Earlier this year, I fell off my granny chic rocker and decided to makeover our bedroom that I renovated just two years ago (and refreshed last year).
To quickly recap, I had two reasons for making this decision:
With an LRV of only 20, Angelo and I always felt like the paint color that engulfed the room (Farrow & Ball DeNimes) was too dark, gloomy, and quite frankly, sort of depressing.
Second and most importantly – how was I supposed to pass up an iconic Colefax and Fowler Bowood headboard from Facebook Marketplace (that just so happened to not work with the existing paint color)? It felt like the perfect opportunity to lighten up and redesign the room to fit a more grandmillennial aesthetic.
I rarely get personal here or on IG, but I feel like this is important to say, even though I’m reluctant to share it.
This is the first makeover I’ve completed without participating in a One Room Challenge, which has been ironically challenging for me. I have diagnosed ADHD and struggle every day with a multitude of things, a few of them being starting and completing things without a deadline, becoming easily distracted, not being able to organize my thoughts, feeling “all over the place,” chronic indecision, the list goes on.
It may sound silly but I always felt like I needed an ORC in order to keep me in check and successfully finish a room in our home because I couldn’t rely on myself to get shit done without a reveal date.
Our bedroom was my chance to start, manage and complete a design project on my own – without an official reveal date to work towards – and I did it. So this reveal is more than just a pretty room; it represents the mental gymnastics that I have no choice but to participate in each day – in all aspects of my life, not just designing rooms.
I don’t want to distract from (pun intended) the purpose of this post, so I may speak about this separately, but I did feel compelled to share here because I am proud of what I’ve accomplished, and in case you or someone you know happens to have ADHD, you should know that you are not alone.
On a less serious note… I’m really excited to share this room with you after keeping it a secret for so long, so let’s dive into the long-awaited details.
I’ll mention now that the paint color is Benjamin Moore Antique Jade – a gorgeous, soft greenish-blue that I consider to be a chameleon color. With an LRV of 55, it’s definitely brighter than DeNimes, but not too bright 😉 It was a challenging color to accurately capture in photos because it changed from light green to gray-green to blue-green throughout the day.
The walls are eggshell and the doors & molding are semi-gloss. The ceiling is 25% lighter Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee (Behr color-matched).
THE BOWOOD HEADBOARD
This hasn’t been the first time a Facebook find inspired a full room makeover. I have to give credit to my friend Molly of notallbeige for posting the headboard to her story back in January. It was listed on FB MP, happened to be only 30 mins away, still available, and posted only a week after I shared classic patterns and said that I wanted to use Bowood somewhere in our home. Fate or manifestation? Let’s call it “manifate“
Naturally, the entire room was designed around the headboard. I decided to lean into the teeny tiny pop of mint in the Bowood leaf because mint is a shade of green that I hadn’t really used before, and it felt like a solid approach to making the bedroom brighter.
I also decided to stick to only the colors in Bowood, therefore creating a monochromatic palette. I was initially concerned that leaning into the light blue-ish green would give the room a coastal vibe but ultimately, the traditional elements I chose throughout help prevent this room from feeling like it belongs in a beach house (nothing wrong with that, just not my vibe).
THE DRAPES
I’m continuously blown away by Calico’s customer service, products, and installation team, and have spoken to others who can also attest to their products & services. I learn something new about window treatments every time I visit my local store and work with one of their designers (they offer free design services).
Their window treatment guide is really helpful too. Who knew there were so many types of pleats?!
To achieve the monochromatic aesthetic but not overpower the room with pattern, I chose this beautiful mint linen for pinch pleat style drapes to match the paint color. I thought it would be fun to line the back of the drapes with this ticking stripe, which is similar to the back of the Bowood lumbar.
And I once again used a greek key for the trim because…classic.
I’m truly so happy with how the drapes turned out and I know I will adore them for years to come.
THE BEDDING
The sleeping pillows, sheets and comforter are from Schweitzer Linen. It was impossible to choose from their hundreds of beautiful options, but I decided on the Royal Bloom green king set and green Duette shams, which both pair wonderfully with Bowood.
