Bathroom Decorating & DIY Gwen's Master Bedroom Room Makeovers

Gwen’s Master Bedroom

Last Updated on November 12, 2013 by Kristi Linauer

I can’t believe I’ve taken this long to show you how Gwen’s bedroom turned out!! Remember Gwen’s bedroom? I painted her furniture, made a new diamond-tufted upholstered headboard, make new draperies, and painted the walls a beautiful medium brown. I also updated the adjoining master bathroom.

This bedroom was redecorated on a budget.  While I love showing you remodels that I’ve worked on, like Julia’s kitchen that I showed you last week, it’s really these budget makeovers that get me excited.  Why?  Because I know that not all of us have $50,000 sitting in the bank to hire a contractor to completely remodel a room.  But for most of us, scraping together a few of hundred dollars over time to make some improvements to our room is a little more attainable.  And those are the things I love sharing with you!!  Attainable decorating ideas.

Anyway, before we get to to the “after” pictures, let me show you how this room started out.

The bedroom is not very big, so this bulky bed, with a headboard AND footboard, was really overpowering the space and taking up extra floorspace.  The builders beige wall color did nothing for the room, and the windows needed some attention.
There was definitely a need for new accessories.  And again, those windows looked so bare!!
The dresser with the hutch was also way too overpowering for this space.  The whole matching bedroom suite included this dresser and hutch, a chest of drawers, the bed (headboard and footboard) and one nightstand.  Way too much matching furniture for such a small room!
The other side of the bed.  You can see where the master bathroom is in relation to the bedroom.  Just to the right of the bathroom entry sits the chest of drawers, and to the right of that is the door into the bedroom.

So now let me show you how it turned out!!

The big, imposing bed with the footboard that took up valuable space was swapped out for an upholstered headboard.  The windows were dressed up with natural woven shades and drapery panels.  And my favorite touch–tiny chandeliers were used in place of table lamps on either side of the bed.
Gwen’s original nightstand was given a coat of paint and then distressed and antiqued.  The metal wall hangings were also painted and antiqued.
This drapery fabric is one of my all-time favorites, with a beautiful, subtle floral pattern.
The walls were painted in a medium brown, which really warmed up the room.
The framed print came from Hobby Lobby.  I can’t remember what the little figurines are called, but Gwen collects them.
The window to the left of the desk was dressed with a simple pleated valance and a woven shade (my favorite shades from Home Depot).
Isn’t that just the prettiest little chandelier?!  I love that little touch.
Unfortunately, the desk couldn’t be centered on that wall because of the chair and the nightstand, so we made the most of it right where it is.  But that’s okay!  We can’t all live in magazine photos where everything is perfect, right?  Here in the real world, we sometimes have to live with off-center desks.
Gwen’s original dresser was painted, distressed, and antiqued.  I bought the frame for the mirror at a garage sale for $3.  It was in rough shape, and I was certain it would need to be refinished or painted, but once it was in the room, it looked great!!
The plates were cheapies from Marshall’s, and the bird bell came from Hobby Lobby.  The lamp was a gift to Gwen from a family member (I think), and the little painting on the piece of slate was done by Gwen’s mother.
Gwen already had the old books, which I think are perfectly and beautifully worn.
It really is amazing how paint can give a piece of furniture new life.
The nightstand to the right of the bed is from Hobby Lobby.  We kept Gwen’s original comforter and shams, and added a new bedskirt (accented with remnants from the draperies), and new throw pillows from Bed, Bath & Beyond and Marshall’s.
Above the chest of drawers hangs another painting by Gwen’s mother.
And yet another furniture piece transformed with paint!
I love the worn edges and the original handles painted black.

QUICK VIEW BEFORE AND AFTERS
 

Here are just a few “quick view” before and afters. Just move your cursor over each photo to see the before and after view of each angle.
 

 

 

That’s it! Hope you enjoyed that little tour of Gwen’s bedroom. And I promise that in the future I’ll try to do better at showing y’all these completed rooms in a much more timely manner. 🙂

Edit: Click here for all of the info regarding resources for this room. This page will soon be linked from the menu bar under “Complete Room Designs”.

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54 Comments

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  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Janell @ Isabella and Max
    March 2, 2011 at 2:10 pm

    This room turned out beautifully! Such soft welcoming colors and I adore the chandeliers hung as side lights! Wonderful…Janell

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Adrienne
    March 2, 2011 at 2:35 pm

    Kristi, This is stunning!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Fiona
    March 2, 2011 at 2:57 pm

    The room turned out great! Looks like it took a lot of projects to complete the entire makeover. The headboard is my favorite part 🙂

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Mrs. DeVore
    March 2, 2011 at 3:00 pm

    What a beautiful transformation! Great job!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    The O's
    March 2, 2011 at 3:16 pm

    A-MAZ-ING….as usual! =)

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Nancy U
    March 2, 2011 at 3:34 pm

    The chocolate brown is wonderful. What paint is it exactly?

