A couple weeks ago I was on the phone and the person on the other end said to me, “Your style has changed.” At first I thought to myself, “You don’t know what you’re talking about. It has not!”. Then, after checking myself, I realized my style has most certainly changed. From my office / living room makeover, to magazines I’m reading, to the pins I’m posting on Pinterest, I realized I have a whole new appreciation for a different design aesthetic. I think I was initially turned off by the comment because my brain subconsciously thought change equals something bad. However, after letting it sink in for a minute, I realized change is a great thing! Plus design is a journey and a process. I appreciate the fact that my tastes have changed and that I think I’m growing and learning and pushing a little out of my comfort zone. And along the way, I’m discovering myself and learning what I really love. I don’t want to get into too much detail about this year (I’ll save it for another post.), but I felt it was necessary to mention that before getting into the meat of today’s post.
As you may have guessed from the title, I’ve decided to redo my bedroom. I had so much fun creating this space here with you all on IBC, but I’m ready for an update. When I closed my B&B last year, this space became my room as it was the biggest bedroom in the house. Other than getting some new bed linens and adding in a few accessories, I really didn’t change much. So because of that and my new approach to design, I’m ready for a shift.
In fact, you’ll notice this space already looks a little different. (You can see old pictures here and here.) I think it was Tuesday night around 11 pm when I got this brilliant idea to move some furniture around. If you’re new here, my bedroom is actually two rooms. One room is for the bed; the other is a little sitting / clothes storage area. So that evening I switched the two. And to be honest, the switch was kind of genius. Both spaces function so much better now.
The only disadvantage (and the reason these rooms weren’t set up this way initially) is that the front room faces the road and I’m on a semi-busy street. So there is some traffic noise at night, but I’m a heavy sleeper so it really doesn’t bother me. Other than that, it’s perfect.
So today, I thought I would share the basic plans and show you a couple inspiration images. Sound good?
Even though I dread the thought, I’m probably going to paint the walls. I want a color that’s almost white, but a shade different from the trim so it still pops. At this point, I haven’t picked a color. Suggestions are welcome.
With that, I’m probably going to start fresh with new linens and curtains. Don’t worry, I’ll keep my DIY forged nail curtain rods. Obviously artwork and accessories will change too. Maybe even a new chair.
(Oh, and I wanted to point out that my little DIY tabletop cactus garden is totally thriving! I’m so proud of it.)
The biggest change will happen in what used to be the bedroom area. When this house was turned into a B&B, most of the closet spaces were turned into bathrooms, meaning that I have no storage space. Trying to find room for my clothes has been a nightmare from day one. So, this room is going to turn into one big ol’ walk-in closet. And let me tell you, I’m pretty psyched about it.
Lots will change in the space, including installation of some sort of closet system. I’m trying to decide if I want to do something that’s open or something behind doors. I’d like to get a big mirror in here (which I already own) and maybe a really cozy leather chair.
(Yes, that is my coffee table from my living room, which could only mean one thing! Hint. Hint.)
The overall look for this space is going to be calm and relaxed with pops of color and a masculine weirdness. Basically, a space that makes me calm but still super happy. Here are some of the inspiration images I’ve been lusting over.
1. Hommemaker // 2. AMM Blog // 3. Homepolish // 4. SF Girl by Bay // 5. The Design Files // 6. Rue Magazine
Get it? I love inspiration hunting!
Even though it’s bittersweet to change up this space so soon, with a brave new style and a desire to make this home really mine, I’m ready. And I’m thrilled to be able to share it all with you.
Enjoy your weekend! I’ll see you back here Monday. I have a few other home-related projects I’m eager to share with you. Until then . . .
PS. If you haven’t already entered the 1,000th Post iPad Giveaway yet, you can do so here. Thank you so much for sharing in my excitement yesterday!
Love the rustic look of the ladder/shelf and old dresser.
I love what your going to do with your bedroom. I’m jealous, the big room as your walk in closet. I can’t believe your not using the red and white curtains. I loved them ever since our visit. I have them pinned to my bedroom inspiration board. I can’t wait till the big reveal to see what wonderful ideas you come up with.
I absolutely love the clover bed skirt! Where on Earth did you find it?
I can totally relate! I remember seeing Apartment Therapy and thinking “everything looks the same and is so sterile.” Although I now relate my dream style to that of Dana at HouseTweaking… modern lines but pops of color and pattern my change has changed drastically within a few years. I started off pretty country and when I look at past purchases I seriously wonder what I was thinking. Change is good though… otherwise I would still be decorating with beanie babies!
I totally agree. I guess I’ve been on a similar design journey. And yes, Dana is fabulous. I had a chance to meet her recently. She’s a sweetheart.
Have a great weekend!
xo Michael
I cannot wait to see what you do!!! I really love those curtains! Are you going to keep them or re-purpose them into something else???
