Master Bedroom in Transition »

Reader, Shannon, has a master bedroom that is currently in transition. She had just purchased new bedding and pillows and is looking to tie it all together. You can see the room as-is in the picture below.

Here are my observations:

I love the matching nightstands and lamps on either side, but the lamps are too small for the size of the room. Plus, they have no form.

The sconces look outdated. At best, they could be pulled down lower, much closer to the nightstands to make it more intimate. If they were spray-painted in a shiny bright color, that could help bring them to date.

The room lacks pattern and color.

Here is the inspiration board I put together for Shannon to show that her room has style, color and pattern. Here is how she can achieve that:

A pale green wall color would be a great way to modernize the zebra print. I suggest adding this subtle paint treatment (as seen on HGTV) with a lighter shade to add interest to the boxy room. {HGTV}

A green bench anchors the green in the room, and adds another formal touch. {target}

Formal pillows play nice with the bold zebra print and bring the brown and green together. {target and target}

Make the couch or bench look inviting with a mustard-yellow throw. {target}

The lamps next to the bed need to be weightier because the furniture in the room is weighty. These lamps are fun AND traditional, and they add warmth to the room. {wal-mart}

The large wall could use some color. This print ties the brown, yellows, greens and reds in one place. {cost plus world market}

Because the wall is large, the print may need some help filling the space. I chose two fabrics by Amy Butler in a vintage frame to help tie the colors together, and add weight to the focal wall above the bed. {fabric.com}

Glass fixtures add color and help set the tone. {bed bath and beyond}

Because the bedding is all one solid color, I suggest tucking a pattern underneath with fun sheets. These colors peeking out add personality to the room. {overstock.com}

What do you think? What would you add?

Bedside Reminders »

Just in case we forget what side of the bed we sleep on…