Embark on a captivating journey through the evolution of our master bedroom, showcasing not one, but two distinct makeovers!
(This post contains affiliate links, meaning if you make a purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. For our full disclosure statement, please click {here})
Transforming a house into a home often begins with the most personal spaces. Our master bedroom was undeniably the most neglected area when we first moved in, presenting a stark canvas of “before” that was ripe for a dramatic overhaul. Envision faux-finished blue walls, an outdated overhead “boob light,” and a disparate collection of furniture that lacked cohesion and charm. It was far from the tranquil retreat we envisioned, but rather a space that merely existed within our home.
For three extensive years, this was our reality. Our focus was firmly set on renovating other critical areas of our home, leaving the master bedroom in its original, uninspiring state. However, the turning point arrived when I enthusiastically joined the One Room Challenge. This intensive six-week design sprint became the catalyst for change. The challenge demanded a complete room transformation within a tight deadline, pushing me to unleash my creativity and tackle our long-neglected bedroom head-on. The result was the first of two stunning makeovers, completely reinventing the space into a harmonious sanctuary.
One of the most striking and impactful changes was undoubtedly the transformation of the walls. The previously cracked, faux-finished blue walls were completely concealed and rejuvenated with faux shiplap. This design choice instantly introduced a fresh, clean, and classic architectural detail that dramatically elevated the room’s aesthetic. Shiplap offers a timeless appeal, adding character and visual interest without overwhelming the space, making it a perfect foundation for a serene bedroom design.
The newly installed shiplap was then painted in Farrow & Ball’s All White, a choice that proved to be an impeccable decision. This pristine white provided a luminous and airy backdrop, allowing the various gray tones and textures introduced throughout the space to truly shine. The subtle warmth and depth of Farrow & Ball paint enhanced the overall sophisticated yet inviting ambiance. For those inspired to recreate this look, I’ve shared a comprehensive guide on DIYing your own shiplap walls, complete with all the details and tips, available in my dedicated post on our DIY shiplap walls.
Under the tight constraints of the One Room Challenge, sourcing a new headboard quickly became a priority. To meet the reveal deadline without compromising on style or budget, I embarked on a creative solution. I successfully snagged a budget-friendly headboard from Craigslist, demonstrating that beautiful design doesn’t always require a hefty price tag. To customize it for our space, I added some extra height, giving it a more substantial and luxurious presence.
The headboard was then painted in Benjamin Moore Steel Wool, a sophisticated gray that beautifully complemented the Farrow & Ball All White walls and the emerging neutral palette of the room. When it came to bedding, the exquisite Schumacher fabric on the front decorative pillow served as my primary inspiration and jumping-off point. This stunning pillow, expertly crafted by the talented Linda of Pillow Time Girls, introduced a touch of bespoke luxury. You can find this captivating fabric in her Etsy shop, typically available in a square size {here}, though she is also wonderfully accommodating for custom orders in any specific size you may require, ensuring a perfect fit for your bed.
The bedding ensemble was meticulously curated to create a serene and inviting atmosphere. The elegant linen standard shams are {these beauties}, chosen for their soft texture and timeless appeal. The larger euro shams were crafted from {this gorgeous indoor/outdoor fabric}, a practical yet luxurious choice that combines durability with sophisticated design. The quilt, a staple for comfort and style, is {this one} in the versatile Flagstone color. It has truly stood the test of time, maintaining its quality and softness through countless washes, proving its worth as a cherished bedding item. Complementing the bedding are {these lined blackout drapes} in a chic charcoal hue, providing both privacy and a touch of drama. The delicate linen ruffled bed skirt, sourced from Pine Cone Hill, completed the look but is unfortunately no longer available, making it a unique element of this first makeover.
To optimize space and enhance functionality on both sides of the bed, I opted for {these sophisticated swing arm sconces}. This choice eliminated the need for traditional table lamps, freeing up precious nightstand surface area – a thoughtful design decision for maximizing small spaces. These sconces are remarkably versatile; they gracefully swing towards the bed, can be adjusted vertically, and feature pivoting shades, allowing for perfect illumination whether you’re reading or simply relaxing. Their design blends seamlessly with the room’s aesthetic while offering unparalleled convenience. Speaking of nightstands, the initial pair I purchased proved to be too wide once the customized headboard was in place. This necessitated a pivot to narrower alternatives, leading me to discover {these 16″ wide gunmetal nightstands}. Finding nightstands this narrow yet stylish can be a challenge, which is why I’ve compiled my 15 favorite narrow nightstands in {this post} – a must-read if you’re on the hunt for space-saving bedside solutions!
At the foot of the bed, I adhered to my initial design vision, incorporating a pair of stylish camp stools, similar to {these}. These versatile pieces serve as the ideal spot to neatly stack all our decorative bed pillows each night before crawling into bed, keeping the space tidy and organized. Beyond their practical use for pillow storage, they also offer a convenient perch for sitting while getting ready in the mornings. Grounding the entire space is {this braided beauty of a rug}. Its rich texture introduced a much-needed layer of warmth and organic appeal, enhancing the overall comfort and visual depth of the bedroom design.