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Debbie Tibbs
    March 2, 2011 at 3:42 pm

    Kristi,

    What is the name of the fabric you used on the curtains?

    The room looks great!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Josh and Brittany
    March 2, 2011 at 3:49 pm

    The figurines are from Willow Tree. We love them 🙂

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Kristi @ Addicted 2 Decorating
    March 2, 2011 at 4:02 pm

    Here's is the link to the page with all of the sources, related DIY projects, related blog posts, etc.

    https://www.addicted2decorating.com/gwens-master-bedroom-makeover.html

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Stephanie
    March 2, 2011 at 5:36 pm

    I love the low-hanging chandeliers. They're classy and sexy. 🙂

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Hugh & Hollie Carson
    March 2, 2011 at 6:02 pm

    Wow, I can't believe the difference. My favorite was the drastic difference with the headboard/window shades/nightstands/chandeliers. So romantic looking. And I LOVE how you can move your cursor over a picture and see the before/after. How do you do that? Great job!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    grammy and papi
    March 2, 2011 at 7:03 pm

    BEAUTIFUL!! Realy love the stunning changes. THa Chandeliers have to be my favorite. Of course, I love the painted furniture too. THanks for sharing.

    Have a God Filled Day
    Shirley

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Kristi @ Addicted 2 Decorating
    March 2, 2011 at 7:07 pm

    Hollie, I wrote a post explaining how to do the before and after pics here:

    http://blog.addicted2decorating.com/2011/02/blogging-help-mouseover-quick-view.html

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Cammee
    March 2, 2011 at 7:14 pm

    My favorite are the bed side chandeliers! I love that idea.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Pamma
    March 3, 2011 at 12:11 am

    Love everything…the warm browns, the chandys, painted furniture. Great job!
    ~Pam
    pamspaintparlor.typepad.com

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Mary
    March 3, 2011 at 1:32 am

    Wow, looks great! So "put together" without looking too "decorated." I especially like the little detail (although I know it wasn't a little work!) of adding curtain fabric trim to the bed skirt.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Susan
    March 3, 2011 at 1:39 am

    Very nicely done, and it looks like it was done reasonably cheaply, too, which I love!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Kim-A Creative Spirit
    March 3, 2011 at 2:42 am

    It turned out beautiful.. SUCH a transformation.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Anne
    March 3, 2011 at 7:26 am

    I LOVE what you did for the dresser!! I love all your design decisions. 😀

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    513ddb12-4589-11e0-a543-000bcdca4d7a
    March 3, 2011 at 11:28 am

    I am a new follower of your blog . I read it addictively!!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    frugaleclecticchic
    March 3, 2011 at 4:03 pm

    I love the peacock blue accents. One of my favorite colors right now. I have a incomplete master bedroom, but my walls are the same color and my headboard is almost identical. I may add some peacock accents. Thanks for the inspiration.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Kristi's mom
    March 6, 2011 at 10:21 pm

    I just wish we had a picture of you outside the window trying to block the bright sun with an artificial tree and some kind of playground equipment. 🙂 Would have made a very interesting behind the scenes display. The room is beautiful. You did a very good job. I'm proud of you.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Kim
    March 7, 2011 at 2:42 am

    That headboard is amazing. You make it look so easy to do on your tutorials, I'm slowly building up enough DIY confidence to give it a shot.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    NumberMonkey
    March 21, 2011 at 4:10 pm

    Love the little chandeliers.. I've been looking for sconces but I think they make an inspired change. My husband loathes tuffted headboards so I've ben scouring blog land for other DIY ideas. I would love some ideas (future blog?)

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Ann
    April 2, 2011 at 3:06 am

    So beautiful. Please come to L.A and do my master!!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Debbie Tibbs
    April 10, 2011 at 8:57 pm

    Kristi,

    What is the name of the fabric you used on the curtains?

    The room looks great!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    happyone
    April 27, 2011 at 12:10 am

    WOW! Looks fabulous!!!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    happyone
    April 27, 2011 at 12:13 am

    Very nice.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    wholesale apparel
    May 4, 2011 at 3:29 am

    I like the design, it's nice.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Solid Oaks Table
    May 24, 2011 at 4:18 am

    Amazingly beautiful! You have transformed those room into a more beautiful and comfy one.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    jewelry making
    May 25, 2011 at 4:15 pm

    Gwen, You are such a lucky person. You can sleep like a prince on that bed.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Jewelry making
    May 25, 2011 at 4:18 pm

    I am after for the cabinet. I can use it usefully. I am in a hurry to have that inside my room.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Shanfill
    May 28, 2011 at 3:49 am

    I love the side chandeliers!  You could put a large piece of art work hung vertically next to the desk and it would feel the visual void from having to have the desk offset.  Looks great.  I love the headboard too!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Sonya Moreau
    May 31, 2011 at 2:21 pm

    Hi – I really love the transformation of this room!  I have a question for you – did you / she wire the chandeliers? Or are they plugged in?  I would like to do something similar w/ lighting in my bedroom but am not sure the best way to do it.
    Thanks!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Kristi @ Addicted 2 Decorating
    May 31, 2011 at 2:23 pm

    Sonya, she actually had an electrician hardwire these, but you could easily achieve the same look with plug-in lights.  If you find a chandelier that you like, and it's meant to be hardwired, you can purchase a kit at Home Depot to turn it into a plug-in light.  I've done it several times, and it's not difficult at all.

