A Tour of The (mostly) Black and White Bedroom
What do you do when you have a room to transform on a minuscule budget? …
For the past two months I’ve been sharing various furniture makeover projects with you. And finally after all this sweat and toil, I am ready to show you the girls’ mostly black and white bedroom in full.
I’ve included links to all the projects at the end of the post.
It was quite a tall order. And I’ll be the first to say I am not a decorator, but I know when something doesn’t look right…or more importantly, I know how a room makes me feel. So I went with my gut on this one.
This is not exactly what you expect from a young ladies room but that Hemnes dresser was the starting point. We painted the walls white….
At first I was against the idea but then after a read of the DIY Home Planner I relented and decided to free myself up. After all this is their room, I shouldn’t be fighting them! Why not go along with their idea.
And this was the result. A reverse ombre wall with a space there on the top! My youngest painted the wall in two days and to say that my jaw dropped is an understatement. It turned out so much better than I expected. It was a win-win for everyone especially since the older daughter loves blue.
Now you may think the placement of the beds is a bit odd, but this was their choice and since I had freed myself to go along with their ideas, I went along with this radical for me furniture placement. It may seem a bit tight when you walk in but then you have this space that is anchored by the blue rug.
Each girl chose her own duvet cover, so that the room was not too matchy-matchy. Aww, I would have loved matchy-matchy, but I have to respect their differences. There was no way my blue-loving girl was going to go with a gray striped pattern.
The lamps were also given a makeover and look nice and fresh to fit in the room.
At this point they have deliberately not really hung anything on the walls (except for some fairy lights above the bed to the right you see below). My younger one uses the wall as a backdrop to make her videos so she wanted a blank slate. This side of the room is very calm.
This came about when I went to the basement and found the Cinderella dresser, as I fondly call it. It was in very bad shape but I knew if I gave it a makeover and placed it between the two Billy bookcases I’d have a huge amount of storage. The mirror was the crowning glory.
Covering all those boxes in toile contact paper servers to unify the whole thing. Otherwise there would have been so much color, it would have defeated the purpose of the room – remember tranquil and calm.
We’ve placed a very simple black desk next to the bookcase for the computer and the shelf on top is for a few necessities. Actually, the shelf was there from before and we thought we would just work with it. It turns out we really like it there.
For seating the girls are using an old ottoman that has storage but this is just temporary. Although it does look rather good.
I just had to share this photo of my Cinderella dresser, notice how nice and shiny the top is? And it is hard as a rock now that the paint has cured. You know it is going to get a lot of abuse with all those beauty products!
By the way, I just found out this dresser is called a Campaign dresser. I was looking through the internet and saw another one from Crate and Barrel priced for $699. Not a bad upcycle!
I think I did pretty well considering that we had to start from scratch.
But the most important thing here is that my girls absolutely love their room. It came out much better then what they expected. And it was all the result of teamwork and of this mama keeping an open mind and really paying attention to what they had to say. And if we have a bit of color peeking through, well that’s okay, I promise not to freak out. You can also see lots more ideas on how to get a fun bedroom here.
I hope you have enjoyed the tour of the mostly black and white bedroom and maybe you too have come away with some ideas. Even if this is not your style it always helps to look at things from someone else’s point of view, even if it means painting a whole wall in ombre!
I’ve included links to all the projects below.
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This blog is for entertainment purposes only; my DIY tutorials are not professional advice. Read my full disclaimer here.
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Your girl could get a job doing murals, and the room looks great. Congratulations on a job well done from Australia.
Aww thank you so much. I’m going to tell her that!
Well, you can tell her I have a 16 yo girl who’s room is too messy to photograph! A pity as we gradually filled it with antiques and reproductions over the years and it’s quite nice under the piles of clothes etc!!
Beautiful. It’s amazing how chic black and white can be in a room and the add touch of blue (my favorite color) added a little something extra. Props to you for making over such a beautiful room with a tight budget.
Thank you Patti. It is ever evolving but for now, it is my favorite room in the house. I’m curious to see what they do to it in the coming months.
