Sweet dreams: a young lady's bedroom is transformed into an romantic English-style retreat.

I have read an idea expressed by several designers that everything in our homes should be either useful or beautiful. I believe this rule especially applies to bedrooms. Bedrooms are our own private retreats, spaces of renewal and special places of our thoughts, dreams, and treasures. Bedrooms are the essence of personality. They seem to grow up and change with us over the years because of age, new interests, or current styles or colors. In the maturing of this personal space, cherished favorites may evolve with the changing decor. Some furniture or accessories may be family heirlooms or pieces of daily life we have become so accustomed to that they would be missed like old friends. And unless the room is extremely large, the furniture placement might already be in the most workable arrangement. Accepting these limitations, there are some simple improvements that can update any space.

The first decisions involve what pieces must remain, what activities will occur in the room, and what is important at this particular time to the occupant. Of course, all projects must be accomplished within a reasonable budget. This young college English major is practical and aesthetic. She loves her collection of antique books to read as well as to surround her, so the large bookshelves and comfortable chair had to remain, along with the iron and brass bed that belonged to her great-great-grandmother. With these conditions, the process of updating her bedroom began.

First, the yellow walls were painted the same antique white as the trim to achieve a more unified feeling; the ceiling was painted a very pale aqua. The ceiling fan was replaced with a small antique brass and crystal chandelier (found at Interiors Market in Jackson) for purely aesthetic purposes.

Fade-free window tint was placed on the window to protect new fabrics and carpet. This can be done quite easily yourself with a kit (several brands are available), or you can hire a professional to apply the tint. Some window tints are heat-resistant as well.

The window treatments were updated with French-pleated apricot silk dupioni panels made using the same interlining and lining of the old draperies, which were still in good condition. Dupioni silk, one of the most affordable silks, comes in many rich colors and has a luxurious look and drape. This made it easy to get the correct length to crush on the floor and width to hang on the same twisted gold-leaf rod with the original finials and rings. The cream panels hanging underneath are draw drapes that are easily closed for privacy. The cream dupioni silk panels are also French-pleated and overlaid with antique French lace panels (found at antiques stores or flea markets) that are attached to each pleat with a small coordinating silk bow. Apricot bows hang from the pleats of the outside apricot panels as well, adding a feminine yet sophisticated look to the room.

The treatment above the bed, which featured antique lace panels hanging from a medallion, seemed small for the space and also a little heavy with the lighter net lace panels on the window. So the original half-tester was added back to Great-Great-Grandma's bed, and an antique embroidered net bedspread (found at antiques stores or flea markets) was draped on the frame as a light covering, with two net panels edged with old lace on either side. The fit was perfect with only a few modifications and stitches to secure the position. The same cream matelasse was used as a bed covering, and a quilted duvet cover was made for the foot of the bed with a three-inch bias ruffle of the same apricot silk as the window panels. It was filled with a mattress pad, which makes a lightweight and economical filler. For added elegance, the duvet cover closes with rhinestone buttons. A gathered apricot silk dust ruffle and matching square quilted shams with ruffles and a few antique lace pillows finish the look.

Tall, thin gold leaf and marble lamps (from Fred's Discount Store), embellished with braid at the shades' top and bottom edges, were placed on the French commodes in front of the antique oval painted mirrors on either side of the bed.

Due to the mass of the window treatment, the prints, though large, on either side of the window were replaced with a grouping of smaller line-drawing etchings of cherubs (from the Louvre Museum Store) framed with large cream mats and tiny gold frames (framed at Cricket Box Framing in Canton). Two small antique-look cherubs (from Essentials in Jackson) add interest and another dimension to the grouping. A smaller print was hung from the door of the secretary with a silk ribbon sash to create unity in the room. A stacked pair of antique botanicals (from Portobello Road flea market in London) hang on the other side of the secretary for balance.

Hang the doorplate (see "Make a Grand Entrance," pg. 34) to establish ownership, grab an English novel, and enjoy a new room with a little update.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY GREG CAMPBELL