The delicate, hand-embroidered flowers and eyelet scallop edge of Royal Bloom is unreal.
You can truly see the craftsmanship and attention to detail in Schweitzer’s linens. I know that Bowood is the star of the show here but I could.not.stop taking close-ups of the bedding, ha!
I had a Bowood bedspread in my original concept but quickly realized how pricey it would be to make one from scratch. So I nixed that idea.
Until…..the secondhand gods bestowed a Bowood bedspread upon me via eBay. Same fabric (faded chintz), exact color, great size – manifate.
Now, just like the headboard, tell me how I was supposed to pass this up?
THE PILLOWS
If you couldn’t already tell by the photos, I could not decide which bedding/ pillow arrangement I liked best, so I took approximately 1 billion photos of different combinations with a few of Stuck On Hue’s newest pillows
After making a few pillow mistakes early on in my home-owning career (cheap-looking, too small, etc), I now understand that pillows can truly make or break a room, especially in a bedroom when they’re essentially the centerpiece.
I was hesitant to use another variation of tiger velvet because I’ve done it before, and this time around I pushed myself to choose something different. But I think there’s something to say about knowing exactly what you like.
It pulls the room together while adding a pop of contrast to Bowood & the white bedding. This tiger velvet is unlike others I’ve previously had – the fabric is a luxury velvet that Stuck On Hue recently added to her shop (amongst many other classic faves).
Hollie is exceptionally good at pairing patterns and had really great ideas while I was trying to decide on pillows for this room. She also has the patience of a saint. I could not recommend her enough!
Of course, the Bowood lumbar adds the perfect pop of pattern-on-pattern, which is a grandmillennial dream. Which pillow do you prefer?!
FLORENCE, THE RUG
After a few weeks of searching for the perfect rug to pair with Bowood, I found this stunning Turkish Persian rug (now named Florence) on Etsy that was slightly too large and out of my price range. I had never seen a rug like it; the colors, the unique pattern….everything captivated me.
I realized that the price was actually a deal based on its’ size, condition, and unique pattern/colors, so I went for it (cry once buy once). I think Florence actually compliments the headboard nicely and I really can’t imagine a more perfect rug in this space.
THE ART & DECOR
The commissioned piece from Alexis Walter is absolutely perfect in here. I sent her a photo of Bowood and she created the most stunning work of art!
Grace Rose Farm sent these absolutely stunning roses that I could not get enough of. I have a thing for roses and each of their unique variations of roses bloomed a little differently. And they all smelled divine!
These Stephen Rulo roses bloomed to be the most gorgeous peach-mauve shade
To add to the granny-chic vibe of this room, I hung three Wedgwood plates on the back wall. In true Angelo fashion, he thanked me for hanging plates in the bedroom “in case we get hungry at night.”
THE WALLS, DOORS, MOLDING & CEILING
- Walls: BM Antique Jade eggshell
- Trim & Doors: Antique Jade in semi-gloss
- Ceiling: is 25% lightened Swiss Coffee (Behr color-matched)
I sprayed the entire room with this Graco cordless handheld sprayer and I am so impressed with the results – the finish is way more professional-looking than rolling. I hand-painted the molding and doors which was really time-consuming but so worth it.
And last but not least….
THE LAWSUIT
IYKYK
If you have no idea why I have a skirted trampoline in here, see “Trampoline” IG story highlight for context
IN CONCLUSION:
Angelo and I are truly thrilled with the new paint color. It has a happier, more positive feel to it and although I’m so grateful for our old bedroom, the lighter paint color is a breath of fresh air for both of us. Angelo’s words: “I really, really like the new paint color.”
