Category Archives: Bedroom Design
Hanging Nightstands
Post by Jessica Schoenenberger
Spend any time looking at bedrooms on Pinterest, and you’ll encounter the ever popular hanging nightstand. Predominantly featuring reclaimed wood hung from the ceiling with sisal rope, it’s an exotic look that is catching everyone’s eye.
The allure of the hanging night stand lies in its utility for a small space. Considering you can see more of the floor, and the rope above is ordinarily unassuming, your space feels bigger. Plus, combining the unfinished look of the wood with the simplicity of the cord evokes a minimalistic yet cozy quality. There’s something incredibly peaceful about a piece of furniture that lazily floats in the air.
They can be done in a single slab natural wood, or planks for a more finished, less rugged look. Crystal over at the Weathered Fox blog has an impressive DIY for one made from painted planks. The natural wood versions offer up a rugged, outdoor or even vaguely southwest look. The planks, on the other hand look quite beachy, depending on how you choose to handle the rope.
There are countless DIY’s out there for this. The only drawback is that, well, it’s hanging. While some say its slight sway is nice, I’ll admit it would make me nervous. It is especially something to consider if you have pets or children that might bump into it. If you’re not someone that tends to keep a glass of water or other fragile items on your nightstand, it might work. But if you are, I would think about how the weight of the system affects how much it moves.
Have any readers tried this trend? I would love to hear how it went!
Builder Upgrades for Your Master Bedroom
Post by Tracy Kaler.
Building your dream home? If you fear that your master bedroom could end up looking a little too cookie cutter and would like your space to feel more personalized, implementing even one or two of these upgrades might be worth the splurge.
Select more expensive carpeting.
A simple carpet upgrade can make a bedroom look luxurious and feel much comfier underfoot.
Upgrade your carpet pad.
Speaking of comfy, a high-quality carpet pad can make all the difference in the look and feel of your wall to wall carpeting.
Raise the ceiling height.
Sure, ceilings that measure at 8’-0” might be standard, but a 9’-0” ceiling height (or higher) will instantly add character to a vanilla bedroom.
Select a fun paint color.
Rather than going with the standard ivory or beige on the walls, choose a tranquil blue, soft yellow, or even a bold color if you’re feeling adventurous.
Add decorative molding.
Crown molding or wainscoting will add an architectural element to even the dullest space. Talk with your builder about options that are within your budget.
Dress up your bedroom with a chandelier.
Let there be light! Yes, a chandelier (rather than a ceiling mount) will undoubtedly dress up your space.
Put the lights on switches and dimmers
Straightforward and inexpensive, dimmers give you the ability to control the amount of light in any room. They’re a luxury worth every penny.
Customize the closet.
Storage makes all the difference, and a customized closet will reap the rewards when you go to sell.
5 Unique Beach House Bedrooms
Post by Tracy Kaler.
It’s that time of year again when we’re dreaming of sand between our toes and the sounds of the sea. I think most everyone I know fantasizes about spending summers on the beach. I know I do. These five unique beach house bedrooms would make for perfect days and nights along the coast.
This Charleston bedroom is decked out in traditional blue and white beach colors but with a hint of beige. A comfy club chair, desk, and a stunning view turn this room into a haven for sleeping, reading, working, and relaxing.
Photo by The Anderson Studio of Architecture & Design
A San Francisco beach house sports a mostly green bedroom but with blue walls. Bright white furniture and trim keep the room feeling fresh and clean. A starburst mirror adds an eclectic element to the space.
Photo by Viscusi Elson Interior Design – Gina Viscusi Elson
Designer Barclay Butera decorated this Ocean County bedroom. White bedding with an awning stripe at the food of the bed plus a ship above the bed create a nautical theme, ideal for a home along the California coast.
Photo by Barclay Butera Interiors
This gorgeous master bedroom designed by Tara Seawright doesn’t skip a beat. Located in Shelter Island, New York, the space feels undeniably coastal yet comfy.
