Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Our Blank Slate Master Bedroom


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A couple of months ago, I wrote an article for HGTV.com that focused on master bedroom decorating ideas for small, medium and large budgets.

And while I was thrilled about the opportunity- I did have to chuckle a bit when presented with the assignment because, you see, I myself don't actually have a beautifully-decorated master bedroom yet.

(We shot the following video last Fall, and although we do have new flooring in the room now- everything else still remains unfinished. Blech!)



Soooo, since our master bedroom isn't even close to being done, my contact at HGTV.com suggested I use some photos of our guest bedroom in the article instead.

But I needed a few more photos of a couple different rooms, so like any master bedroom-less girl writing an article about pretty master bedrooms would do, I reached out to a couple of friends that do have finished master bedrooms!

The first was my friend Erin.
And even though she was super pregnant at the time, she still managed to run around the room and shoot a trillion beautiful pics for me...

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Isn't it loverly!?
I adore the board and batten wall treatment, the layered bedding and the antique bed!

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The next was my friend Brooke.
Check out the photos she hooked me up with...

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Can you imagine waking up to that awesome view?

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It was such a treat to write about both of their beautiful rooms!

Now if I could just talk them both into coming over to help me work on my bedroom.



Speaking of which- what color do you think we should paint it?
We're ready and rarin' to start re-doin'!



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80 comments:

Karena said...

Layla, I love the choices you picked from your friends, how better to get inspired. I know I am!!

Karena
Art by Karena

Sandra said...

Wow- what beautiful bedrooms. The tree outside of the second room is breath taking, and I love the style of both. I don't think I'd ever leave either of those rooms!

Talk about inspiration!

As for colours for your own master bedroom? Whatever suits your mood and sets the room to be a tranquil escape for you two. Besides, you can always repaint if you don't like it.

gretchen said...

Beautiful bedrooms!
The light from the windows was lovely...as long as you can block it out for sleeping!

Dreamy Whites said...

Hello Layla and Kevin,
I love all your friends beautiful bedrooms. I can't wait to see what you guys do to your bedroom!!!!
I am now subscribed to your blog by email!! : )))
Take Care,
Maria

The Little Red Shop said...

What lovely bedrooms, indeed...but does Brooke live in Jurassic Park? That tree is insane!

: )

Julie M.

ps Butter. My room is a light butter...it's really pretty and refreshing in the morning.

Kerri - Driftwood Interiors said...

Oh Layla, you have some seriously stylish friends there! After posting these pics, how could you paint your bedroom any colour but white? But that's just my humble opinion, it's obvious from your beautiful blog that you have impeccable taste, so anything you choose will look amazing. Kerri xx

Julie B. [Holland] said...

Kevin and Layla,
I think a soft blues and whites with touches of creams and tan/brown. Kind of carrying on the beachy/cottagey feel. ( sky , clouds, and sand)

BUT Im sure whatever you decide will be amazing like the rest of your home.Best of luck! Looking forward to seeing the process.... Julie in Holland ;)

Woven and Spun said...

I am so loving that huge bedroom with the fireplace and great windows! Dreamy.
Hey, have you seen those bedrooms where they put a wall behind the bed & have a walk-in closet behind the wall? Is your room big enough for that? That would solve the problem of all the closet doors & give you space for the bed all in one shot.
No matter what you do though, I'm confident that you will make it look amazing : )

Alyssa said...

LOVE IT! That tree is the best! It's like right from a story book ;)Alyssa

My Cottage Charm said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Sarah AKA The Thriftress said...

Your friends live in magazines!! What simply gorgeous MBRs.
Sarah

My Cottage Charm said...

wow...that one bedroom with the fireplace is just amazing...what a tree! That thing must be 300 years old! lol
You certainly have a dilema with where to put your bed...not a fun problem to have. You could always use dummy panels and make the windows "look" like they're centered...but you probably already thought of that. What's behind the walls...ie...could you steal some space from another room for closets on a different wall so you could have the closet wall for your bed? Just random thoughts here. :)
As for color...since your house is a def cottage, beachy theme, I would go with a soft sky blue, or a sandy beach color... OR you could just go with the all white look and add pops of subtle beachy colors here and there. :)
Gotta run! Hey, I have a giveaway over at my blog if you'd like to come take a look or tell your buddies. :)
Have a blessed day
Melissa

Jennifer said...

Amazing bedrooms! Both are stunning, but not gaudy. With inspiration like that I am ready to redo our room now! (it's still a year down the road).

