April 15, 2013

A few Tweaks in the Bedroom

I have to admit that around the finale of the One Room Challenge, I was so crazed with work and social obligations that I kinda threw the finished room together without much time to edit. Since then I have made a few tweaks that make the room feel more right for me.

The first change was to swap out my red bamboo stools for a wicker set I snagged from my Nana. (Yes, I know another score from Nana. How would I decorate without her?) I LOVE my bamboo stools, but they were feeling too busy in this room, so they’ve traveled downstairs where they can be more of a statement piece. I really like the shape of these “new” stools- I swear they make my room seem larger! I also like that they are more natural and neutral. They are a little dated right now, so I will probably give them a makeover at some point.

I’m curious, what would you do with these stools?

Now that springtime weather is here in Philly, I’ve also swapped out my down comforter for a quilt. I have to admit, I’m so much happier with this look. I’m one of those weirdos who makes their bed every day. When my bed is neat and put together, I feel better in life. Comforters are so frumpy, so I had a hard time ever feeling like my bed felt polished with one on there. It will be back in the winter, when I’ll enjoy the cozy down, but for now I’m neatly tucked in with my quilt and feeling very pleased.

PS- this is the quilt I bought. It’s very white and and has a nice texture.

March 20, 2013

One Room Challenge Finale- Master Bedroom Reveal

Holy hell, the 6 week makeover challenge has finally come to the end and thank goodness because this girl is EXhausted. With a limited budget and unlimited ideas and desires, it truly was a challenge to come up with a distinctive, vibrant yet relaxing bedroom for myself. I craved deep saturated walls but I also wanted to room to feel crisp and bright. Pops of white and greek key added that preppy look I was after, while warm woods and vibrant textiles mixed in my bohemian flair. In order to get the custom look without the designer budget, I opted to do a lot Do-It-Yourself projects. My hope is the overall effect is sophisticated and chic instead of crafty and cheap.

Thanks so much to Linda for organizing the One Room Challenge and the 19 other blogger participants for motivating me to not totally suck or flake out on the project. They have all put together beautiful rooms and I hope you will check their links at the bottom of this post.

Without further ado, here is my “Preppy Bohemian” bedroom…

(more…)

October 23, 2012

Cottage Talk: Going Dark in the bedroom

So the plan is to go light and bright on the 1^st and 3^rd floor walls, but in my master bedroom I intend to do a moody peacock blue / teal hue. It’s been funny to see people’s reactions when I tell them my bedroom will be dark. My flooring guy told me it would close in the room. My Nana was concerned about natural light. A few of my friends nodded at me with what-are-you-crazy looks in their eyes, and a few others got really excited about it. Dark colors in the bedroom could be considered risky, I suppose. Occasionally I stare at the light and bright room and wonder if I really need all that color. But I love how warm and rich these rooms feel below. If there is one place to be cozy and dramatic at the same time, why not have it be the bedroom?

So I’ll go from this…

To something more like this… (I love that this bedroom even has the bump in the wall like mine!)

I’ve been studying teal rooms and have come up with the following thoughts on how to do saturated successfully…

Mix in other colors! The room should not be blue overload. Love the contrast of camel here.

Chicago Home

Light elements are essential for contrast.

Light bedding works particularly well for for maintaining crispness.

Break up the walls with art.

Nate Berkus

Embrace the cozy. My space is small, and once its dark I expect it will be more intimate.

Yes, I think that’s a good thing.

Erin Williamson

The right hue will make your walls sing, so don’t skimp on samples.

PS- my bedroom has been swatched out with Benjamin Moore’s Naples Blue and Deep Ocean. I like both, but I’m leaning toward the greener one. The question is, which is which? According to the label on my paint samples, Naples Blue is the one on the left, but it sure looks more like the one on the right based on the paint chip. Do paint chips lie, or did my paint guys reverse my labels?

August 7, 2012

Patterned Headboards

In my next place I am finally having a custom headboard made for myself and I cannot wait. I know that I want an interesting shape, but another big decision will be pattern or no pattern on the headboard. Today I’m feeling pattern-happy. Hope you enjoy!

PS- DIY reveal on the blog tomorrow.

Images: Annie Selke, Tara Shaw, SB Long Interiors Sarah Richardson, Vogue, India Hicks, Unknown

February 23, 2012

Master Bedroom Sneak Peek

Yesterday I dropped off a custom duvet cover and pillows for my clients’ bedroom. We had been searching for months for just the right white-but-not-stark-white-but-not-too-cream duvet with a nice texture to it. We finally gave up on ready-made options and had one made. Bonus? We were able to add trim in one of our accent colors (sea foam) and the pattern is on both sides! This room is really shaping up. We just need to add art and hang mirrors.

PS- this is the same room that has the window bench I shared here.

PPS- if you follow me on Twitter or Instagram(@designmanifest), you would already be ahead of the game and see all the sneak peeks!