A Lovely Little Bedroom Makeover

As it turns out, HOME STAGING is a lot of work, and not nearly as much fun as I thought it would be!

But, there's one room in the house I've been wanting to redecorate for a very long time.

THIS is the BEFORE version of our daughter's lounge/study space...

And, THIS is what the bedroom looks like NOW...

At last! NO MORE crazy lime green, and NO MORE clutter!

From a colourful and chaotic mess, to a soft and serene child's bedroom... this is one home staging project that's definitely been worth the effort!

Just a few more rooms to finish up, and this house is DONE!

~ Wendi ~ xo

Bedrooms Designed with Serenity in Mind

Do you have a BEDROOM you long to spend more time in... a tranquil retreat that calls to you at the end of a long day?

These soft and serene master bedrooms are decorated in soothing NEUTRAL SHADES... ideal for a space dedicated to rest and relaxation.

Images via Classic Chic Home on Pinterest

There's a definite calming effect to these subdued and sophisticated BEDROOMS.  Each one is beautifully designed to quiet the mind and rejuvenate the soul.

I suddenly want to spend Sunday in bed... what about you?

Decorating with Benches in the Bedroom

(via BHG)

I love the look of a beautifully upholstered bench at the foot of a bed.  It adds instant elegance to any decorating style.

A bedroom bench creates a sense of balance, offers additional seating, and is a perfect spot to place your extra cushions and blankets at the end of the day.

(Courtney Hill Interiors)

(Sheril Canet)

(via BHG)

(Sarah Richardson)

(Taylor Hannah)

(Caldwell Flake Interiors)

(via BHG)

(via Decorpad)

If you're looking to add a touch of style and sophistication to your bedroom, I hope these examples of beautiful benches have offered some fresh inspiration!

~ Wendi ~ xo

Create a Romantic Retreat with a Bedroom Fireplace

(Jan Showers)

Nothing says luxury and romance like a beautiful fireplace in the bedroom.  Its simple presence instantly transforms a typical sleeping space into a sinfully sumptuous retreat.

  

The following images illustrate how the delicious warmth of a fireplace can enhance the character, style and sophistication of almost any bedroom design scheme.

(via Better Homes and Gardens)

(via Conspicuous-Style)

(via Elyounes.com)

(via Traditional Home)

(via Conspicuous-Style)

(Rehkamp Larson Architects)

(Brooke Giannetti)

(via Architectural Digest)

(via The-Enchanted-Home)

Does the idyllic vision of your dream home include the splendid luxury and romance of a

beautiful bedroom fireplace?

Awe-Inspiring Canopy Beds

A classic and beautiful canopy bed has been a dream of mine since childhood, and my infatuation has only intensified with each passing year.

Whether sleek and streamlined, or rich and ornate, a canopy bed adds instant architecture, character and style to a bedroom.   

Simple, unadorned canopy frames are quiet and unassuming,  tastefully enhancing the design style of the soft and serene spaces shown below.

Their slender profile provides the sense of a canopy without the addition of visual weight.

The scrolled headboard and bone plated frame of this canopy bed adds height and dimension without detracting from the beautiful wallpaper.

Traditionally styled bedrooms provide the perfect setting for a canopy with luxurious, flowing fabrics...

As well as gracious four poster beds, beautifully embellished with elegant and elaborate carvings.

A vaulted ceiling easily accommodates the scale of this enchanting bed frame, creating a charmingly rustic and romantic retreat.

Mirrored bed frames add sparkle and sophistication, intensifying the chic and glamorous design style of these next two spaces.

The antique mirrored finish of the custom canopy adds an ageless appeal to this Hollywood Regency influenced bedroom.

This handsome, tailored bedroom is given an industrial edge by incorporating a sleek and contemporary canopy molded from raw, burnished metal.

A striking canopy bed exemplifies this bedroom's gender-neutral design style, skillfully mixing masculine, linear elements with lyrical, more feminine details.

This regal canopy bed is ideally suited for a princess-perfect bedroom draped in rich velvets and delicate brocades. 

When redecorating our master bedroom earlier this year, my inspiration file became filled with beautiful canopy beds.

Our modest space (and budget) didn't allow for this coveted addition, but, a girl can still dream of someday having a grand and elegant bedroom, complete with an amazing and awe-inspiring canopy bed.

Which style of canopy bed appeals to your personal design esthetic?

 

Mini Series: Chapter II - A New Master Bedroom

Our MASTER BEDROOM has been a loving work-in-progress for four, long years...

Initially, I decorated the room with the decor and furnishings from our previous home.  I did need to purchase new window treatments, however, and custom draperies were not an option.

In 2007, neutrals and solids were the current trend, so I was delighted when I found these deep purple and gold, ready-made panels.  The beautiful damask and striped pattern coordinated perfectly with my existing accent cushions and chair fabric. 

I soon discovered that some great finds are 'too good to be true'. I hadn't taken into consideration the northern exposure of the room, and the heavy window treatments created a dark and uninviting atmosphere.

I added long mirrors to reflect more light, and after rearranging some artwork and accessories, the room felt warmer and more welcoming.

This 'temporary' solution remained in place for over three years...

This past spring, I decided to redesign the room, and finally create a space that reflected my vision of a soft and elegant sanctuary.

My ill-considered draperies were donated to a good cause, and replaced with lovely, silk and suede striped panels I found on sale.

The room instantly became light and serene, and this inspired me to change out the gold decor as well.  Since purple is my husband's favorite colour, the dark plum accents needed to remain a significant element in the design scheme.

I spray painted the lamps, shades, chandelier, picture frames, accessories, and furniture hardware, and repainted the walls and ceiling.

I then sanded, painted and reupholstered the accent chair. A second chair and a few accessories were brought in from other rooms in the house.

Before

After

Using foam core and a discontinued shower curtain, I designed an upholstered headboard that echoed the shape of the lamp shades.

I created new artwork using frames I had in storage, and made accent cushions from the left over chair and headboard fabric.

The black silk, embroidered throw cushions were purchased on a gift card I'd received for my birthday.

With some hard work, a little creativity, and less than three hundred dollars, our MASTER BEDROOM transformation is now complete.  Imbued with soft light and cozy texture, this tailored, traditional space has become our favorite retreat.

I hope this second chapter in my Mini Series inspires you to transform a space in your home.

This design story has been entered in Debbiedoos Newbie Party:

http://debbie-debbiedoos.blogspot.com/2011/07/newbie-party.html 

Thanks, Debbie!

And, Home Savvy A to Z's Blog Party:

http://www.homesavvyatoz.com/2011/08/07/blog-party-2/
Thanks, Erin!