I found paint color by Benjamin Moore that I am totally in love with ... white chocolate. I think it would make for a perfect wall color and then you could add pops of color through art, bedding and curtains.

Looking forward to seeing what you decide.

Kare said...

Whatever you do, I know it will be amazing! You two have so much fun together...it's so adorable!

Anonymous said...

Marc and I started on ours last weekend. So far we only have white walls. Hmmmm. I look forward to your post friend!

Sjn said...

I love spa blues for a bedroom, so relaxing a color. We just painted ours this past winter, "gentle cream", to go with my B&W Toile bedding with red touches in the room. Have fun with it!

Amber Polk said...

I wish I had friends that had rooms like that! I would visit a lot more often... :)

As for bedroom wall color, I'm in love with blue-gray's right now. Also silver wall paint. I would have never thought to use it, but I've been seeing it a lot more often and it's gorgeous!

Erin @ The Impatient Gardener said...

Shocking red!

Just kiddin'.

geri said...

Layla.
The bedrooms are so soothing and breezy feeling.What's not to love.
I have a similar problem with no wall to fit a queen bed.
I put chunky shuters (from the dumpster) on either side of the window( all my windows are different sizes no less)with a very thin sheer curtain. Kinda focal point, no headboard.
Once I see what the cottage decorating wizards come up with I am sure I will be fine tuning my room.
You and Kevin have the most creative ways of not spending a lot and having it look like a MILLION bucks.
I have been thinking of using BEHR's Waterfall Mist..W-D-510
Happy Renovating.I can see on the video how excited you both are to dive right in. geri.

(You DO NOT NEED A DIET!
You look so thin and cute in your video.)

Shar said...

Stick with the beachy theme; light and airy. Don't go too dark. You will quickly grow tired of that. Is there anywhere you could place your bed on an angle? Can't wait to see what you do...

Kimba said...

Hey girl! We're on the same page. Today, I started writing about our master bedroom and tomorrow I'm going to post pictures of the current (pitiful) state of things.

We have all the same problems...mostly because our whole house IS new construction. The sea of drywall effect, the smooshy, bumpy ceilings, the oddly placed doors and windows that leaves me 1 wall where I can put the bed. Of course, it's not the wall I would choose.

I would LOVE to rip up our blah/bland carpet and put in hardwood. But with the other projects we have going on right now, I won't even try convince hubby to take on another one.

So I'll be trying to prettify our bedroom while still living with the carpet and lack of architecture...at least until we're ready for another big project.

Anonymous said...

how 'bout something a bit 'moody' for your master bedroom? we've tried so many different paint shades over the years, for our master bedrooms, and the latest is probably my favorite. i don't recall the name of it, but it's a grey-brown, medium tone. so it has depth & warmth.. w/out being dark. think something like that would go great in your beautiful cottage. but i'm sure whatever you choose Layla, it'll be awesome!
:)

Robyn said...

What awesome rooms...they made me drool...LOL!!! Wanted to let you know that I've followed your blog for a while now and totally love it! I have started one of my own and would love for you to stop by for a visit...keep in mind I'm just starting out so it's not too much to brag about at the moment...but we all have to start somewhere, right? www.foresthillsroad.blogspot.com Thanks, Robyn and Daisy Mae

judi said...

hey layla & kevin,
you two always make me chuckle with your videos...love them!

the two bedrooms were so incredibly beautiful. brooke's "tree house" view was phenomenal. i so wanted to leave the rafters showing in our bedroom when we "had" to redo it when a neighbor's tree fell on the roof but alas I was outnumbered by those without the "vision"...lol.
i am so infatuated with board and batten now that I am itching to get some on my walls...ugh- the time factor comes into play, so it will wait.
keep those inspirational ideas coming...they make my heart beat, my eyes light up and my vision grow!

look forward to your blank slate turning into something bee-A-u-tee-full!
judi ;)
the1829farmhouse.blogspot.com

Cottage Dreamers said...

Oh boy! I've been waiting for this! Color? Hmmm...I don't know, but I know you'll pick something great. I'm so excited to see what you do!!!
☺ Celeste

Christie said...

I thought I read on one of your posts that you like greens and blues. What about a light green? I like Sherwin Williams Celery.

P.S. I am a new subscriber to your blog, but I have been following you for a couple months now (found you thru My Sweet Savannah). I love, love, love your style!! Thanks for sharing!

sara@augustfields said...

hi layla!

i can not wait to see what you do to your master bedroom....it will be great. :) i too love erin's and brooke's. VERY good inspiration!

have a great day :)
sara

Anonymous said...