The dreaded “boob light” that plagued our ceiling was swiftly replaced with a sophisticated upgrade. For overhead lighting, I swapped out the old, uninspired fixture for {this scalloped beauty}, found through careful sourcing. This elegant flush-mount light fixture instantly added a touch of refined style and a softer, more diffused light, drastically improving the ambiance of the room. It’s a detail that often goes overlooked but makes a significant impact on a room’s overall feel. If you’re currently dealing with less-than-stellar ceiling fixtures and seeking inspiration for a stylish upgrade, you can explore my other flush mount lighting favorites in {this post}.
As your eye travels across the room, you might have noticed a few other significant enhancements to that previously overlooked and rather unappealing corner, transforming it from a mere afterthought into a charming focal point.
One notable change was giving a second life to a beloved but worn vintage chair. This piece underwent a remarkable transformation after being painted with Velvet Finishes “Luxurious” – a rich, deep hue that gave it instant sophistication. To further elevate its style, the chair was reupholstered in an oversized buffalo check fabric, chosen for its timeless pattern and cozy appeal. I am absolutely smitten with its refreshed look, which now adds a distinctive character to the room. Complementing this charming seating area is new artwork: {this Minted print} by the talented Jorey Hurley. What truly makes this piece stand out is its exquisite presentation within an amazing acrylic and brass frame, meticulously sourced {here}. This combination creates a gallery-worthy display that ties the corner together beautifully.
The photographs, as stunning as they are, truly don’t capture the full essence and sheer gorgeousness of this frame – it’s a showstopper in person, adding a touch of modern luxury and elegance!
Across the room, the dresser area was equally in need of a serious refresh before our master bedroom makeover. It featured a dark wood dresser that felt heavy and dated, and above it, the wall remained completely bare, creating an uninspired and unfinished look. This neglected space lacked personality and functionality, serving as a stark reminder of the room’s previous state and signaling a clear opportunity for a design intervention.
Instead of replacing the dresser entirely, I decided on a more sustainable and budget-friendly approach: a complete visual overhaul through paint. A few coats of paint completely transformed its appearance, breathing new life into the piece. Above this revitalized dresser, I hung {this large round mirror}, a strategic choice to add softness and reflectivity, making the room feel more expansive and brighter. While the mirror originally came in a lovely bronze finish, I used {this amazing gold leaf product} to effortlessly and quickly change its finish to a radiant gold leaf. This subtle but impactful alteration better harmonized with the emerging design palette and metallic accents within the space, truly elevating its luxurious feel.
The dresser’s new paint color is Farrow & Ball’s Worsted, a truly stunning and sophisticated greige with remarkable depth. This rich hue provided the perfect balance between warm gray and subtle beige, offering a versatile foundation that effortlessly blends with both cool and warm tones in the room. To further enhance its refined look, the original knobs were replaced with {these exquisite mother of pearl knobs}, which are a personal favorite and a never-fail choice for adding a touch of elegance and subtle shimmer to any piece of furniture. Their iridescent quality beautifully catches the light, making the dresser a true focal point.
The styling of the dresser was kept deliberately simple and understated, allowing the beauty of each piece to shine without clutter. It features {this elegant lamp}, which provides ambient lighting and a touch of height. Adjacent to it, my unique thrifted planter girl head thingy adds a quirky, personal touch, sparking conversation and injecting personality into the vignette. To further enhance the artistic appeal, two pieces of layered art from Minted were incorporated: {this vibrant piece} by Melanie Severin, which brings a splash of color and abstract interest, and {this serene piece} by Renee Anne, adding depth and a calming visual element. This thoughtful arrangement creates a balanced and visually appealing display.
Our master bedroom closet was another area that desperately needed a functional and aesthetic intervention. Before the makeover, it was equipped with two bifold doors and a central partition that severely hampered access to half of the closet space. This setup was incredibly inefficient, making it a constant struggle to utilize the full depth of the storage area and retrieve items easily. It was, in short, far from cool or practical.
The transformation of the closet began with a crucial structural change: I enlisted my contractor to remove both the bifold doors and the problematic center support. This immediately opened up the space, making it far more accessible and visually expansive. To infuse a sense of luxury and bespoke design, the entire back wall of the closet was dramatically wallpapered in {this phenomenal Farrow & Ball paisley paper}. The intricate pattern and high-quality finish instantly elevated the closet from a mere storage space to a delightful feature within the room. Functionality also received a major upgrade; the old, basic wood clothing rods were replaced with glamorous new acrylic and gold ones, adding a touch of modern sophistication and sparkle, transforming the mundane into something truly special.
To provide flexibility and a soft, elegant closure for the newly opened closet, I installed a custom rod fashioned from a simple plumbing pipe, which I spray painted for a cohesive finish, sourced from Lowe’s. From this rod hang beautiful white linen IKEA drapes, which can be effortlessly pulled closed when privacy or a tidier appearance is desired. This innovative solution not only maintains the room’s aesthetic but also offers practical versatility, allowing the closet to either be a visual extension of the bedroom or a discreetly tucked-away storage area.
