We answer Wednesday - Ideas for a Large Master Bedroom

“I have a very spacious bedroom but never know what to do with the space, other than my bed, dresser and night stands. What suggestions do you have?”

Having a spacious bedroom is such a luxury, lucky you!  There are a  lot of options that come with having a large bedroom. Here are a few ideas for you:

1. A home office space, having a work space in the bedroom is not necessarily for everyone but we love a tidy work space in the bedroom, especially if you have the space! Try adding a beautiful chair and a small table to create a home office area. Of course, we always encourage a beautiful space wherever possible… so try not to have too much chunky furniture. At the end of the day, the master bedroom is still the main focal point of this space so we don't want to have the focus on the desk/chair as much. We just want the entire space to be cohesive. A glass desk is a great option because it is not intrusive and very neutral.
    
2. A seating area:  a reading area is so nice in a bedroom. Depending on just how much space you have you can have a variety of furniture pieces. Adding 2 club chairs with a side table and lamp is a beautiful option for a bedroom. Adding a chaise lounge is another beautiful furniture option. These come in a variety of luxurious fabrics and patterns, something will definitely be a complement to your space. Also depending on how much space you have you could try adding a sofa.
   
3. Custom built ins: having extra storage is always a bonus - in every home! Having some extra clothing storage done in a nice finish will enhance the style and function of the room. This is also a rest space for the TV to be built in to. 
   
4. Depending on the structure of your home and of course budget,  adding a fireplace is a beautiful feature in a spacious master bedroom. There are many styles and finishes that can be done to make this a focal point of a room!
    

We Answer Wednesday - How to Update My Daughter's Bedroom Decor

My 11 year old daughter really wants me to update her bedroom.  She's 'over' the Disney Princess theme.  I want to update her room, I agree with her - it's time but I would like some ideas on how to make updates that will grow with her over time instead of needing another massive makeover in about 5 years.

They grow up so quickly don't they!  When you first set up your son or daughter's room we tend to go all out with a theme (and we go all out!!) and we soon realize that they have out grown that theme but our cash flow just can;t keep up!!

Having a room that transitions well from stage to stage is the way to go.

Here are some great tips!!

1 - Themes.  Stay away from specific themes. They out grow those themes so quickly. So use your child's interests to compliment instead of dominate. Instead of a theme like Princess try a colour palette instead.



2 - Furniture.  Opt for 'adult' furniture instead of children's furniture.  It is better quality and your daughter will grow into it.  A Full size or Queen size bed, for instance, may seem too big now but when she is 16 or 17 it won't.  Also opt for neutral tones furniture - a white bed is easy to work with in the future, a bright pink bed isn't! We also love the storage space that an 'adult' size dresser offers, now it may be partially empty but that will change before you know it!



3 - Walls. Instead of one big bold colour like hot pink or deep purple on all of the walls, only accent one wall (ideally the wall behind the headboard).  Paint or wallpaper that one wall and keep the others neutral.  If she changes her mind about that colour or design - it's only one wall to change!



4 - Sections.  Make functional areas in the room, so add a workspace (we love a desk with a fun chair), think dressing area (a small corner with a full length mirror by the closet and/or armoire) perhaps a chair to lay her clothes out the night before or for reading and storage for clothing, books and more.



5 - Art.  Instead of Disney vinyl wall decals or canvas art pieces try framed pieces instead.  They can be changed up very easily! Frame posters too - it looks so much better!



6 - Accessories. The easiest and most affordable way to update any room! Decor pillows, lamp, chandelier, art - these small pieces make a big difference in the room and are a great way to embrace a theme without completely committing to one!



7 - Personal touches.  Add some personal touches to the space - try changing out hardware on your dresser, a faux fur accent rug, a bulletin board is a great space to add photos and other memorabilia





Remember when it comes to decorating don't be afraid to 'go outside of the box'.  Who says a girl's bedroom has to be pink, purple or floral .  You can do anything you want!

Small Bedrooms with Big Style

When it comes to decorating your bedroom, the possibilities are really endless.  It is your own private retreat from the rest of the world - so it really is YOUR space! This is the perfect blank canvas to express your personal style and surround yourself with what you love!

Forget the 'rules' and go for it! Colour, pattern, print, texture...all at once, why not?

Not sure what do to? Here are some ideas to get you started

1. ACCENT WALL - This can be as bold or as subtle as you like.  It's up to you.  An accent wall in the bedroom is best located where the headboard will be - for maximum impact.  Wallpaper is a great option but paint is too.  We love the softness of a understated accent wall. This is a great example of a tone on tone bedroom with a romantic touch



But you can also be bold and expressive with deep or bright colours and print. this deep Sapphire blue painted accent wall adds some punch to the room




Another great way to make a statement on your headboard wall is with a gallery wall.  A collection of art, photos and more is so special and personal and ideal for a bedroom. What's great about the gallery wall in this room is the mix of frames - the white frames blend in with the wall colour so you don't get a cluttered look.




