The Dreamy Transformation Begins
I have always been a design enthusiast, constantly finding ways to put my personal stamp on my living spaces. Whether it’s DIY-ing something I couldn’t find or couldn’t afford, or embarking on a full-blown renovation project, I love the thrill of transforming a space into something truly special. Last year, when my husband and I took on the challenge of renovating a distressed property into an Airbnb, it was a labor of love that ignited my passion for home design even further.
Now, I’m thrilled to share with you the story of my latest project – a complete refresh of our primary bedroom, turning it into a relaxing retreat that’s everything I dreamed of and more. It all started with a mood board, a visual tool that helped me crystallize the calming, cozy vibe I wanted to achieve. Filled with images of soothing colors and natural textures, this mood board became the foundation for my design decisions.
Creating a Soothing Sanctuary
The very first element I chose for the room was a stunning grasscloth wallpaper that now adorns one of the accent walls. As I mentioned on A Life Unfolding, the texture of this wallpaper is simply gorgeous, adding a touch of sophistication that sets the tone for the entire space.
With the wallpaper as my starting point, I built out the rest of the room’s decor, carefully selecting each piece to complement the calming vibe. For the bedding, I kept the classic white quilt and added some cozy accents like the brown Pillow Shams and Bed Blanket from the Nate Berkus line on Amazon. The Green Velvet Bolster from Etsy adds a pop of color and a luxurious feel.
Lighting the Way to Relaxation
One of the biggest challenges in our primary bedroom was the lack of proper lighting. The original builder-grade fixtures were not only outdated but also provided very little illumination, leaving the room feeling dark and dreary. This made it difficult to read or work comfortably. To remedy this, I turned to Kuzco Lighting, who gifted me a beautiful Rubio fan in white that has a built-in light. I’m a huge fan (pun intended) of having a ceiling fan in the bedroom for sleeping, and this one has been a game-changer, adding both function and a touch of style.
I also incorporated dimmers on the lighting, which may seem like a small detail, but it truly makes a world of difference in creating the perfect ambiance. And to top it off, we’re adding a pair of sconces above the end tables this week, which will make reading and working from bed even more enjoyable.
Solving the Open Doorway Dilemma
Another issue I wanted to address in our primary bedroom was the open doorway leading to the bathroom. As I mentioned on A Life Unfolding, this open layout never felt comfortable, as I could see straight out to the patio and even the lake beyond. To remedy this, we decided to install a sliding door, which was a more practical solution than a pocket door that would have required construction on the closets.
Emtek generously gifted us the beautiful sliding barn door hardware to bring this plan to life, and I couldn’t be happier with the result. Now, I can enjoy the privacy and seclusion of my bedroom retreat without any unwanted distractions.
Cozy Comforts and Personalized Touches
No bedroom oasis is complete without a cozy chair for enjoying a morning cup of coffee or simply taking in the tranquil view. This Modern Barrel Swivel Chair from Wovenbyrd is the perfect spot for me to relax and unwind. Paired with a concrete wood-looking end table, it creates a truly inviting little nook.
To add personal touches, I’ve incorporated some framed prints from Artfully Walls, and I even repurposed a couple of grasscloth-covered end tables that I had in storage. A bit of paint in the perfect shade of SW Retreat transformed them into the perfect companions for my new retreat.
Layering Textures and Patterns
To anchor the space and bring it all together, I chose an oversized floral print rug that adds a bold, statement-making element. As I mentioned on A Life Unfolding, the rug is a queen-size, but I opted for an 8×10 to ensure it looks proportionate to the room.
The final touch was the window coverings. I wanted to let in as much natural light as possible, so I hung the curtain rods high and wide, allowing the sheer panels to “kiss” the ground. This creates an airy, elegant look that perfectly complements the tranquil atmosphere I’ve cultivated throughout the space.
A Retreat Worth Celebrating
I’m so thrilled with how this project turned out, and I have to extend a big thank you to the amazing companies that helped make it all possible – Emtek, Wovenbyrd, Kuzco Lighting, Benjamin Moore, and Handy Products. Their generous support and collaboration have truly transformed our primary bedroom into the relaxing retreat of my dreams.
As I sit here, sipping my morning coffee in my cozy swivel chair, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of gratitude and pride. This space is a reflection of my personal style and the hard work that went into bringing it to life. It’s a true oasis, a place where I can unwind, recharge, and escape the stresses of the day.
And who knows, perhaps this is just the beginning. Maybe there are more tranquil retreats in our future, as we continue our journey of renovating and refreshing our home with ABC Home. One thing is for certain, though – this primary bedroom refresh has set the bar high, and I can’t wait to see what other inspiring transformations lie ahead.
