I first, and last, shared a complete tour of my master bedroom waaaay back in 2010.
It was a time when I still ignored the kid’s department in Kmart, thought ‘twitter’ was simply the sound a bird made, could wear a white shirt and keep it clean all day long, and had no idea how to use my DSLR camera (not that I really know how to use it now)!
Anyhoo, since then my decorating tastes, and I’d like to think my photography skills too, have evolved somewhat so over the past few months I’ve been refreshing my bedroom and thought it was finally time I made the bed properly and shared it already!
As with most of the spaces in my home, small proportions and some funny angles make it a little tricky to capture with a camera though hopefully you’ll get the general gist :-)
I know that to some people it’s mundanely practical and somewhat boring, though throughout my home I purposefully use a predominately neutral scheme and fairly timeless main pieces for a few reasons; one) to ensure I don’t tire of my surroundings too quickly, two) so things aren’t out-dated in five minutes, three) to make refreshing my spaces easy, fast and affordable – some different wall art, a throw pillow or two, fresh décor accents and a new occasional piece is sometimes all that’s needed to rejuvenate a room completely.
Well, my logic may just have worked in the master bedroom where I’ve created a renewed look with some extra depth and interest more in-keeping with my current eclectic(ish) farmhouse(y) style without touching the neutral canvas and main furnishings. I’ve simply added a distressed green bench seat, charcoal ticking sheets, some new décor accents and different wall art.
When I originally posted about my bedroom a few years ago, the framed coloured maps (which are actually sheets of gift wrap) were a pretty popular feature, and whilst I did really like them, in the overall scheme of my bedroom, to me, they always seemed a little too competitive – I wanted my framed map of Paris to be the star and set the tone. So, whilst the map gallery would make a lovely feature elsewhere, for the bedroom I decided to switch it out for something more simple and subdued.
At the moment I’m kinda obsessed with indoor greenery. Ferns are my main weakness though I’m also loving the simplicity of cut fronds and foliage. For me their natural presence always imparts a fresh, homey feel, and plunged in water they can last for up to four weeks. Most people have free and easy access to at least one appropriate tree or shrub which also makes them obtainable and super thrifty!
Along with the greenery I’ve also included more gold and brass accents to tie-in with my DIY headboardy-type thingo. And there are little clusters of vintage books and a smattering of glassware – two of my go-to décor elements…they just seem to work so well wherever they land!
I know that to many people the changes may seem fairly insignificant, though the subtle updates have contented me (for now!).
I still have plans to add some new curtains (I’m thinking either something linen-y or green-ish) and perhaps in the future even a timber framed bed, though we’ll see.
If you’re after information on any of my bedroom sources or DIY projects check out the ‘At a Glance’ section below.
Hope you like my little updates :-)
SOURCES
FURNISHINGS: Armoire – eBay ($90) Chest of Drawers – eBay ($60) Timber Side Cabinet – eBay ($50) Distressed White Cabinet – eBay ($60) Bench Seat – Yarra Valley Antique Centre ($70) Step Stool – Yarra Valley Antique Centre ($40)
DÉCOR: Rug – IKEA ($130 Tarnby) Ceiling Fan – Beacon Lighting (gift) Lamps – Recollections (gift) Ticking Sheets – EziBuy ($70 on sale) Quilt Cover – Bed, Bath and Table ($90 on clearance) Curtains – IKEA ($12 Vivan) Gal Tub – Paper Occasions (gift) Vintage Alarm Clock – How Bazaar Antiques ($4) Cable Knit Throw – Spotlight ($25)
PROJECTS
Robe Door Update
Bamboo Window Valance
Chalky Washed Armoire
DIY Large Scale Framed Map Headboard
Distressed White Cabinet
Mini Card File Drawers
Dark Stained Side Cabinet
Library Style Chest of Drawers
DIY Linen Throw Blanket
How did you manage to find such great eBay finds? Do you have any particular tricks to find good deals there?
Everything looks beautiful!
Hi Bailey
Finding good stuff for a great price on eBay can take a fair bit of patience and persistence though is totally do-able and rewarding.
Here in Australia we don’t really have Craig’s List so eBay, and another site called GumTree (which is more Craig’s List like), are the go-tos. I like eBay because it’s so easy to navigate and the listings are generally clear.
I always search using a location filter (so I know I can collect in person to save on shipping costs) and often filters for category and price too. Check out my FAQ’s page for more detailed info.
Kristine
This is my first time reading your blog. You do such an excellent job with your before and after pics, just enough verbiage to explain, and your summary of where things came from and costs! So charming too! I subscribed !
Thanks so much Peggy. Glad to have you on board :-)
I have been searching high and low for THIS map of France may I ask PLEASE where did you find yours??
Hi Cassandra
My map was a DIY (you can read more about it here – it’s an older post so the tutorial isn’t as good as my current ones). Are you looking for a hardcopy or digital version?
Kristine
Love this bedroom, so calm and peaceful. I, too, like the neutral palette – so easy to change the look by adding a few bits and pieces in a different colour to change the look. I have to stop myself changing the doona cover or throws seasonally!!
You have inspired me to buy a maidenhair fern and the effect is so pretty, I’m going back to get a couple more! Such a quick and pretty accessory. Thank you!
When you buy on ebay such as the armoir, is it a local seller or does the individual actually ship something like that to you?
Hi Jennifer
When shopping for furniture through eBay I only ever look locally so I know I can collect the item in person. There is a search filter which allows you to customise item location based on your postal code.
Kristine
I’ve always wanted to use an electric saw to cut wood. Would you give me you opinion on what kind you use, and did how you came to use one? Did someone teach you, or did you go to a ‘home depot’ and they showed you how to use one? Thank you, Sincerely, ES
Hi Eva
By ‘electric saw’, do you mean a table/bench saw? Or are you referring to a mitre saw or drop saw? Or a track saw or circular saw?
Kristine