about the room

Searching for a way to merge Susan and Derrick Townsend's individual decorating preferences, Celia Welch, of Bethesda, Md.-based design firm Celia Welch Interiors, focused on their shared need for a room ideal for relaxation -- and away from the kids. Updating the space using a neutral color palette mixed with subtle shades of blue helped to achieve this.

Keeping with a more traditional decor, Welch used crisp, white bedding and gradually moved to a series of off-whites for the walls and ceiling. Also done in off-white, though progressively darker, are the drapes, chaise, headboard and carpet. These hues, Welch says, bring a sense of warmth and nurturing to the space.

To add depth, Welch suggested furniture with rich, dark brown shades. The clean lines of the chest and night tables, meanwhile, lend a modern touch. A tone-on-tone wallpaper on the wall behind the bed, she adds, provides visual interest and stability while a carpet made from wool sisal brings texture and a contemporary feel.

Finally, silk drapes bring a feeling of elegance to the Townsends' bedroom, suggests Welch, while the round, blue lamps on the night tables add contemporary flair.

audio from the designer

Interior designer Celia Welch explains her design concept.

Editor: Andrea N. Browne for washingtonpost.com

chat with the designer

Expert Celia Welch answered your design questions. Read the transcript.

the palette

the layout