Photo by Tara Seawright Interior Design
The pitched board and batten ceiling of this Seattle beach cottage takes center stage. The decor is no fuss, but subtle touches like the rustic pendant, porthole window, and French doors add interest to the otherwise simple design.
Give Your Bedroom a Good Spring Cleaning
Post by Tracy Kaler.
Daylight is lingering, flowers are blooming, and robins are chirping. In case you didn’t know– we’re well into spring. If you haven’t given spring cleaning any thought, shame on you! Now is the time to refresh your bedroom before temperatures heat up. We still have a good two months left of the season, so get busy and start your spring cleaning with this list.
Edit first.
Find a place for any item that doesn’t have one yet (in a closet, in a drawer, stored under the bed), and donate all those items that you don’t need or wear any longer. A good edit will give you a great sense of accomplishment and prep the space to be cleaned.
Dust the walls.
I bet you’ve never cleaned your walls, have you? Take a dust mop and run it up and down the walls, including up at the ceiling line. Get on that ladder of you must.
Vacuum everywhere.
Sweep all those tough-to-reach places like corners and around door casings, lamp shades, and upholstery. After vacuuming, any upholstered furniture that still appears worn or dirty should be professionally cleaned, or perhaps recovered (see the next point).
Clean and spruce up fabrics.
Wash all bedding (that means the bedcovering, shams, and mattress pad too), and what you can’t launder, send it out to get professionally cleaned. If you have any other upholstered furniture, window treatments as well as area rugs or carpeting in the bedroom, now’s the time to call in a professional and get those cleaned too. Notice some tattered fabrics? Spring is an ideal season to recover those older pieces.
Wash down woodwork, floors, and all furnishings including lamps and accessories.
Opt for a mild cleaner like Murphy’s Oil Soap. Be sure to give your wood floors a deep cleaning and use a touch-up pen or Old English to cover scratches. If you have stone in the room, use a stone cleaner. An all-purpose cleaner from Method works wonders on many materials.
Don’t forget the mirrors, art, and windows.
Windex mirrors and art, as well as windows (inside and out) so the exterior looks brighter, which will, in turn, make the interior of your bedroom shine too.
Add a scent.
Light a candle, spray your favorite fragrance, or purchase potpourri. Lavender and sage work especially well in a bedroom.
Happy spring!
Bedroom Design: 6 Romantic Paris Bedrooms
Post by Tracy Kaler.
No place in the world is as alluring as Paris. In fact, the French city has long been recognized for its classical architecture and beautiful interiors that keep many of us dreaming of staying in a sophisticated Paris apartment. Even if you can’t take that much-needed vacation to Paris right now, you can pretend. Here are five romantic Paris bedrooms that will whisk you away to the City of Light.
This Paris bedroom boasts a mystique with its canopy-draped bed, silk fabrics, and red color scheme. Notice the splash of animal prints. This bedroom feels unmistakably chic and romantic.
Touches of wood complement an all-white color scheme in this streamlined Paris apartment. Perfectly accessorized shelves and simple bedding complete the look.
A fireplace and balcony are practically expected in a Paris apartment and this transitional bedroom offers both. The neutral palette lets the architecture shine.
A tiny tropical bedroom with red walls is gently carved out of a small space. Technically, there’s no headboard, but a half-wall creates a backdrop for the bed.
An eclectic bedroom looks interesting from all angles. Parquet chevron floors, tall ceilings, wide crown moldings and a collection of unusual art and accessories give this space a Bohemian vibe.
Upholstered walls create softness in a twin bedroom in Paris’s 5th Arrondissement. Simplicity lends itself to the space, and there’s something elegant about the no-frills decorating approach.
Medium-toned parquet floors and a black and white color scheme set the stage for this remodeled Parisian apartment. A risky design move, the black trim makes a statement and is further accentuated by the funky black bedside lamps.