You mentioned a closet system and I immediately thought about something open where you can see all the clothes beautifully arranged. But I remembered I pinned this: http://www.ikeahackers.net/2013/10/domino-does-a-pax-hack.html
I have been obsessed with the color, the mirrors, the molding…everything. Maybe one side of the room can have some kind of built ins or something behind mirrored doors if you like that sorta thing. IDK, it just makes me giddy when I see it and it could look cool in a closet/room even if the rest of the space has open storage. Excited to see what you come up with!
This made me think of a blog post I read on 10 rooms called getting white right. No, I am not the blogger, but I will leave you the link. Personally, for white I like Farrow and Ball shaded white and dove gray by Benjamin Moore. Love your bed skirt!
http://10rooms.blogspot.com/2011/05/getting-white-right.html
Oh! This is perfect and so helpful! Thank you SO much for sharing!
xo Michael
Too funny you said that! When you posted on IG whether you should make the change I said yes…..and was about to mention the room does not seem to suit your style anymore. But I didn’t say it because I did not want it to seem like I was saying the room was bad……it’s gorgeous!…..just a little different from what I am seeing now. Before I even saw your room inspiration pics I was stuck on the picture with your cactus planter and buddha…..I thought this would be the perfect starting point. Then when I saw your inspiration pics #2 did it for me. Although I have to say I love them all 🙂 I cannot wait to see what marvelous magic you make in this room!
I love your style! Sure wish you would consider re-opening the B&B because I would love to stay in such beautiful rooms!
Change is what I like about your blog. you are always coming up with something new and different instead of being predictable!
oh my – what a lovely room! Every photo makes me hold my breath and clap my hands for excitement at all the cleverness! You’ve provided new inspiration for repurposing my unused shaker quilt hanger. Love your mixture of textiles – my absolute favorite look. So reminiscent of the blends I see from textile designer John Robshaw. yay – awesome!
PS — your chosen inspiration photos have a lot of blue in them.
Perhaps a slightly blue-tinted white might be the color for your walls to make your white architectural woodwork standout. Still light & “white” but without the salmon base that your walls currently have (and I agree that the current salmon-white isn’t working with all your fabulousness).
I would say that your style has evolved (or is evolving). This is as it should be, Michael. Unless you’re stuck in some place in time. The world is changing around us, you’re traveling, experiencing new things (art & museums, other cultures, cities, people, new technology, retrospectives, other designers, music, etc); it’s also been scientifically proven that your eyes will see colors differently as you age (blues/lavenders usually become more appealing – there’s a reason for “blue hair” looking okay to our grannies; they’re not just “living with” a mistake).
These experiences & observations & inspirations SHOULD influence & inspire your esthetic! It shows that you’re ALIVE and GROWING.
To use a cooking metaphor – when you discover (or rediscover) new spices, herbs, or other ingredients, you might use them to improve old dishes or make completely new recipes; you discover a new recipe to add to your repertoire of favorites or to replace an old one. Design is the same thing – constantly adapting, changing, & building on the old.
Life is a roller coaster ride & our design esthetic/styles should reflect that ride (when grounded by a fabulous style/esthetic to begin with, what an incredibly fabulous “ride” it can be).
We should all continue to grow up until the day we leave this world for the next great adventure!
PS – I love the way your style is evolving. Still grounded by your great esthetic that drew so many of us to you in the first place, but with some subtle and interesting nuances.
I love this!! We recently repainted our whole house from colors to neutrals. A great off-white is Valspar Cream in my Coffee, and a really pretty subtle grey is Valspar Filtered Shade. Can’t wait to see when you’re finished!
I’ve only been following you for about 9 mos but I’ve noticed a bit of a change also. And I don’t mean that in a bad way what so ever! Just like hair, makeup, clothes and body shapes our homes change as well. I love everything you do. I love it the first time and if you change it the VERY NEXT DAY I like that also. I’ve never seen the pics of your bedroom before but I’m loving that as much as everything else. So, basically LOVE LOVE LOVE. :o)
Awww! Thanks for all the love Karen! Change can be scary, but I think this is for the best. You might as well love the space you’re living in. Right?
xo Michael
Your inspiration rooms are beautiful. I love how calming they are and then the pops of green and blue. It’s going to be amazing!
Hi,
I’m new here! can I ask what inspired you to close your B&B?
Of course, Barbara. I actually wrote a post about it. You can check that out here: https://inspiredbycharm.com/2013/02/dreams-change-and-thats-okay.html
I think that should cover everything. 🙂
xo Michael
I agree with Karin – the shelf and ladder are absolutely genius! And your Forged Nail Curtain Rods – LOVE! You always inspire me and I can’t wait to see what you decide to do with these rooms.
The shelf and the ladder – genius! I’m always amazed as to what people come up with for a uniqueness that is all their own. Super fab, Michael! Thanks for the inspiration!
Don’t you just love a brainstorm? Love the bedroom as it is, but can hardly wait to see the new linens – glad you’re keeping the rods!
Yeah – I’m not quite ready to get rid of those rods just yet. Plus, I think they still look great.
xo Michael