(he better because I’m not painting it again LOL)
SHOP:
FULL LIST OF SOURCES:
- Headboard: Facebook Marketplace
- Wall paint color: Benjamin Moore Antique Jade in Eggshell. Molding & doors are semi-gloss
- Ceiling & medallion paint color: Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee (color-matched at Home Depot and lightened 25%)
- Drapes: made & installed by Calico
- Lumbar pillows: Stuck on Hue
- Bedding: Schweitzer Linen Royal Bloom and Duette
- Art: Alexis Walter
- Art frame: Blick Simplon frame in gold leaf
- Bowood Bedspread: eBay
- Wedgewood wall plates: eBay
- Florence (rug): this Etsy shop
- Candle: House of Brinson Woodsmoke Tatine
- Marble scallop dish: Tuesday Made
- Roses: Grace Rose Farm (use code “ALISA20” for 20% off)
- Sconces & Picture Light: Hudson Valley Lighting
- Custom Les Touches Sconce Shades: Cruel Mountain
- Mattress: Lull
- Bed Skirt: Pottery Barn
- Molding: Metrie New Traditional line
- Doors: Reeb
- Mirror: sold out in white, but here’s a similar one
- Chandelier: discontinued, but here’s a similar one
- Door knobs: Emtek Astoria knobs (unlacquered brass)
- Lucite rod & hardware: Check out this post for the DIY tutorial
- Montgolfier balloon chair: Chairish
- Trampoline: Amazon
COST BREAKDOWN:
(this list does not include items that I already had/did not specifically purchase for this makeover)
- Headboard: $800
- Antique gesso mirror above bed (from eBay): $200
- Wedgewood plates (eBay): $90
- Bowood bedspread: $420
- Florence, The Rug: $1450
- DIY Curtain hardware: $210
- Sconce shades: $280
- Velvet Bench (One Kings lane): $675
- Tiger pillow: $280
- Bed Skirt: $85
- Chair: $325
- Schweitzer bedding: $1450 (gifted)
- Calico drapes: $2700 (gifted)
- Total: $8,965
I know this “grandmillennial” aesthetic isn’t for everyone but hopefully, you can gather some sort of inspiration from the details of this room. As always, thank you for following along!
xo
Alisa
???????????? Stunning! Love EVERY detail and thoughtful choice you made! Once again you amaze and inspire!
Thank you so much Ashley!!!
Wowwww it is beautiful Alisa. I absolutely love it!! Sconce and throw pillow fabric is just perfect. Well done!
thank you Colleen!! 🙂
Absolutely stunning!!! ???????????? The trampoline just makes so much sense now that I see how it all ties in with the Bowood! Cheers to quite literally jumping out of bed.
HAHA!!! Jumping out of bed – that’s great. thank you so much!
It’s so good, Alisa!
thank you so much Dana!
I have so many things I want to say!! The skirted trampoline.. I cackled. “Manifate,” is my new favorite way to look at life. Thank you for sharing a bit about you. A gold medal for all that mental gymnastics! And of course, the paint color, the rug, the curtains, the pillows, the headboard, EVERYHTING (the photos!), all so perfect alone and together. I’m SO obsessed with this room, Alisa!!!!
wow thanks so much, Hannah! I’m really happy with how it turned out 🙂
Beautiful! Just wondering about the ceiling light.. is it in the center of the room or center of the bed? Chris
I have adhd and was so surprised to see that you have it as well. Thank you for sharing your struggles and how it affects you during projects. It made me so emotional and I can relate to all of it. Feeling out of control and indecisive are big things that plague me and seeing you accomplish this is so inspiring.
I love the bedroom reveal (personally a fan of the tiger pillow) and the paint color is gorgeous!! My favorite part is definitely the trampoline ???? I think my favorite part is actually the art work. It ties together so well and feels so special.
thank you for sharing, Keeli. I’ve never publicly spoke about these struggles (or at least why I struggle with certain things – because of ADHD), so there’s a comfort to knowing we are not alone.
THE LAWSUIT BAHAHA, I love your sense of humor and also your style!! The room was stunning before and it’s somehow even more stunning now!
LMAO! I couldn’t NOT put a little trampoline in here. thanks for reading! 🙂
Worth the wait. Amazing job it’s so so good !! ????
thank you so much Adrienne!
