I set out to design a master bedroom that was both masculine and feminine. Layering color, textures, patterns and prints helped me to do so. The crisp white walls, delicate chandelier, and intricate gold frames brought the feminine vibe, and the dark rug, black pinstripes on the bedding and the heavy slate drapes added the masculine touch. The pinstripe suiting material on the rounded slipper chairs is a bit of both! The prints and colors may all vary, but since they are still in the same palette they all work well together.
After much debate we finally decided to paint the room a crisp white. Now I realize that doesn’t sound like the most exciting choice, but white can have a pretty dramatic affect. Color does not have to come from painting the walls. We can also bring color to a space in the accessories and allow the walls to be the backdrop where these details can pop.
These end tables were the perfect size for our room; they just needed a little sprucing up. A fresh coat of paint and new hardware gave the tables a crisp updated look.
Art is important for any room, but when the room is surrounded by beautiful picture molding it is essential! Frames sit in the grooves of the molding making nails and holes in the wall obsolete. This also allows you the opportunity to layer artwork and pictures as well as giving you the ability to change the look easily. The prints seen here are hand painted silk screens that I picked up on my last trip to India. I brought them back and had them professionally matted and framed.
Window treatments were really important for this room for a few reasons; warmth, privacy and the visual effect. I chose these slate velvet drapes from Pottery Barn to help achieve this. The heavy material helps keep in the heat and the dark slate color helps break up the wall and adds the much needed drama to an all white room. Our bedroom windows face two other buildings, and I didn’t want to have the curtains drawn at all times to maintain our privacy. I was fortunate enough to have my mother make us roman shades. We chose a light transparent white linen so that light can shine through the room during the day without having to lose any privacy.
Lighting also really impacts the room. Gray bedside lamps flank the bed. We changed the ceiling fixture to this crystal chandelier. The antique brass compliments our room since the home already has vintage brass doorknobs. It also allowed me to keep the antique gold detailing throughout as seen in both the framed artwork above the bed and in the frames found on the night stands.
Before
After
This room has come a long way and it's only halfway finished. We will be building out the other side of the room so that we have more closet space. I hope to be sharing that transformation soon!