HATE bumpy ceilings - especially in a bedroom where you see it first thing.

What is above that ceiling? If it is a pitched roof could you expose it? If you have to take down or cover up the bumps, why not go the whole way?

I'm really looking forward to seeing what you do!

Tricia Rose
http://cabinonthewater.blogspot.com

Barb- NICUGypsy said...

you have great inspiration to work with! I have fallen in love with turquoise! Check out Erin's blog for some color combination ideas......the color is calm, cool and fits in with your cottage feel. We are working on a nursery now and using turquoise as gender neutral background! I know whatever you choose will be outstanding, I am always inspired by your choices.

barb

angela walker jewelry said...

Both bedrooms are gorgeous! I am sure whatever you do with yours it will be just the same!
Health and happiness,
Angela
http://angelawalkerjewelry.blogspot.com/
PS. You so do not need to go on a diet.. You are so skinny and tiny!

Robin hill farm said...

LOVE Erin's bedroom.It is gorgeous! Can't wait to see what you guys do with yours.
As for a color suggestion. Our bedroom is painted a light grey blue. Twilight Grey from Behr. My daughters bedroom is Twilight Grey lightened by 50%. I love the color. Especially lightened. It is a calming and soothing color. Just right for the bedroom. And being grey, it's a neutral, and every color looks great against it. I think it would be perfect in your home!

Cathy M~(checkitoff) said...

wow~those are amazing rooms! how about a soft creamy yellow?

Becky said...

These bedrooms are totally beautiful and inspiring! My question though - how does one sleep without anything covering the windows!? Neither had any kind of room darkening shades/panels/etc. I love the flowy white panels or better yet, uncovered wall of windows, but we could never do this in our neighborhood. Any suggestions for light, flowy window dressings that also block out light at night? :)

Robyn said...

I love the bedrooms. Especially the second one. I don't know if I could maintain it with kids. The first is great as well.

I am in the same dilemma with our master. Maybe a color that is intimate to evoke a feeling of comfort and just maybe a little romance.

rebekah said...

as a (former) certified colorist ..now a sahm.. i can say you should go red! keep it simple but red in the bedroom keeps the couple satisfied and happy..! love your video and you do have a challange on your hands.. that room needs some woooooork!

Janna said...

Your friends' bedrooms are breathtakingly gorgeous!

Moore Minutes said...

Everytime I come back here your success is just GROWING like crazy! It is so motivating and exciting! Your blog is a peaceful retreat. Thank you! I am a big fan of Erin's room. So breathtakingly gorgeous.

I just posted a modish and contemporary home remodel that my cousin did on her loft if you'd like to critique and see it I would be honored. :)
Lisa

Anonymous said...

Am now depressed. Cannot decide whether to run upstairs and start working on my master bedroom, or shut the door and pretend it doesn't exist. :)

http://40daysof.wordpress.com/2010/04/21/customer-service-the-good-the-bad-and-the-why-are-you-in-business/

Dianne said...

Layla look at Valspar's "sparkling sage" before you choose anything. It is gorgeous. I used this color after seeing it in a coastal living idea house. I also love pale gray and white is safe but lovely.

Melissa Miller said...

~WOW! Everything is gorgeous! :)

Julie B. [Holland] said...

Layla, I posted early and forgot to say, I like when you say "hey there" to us.... its like your trade mark.
You always start out your videos like that.( love it ) Again good luck and cant wait to see whats happening in that room.
Julie in HOlland :)

Shannan Martin said...

Breathtaking rooms! Oh, to have that kind of room! I'm trying to figure out what to do with a tiny box of a room that has one little window, smack dab in the middle of the only wall the bed can be up against...

CaraRose said...

Kevin and Layla,

Looks like another decorating challenge, but of everyone I know it will be the two of you that are up to the challenge and I know you can pull this off. It will be beautiful just like everything you do.

I say a soft grey or a soft green.
Just my 2cents.

Good luck and happy decorating and I will be following. Thanks for inspiring me in my quest to decorate.

liz @ bon temps beignet said...

Yay! I can't wait to see what y'all come up with!!! And I LOVE your friend Erin's bedding and Brooke's tree... Oh. My. God. I am so jealous! Luck girls!


<3 Liz @ BTB


http://www.bontempsbeignet.blogspot.com/

Country Contemporary said...

