I did a lot of work in this room but mostly I did a lot of thinking. What are the right colors within my limitations? How can I up-cycle the items I already have? But mostly I hung out with this little guy!
And I had a lot of help from you, my readers to create a calm look for a bedroom using vintage, thrifted and Ikea items.
The Sleep/Rest Area
I was worried that it would make the room look much smaller – if that is even possible. But guess what? It was not the case at all. In fact moving the bed away from the wall has made the room look larger! I have all of you to thank for that!
I also redid the bed skirt to go all around the mattress – not like I had in my original plans.
And I have no headboard that you can see. I think simple is the way to go here, besides those pillows add enough pattern.
Speaking of which, that lamp does not really go with the rest of the room but for now it fits well enough. At least it looks great on top of Hamilton!! I’ll be on the lookout for another one on my frequent garage sales.
The wall mounted shelf above was redone a few days ago, you can read all about the shimmer here.
Under the chair I’ve placed a basket I found at a garage sale for $3!! Stored are my medical things. Should I try to find another place for those? They kind of ruin the look of the room.
And those curtains? They were made from drop cloth! The easiest pleated curtains you will ever make.
The Storage Area
Before this makeover started I had the two MCM pieces in that corner. They hold the printer so it only made sense to move the whole thing closer to the desk.
In that corner I’ve placed the vintage white dresser. You may recall that at one point I had thought of stenciling the dresser, but I quickly came to my senses and realized it would be too much for such a small room. So instead I kept it simple and just added new glass knobs.
On the wall next to the window is a cubby holder which I found at a garage sale.
The corner also holds my stash of frames which will be used as needed.
I have dreams of a gallery wall one day!
This concoction here is actually an ikea picture ledge on the bottom and on top a cubby which I found at a yard sale. You can see what it looked like before here.
The Work Area
Soft colors really do make the room look so much larger. If you doubt me, take a look at what they looked like before here. A bit of blue color serves to punch up the place for a very neutral look. Now about that lamp that stick out like a sore thumb, should it stay or should it go?
The print is something I downloaded on the internet. Sorry I can’t remember where that was.
And finally we come to the workstation as I like to call it. I didn’t do much here except tidy up all those papers that were stuck on the wall. I did however paint the legs of the table white. That helps to unify it with the rest of the room.
And the chair is also a nice neutral grey. In fact it was one of the first items I bought for this room. And it along with the rug set the tone for the colors.
The self on top has been reorganized and I’ve added two shoe boxes. I painted them using milk paint and then just printed up some labels for them. I used the same color paint but different decorative wax and that makes all the difference.
A Calm and Relaxing Bedroom
You may also remember I had been thinking of adding copper as one of the colors. Instead I replaced it with the slate blue. The colors are all soft and relaxing which add to the calm feel of the room.
And now since everything has its place I am much more inclined to wake up and make the bed right away before Tatou has a chance to jump on it.
I was able to combine Ikea items with vintage finds and hopefully create a look that is not only calm and relaxing but also works so that the furnishings are in harmony! Did I achieve this? You tell me!
Now I would like more suggestions on anything else that I can tweak aside from all the lamps that need changing out.
You can see all the progress of the bedroom and 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.
I love it when I get your comments and I will try to reply to every one of them.
Katerina
Wednesday 7th of November 2018
Mary you did exactly what is described in the tittle but also you created a very nice work-space. By the way I'm not sure If I am more jealous of your dog or your craft supplies!
Florence
Monday 29th of October 2018
Sounds like you're really enjoying those garage sales Mary! I like your bedroom, especially that thrifted mirror on top of your chest. That IKEA cart looks really handy too. I think you've inspired me to continue doing things around here.
Mary
Tuesday 30th of October 2018
Florence you have no idea what an organized room can do for your mind. I instantly feel relaxed when I walk in here as opposed to the rest of the house. And it is easy to keep it tidy now that everything has a designated spot.
Lisa
Monday 29th of October 2018
Mary, sometimes a room just takes times. You've done a remarkable job pulling everything together. Is a room ever REALLY finished? LOL
Mary
Tuesday 30th of October 2018
Lisa it was a big job because I wanted everything to look like it belonged here and did not stick out like a sore thumb. I guess that is my style a mix of everything. And yes there is always more to be done. I've gotta hit the sales to see if I can find more lamps.
Marjan Hoebeke-Pfaff
Monday 29th of October 2018
What a lovely room. You've created a safe haven, calm and quiet, some kind of a retreat, very soothing.
Mary
Tuesday 30th of October 2018
Exactly Marjan. I feel so relaxed in here, and working is such a pleasure too!
Debrashoppeno5
Monday 29th of October 2018
The bedroom does look very soothing, and it looks like Tatou agrees with me. I like how you designated zones for relaxing and working. You have managed to organize the room and keep it stylish.
Mary
Tuesday 30th of October 2018
This has to be Tatou's favorite room. As soon as he wakes up he jumps right on the bed! I am really happy with it and I think I've finally found my style... soothing eclectic Haha!