Island-Influenced Retreat

See how a few simple elements capture a restful, refreshing guestroom.

When Meme and Bertrand Wilson invite family and friends to stay for long weekends at their Metairie, Louisiana, home, it's understandable why a line of guests forms at this bedroom door.

Crisp sheers, natural fabrics, earthy hues, and an island feel make this guestroom a stress-free haven perfect for a restful night's sleep. The couple started with a focused West Indies theme and the concept of keeping it simple. "For the overall feel in this guestroom, we created an escape," Meme says. "A bedroom should be serene and peaceful. We used muted tones, nothing bright or garish, and light, airy fabrics. When you have guests, you just want some place quiet and soft."

Relaxed and Soothing

Simplicity is one of the cornerstones of this Caribbean-style room. A few key elements used in this space make it accessible and affordable.

Meme wanted to reinforce the beautiful surroundings created by architect Errol Barren outdoors and in the rest of the home. She chose to expand the island feel into this room and asked Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, interior designer Marcia Artigues for help. "We kept the room neutral, devoid of basic splashes of color," Marcia says, "in order to highlight the beautiful architecture and the outside view. I wanted nature to repeat itself in the room." A combination of sheer fabrics with delicate details, light interiors, contrasting warm woods, natural materials, and bold design accents evoke an inviting charm.

Fabrics That Breathe

"Marcia used linens on the bed and gauze draperies for the curtains to reflect the beautiful landscape," Meme notes. The sheers, along with Roman shades made of grass, diffuse daylight. "I draped the sheers on swing-arm rods," Marcia explains. "Used often in Caribbean or West Indies homes, the sheer fabric keeps out bugs while permitting a breeze. With some extra length, it softly puddles on the floor to eliminate drafts."

Warm Woods

"We already owned the beds and the table between them. I acquired all three at a junk store for less than $100 a piece. We felt they really worked well with the ipe wood [Brazilian hardwood] flooring," Meme says.

The linens and ivory-washed walls contrast with the deep, earthy woodtone furniture in distinct patterns. "Rubbed down by hand to achieve a dull effect, the wood resulted in a teak look similar to what you might find in West Indies," Marcia explains.

Now, that's a restful retreat worth waiting for. MAJELLA CHUBE HAMILTON

Page 162: Designer was Marcia Artigues, Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, (228) 467-1541; architecture by Errol Barron, Michael Toups Architects, New Orleans, (504) 581-7845; West Indies-style armoire from Pottery Barn (R).

(D) Available only through a designer or an architect; (M) Contact the manufacturer for a retail source near you; (O) Mail order; (R) Retail store. Unlisted items are one of a kind or unavailable.

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Mar 2004
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