    • Reply To This Comment ↓
      Shea
      September 7, 2013 at 6:41 pm

      Kristi, I just found you on Pinterest. I love your work. I am constantly decorating and redoing my own home. I love the chandeliers and wonder if you would share with me, where you purchased them?

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Jrdreyer25
    June 23, 2011 at 6:51 pm

    Thanks for all your instructions and advice. You inspired me to make my own headboard. I was a bit over ambitious and made a very curvy tufted HUGE headboard. But, it turned out pretty well. Thanks again!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Sandra Mendoza72
    June 24, 2011 at 2:48 pm

    Hi!  A friend told me about your blog and I am so glad she did!  I love, love, love the way this room turned out – it is BEAUTIFUL!  I am your newest follower.  I know I will spend ALL DAY looking at your talented afters!  WOW!  🙂

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    sallyb
    July 29, 2011 at 2:10 am

    beautiful redo, I love the colors and the chandeliers also, drapes…love it!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Kathy Tobacco
    August 24, 2011 at 8:30 pm

    I can't believe that is the same dresser!  I would have thrown that thing out and yet it turned out so glamourous and midcentury glam.  I love this room and what you accomplished here.  

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Kathy Tobacco
    August 24, 2011 at 8:34 pm

    I love how that dresser turned out.  I would have thrown that thing to the curb and yet it turned out being my favorite piece in the room.  It has such a midcentury  glam quality that I just didn't see before.   I love everything about this room.  You really work miracles.  Nothing looks like a design compromise.  

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Jamie frm AZ
    September 7, 2011 at 3:28 am

    WoW! Great job! Love the headboard!

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Mishlunt
    October 24, 2011 at 3:03 am

    These are such nice changes. I love that headboard! And the chandeliers are so great–I've always wanted to do that.

    Warmly, Michelle
    http://michellelunt.blogspot.com/

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Loyda
    January 10, 2012 at 12:02 am

    Loved the chandeliers but for some reason it won’t let me open the resource page you have for this HELP

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Nathalie
    January 19, 2012 at 1:32 pm

    Where did you buy the mini chandeliers? I have been looking for something similar.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
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    December 21, 2012 at 1:23 pm

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  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Sharon B.
    April 1, 2013 at 10:16 pm

    Hi Kristi,
    I just wanted to let you know that I featured your headboard in a blog post of my favorite DIY headboard roundups at this link: http://www.lilikoijoy.com/2013/04/15-favorite-diy-upholstered-headboards.html

    Thanks for always inspiring me! Sharon

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Krystal
    May 27, 2013 at 10:37 pm

    This is gorgeous! I just found your site (coinciding with the purchase of my first house) and a lot of your tutorials are absolutely fantastic and I’m sure I’ll be making use of more than one! I have one question – How did you wire the little chandeliers so that there were no cords showing?

    • Reply To This Comment ↓
      Kristi Linauer
      May 27, 2013 at 10:46 pm

      Hi Krystal~
      Congrats on your new house! 🙂

      The chandeliers are actually hard wired. We had a handyman install electrical boxes in the exact spots where the chandeliers would go.

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    mary
    October 9, 2013 at 8:51 am

    what is the name of the paint that you used?

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Living Room Phase 1 – The Furniture & Rug Plan
    November 13, 2013 at 10:32 am

    […] was too dark, so I went one step up to Sweet Georgia Brown, which I’m pretty sure is what I used in Gwen’s bedroom almost three years […]

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    Living Room Phase 1 Progress (and an Overstock.com Giveaway!)
    November 18, 2013 at 11:22 am

    […] I ended up using a Behr color called Sweet Georgia Brown, which is the same color I used in Gwen’s bedroom three or so years ago.  The white that I used is called Polar Bear, and it’s the same white […]

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    DIY Ottoman Coffee Table Part 1 – How To Do Diamond Tufting
    December 20, 2013 at 11:11 am

    […] onto the backside of whatever you’re making. (In that case, it was a king size headboard for Gwen’s bedroom.) (And FYI, my tufting has improved since then, using some tips that I’ll share […]

  • Reply To This Comment ↓
    Anita Wright
    March 31, 2014 at 9:40 am

    I have never commented on the beautiful makeovers that I come across but, I had to comment on yours. I am a mother of 10 (all adults except 1 teen) and have just been able to really feel free to “fix up” my home. You seem to have SO much energy and I am truly inspired by what you do. Thanks for sharing your work with us.
    .