Love your friends' bedrooms and love that you have such a fun "clean slate" to work with for yours. I just finished using Benjamin Moore's Clay Beige - soft and soothing - and it is a heavenly color! The first inspiration was the color I used for the trim and tongue-and-groove paneled walls in the room, which was Moore's Berkshire Beige. Perfection. The two make the most gorgeous combination and the darker trim helps "anchor" the room, especially on the baseboard. Good luck - can't wait to see what you two do with your MBR!

Leslie

Susan said...

I found your site via the PW, and i have been reading it since last thursday...
I must say, TLC makes my heart smile! I haven't read everything yet, but pretty much almost everything! I just have one question?: Where do you sleep if your master bedroom is empty? In the gorgeous guest bedroom? Just curious! Keep up the prettines!!!

Kristin @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia said...

Wow, those rooms are just stunning! I think your room should have a romantic feel to it using whites, I can't wait for you to begin!
Take care
Kristin

Kelsey said...

Those rooms are both so gorgeous and they both have the tranquil "grown up room" vibe. I love the lux-ness (is that a word?) of the second one but I think it'd be hard to achieve let alone keep looking good for me personally. I absolutely love the laid back but restful vibe you guys have going in your reading room...that could be adapted to a master bedroom retreat as well. You might try a beachy type color on the walls and let that dictate the vibe of the room...since your into the coastal living stuff (and so am i). Good luck...can't wait to see how it turns out!

Cheri said...

Those rooms your friends have are to die for, I'd never leave. Love Erin's bedspread and batten walls and Brooke's could be a mini apt. WOW!

Now...for your master bedroom...I have absolutely no doubt you and Kevin will come up with something spectacular, you always do. And for the record...you should have been chosen to be on Design Star.

Mallory said...

I think you should build a fake wall at a 45 degree angle (or less) between the walls with the windows and the wall with the bump out. not knowing the dimentions of the space, I don't know if it would work with the size of the bed and all, but it could give you a great wall for your headboard. You could use a really great barn door as your wall/headboard too...I'd say go with light grey walls and then use white and light blue accents...

ChrisA. said...

Gorgeous bedrooms and love the light in your MBR.

You guys have great taste, I'm sure whatever color you choose will be perfect. I'm partial to that sea glass color.

As far has your headboard, how about the right-hand corner next to the windows? (have it across the corner) Perhaps where you can't fit nightstands, use a shelf attached to the wall.

SJ said...

Both rooms are so beautiful I can see why you chose them. So spacious and open. So much coveting happening over here right now. Can't wait to see how yours comes out!

This American Home said...

Hmm, I think you should be a bit daring and float the bed.

And the color I'm crazy about is an old color by Sherwin Williams, "Dupioni". It's a vintage blue/green. I've had it my bedroom for 5 years and I still love it. But whatever you do will obviously be wonderful.

ROSE VINE COTTAGE said...

I think Brooke's bedroom is one of my all time fav's and her kitchen too. I love the color combo in the other bedroom you posted and that bed is beautiful! I can't wait to see what you do with your bedroom, I'm sure it will be pretty (;
Kelly

The Weathered Bungalow said...

I think I would become a hermit if I had a room that big with a view that gorgeous! Its amazing!

xoxo, Meredith

A Whole Lotta Magic said...

Can't wait to see the evolution of your new master bedroom! As for a colour; check out Benjamin Moore's Harbour Haze.

Love your blog,

Sue

Skye McLain said...

Blue blue blue! I love blue bedrooms! It is so relaxing! :) Can't wait to see how it comes out!

Ali @ Honey and Maple Syrup said...

I'm thinkin' you should paint your bedroom a light steele blue or a light green with a hint of yellow.

Velvet and Linen said...

All you have to do is ask Layla! It would be so much fun to design your room with you. Of course, as everyone knows... you don't need anyone's help!
I think you have the most fantastic taste, so I'm completely honored to find out how much you like my bedroom.
I've been reading everyone's comments, and it's funny to find out that there are a few people who think they couldn't have my bedroom if they have kids. I have three, and two of them are messy boys! Everything is cotton or linen and washable! The two pups sleep with us, so even the bedding needed to be easy to clean.
I can't wait to see what you do to your bedroom. Remember, I'm only an email away :)
xo
Brooke

ggfblog said...

Love these ideas! I just repainted our master bedroom Agreeable Gray by Sherwin-Williams. It's light and soothing at the same time, and our Sea Salt & Comfort Gray master bath works with it, too. We brought some of those light blues and grays into the bedroom to tie it all together. Our furniture is dark brown, which adds some contrast with such a light color on the walls.

I also LOVE Mountain Air and Sleepy Blue by Sherwin-Williams. I did these colors in stripes in our laundry room, and they relax me and make me smile every day.

