I'm having a lot of fun making these Instagram videos and posts to share the bedroom makeover with you! I've been so stagnant creatively lately. I have so many ideas and just couldn't find the motivation. But working on all the DIY projects for our bedroom has been really fun.
Even though I constantly put immense pressure on myself, it's different from feeling outside pressure. I've been trying to take back my life for myself, without the pressures and expectations (whether true or perceived) from outside sources. For instance, instead of pressuring myself into doing what I think other people expect from me, I've decided to ask myself what I want to do. What do I want to create? What would make me excited today? What would make me feel proud or productive or bring me joy? And then I try to do that.
Not every day is awesome or carefree. Not every day is productive. But as a recovering people pleaser (and a woman in this patriarchal society), thinking about my wants and needs and moving toward that has been incredibly helpful for my mental health. I acknowledge I have privileges that make doing this a little easier currently, but I'm grateful that I'm able to focus on the work I want and need at this chapter in life.
When you create something that you worked hard on and that you love so much, it feels very vulnerable to share it with the world, even if it is just a bedroom makeover. But I put a LOT of me into this, and I'm really proud of it.
Even though I constantly put immense pressure on myself, it's different from feeling outside pressure. I've been trying to take back my life for myself, without the pressures and expectations (whether true or perceived) from outside sources. For instance, instead of pressuring myself into doing what I think other people expect from me, I've decided to ask myself what I want to do. What do I want to create? What would make me excited today? What would make me feel proud or productive or bring me joy? And then I try to do that.
Not every day is awesome or carefree. Not every day is productive. But as a recovering people pleaser (and a woman in this patriarchal society), thinking about my wants and needs and moving toward that has been incredibly helpful for my mental health. I acknowledge I have privileges that make doing this a little easier currently, but I'm grateful that I'm able to focus on the work I want and need at this chapter in life.
When you create something that you worked hard on and that you love so much, it feels very vulnerable to share it with the world, even if it is just a bedroom makeover. But I put a LOT of me into this, and I'm really proud of it.
In case you missed it:
- I bought the items in this post. All opinions presented are my own and without influence. This post contains affiliate links and I make a small commission if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.
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I've previously shared how Sean and I have been in this house for ten years already, which seems wild on its own. Right after we moved in, I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, and everything else got put on hold. And one day we woke up and realized just how much we hated this room and that we needed to do more to make it our own and make sure it represented who we are now.
Once we had our minds set on change, things moved pretty fast. I think I spent two weeks researching, coming up with ideas and designs, looking for budget-friendly options, and deciding on paint colors. We went with an "Enchanted Nature" theme. (I describe it a little differently every time! lol But we wanted to feel like we lived in a forest clearing or an enchanted fairy grove. Nature, but with a magical quality. Or, if you are in the know, "MFFP".)
Also, we got rid of a lot of stuff that no longer served us. The hodgepodge of furniture we used because we had it felt stifling. There was wasted space and not enough adequate storage. And now we have room to grow into. There is still wall space for more art and photos. There are empty shelves. That is a rare thing for me. It feels good to be at a better place to let go. Sean still plans on making a headboard for us when we get a free weekend.
Painting the ceiling NOT white and painting the backs of the doors to match the walls were stellar choices. I am not a fan of white walls anyway, but we also don't like how bright white walls and ceilings make a room. We wanted dark and cozy. Painting the doors to match the walls just takes it up and notch and makes it feel more posh with minimal effort. These are crappy doors we will one day replace, but painting them made a BIG difference.
Once we had our minds set on change, things moved pretty fast. I think I spent two weeks researching, coming up with ideas and designs, looking for budget-friendly options, and deciding on paint colors. We went with an "Enchanted Nature" theme. (I describe it a little differently every time! lol But we wanted to feel like we lived in a forest clearing or an enchanted fairy grove. Nature, but with a magical quality. Or, if you are in the know, "MFFP".)
Also, we got rid of a lot of stuff that no longer served us. The hodgepodge of furniture we used because we had it felt stifling. There was wasted space and not enough adequate storage. And now we have room to grow into. There is still wall space for more art and photos. There are empty shelves. That is a rare thing for me. It feels good to be at a better place to let go. Sean still plans on making a headboard for us when we get a free weekend.
Painting the ceiling NOT white and painting the backs of the doors to match the walls were stellar choices. I am not a fan of white walls anyway, but we also don't like how bright white walls and ceilings make a room. We wanted dark and cozy. Painting the doors to match the walls just takes it up and notch and makes it feel more posh with minimal effort. These are crappy doors we will one day replace, but painting them made a BIG difference.
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| Using the paint samples on a cheap canvas was great for putting the color around the room and seeing how it looked in different lighting. Sean definitely helped, but I painted a majority of the room myself so I feel very proud of it. (Colors: Raging Sea (wall), Spring Spirits (ceiling) and Hanging Vine.) |
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| This is how bad this room needed paint. (The yellow is what it was. The white is the primer I just painted on.) I have no idea when the previous owner painted last. My guess is 1996. |
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| After washing the walls and ceiling, spackling holes, a heavy coat of primer, and two coats of paint. I finished the edges after we painted the ceiling. (I also didn't have a door on my bathroom for the better part of a week. 😩) |
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| Once we finished the majority of the room, we had to move everything from the wall on the other side and repeat the process. |
The Reveal
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| King Quilt Set / Side Tables / Lamps / Corner Canopy (Finn refused to get off the bed for the photos.) |
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| Cabinet - Ikea Brimnes Wardrobe / Yoga Chaise / Corner Canopy |
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| Rug I tried to incorporate a lot of what we already had in my design. I'll talk about the details in another post, but we decided to use mostly travel art and photos in the room. (And also some of my sexy Outlander art.) |
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| This Ikea cabinet was the perfect storage solution for the room. I love that is still within the color scheme, has a mirror, and is plenty big. No wasted space! I'll show you the inside in the details post. Sean also bought the boys a Casper dog bed when we got our bed. I layered it with soft blankets and they love it. |
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| I painted our Kullen and Malm Ikea dressers to give them new life. (They got their own post.) We hung up the TV so the dresser tops could be more decorative and hold more practical items as well. |
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| Green Velvet Curtains / Grey Velvet Curtains |
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| This is how it looks on a normal morning after I make the bed. The dogs hate the crevice in the middle of the bed from the split king, so we have to put a blanket there under the covers. I also have over-the-door hooks on the cabinet so that I can hang up my purses. |
Eventually, we'd like to replace the old window and put in wood floors and new doors, but not right now.
Later this week, in the last installment of my Bedroom Makeover series,
I'll show you all the little details!
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