The document summarizes the transformation of a neglected master bedroom into a relaxing retreat for the homeowners, Tiffany and Ross Westbrook. An oil painting they purchased on a trip to Italy inspired the color palette of blues and terra cotta tones. Designer Cheryl Draa used these colors in the fabrics, paint, and accessories. Though Tiffany and Ross initially doubted the bright blue ceiling and orange bathroom, they loved the finished room. Cheryl added special details like glass nail heads that gave the room a polished, grownup feel and helped Tiffany and Ross feel like they finally had a space of their own.

1. nesting instinct
Master
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PLAN Transforming a Neglected Bedroom
into a ‘Grownup’ Master RETREAT
The oil painting, below, inspired the makeover.
Photography by Mia McCorkle of JTM Photography.
W B y Eliz a b eth C os s ic k
hen they purchased the rolled-up oil painting from the artist at the foot of the Spanish
Steps in Rome, Italy, Tiffany and Ross Westbrook had no idea where they would hang it
back home in Georgia. They simply knew that this rendering of an Italian alley—with its
crumbling stucco buildings, cobbled road and azure sky—was coming back with them
in their suitcase.
But once home, the turquoise hues seemed at odds with the couple’s warm-hued
décor. So, they did what any art-loving couple would do. They hid it away on a random
wall in their master bedroom—the one room in the house that was, like many homeowners’
BEFORE
masters, completely neglected.
And there it languished until this past summer, when Tiffany met interior designer
Cheryl Draa, one of Marietta’s long-standing design masterminds, and the two set out to give this
painting—and the master suite—its rightful place in the Westbrook home.
Palette Perfection
The hues from the painting provided the initial inspiration point. “We found fabrics that incorporated the
painting’s bright blues with the warm terra cotta tones that Tiffany really likes,” says Cheryl, who notes
that the fabrics are traditional motifs, but their turquoise, brown and sienna palette lend a fresh, modern
vibe.
Next, paint was picked out and applied: brown for the master walls, turquoise for the dramatic trey
ceiling, and terra cotta for the bathroom. But, before the fabrics were installed, Tiffany and Ross began
having doubts.
10 black dr essr edwagon.c o m

2. “I’m a graphic designer, so I love color, but the blue ceiling and orange in the bathroom
looked really bright,” recalls Tiffany, who works as the creative director for Little Black
Dress | Little Red Wagon.
“I reviewed the fabrics with them, assured them that the colors were perfect, and they
breathed a sigh of relief,” says Cheryl. “When you challenge yourself to take creative
risks, those elements will likely be what you love most once a space comes together.”
Designer’s Details
And, of course, she was right. Once the custom-made bedding, window treatment,
pillows, rugs, lights and accessories were brought in, the result was stunning. “It all
looked perfect,” says Tiffany. “I audibly gasped.”
What she and Ross appreciate most are the details: from the hand-painted ceiling
medallion to the trims on the bedding. “The design is always in the details,” explains
Cheryl. “For this room, we made cording and used fabric-covered buttons to achieve a
finished look while avoiding expensive trims.”
Tiffany’s favorite detail is the row of glass tiger’s eye nail heads used
to accent the window’s cornice board, which Cheryl scored at a design
conference. “I like to find little custom touches you can’t find elsewhere,”
says Cheryl, who regularly travels the nation and Europe gleaning trends
From top: A cozy seating area; color-themed
and treasures.
Emotional Investments
pottery; a closer look at the tiger’s eye nail
heads on the cornice board.
For Tiffany and Ross, those special touches resulted in more than just a pretty
room. “We have three kids, but we finally feel like grownups,” Tiffany confesses.
This response isn’t new to Cheryl, who’s known for designs that connect with clients on an
emotional—as well as aesthetic—level. With over 20 years in the design business, she has found a niche
as a residential designer for people in transition, whether they’ve recently moved, divorced, remarried,
had a baby, experienced a loss, become empty nesters…or simply recognize that it’s time to invest
in themselves.
“I went through a divorce after 27 years of marriage. I moved to a new area of town, got a new
house, and found myself personally in a huge transition. But once I got my own home finished, I real-
ized the healing power of color, orderliness and design,” shares Cheryl. “At some point, people take
charge of how they want to live. And I help them do that—like Tiffany and Ross, with their goal of For Cheryl’s DIY steps for sprucing
having a ‘grownup’ space.” your own master bedroom {plus more
“For the six years we’ve lived in this house, our focus has been photos of Tiffany’s
on spaces for our kids, but we needed our own relaxing retreat,” room}, scan this QR
affirms Tiffany. “With this room, we finally came back around to code with your phone
us, again.” l or visit blackdressred
wagon.com.
To talk to Cheryl Draa about your space, call her at 770-429-1929 or
visit CherylDraaInteriorDesigns.com.
From top: Designer
Cheryl Draaa (seated) with
Tiffany Westbrook,
Right: The transfomed
bathroom before and after.
BEFORE
fal l 2012 11