The bedroom looks fabulous. It is so tranquil, which a bedroom should be. It is a great escape to do all the things young women are interested in.
The older girl loves to read her books in there. The younger one makes her videos and it was really important that she have a space that was a blank canvas for that. Sometimes I even go in and shoot some projects because the lighting in there is amazing.
Hi Mary, what a lovely uncluttered and simple room. Perfect for resting and relaxing. The ombre wall does add a nice touch of colour to the room and as for the stars? They’re a touch I like, my two had something similar when they were small, but are too old and jaded (cool) now admit to liking them. Covering alll those boxes were worth it too, they look really neat on the shelves.
xx
The stars was their idea and I guess they just want to express themselves. The truth is that in the winter it is tough here so having a space of their own was very important since they spend so many hours in there. It had to be just perfect for them.
Mary you have so many great ideas. I love the black and white floral storage boxes on the shelves. So pretty!
Those boxes are so practical and with the same covering it looks like a garden in there.
You and the girls did such an amazing job Mary. You all should be incredibly proud. It’s not easy creating a space that needs to be shared between two girls who each have their own tastes, but you did it!! and on such a small budget too. P.S. That wall still wows me every time I see it. Stunning!!!!
That was the tricky part Michelle. To have them both like it. I also didn’t want to do just my vision, that would have been wrong. I am so happy they get to have the room of their dreams.
You and the girls did an amazing job on the bedroom makeover, Mary! I love how everything is DIY and so, like pages in a book, every corner of the room has a story. From one Mama to another, I LOVE how you considered and respected each of their individual personalities and creatively blended them together in such a cohesive way. Well done my friend!
Yes Marie, each thing has a story and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Our homes should be filled with stories to reflect our lives. I could never live in a sterile home with no stories to tell. Thank you Mama!! 😉
Mary, I love it! I really love the black mirror and the floral boxes really set each other off with the white furniture! The wall mural is amazing! You have the most talented children! I think the rug works amazingly with the mural too!
Jeannee
Jeannee I am over the moon happy with this room. Thank you I know you are such a talented decorator it mean a lot to have your stamp of approval.
Mary, it all turned out so very nice. You done an awesome job. I just the love the little touches you gave. Such a labor of love. Hugs and blessings, Cindy
Thank you Cindy. It is my favorite room in the house and I’m so happy we didn’t have to compromise to accommodate both the girls.
It’s serene, simple and classy. I’m sure your daughter loves it and appreciates all your hard work (and her’s as well lol).
xxx
I am really happy with this room Doreen and feel so lucky that I was able to unearth all those old pieces of furniture to upcyle. Because let’s face it I don’t think I’d be happy in a room with all new furniture. Haha!
It’s been fun following all the individual posts and projects for this room. GREAT final results. I was going to list my favorite parts, but I just love all of it but probably the bookshelves b/w wall the most. And the blue wall and that rug and . . . see what I mean! GOOD job!
Cheryl thank you so much. There is nothing more satisfying than being able to do something like this with your girls and have it come out just the way they wanted.
Mary the bedroom turned out so nice! The girls have so much storage which is great and also room to decorate if they wanted. Then that wall! Wow! What a stunner and the rug is so pretty and makes it all so cozy. Well done!!!
It is a room full of juxtapositions Katrin. You would never think that black and white can be cozy but there it is. I really admire your style and I have been influenced by your clean bright spaces. I think that was the initial idea.
Mary, I’m impressed. I really like the way you have the beds placed…individuality for both of them and privacy too…like they have their own spaces, which is what you were going for. A very nice room for 2 young ladies. Like the ombre wall too.
Yes Florence they have privacy this way. And the little one has that bare wall that she can do her videos on, for backdrop. I am so glad we were able to fit in all of their needs.
This room turned out awesome!! Looks like daughter takes after mother 🙂
Thank you so much Cheryl. It was truly a collaborative labor of love.
I love black and white, planning on using that color in my new home! Great Job!
Maria
Ohhh I can’t wait for that Maria. And you combine new and old so beautifully.
What a great room. My jaw dropped as well. Your daughters did a great job on everything. I think at night it would really be a sight to see. Nice!