You and Kevin will find something wonderful I know!! Have fun!

Renae Moore said...

Layla!
I just painted my bedroom Ellie Gray by SW and love it! I plan on doing white linen bedding and I have some other gray and yellow Duralee fabric for accent pillows on the bed!
No matter what you do, it will be great b/c all that you do IS!
xx

lisaroy said...

Those rooms are stunning and so restful! I've always loved soft grey or robin's egg for bedroom walls, though mine are currently a biscuit shade with a black 4-poster bed. : )

Linda @ Painted Whyte said...

Wow! I am in total love with that first bedroom - its gorgeous! I found your blog from Dreamy Whites and glad that i did. I am a brand new blogger of 2 weeks so this is all pretty awesome!

Tales From My Empty Nest said...

Layla, both of those bedrooms are amazing. And the view out of the window in that one room is incredible! I can't wait to see what you are going to do to your bedroom. Love & blessings from NC!

Amber said...

Both of these rooms are SO beautiful! You have some wonderfully creative and talented friends!

Julie @ Sweet Chaos said...

I second Sleep Blue by Sherwin Williams. I painted it in the kids bedroom and then carried it on over into ours I love it so much.

I can't stop coming back to your blog to look at Erin's room. I'm in love. I showed my hubby and now I'm on the hunt for matching nightstands & glass lamps. Oh, and I have a big project ahead of me with the board and batten but thanks to those pics, it's gotten his seal of approval!

And I also love that tree.

Anonymous said...

Layla,

Erin's and Brooke's bedrooms are stunning. I love the dark wood against the white board and batten. I love the atmosphere Brooke created. It's a Girls Treehouse!

I feel your pain. Although our home is old (130 years old) the master has three windows - two on the wall facing the front, one centered on the wall facing the west. There is also a radiator on that wall. A closet door on another and the door to the room on the remaining.
Have you considered catty-cornering your bed?
Whatever you decide it will be beautiful. No one else can overcome a decorating challenge like you!

Your Friend,
Deborah

Caitlin @ That House on the Corner said...

Wow, all those windows in the second bedroom literally made my jaw drop. Absolutely stunning! Thank you so much for sharing... now I know how my dream bedroom is going to be designed after I go win the lottery haha!

Thanks,
Caitlin @ That House on the Corner

Polly said...

I am totally wild and crazy about Brooke @ Velvet & Linen so I salute your excellent choice! Erin's bedroom is gorgeous, too!!

You will do wonders w/ your bedroom when the time comes! I'm not sure what to do about furniture placement (other than sleight of hand w/ the bed/windows/draperies) but maybe on the walls: grey? I love grey--my br is grey and it is so soothing.

but I also love whites!

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

Both beautiful bedrooms, Layla! I love the brown and white toile bedding in the first one. The second looks like being in a treehouse, and you could step right out onto those tree limbs!

Carla said...

I love your blog! I stumbled onto it somehow through Cote de Texas. Your husband and you are adorable; love that cabinet project and can't wait to see how your master bedroom unfolds! I've bookmarked you for a keeper. You're more fun than a House Beautiful!

Lettered Cottage said...

"More fun than a House Beautiful".
May have to put that on a magnet.
:-)

Thanks Carla!

Layla

Ashley Mutschler said...

Hi Layla,

I am a HUGE fan of your blog and your work! keep up the good design!

Ashley

Anonymous said...

Brooke's bedroom is BEAUTIFUL! Oh my gosh I would love love love to have that as a place to come home to...although come to think of it, I don't think I would ever get out of bed if my room looked like that! Gorgeous. Looks like your friendns have just as fabulous taste as you do!

Anonymous said...

Brooke's bedroom is BEAUTIFUL! Oh my gosh I would love love love to have that as a place to come home to...although come to think of it, I don't think I would ever get out of bed if my room looked like that! Gorgeous. Looks like your friendns have just as fabulous taste as you do!

Taylor said...

ROBIN'S EGG BLUE! that's the color i want to pain our bedroom :) it's both warm and calming and i can definitely see it applying to your style.

Unknown said...

I want Brooks bedroom!!!!!!!

Laura@The Oily Cupboard said...

whoa! those trees outside that window were crazy wild awesome!!!

thanks for sharing ...the rooms were gorgeous!

LiveLikeYou said...

Beautiful peaceful bedrooms. Waking up to a view like that your day is already made.

Renee said...

I love that the tree looks like it is growing sideways through the window! How phenomenal!