I think it’s time to bring back my “give & take” posts in the new year. In case you’re unfamiliar with them, here’s a general idea of how it works. A reader sends me a few photos of their room, and I give my immediate thoughts—what I would give to and take away from the space. I also try to provide an image of what I have in my mind, if there are specific pieces or accessories that I envision. (And, I list sources, in case you want them.)
When Mary (a faithful reader and commenter) emailed me with pictures of her master bedroom, I didn’t really think she needed my advice. I loved what she already had going:
But, I guess it’s always fun to have a fresh pair of eyes. So, when she had mentioned using her bedroom for a “give & take” post, I decided to take her up on it (mainly because this one should be really, really easy). She had specifically mentioned mirrors on each side of her bed (love that idea!) and new fabric for the accent chair, so I’ll start there:
Mirrors over the bedside would look great, but in order to not take away from the great headboard, I’d opt for something simple, in a rectangular shape. The ones pictured above are from here.
On the opposite wall, she has a dresser and a small chair:
I like her idea of phasing out the yellow. I’d go for something gray (like this) in a modern pattern on the accent chair.
I feel like this wall needs a little more “weight” to balance out this side of the room. I’d take away the smaller lamps and add some gold wall sconces (something with clean lines like these).
And, I’m always a fan of a gallery wall—especially in a bedroom—but I think the one ledge across the top is “cutting off” the space visually. I would actually like to see it continued down the wall on both sides of the TV.
Close your eyes and squint when you look at this little mock-up. You’ll get the idea :)
Also, Mary was kind enough to share sources for the other pieces in her room.
paint: Quiet Moments by Benjamin Moore
rug: One Kings Lane
chandelier: vintage
This is a fun idea. Instead of a ribbon or fabric trim on the curtains, she used brass buttons (hand-sewn) that she ordered from Oriental Trading. (Would never have thought about them for a button source!)
headboard/drapery fabric: Banks (Velvet Calypso) from Calico Corners
Euro sham fabric: P. Kaufmann Junoon Azur
coverlet: Pottery Barn
sheets/shams: Crane & Canopy
Affiliate links used.
Very pretty! I like the mirror and sconce suggestions. I like the idea of continuing the gallery wall down the sides but I would take out the ledge altogether. I think just a gallery wall would be prettier without all the ledges. I think that looks too busy. And I agree the ledge now makes the wall look cut off. The room is beautiful already so those little changes would be easy.
Great suggestions! This room is beautiful as-is, but the few changes you recommend just up the style quotient. Did you consider swapping out the current frames on the ledge for one’s that are more uniform? For example, perhaps spray painting or selecting them all in one color? It seems that might help it seem more intentional and less visually busy.
Great room and perfect add ins by you!
This is SO fun! How do I play??
Oh my, what a brilliant idea to use buttons for curtain trim like that! It’s obvious that Mary has put so much though and effort into her bedroom, it’s absolutely beautiful. Your suggestions would be icing on the cake!
my bedroom is in need of a face lift too. This looks great! Already so pretty but I love how a few extra touches really finish it off.
I think a pair of those beautiful mirrors would make any room look better.
Looks gorgeous! Do you know the source of the dresser and nightstands?
absolutely beautiful as is but i do like the mirror and chair suggestions!
This is such a pretty room to begin with! I thought the first photo was an “after”! I love the idea of matching mirrors over the nightstands and the sconces next to the tv, great advice Emily! The trim on the curtains is such a great detail and that bold teal color is gorgeous.
I agree, this room is already beautiful but I do love all of your suggestions – especially those gorgeous mirrors!
Please do more of these posts!
Mary did an amazing job on her bedroom! Love it and the button idea is great and so creative.
Emily, your suggestions are wonderful and would make this already amazing room over the top! Wow! Believe it or not, I really don’t impress all that easily. Good stuff!
Hi Everyone,
Thank you so much for the nice comments. And Emily…I’m sending you a virtual hug for your wonderful suggestions. It may take a while to save up for the mirrors & sconces but I love your ideas. Add that to having the chair reupholstered fund. The additional ledges will be easy enough.
Ashley…the night stands are from the flea market & the dresser I bought 16 years ago from Thomasville. I painted it white several years ago.
Emily, Thank you so much for your help. I have always loved the advice you’ve given other readers. You leave me thinking “She’s so smart!” Your fresh eyes were just what I needed. Thank you again!!
I’m so glad you like the post :) Thanks again for letting me share your room on the blog. I knew it would be a hit!
Such a beautiful space already, but your suggestions would definitely take it over the top! I love when you do these!
Beautiful room and I love your ideas, Emily!
Teal is definitely one of the dominant colors for 2016. And I so love your windows. The combination of white shades and teal also looks so great. Using cheap blinds would never achieve that fabulous look. The overall look of the room is simply stunning. It even makes me wonder if someone really sleeps there. It’s so ethereal. The mirror is also a perfect fit for the overall look of the room. This is really a great room where many can get inspiration from.
Love this too! I’ve slowly been working on my master bedroom and love these suggestions!
I think for the picture frames that adding in some white frames would look good- more variety with the wood and gold. Thanks!
Love the colors in her room and something above the nightstands is what stood out to me as well. Also, the buttons on her curtains is such a pretty idea and added detail!
I love this blog post idea! Keep them coming :)
Great suggestions Emily….you are the master:)