That got me thinking about some of the non-traditional headboards and bed set-ups I’ve done in the past. In the meantime, I had this nagging feeling that I hadn’t posted to my blog in awhile and ya’ll (if there are any of you reading this out there, I really don’t know how to tell yet) might be getting bored thinking I have nothing to share…

So, there you have it. Decided. Today’s post is will focus on the bedroom. That intimate, personal space that many of us never get to because it’s not often shared with friends or shown to guests. So we neglect it. BUT then there’s the moment that you do actually do something fun or new in YOUR space and you realize how lovely it is to have your own space feel complete…how your bedroom can be your escape, your den, your place of passion…it CAN be whatever you want it to be.

Here are a few I’ve had the honor of designing in the last few years…

This homeowner has three college-aged kids and hadn’t had a headboard in years. And she didn’t miss it. She wasn’t sure it was important enough to pay for a new bedroom suite, what she really wanted was a new look. So, I made the headboard with some paint and a little blue painter’s tape, added a mirror from TJ Maxx (with a fresh coat of white paint) and voila, her new bedroom had a new and dramatic focal point. Nightstands and duvet came from Target, dresser from IKEA, and accessories from all over. For less than the cost of a new bed, we’d done the whole room and it’s elegantly affordable and very much updated. I should probably show you a before so you can appreciate the transformation. It’s kinda cool to see the transformation.

Next up is another master bedroom with an entirely different problem. My clients HAD spent LOTS of money on a very nice bedroom set in the past. Then they moved and moved on. Their style wasn’t nearly as formal anymore and the old furniture didn’t suit them. But at the same time, they didn’t want to spend a kazillion dollars again on new furniture when there wasn’t anything wrong with the stuff they bought. Here’s our solution…

And here’s the BEFORE…

Minus the sweet little girl hanging out in there, this room really didn’t suit it’s owners…at all. We saved the “bones” of the bedroom set they had, but got rid of the headboard and footboard, complete with the canopy poles and the dresser mirror. Just that paring down really helped. Then of course we painted to get rid of the WMU gold and brown combination and got new bedding and accessories. We decided on a “retreat” feel and tried not to go overboard with the tropical getaway look, but to give it a nice updated, “escape-like” feel. Did I mention these parents have four amazing girls as well?

Oh, and the headboard. It’s made of chargers. Yep, those things that you put on your table under your dishes to give and extra layer. They worked perfectly glued inside a custom MDF frame painted white and then hung on the wall. K, just one more pic ’cause I loved how these curtains turned out too, and they were after all inspired by the charger headboard.

This headboard re-make credit goes to the homeowner as he built it himself. What a change! We’ll look at the whole room another day, but here’s the bed update.
The new Zen feel of this Asian inspired room is beautifully reflected in their new handmade bed. I love it, and so do they!

Ok, this post is getting a bit lengthy. Sorry about that. I’ll try to finish up quickly. Or feel free to just click the X box on your screen if you’re bored. Who knew I had such a passion for headboards?!

This next one I hand painted on a canvas to “match” the bedspread. It’s at a small cottage and the budget was small as well. But we didn’t sacrifice style!

My final share for the day, this master bedroom was designed to feel like you’re staying at a plush, resort hotel. The seagrass wallpaper provides the perfect backdrop for the custom linen headboard with walnut framed king sized bed. The room is small, but luxury was inserted wherever possible…as well as storage. We designed the bed to utilize every bit of storage space possible underneath. Since then, we’ve added floating nightstands with more storage for those cozy, bedtime reads.

I leave you with this thought…no matter what your budget or style may be…you deserve a space for YOU to be you. I kinda feel like I should quote Dr Seuss right now but I’ll refrain…this time!

My kids and my take on deer heads

Last year I was so excited to have found this enormous, pre-lit tree on Craigs List for a fraction of the cost of a new one. This year, not-so-excited when 8 strands of lights were out! What a nightmare. After hours of hunting and replacing bulbs, we finally gave up and just added more. (Yeah, can’t wait to take that tangled mess down.) So, sadly, I’m not sure this guy will make it another year either…I’m pretty sure we don’t have the patience to give it the love it needs. Did I mention it also weighs a zillion pounds?! I did love the feather boas and colors..maybe they’ll make a comeback next year.

Merry Christmas!

Here it goes, an attempt to attach some photos of a job I “finished” a few months ago…
The walls were a dark red and closed the room in, not to mention didn’t provide any contrast to the leather furniture.

We lightened the walls and layered new window treatments to accent the height and airiness of the space. Behind the chair is a charcoal portrait done by a family member. Curtains are layered linen and white sheer, hung on old doorknobs to add a classic and unique touch.

View of the room from the front door

Another before shot of the other side...

So there it is, folks. My first “real” blog post. No worries, once I get over the technical part, I may even get more interesting. Thanks for reading!