Veronique, Eric and their two daughters recently moved from France to North America, settling in a beautiful, traditional house in a family-friendly neighborhood.

With busy lives and jobs - Veronique works as a translator and Eric is a pediatric oncologist - the couple just couldn't find the time to fix up their master bedroom.

The room was big, beige and boring, and they longed for something more elegant and sophisticated.

I got my design inspiration from their home country of France. I decided to make the bedroom a mixture of traditional and elegant, with a modern touch.

The large room had lovely windows and high ceilings, but was bland; it needed detail and character. I decided to add architectural interest by putting in panel and crown molding. I added old-world charm with a floor of wide plank wood that has an antique look.

Veronique prefers neutral colors, but neutral doesn't have to mean boring. I chose warm taupe for the draperies, rich cocoa for the coverlet and glacier blue silk with chocolate detailing for the throw pillows.

I put in a bed with a gorgeous headboard, upholstered in taupe, and two cocoa chairs and a small table. For more atmosphere, I put in a new gas fireplace of cast stone.

I designed an elegant, traditional chandelier with antique gold and crystals, added two sconces on the fireplace wall, and a variety of lamps around the room.

After a few final details - artwork here, Veronique's perfume bottle collection there - the master bedroom was complete.

This room was a big, blank canvas. By adding splashes of color, elegant lighting, and French-inspired finishes, it's now a perfect getaway.

Interior decorator Candice Olson is host of HGTV's Divine Design, divinedesign.tv.