2 - OVER SIZED ART - in any space adds instant luxury and make a room look and feel expensive.  Like an accent wall it can be bold or subtle and it makes impact but you don't need the commitment of paint or wallpaper.



3 - SIMPLE YET STYLISH BEDDING - it never goes out of style so you could invest (you will notice a difference in feel and quality).  Plain white has that boutique hotel look but if that's too simple for you opt for a clean and crisp design (stripe, chevron or a clean floral). If you like a little more colour and pattern in your bedding opt for a throw blanket or quilt at the foot at the bed and some throw pillows.



 4 - LIGHTING - make a statement with some amazing lighting.  A chandelier over the bed is a great touch but if you don't have that ability try some sconces (perfect for reading and for smaller bedrooms) or some incredible table lamps. Even with recessed lighting you will want to bedside lighting for reading and other tasks.  Layering your light allows more light in the room.



5 - INCREDIBLE HEADBOARD - a headboard is another great way to make a statement and express your personal style.  We are seeing over sized, tufted, printed, leather, wing back, nailheads, reclaimed barn wood and so many more.  The headboard is a great focal point in the room and you can get so creative with it.



6 - FLANKING MIRRORS AND ART - this adds that instant 'designer look' to your bedroom.  By flanking either matching mirrors or coordinating art work on either side of the bed above the bedside tables, you get an elevated look. Plus it helps visually widen the room.

 

7 - STORAGE WITH STYLE - we all need storage in our bedrooms but in a smaller bedroom storage is a must.  Since your storage pieces will be on display be sure to find attractive ones - a beautiful jewelry box, a dish for everyday jewelry pieces, hat boxes for belts and scarves, end tables with a drawer and an open space for reading materials are some great ideas. Under the bed is a great space for luggage or clear plastic bins for seasonal items - hide that area with a bed skirt.



8 - ACCESSORIES - have a way of pulling a room together.  Accessories also are a great way to show off your taste, talents and interest.  You don't want to go over board but a few well placed accessories can go a long way! We love basics like plants, candles and photo frames but look for cool items that speak to you. We also love a great area rug to add some softness to the room plus you can get really creative with colour, pattern and texture.




No matter the size of your bedroom, it should be your oasis to escape from it all!

We Answer Wednesday - 5 Headboards for the Bedroom

“I am in the process of decorating my bedroom. I don’t currently have a headboard but it’s something I’ve been looking for. I just can’t decide what style I like. What are my options?”

Great question! A head board is often a focal point in the bedroom, so we understand wanting to choose the perfect style for your space! Choosing “staple” pieces for your home can be a daunting task, there is so much to choose from and so many to love! Believe me, we get that. 

 

The most important thing is that your new headboard suits your space. Of course mixing styles is a fabulous idea and one we definitely recommend. While it may be a contrasting style, it has to flow and be harmonious. Having a random item that doesn’t seem to go with anything else will stand out like a sore thumb. If you are starting from scratch, you have tons of choices! If you have existing décor in the space, our challenge now is to make your space beautiful and cohesive.

Headboards come in all shapes, sizes, colours, textures, materials and with varying detail work. Narrow down what you like. Do you like button tufting? Great! We have a jumping off point. Are you into reclaimed wood? Fabulous! What tone and texture will complement your room?

Having a certain décor style that you like will help with this process. If your home has a country flair or if it’s contemporary, try to stay true to those styles.

Here are some suggestions for headboard styles.

Leather: this is a classic choice and will go with most décor styles. Depending on the colour you chose and the detail work, certain aspects will sway a leather headboard. A white leather headboard is typically a very modern look. Black or Brown leather is a more masculine fabric. A leather headboard is a safe option for a space. 

 

Nail Head: This is a very nice touch to add to a room. A more contemporary/traditional option but can work with a more rustic décor when mixed with the right pieces. A nailhead detail is a beautiful option, the nailheads can be brass, chrome, brushed nickel or gold. Choose something that will go with the existing hardware in your room (maybe dresser pulls or door knobs?). BUT you don’t have to. We are also big fans of mixing metals. Nailhead detail works on both fabric and leather.

 

Button Tufting: Similar to a nailhead detail in the sense that is versatile. This is a great option with a traditional or country room. The detail is a bit more fussy than a nailhead but still a great choice! Play with colour when choosing this style! Button tufting is great on leather and fabric as well.

 

Fabric: The material options are extensive. So are the colour and pattern options. Depending on your style, fabric is a fabulous way to incorporate a unique element into your room. And for the savvy DIY-er, also relatively easy to upholster an existing headboard and customize it with your own fabric and details.

 

Wood: Wood is a fabulous option for a country or rustic/industrial style home. What's most interesting about this is how authentic and natural it looks. There are so many stains, washes, textures etc. with wood so you can be super creative. The various tones available are too many to count and having a natural element in your space is a great way to bring the outdoors in!

 

Play with colour! Play with height! Play with shapes! There are SO many choices, do some research and see what speaks to you. Then go from there! Recognize what your style is and then build off of that. Be creative!