It’s been a few weeks since I provided updates on our main bedroom makeover, but quite a bit (of spinning) has been happening behind the scenes. Instead of sharing all the updates via my stories, I figured I’d wrap up the updates into a neat little blog post.
ALEXIS WALTER ART
A few weeks ago, I mentioned Alexis Walter in my list of favorite artists. I officially fell head-over-heels with her work after purchasing one of her smalls (which usually launch every few weeks), and so I reached out to her to commission a piece for the bedroom based on my Bowood color palette.
Just a few days ago, she sent a photo, and to say I’m obsessed is an understatement. I think the cool tones will be perfectly juxtaposed displayed in a gold frame. Do you see all the colors in Bowood?!
DRAPERY FABRIC
Since I don’t have a deadline for this project, I had to physically force myself to make a decision on the drapery, otherwise, I would have kept spinning and spinning. Like, I had to make myself pick up the phone and make a call to Calico with my order.
Even then, I second-guessed myself because I always wonder “what if I could have chosen something that would work better?!” What if the linen I chose falls flat against the walls and doesn’t pop?! But I think I made a good decision.
I decided to go with this Calico linen as the drapery fabric, this tape and….an unexpected twist: this ticking stripe for the lining instead of a regular curtain lining. You will barely be able to see it, but when viewed at a certain angle, it will be a fun yet unexpected pop of pattern.
I’m really pushing myself to go above and beyond the details I’ve previously never really considered before….especially in the department of “things that literally no one but yourself would notice”
PAINT COLOR(S)
I have a top 2, and they’re not really anything like my original colors (although, I am considering shaded white for the ceiling). Are you surprised?! No? Cool.
I didn’t just pull these 2 colors out of thin air today…I’ve been staring at the swatches (along with many others) on my walls for 3 weeks now. They’re slightly more saturated than other colors I’ve chosen in the past, but I think they will really make the Bowood pop.
And…surprise…they’re NOT Farrow and Ball colors! I only found one FB color that came remotely close to the color I envisioned, and that was Theresa’s Green, which read too blue in the room.
Here are the top 2:
bm NOB HILL SAGE
BM ANTIQUE JADE
Here’s Antique Jade against the spearmint drapery fabric I chose:
THE X BENCHES
I’ve been trying to choose a fabric for x benches that:
– doesn’t compete too much with Bowood (i.e. not a floral)
– fits with the monochromatic color scheme
– is a versatile pattern that can also work in the living room if I decide to switch things up. Because if I’m going to spend the money, might as well make ’em versatile!
Here are my top 3 options:
China Seas Bali Hai (in sage):
Les Touches in the sand color with green piping:
And a sage or beige check pattern (that would also be pulled into the sconce shades) with green piping:
I have to make a decision soon if I want these recovered within the next few weeks!
THE DIGITAL MOCKUP
Here’s my latest photoshop mockup of the room, with Antique Jade as the paint color on the walls, and shaded white on the ceiling. I want the ceiling to be a warmer color to align with the warmth of the Persian rug.
I couldn’t find a photo of x benches that I liked, or mint linen curtains, and a few other things in here aren’t definite, so take this photo for what it’s worth, ha! But it’s always fun to share these renderings
BATHROOM UPDATES
OK soooo, here’s the thing. I renovated our master bathroom myself in Fall of 2018. I really think that for my first bathroom renovation, I did a damn good job. I see some little areas where I could improve, but overall, we still use it on a daily basis and it’s not falling apart.
One thing that has been bugging us is the size of the vanity. I pushed the limits with the size of the vanity and realistically, I should have ordered a vanity that was at least 2 inches shorter/deeper. The current vanity makes the bathroom feel tight.
Also, I painted that vanity myself and if we’re being honest, it was a rush job and it hasn’t held up too well. And when Angelo and I went to install the vanity, we had to cut out the back of it to fit the pipes for the faucet, and man, did we butcher it LOL. The drawers have been janky every since. So the vanity is just not in good shape.
Anyway, I’m almost certain I’m going to replace the vanity and faucet. Already decided that I’m replacing the wallpaper after exposing the temp wallpaper trick I used the last time I made over the bedroom.
Here’s a quick mockup…
I have been seriously considering using Sister Parish Dolly in the lavender colorway since we renovated our main bathroom. I almost used it in our hidden cabinet, but I think now would be the perfect time to use it, because it is a gorgeous contrast with the green walls.
TO-DO’S
Here’s what I have to do to complete the room:
- Order fabric for benches and get them recovered (takes about 3-4 weeks to complete)
- Prime & paint the walls, ceiling, doors and trim
- Figure out wtf I’m going to do with the Bowood twin bed skirt. I’ve been trying to meet with a local seamstress to see if she can expand to a king-size bed, but she needs to see it in person and our schedules haven’t been adding up! I may go next week. I hope it will work out!
- Decide on & order custom sconce shades
- Decide on & order drapery hardware
- If I decide on a new vanity, need to replace that and get the new faucet hooked up
- Order other things like pillows, bedding, etc etc
Given some timelines for some of the custom items I’m ordering, I likely won’t have this room finalized and photographed until at least May. But that’s OK! I’m so grateful to have the opportunity to makeover this room again and share it all with you.
Have a wonderful weekend!
xo
Alisa
Wow! That mint green wall color is going to look phenomenal. I am really enjoying seeing the progress in this room. This may be better than your original bedroom, which is my favorite
Thanks Jennifer!!
Alexa,its going to be just beautiful! Love following along! Do you have a resource for the wide gold frames? Diane
Hi! Yes, Blick frames ????
Love it all. The art!! I love that you are doing a commissioned piece, which is a whole new level of designing a room you have opened up for me. I am very excited about the extra details like the drapery lining and I like the new paint direction! And IF you are crowd sourcing opinions on the x bench fabric, I am 1000% for China Seas!!!! I love all your options but that one could create such great tension with Bowood. Plus the color is so fresh and I love the scale and movement of the print for an x bench!
Thank you so much Rachel!! Hahaha China seas is a total hit. I’m worried my cat will destroy it! ???? but I’m really trying for it!!!????
seeing the Alexis walter art that is based on bowood is wonderful. I also admire her art and recently purchased one of her smalls! thank you for posting those frames on your stories, I already purchased two
I love the bathroom wallpaper you’re considering! It’s such a pretty complement to the bedroom. For the x-benches, I definitely like the check pattern the most!
Thank you so much Brittany!! Agree, I think the check is super versatile, and always compliments a floral! ????????????
Another vote for China Seas for the benches. And I am swooning over that bathroom mirror. Is there a source for that or is it an antique!