Modern makeover for a bedroom

Introduce modern style into a dated bedroom on a small budget, adding pieces by West Elm or creating your own unique DIY furniture. Here's how a bedroom went from drab to fab in a day.

 

 

 

 

I love a bright and airy bedroom. Mine isn't, its more like a big warm cave which I love sleeping in, but there is nothing more inviting than a bedroom that feels like you are sleeping up in the clouds.

This room is wall to wall, floor to ceiling east-facing windows. They had just moved in, although they had all these pieces of furniture to work with. They wanted it to feel really fresh and clean, but with a 'modern traditional' bent. They like things that are traditional but with an updated feel, less granny. Emily Henderson completely transformed the bedroom and here's how...

 

 

On the other side of the room, opposite the bed, there was a dresser with a TV above it and an unaddressed window nook next to that. It's dying for one to read a romantic novel involving vampires and paranormal teens on it. But instead its full of random things. Clearly a need for storage.

 

 

We wanted to keep it quiet, so not a lot of colour, instead using more textural contrast and some pattern mixing. I obviously kept their headboard, nightstands, lamps, the bench at the end of the bed and their dresser. Basically all we needed was wallpaper, a rug, some pillows, a window seat and curtains to add softness and dare I say, 'romance'.

 

 

 

 

 

Yes, it is pretty different than the mood-board, but that happens sometimes based on taste and budget. In general it still 'feels' the same, but even quieter. All the existing pieces were easy to work with, but in a perfect world those lamps would be large table lamps that were really unique, to kinda shake things up a bit.

We had the window seat made and it has hidden storage so it lifts up and you can shove all of your unsightlies in it. We chose a light colour because, yes, it's going to fade over time.

Well what do you think? Are you more 'simple, white, hotel style bedroom' or 'eclectic, interesting, dramatic bedroom?'

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Buy it or DIY it...

 

 

Dressed up with gracefully tapered legs and modern metal handles, this end table works equally well as a side table or nightstand. The roomy drawer and open shelf meet all your organizational needs. Use 16mm PG Bison SupaWood to make this end table. Spray it with Rust-Oleum UltraCover 2X in satin white or espresso.

 

 

The dresser shows off gracefully tapered legs. Not content to get by on looks alone, it offers six sizeable drawers to meet your bedroom storage and organizational needs. Metal hardware with brushed-nickel finish. Use 16mm SupaWood to make this end table. Spray it with Rust-Oleum UltraCover 2X in satin white or espresso.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

An ottoman that knows no boundaries: from a modern blanket chest to a place to put up your feet. Incorporate its slim profile into your seating area, place it at the end of the bed, or tuck it against a wall. Either way, it will keep things hidden away yet close at hand.

Sign up for our DIY-Divas.co.za workshop or follow this project to make your own.

 

 

Be sure to check out the Fired Earth range of wallpapers at your local Builders Warehouse. These washable wallpapers are easy to apply and come in a variety of ever-changing styles to keep up with everyday trends.