern Oasis

Photography by Beth Hall

A fresh take on a wingback chair with modern lines and luxurious, blue velvet upholstery anchors one corner of the room. For Roark, using fabric that is not kid-friendly is an acceptable indulgence in a master bedroom. In fact, it’s something she does often. “I’m notorious for including a punch of velvet somewhere in most of my rooms,” she said.

[dropcap]Casey[/dropcap] Roark has worked in residential design for 14 years in northwest Arkansas. This venture began as an extension of a jewelry-design business. Though she’s watched design trends come and go, she’s resigned herself to the fact that one trend won’t be happening in her own home anytime soon. Laughing, she explained, “If I could do an all-white room, I would, but with 5-year-old twin boys, it just won’t work.”

While Roark is comfortable creating spaces for a variety of clients with unique preferences, this master bedroom in Rogers closely mimics her personal style.

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Just Right. The homeowner asked Roark to use the same neutral colors as in the rest of the home. She was immediately drawn to the silk yardage that eventually became the duvet cover. Paired with abstract linen framing the nearly floor-to-ceiling windows, Roark fulfilled the homeowner’s request for fabrics that are “not too fancy, but still special.”

Softening the Technology. As is common in bedrooms today, a large flat-screen television is mounted to the wall facing the bed. Roark worked with this design challenge by adding focal points on either side of the screen — two large ceramic vases in a soothing sea-glass color — that balance the technology without creating unnecessary clutter.

Eye Candy. Every woman knows a little bling goes a long way, and Roark used that theory to make spot-on decisions when accessorizing this room. Here, she has placed a unique, silver-toned tray on the tufted leather bench at the end of the bed. It adds a bit of sparkle and interest to an otherwise simple piece of furniture.

Modern Retreat. Some artwork stands out boldly in a room; other pieces bring a room together. The paintings above this bed accomplish the latter. Chicago-based artist Melissa Griffith used a modern style in tranquil colors, guided by Roark’s desire that the work be light and airy. The colors and technique soften the modern vibe of the pieces, creating artwork perfectly suited for the retreat-like space.