You are truly talented and this room looks amazing. I truly appreciate your personal note in the beginning. I was diagnosed late in life with ADD and have a beautiful 20 year old daughter with ADHD. We are so similar and sometimes it’s hard for me to watch her struggle. Mental gymnastics are real and every day is work. I appreciate you sharing and wish we could all have our own personal life coach to get us going every day. You should be so proud, this is hard to do, especially with an audience. Thank you again for sharing. P.S. love your sense of humor too. ????
thank you for sharing your story, Mary. I was also diagnosed late in life, after college actually. It’s like everything that was such a struggle for me my whole life made sense. Understanding how the disorder works by listening to podcasts, reading books, etc. has been really helpful, but it will always be a struggle that others without ADHD can’t quite understand. and thank you for the kind words!
It’s beautiful! So serene and uplifting. While your darker room was dramatic and I actually considered doing it to mine, I realized I need to wake up to light and bright.
My favourite pillow arrangement is the two spotted pillows with the small bowood lumbar. ????
I loved your first MBR design, it was the inspiration pic that I gave my e-designer when getting a plan together for our MBR! Except I always maintained I couldn’t handle a color as dark as De Nines. So when you announced you were revamping the room AND in a lighter shade, I was over the moon! And immediately went to my husband and said “See, even she changes her mind!!!” I needed a data point to help me explain why I felt like we should maybe repaint our entire (just painted last Summer, lol) house.
This makeover is so lovely and so well done!!!! The color is insanely beautiful and the Bowood… *chef’s kiss*. The Tiger print is divine and the perfect fun touch. You’re so talented, and as a fellow woman dx’d ADHD, I totally empathize with your journey in designing this room and all the mental gymnastics that come with decision making every day. I love that you shared that fact with us… plus it makes me totally understand why you’re my favorite home design DIY’er to follow on IG, sense of humor, relatable ~ADHD energy~ and all!
Hahah!! Angelo was definitely not against me re-painting this room because he did feel like DeNimes was too dark. He doesn’t really complain as long as I’m cleaning up after myself (which I rarely do LOL).
Thank you for sharing a bit about ADHD. We are not alone!
The room is fantastic. I love your sense of style and am so impressed with how this came together. The lawsuit nearly took me out of my chair.
LOL!!! thank you Cady!
Congratulations Alisa! This bedroom is a work of art! I loved following along each step of the way. I always learn something new. And now I have a major itch to incorporate a classic pattern into my home. Also, congrats on completing this on your own timeline. I work in advertising as well, so I can appreciate your efforts into balancing this with work and doing it all with ADHD. I’m blown away by your discipline and achievements and for being so brave to share this with us. You are a (granny chic) rockstar.
Thank you SO much for the kind words, Christina!
Ok, so the bedroom is gorgeous and you should be so proud. I think I like the tiger pillow for the non-matching (but that’s me)
However, I’m really overcoming my lurking tendencies to say thanks so much for bravely sharing your ADHD struggles. I was finally given my diagnosis after nearly 20 years of being told I had a mood disorder (diagnosed bipolar at 16 is a rough one). Looking back, I’m furious at all the lost opportunity academically and career-wise. I constantly complained about my lack of focus and was told it’s just part of bipolar.
Meds are helping, but really, just knowing my struggles aren’t due to my weak character is the biggest thing. It’s a huge weight off my shoulders to see things I thought were lazy, lack of discipline, etc. as symptoms of funky brain wiring instead.
All this to say, I see and comprehend the work and effort you put in to do this without external motivational forces. ????????????????????????
Wow, Hannah, thank you so much for sharing your story. It actually sounds really similar to mine. Not diagnosed until mid-twenties and felt like I had lost out on so much I could have done academically (I barely made it through school/college). But your “weak character” comment really resonated with me. Funky brain wiring is not an easy thing to deal with.
I really appreciate your notes about struggling with ADHD and working without externally imposed deadlines. I have the same problems!!! I love the look with the bowood pillow best. I’m not granmillenial at all style wise but LOVE your designs, process, and creativity so much!!! This is 10/10!!
thank you so much, Kerri!
I really love this! I love the old room too but I totally understand, I love dark rich colors but find that I don’t love them long term unless the room gets a lot of natural light. I’ve always loved those blue/green/gray colors but have been afraid it would perhaps look juvenile or too fake farmhouse-y, it’s funny what we attach to things in our minds. You summed it up perfectly, I don’t consider myself a full-on grandmillenial but I definitely get inspiration from your work!
exactly!! I’m also guilty of attaching certain things to certain styles. thank you so much for reading, Claire!
