Month: January 2013

      Where to begin my tale of the re-vamp?  Well, if you’ve seen any of the other re-vamp posts like the kitchen, dining room, living room, office or guest bathroom or guest bedroom…then you already know that when we got married, I left my perfectly wonderful home (in my mind) to move into his.  I put my things in storage, rented it out and stuffed myself into someone else’s world.

      How romantic! Not so much.  The house was so naked and sterile that it freaked me out when I first met him.  It was too perfect, simple, clean, organized…the soup cans were even lined up too perfectly! (A sign of deep rooted control issues… didn’t you watch Sleeping With the Enemy?!)

 Eventually I realized he was somewhat sane and we were married, so there I was…moving into this white house with white furniture, no warmth, no fun.

     Jazzy and I tiptoed around on eggshells feeling uncomfortable in a new place, but then when we adopted Bella it really helped to break down the need for everything to be perfect because it clearly would never be. (Do you know any chihuahuas ???)

     As far as this bedroom goes, I wanted to be fair and not make it too girly for a grown man, so I decided that black painted walls in Francesca by Martha Stewart would be perfect for us.

     The kitchen is black and there is a black accent wall in the living room, so the black flows well enough with the rest of the house.

     I created a black canopy over the otherwise bland headboard to create the illusion of layering and depth.  I used a wall sconce to hold the fabric.  I may do a D-I-Y post on the canopy in the future if anyone cares!

     I used the bench for the foot of the bed, that was originally in the living room.  We needed it for depth, to dress up the bed, and of course, a place to sit while putting on your Spanx!  The detail in the 30 year old piece adds a high end, old world charm.

Setting the dresser top was simple.  I used an old lead crystal lamp that’s been stored in a closet for almost two years.  The statue belonged to my mom and I used old crystal candlestick holders that were also tucked away unused.  The perfume tray is perfect being out in the open, so I can throw on a scent before running out the door.  I think it looks cute and girly, too!

     The tiny snow scene art collection has been stored in a closet and is something I already owned.  I was actually thinking of using it in our bedroom when I chose the paint color.

     The large gold mirror next to the bed is something I’ve also had for years!

I feel the need to disclose that this bedroom revamp cost less than $400.  We all could decorate fabulously if we had an endless supply of funds with which to squander on luxuries.  Living well on a budget is an art!

    The paint job took 2 cans of paint.  The only new things that were purchased were the lamp shades, the mirrors above each nightstand, the comforter and a few pillows a well as the wall sconce and curtains hanging from it. Everything was less than $400.  

     I really, really loathe the prospect of showing a before photo but I suppose I should for contrast.

      That bedroom made me cringe every time I walked into it.  It had no heart.  It wasn’t cozy or fun.

The new look flows more with the house, it’s fun and cozy and functional and it didn’t cost a lot to transform into a happier space!  

   Dark wood flooring is on my list for next year, for the entire house, however the master bathroom is next on the re-vamp project list for now!

     I love doing the blog posts because it forces me to stick with the time lines and goals I set for myself.  I would be interested in your comments on the project!

-January 22, 2013

–SDS