Design on a Dime: Ideas

Our bedroom is in desperate need of a makeover.

Ever since I saw Katie's post about her fabric choice for her nursery, I haven't been able to get the whole yellow & gray combo out of my mind. It's a perfect gender neutral choice for a nursery, but it's also a sophisticated and chic option for grown ups.

We bought our King sized bed right before Liam was born, but we never bought any linens. We had a King sized quilt that we had used on our Queen sized bed (sans bedskirt) but it ended up getting used to help move furniture when we refinished the hardwood floors (Oh, wasn't that fun?) which resulted in some pretty large holes.

The master bedroom has been our bedroom, Liam's bedroom, the dining room and the playroom for almost 6 months. It hasn't been neat or put together in a long time. But as we transition Liam into his own room this weekend (Yes, we're finally doing it at 5 1/2 months, don't judge!) I'm really wanting to reclaim this space and make it a room that is relaxing and appealing. We need a change.

Ahhh, but the cost.

We have a baby. I'm only working about 11 hours a week. Our makeover is not going to come via shopping spree at Pottery Barn, West Elm or Williams-Sonoma Home. Instead, I've been scouring Etsy for ideas, DIY tutorials online & local discount home stores to see what I can find. I have some ideas for upcoming projects (upholstered headboard, custom bedskirt & curtains, refinishing a vintage chair & lamps) and I thought it would be fun to blog as I go, then reveal some before and after pics when we're done.

So, on with the updates!

Last week, we bought new linens-- I'd had my eye on several things at Garnet Hill, but they're just too expensive. Props to Target for having some great inexpensive alternatives!

The linens are now complete, other than getting a yellow throw to go at the foot of the bed to tie in the yellow pillows. I have my eye on this one from Pottery Barn-- just waiting for a sale & one of my mom's preferred customer reward certificates to help make it happen.

We've been searching for a paint color to go with the bedding:

After putting 10 swatches on the wall, I think we've settled on one!

(The bottom row, far right)

I'd like to make an upholstered headboard (like one of these), so I've ordered swatches of these two fabrics to see if either of them will work with the linens and paint we've picked. (REALLY hope the first one works.) Additionally, since the quilt doesn't quite cover our box springs (which are an awesome shade of mauve), I'd like to make a tailored box pleat bedskirt. After making Liam's, it should be easy.

That's our progress so far. Once we get the fabric swatches and make a decision if they will work, I hope to move forward with the painting-- maybe as early as this weekend! Also, I have some great lamps that were a steal on ebay on their way to me right now. They'll need a serious paint job but it will be worth it-- I'll be sure to post some before and after pics.

Hope you enjoy watching our bedroom transformation-- I know I will!