I can’t begin to imagine the time and work that went into this- it has paid off and inspires me!! This is the perfect bedroom in my eyes… it’s polished, timeless and peaceful. It makes me feel so nostalgic for my grandmothers bedroom- decorated top to bottom in Laura Ashley pink roses chintz- with thoughtful details throughout. Thanks for sharing your process!!
Wow! What a lovely compliment. Your grandmother’s bedroom sounded absolutely lovely.
It’s SO beautiful! Well worth the wait for the reveal ????
thank you so much Amanda!
SO soothing and serene, just beautiful. You are so good at what you do!!
Thank you for the kind words, Kathleen!
Nailed it! This could not be more beautiful. I have had so much fun following along and guessing and dreaming and feeling inspired. Thank you. It is truly stunning and as someone who suffers from anxiety and being overwhelmed by these types of decisions and projects, I applaud you even more. Can you come help me with my house?!?!? And no on the tiger pillow here. 😉
Thank you so much, Jen! It can definitely be overwhelming to make all the decisions but the end result is always worth it 🙂
What a stunning room! You did a fantastic job, and it was well worth the wait!
thank you Dina!
Wow, it looks incredible! LOLed at the trampoline!! Do you have a link for the full length arched mirror?
Thank you!! It’s actually sold out but I just linked a very similar one!
Absolutely wonderful! Thank you so much for sharing all of your details. I love it!
thank you so much, Meredith!
It’s perfect!! I love every single detail. I’m so glad you did this without having to do an ORC. You had the time to be extra thoughtful in your choices and let the magic of secondhand finds happen over time. I seriously love it. Also, I saw one of these trampolines ones marketplace where someone did a skirt and then upholstered round cushion on top and it was so rad!!! Absolute genius!
thank you Jenasie! You’re so right, I had extra time to be more thoughtful with my choices and finding secondhand things. And some of the items I used in here I wouldn’t have been able to use because it would have taken me less time to complete! that trampoline sounds amazing, if you have a photo please share LOL!
I know I already commented on IG, but after seeing all the photos and reading how it all came together, I am more blown away. And this from a person who LOVED the old bedroom. I don’t know how, but it’s even better. The backing of the curtains with that pillow…chef’s kiss! Great job!
thank you so much, Elizabeth!!
Your talent and creativity are amazing, you are also so very brave. Thank you for sharing your diagnosis, my son has ADHD and I completely understand how challenging it can be to “get things done” and push through. Incredible job!
thank you for sharing, Angela. and thank you for the kind words!
It is so well done!! It looks very lush. And to piggyback off of others- Thank you for sharing about ADHD. My husband deals with ADD. My empathy has wained in the last few weeks because we moved 2 months ago and also have a 3 month old. You sharing helped me remember all that he has to go through in his mind to be keeping up with all the projects our new house requires. You rocked this project????.
That sounds stressful! Thank you for sharing.
Absolutely stunning! So inspiring.
Maybe I overlooked it but could you share the source for the chandelier please.
You didn’t overlook, I completely missed it! Thank you for reminding me 🙂
Absolutely beautiful. TBH, I don’t like florals at all so would never go the Bowood route myself. I don’t like drapes either. Lol. But wow, this room is gorgeous. The Rug!!!!!! Such a stunning rug. I also love the bed bench and the corner chair. It all works so well together. I don’t like plates on a wall (ever) but the other art and the mirror over the bed are perfect. The whole room looks inviting and serene. P.S. I am Team Tiger Pillow. … Congrats. Well done!
It’s perfect!!! That’s so awesome you were able to find what you wanted! Manifate is a real thing! And I totally feel you on the ADHD thing. I always thought it was just my “creative brain” that keeps me from finishing. Who knew it was actually not just that! I totally feel your pride in that accomplishment, and should be celebrated. Great job!
Thank you so much for sharing, Anna!
So so so so so so gorgeous. Like … How dare you create something so beautiful?! I really love all the details.
HAHA!!! thank you so much!