It is the best room in the house and the one we always go to at night. Thank you Michelle. they were able to get everything they wanted into that room.
Lots of neat projects! Really love the tall dresser, and the damask boxes! 😉
Julie I was able to incorporate everything that the girls wanted and that is what makes me happy. And I have to be honest, I never expected to see an ombre wall in my house but it just goes to show you how we can change.
It’s wonderful that you let your girls decide on the design of their room, Mary. You all did a great job and created a lovely space.
Julia it was so important for me to follow them in this project. After all they are the ones who use the room. Thank you.
Mary the bedroom turned out amazing! I love the black and white, and your boxes covered in contact paper are so pretty. You did a great job on a limited budget, it turned out beautifully.
Thank you so much Linda. It was tough coming up with this look but in the end it all worked out… actually even better than I expected. I think the ombre wall combined with the rug really gave presence to the room, otherwise it would have been just a black and white room.
The most important thing is that your girls love their room. No designer room in the world is more important than that! I’m glad it turned out so well for you!
Exactly Michele. What is the point of designing a room for someone and then they cannot use it because it doesn’t represent them or is not practical. I don’t even care if they make it messy now. But in fact they have been great about keeping it neat.
I love it Mary! I love all the black & white but that accent wall and the twinkle light are so cool.
🙂 gwingal
Nikki it is like your little reading corner but in a more grown up version. Girls gotta have their twinkles. 😉
what a beautiful room and I’m really impressed with your sons decoration of the feature wall. The room looks really relaxing
Thank you. It is for my two daughters who are in their late teens so it was very appropriate that they would want a bit of sophistication in there.
Very nice, Mary. It’s very sophisticated. I’m not sure how old your girls are but this can take them ahead many moons should they wish and to be honest, you could plunk any weekend guest in there of any age and I think they’d be most comfortable and not feel like they were in “the kids’ room.” Beautifully done.
Jeanie my girls are 19 and 20 so they are at that stage between wanting to hold onto their younger selves and moving forward into the adult world. I think the furniture is so neutral that we won’t have any problems with it at all. They can always add things to the walls and change out the bedding.
The girls room is very well done. I love all the coordinating yet unique art projects and diy projects. Its beautiful and functional and a special place for them. Very well done Mary. I bet it helps them feel at home in New York.
Isn’t it a great feeling to finally be finished with something you worked so hard on? I can ride that feeling for a month! Love what you did and I can see why the girls love it. It’s awesome Mary! Great job.
Mary, their room turned out great!!! All of your hard work paid off beautifully! It’d be fun to see how the room looks at night! Can your camera’s aperature open up and on a tripod can you capture it?? This is when I wish I had the Canon 5D although I can capture quite a bit at night with my little Canon EOS Rebel set about 1″ wide for about 20 seconds. 😉
Oh, had the girls thought about painting the closet doors?? They would look really good blended into the ombre wall! Great room, Everybody!!!! Enjoy it!
Amazing, Mary!! Lucky girls to have such a talented and thrifty momma who could make their bedroom dreams come true!!
Mary, The wall is gorgeous; and the black and white looks really sophisticated! I love those floral covered boxes and how all the blue works in perfectly with this room. Great job!
What a statement that painted wall makes–your youngest did a gorgeous job! Thanks for sharing at Vintage Charm!
I’ve loved watching the whole transition take place, everything has come together so wonderfully Mary. My favorite would have to be how everything is neutral which really makes the colorful paintings and mural take center stage, allowing the girls personality to shine through. Thanks for sharing your process at #fridaysfurniturefix!
It’s turned out wonderfully, 2 tastes and styles in one cohesive room. I especially love the ombre wall.
Hemnes furniture is lovely, we have the 8 drawer unit in our room and the bedside tables, they are sturdy and the drawers run so smoothly. We’ve had ours 3 years now and it’s still like new, so it’s a good investment.
OMG Mary! What have you done here! It is a gorgeous space for both of your girls. Chic, girly and with a little drama! You did excellent work my friend! Hugs and kisses to you and your girls!