For a comprehensive guide and all the intricate details on our closet makeover, be sure to check out {this post}
However, once you witness the sheer gorgeousness unveiled inside, you’ll understand why anyone would hesitate to close those drapes! The interior itself has become a work of art, designed to be admired.
We already had built-in shelving on the left side of the closet, but its efficiency was severely lacking. The dark, deep cubbies made it difficult to see and access items. My luck turned when I discovered some fantastic fabric bins at Lowe’s that were perfect fits for these shelves! This simple addition revolutionized our closet organization. Now, instead of blindly rummaging through shadowy corners, I can easily pull out a fabric bin and get a clear, effortless view of what’s inside. This practical update not only streamlined our daily routine but also contributed to the overall polished and intentional design of the closet, truly bringing form and function together in a beautiful way.
That gracefully concludes the first chapter of our master bedroom’s transformation. However, our design journey didn’t end there. A few years later, driven by a long-standing desire for a specific bed, I finally invested in the upholstered bed I had always envisioned. This pivotal purchase naturally sparked a second, more subtle room refresh, allowing me to fine-tune the space with a couple of new additions and further refine its serene aesthetic. This second makeover demonstrates how spaces can evolve and adapt over time, reflecting changes in taste and lifestyle while maintaining a cohesive and comforting design.
The centerpiece of this second refresh was undoubtedly {this upholstered bed}, chosen in a versatile neutral fabric. Its classic, simple style is something I absolutely adore, offering a timeless elegance that anchors the room with refined sophistication. With the new bed in place, I also seized the opportunity to update the rug, opting for {this braided jute beauty}. This natural fiber rug adds incredible texture and an organic warmth that perfectly complements the serene palette of the room. You can discover more about its charm and impact in {this post}. Given that our new upholstered bed sits lower to the ground, shorter nightstands became a necessity for optimal functionality and aesthetic balance. I found the perfect solution in {these chic gray nightstands}, which not only fit beautifully in terms of height but also enhance the room’s contemporary feel.
For bedside lighting, I specifically selected {these USB lamps}, a choice driven by the incredible convenience of being able to charge my phone directly at my bedside, a small but significant detail that enhances modern living. The core bedding remained constant, with {this gray linen quilt} continuing to provide comfort and texture. To introduce fresh patterns and layers, I added {this elegant gray and white linen duvet and shams set}, which beautifully complements the existing neutrals. The decorative pillows further elevate the design: {these striking gray and white dragon pillows} add an artistic, whimsical touch, while {this luxurious velvet crosshatch pillow} introduces a subtle richness and tactile appeal, completing a truly inviting bed ensemble.
Many beloved elements from the first makeover seamlessly transitioned into this refreshed design, proving the enduring quality and timelessness of certain pieces. The charming camp stools at the foot of the bed and the elegant scalloped overhead light {found here} both retained their places, continuing to contribute to the room’s character and functionality. To brighten the space and create a lighter, airier feel, I made a key change by swapping out the dark gray drapes for pristine white ones. I chose {these}, which are from the same trusted brand and style as their predecessors, demonstrating their consistent quality and my long-standing preference – they are truly one of my go-to selections for window treatments! This newly refreshed aesthetic beautifully harmonizes with our new master bathroom addition, creating a cohesive and effortless flow between these intimately connected spaces. I am absolutely delighted with how these two areas now complement each other, embodying a unified vision of serene and sophisticated home design.
Thank you for joining me on this detailed tour of our master bedroom’s incredible journey through two distinct yet equally inspiring makeovers. It’s been a pleasure sharing the evolution of this personal sanctuary, from its uninspired beginnings to its current state of refined comfort. We hope our design choices and transformations offer inspiration for your own home decor projects, proving that with vision and thoughtful curation, any space can become a dream retreat. If you’re curious about the specific items featured, everything is meticulously detailed in the comprehensive Source List below, making it easy for you to recreate similar looks in your own home!
XOXO,
Wall Color: Farrow & Ball All White | Closet Wallpaper: Farrow & Ball Paisley wallpaper
Furniture: Headboard was Craigslist find painted with Benjamin Moore Steel Wool | New Upholstered Bed | Vintage chair made over with this paint and buffalo check fabric from McGee & Co. (no longer available) | Original black metal nightstands | New gray painted nightstands | Camp stools (similar) | Dresser (old) with these knobs
Lighting: Brass swing arm sconces | White USB table lamps | Semi flushmount light (available {here} and {here} | Wood lamp on dresser – no longer available
Bedding: Euro sham fabric (gray geometric) | Cream standard shams | Gray & white dragon/floral pillows | Quilt in king (color is Flagstone) | Bed skirt – no longer available | Gray & white patterned linen duvet | Gray velvet crosshatch pillow
Drapes & Rugs: Window drapes (mine are single-width blackout lined) – had Charcoal color first and then White | White closet drapes | Cream braided rug | Diamond jute rug
Mirror, Art, & Frames: Large round mirror | Large floral print by chair (size 18 x 24) | Acrylic and brass frame | Colorful abstract print (16 x 20) | Small lily print (8 x 10)