Beyond gorgeous – BRAVO BRAVO BRAVO!!! And I too have a Jumpsport trampoline – best exercise ever!
thank you!!! Haha trampolines are so underrated – they really are a lot of fun!
The room is absolutely gorgeous. I do not care for the tiger pillow; much prefer the floral. I also think the bedspread might be a tad bit small. Not sure if there is another way you could lay it???
Pretty.
It’s a beautiful bedroom, Alyssa. How talented you are to create two beautiful bedrooms. Both lovely and classic and not a hint of coastal like you were worried about. Congratulations on your personal accomplishment too! Well done!
Thank you a million Terry!!
From a fellow ADHD-er, CONGRATULATIONS! This looks fantastic. Thank you for sharing your journey.
thank you so much Kate!
Outstanding! You should be so proud!
Thank you so much Margaret!
It’s so beautiful, as I knew it would be. I especially love those drapes and the incredible linens, all combined with your perfect touch and classic taste.
I struggle with anxiety and depression and maybe a bit of autism, our son has Asperger’s, and my brothers and most of their kids have ADD or ADHD, so we really understand how challenging it can be to organize our thoughts and actions and to make decisions! Thank you for your story, as I think it helps us all to know about each other’s struggles and successes, especially in increasing understanding and empathy for each other.
Thank you for sharing your story, Caroline. And thank you for the kind words!
Absolutely love this room!! I just finished my bathroom with Mr. Blow, wallpaper in the same color with gold. Can’t wait to put your ideas to work in my bedroom. All my friends are very impressed with the clear curtain rods in the living room. Thanks so much for the idea, and instructions to implement!!
That’s awesome! The lucite rods are my favorite!
Oh my gosh, this has me itching to finish our bedroom!!! LOVE IT ALL! You really nailed EVERY SINGLE DETAIL. So proud of you for listening to your gut and that it wasn’t quite the right color. We all make mistakes, and it’s refreshing to see someone walk through the process of figuring out WHY it doesn’t work and the steps to fix it 🙂
Now.. back the the living room/dining room, shall we? 😉
Thank you so much Libbi! The living room is HOT on my list!
Absolutely stunning! I have to say I was really disappointed that your were redoing your bedroom because I truly loved it before, silly me! I love love love it. Enjoy!
Thanks Christine!!
When I read that you re-painted your fabulous bedroom, I yelled out Oh No!!!
And then from the first photo of the new jade color and fabric, all I could do was say Wow! over and over as I scrolled through the images..
There are not enough superlatives for this new look. Or for your talent. Or generosity in sharing every single detail about sourcing the elements of the makeover with your readers. Your room is a gem. So are you.
Wow – thank you Terry! I truly appreciate that 🙂
Absolute perfection! I have always been a fan of the Bowood fabric and you have absolutely nailed it, Alisa!
thank you! 😀
You are unbelievably talented!! Thank you for sharing your work and all the details. I’m curious what made you hold back from painting the ceiling this time around? I’m doing some bedroom painting and planning on painting the ceiling but still on the fence 🙂
thank you! It would have been too much in this monochromatic room.
Love it. Alisa!!! Your first bedroom reveal will always hold a special place in my heart, but this is an awesome revamp and I love the new color 🙂
thank you so much Lizzy!!
Love your work! Thanks for sharing adhd….me too! Makes me a queen of multitasking so I think its a positive! You are inspiring and soooo cute!
This room is beautiful. Please tell me the order of painting…ceiling or walls first?
Absolutely gorgeous! What’s so crazy is that we also took our room from dark (navy blue) to nearly the *exact same* colour as you did, complete with the same pattern of wall mouldings! When I saw this, I though it was a picture of my own bedroom! I must say that you have great taste 😉
But for real though, it’s gorgeous and you did a wonderful job of bringing in traditional elements while still making it look modern!
Hi there. I wonder if you painted the windows the same color as the room? It seems as though the window trim may be painted the same but the windows themselves? Conundrum: what to do if the muntins are between the panes of glass of the windows? Sorry for such a late comment, keep pondering this and your post has such great detailed images (as always). Thanks for such inspiration BTW.
Why did you decide to go with a white cieling this time?