Finishing touches on my bedroom

13 years ago

last modified: 13 years ago

The room still feels blah to me. I'm a single, 30yr old guy in Boston. This is a newly constructed modern townhouse in the city, so I was given white walls and bare floors.

Dimensions are roughly 18' wide by 9' long
The furniture is complete, but my bedroom still feels boring to me:
CB2 Dondra Bed
Aviator side chair
West Elm Reclaimed floor mirror
Reclaimed side tables from India (Overstock.com Worldstock)
Bali cellular shades and "verticell" vertical shade on the balcony slider
Ikea glossy white closet doors (I want to change the color/material)
51" Samsung Plasma and Bose Soundbar

I am open to most suggestions and have thought about tiling the large wall behind my bed, painting other walls, and changing the closet doors. I also no longer like the canvas bridge behind the bed. I have had ZERO help on this and I've hit a wall.

Featured Answer

User

13 years ago

last modified: 13 years ago

Some finishing touches could include a floor lamp by your nice chair.
also bring your chair out of the corner some and place your bed tables closer to the bed. Add large bodied lamps that are taller than your headboard. Some natural linen drapery panels would be nice.

Nautical Lantern Floor Lamp · More Info

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Comments (35)

User
Original Author
13 years ago
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User
Original Author
13 years ago
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User
13 years ago
last modified: 13 years ago
lovely start! I'm going to google a couple of things and get back with a comment. Are the dark steps to the bathroom?
PRO
Osirius Designs
13 years ago
You could have the entire wall as one glass panel with colours and patterns to reflect a calming serene feeling. Backlit with LED lighting and dimmer. Cheers ;)
schurer
13 years ago
Hi, cool room. I love the direction you are going in, and the photo over the bed. Great. At first glance , two comments: the mirror standing leaned int he corner gives a temporary feeling. It would be great on the wall next to the photo; then you need something on the other side of the photo to continue to height. Right now the eye goes from the photo to the little table with little lamp and feels a bit "down." A map or something like that would work well with the spirit of the photo. Or two square maps.

Then,of course, some curtains, long and rather tailored but in a raw, rustic fabric like a light weight burlap would keep the feeling of the photo as well. Maybe in a wheat color--like the rope in the photo?

What do you think?
kutsie
13 years ago
Dear Adam,
I like what you've done so far. Just needs a few more things-in my opinion. How would you feel about some long drapery panels at your window. You can stay cool and modern and not fussy with the right fabric and mounting. I would also suggest larger lamps bedside. Yours are hardly visible in photo. They will help fill that blank space on each side of your bed. Take some home and try them-thats really the only way. A few more pieces of art-or photos would help too.
The wall behind your bed reads a grayish aqua in some of the photos-very cool.
User
Original Author
13 years ago
last modified: 13 years ago
I actually want to move away from that "forest" vibe that I think the picture was creating and lean more towards a modern look.

For example, I was considering doing the entire wall in this new Mirage tile called Oxy ( http://www.mirage.it/en/collezione/oxy/ox-03-brightgrey-en/)

This was a little too drastic and way too expensive anyway.
User
Original Author
13 years ago
@kutsie and @schurer - What type of curtains would work? I was never a fan of curtains, so it would have to be something simple.

If I move the mirror next to the smaller end table, what could go in the corner?

I'm assuming if I bring the end table with the lamp closer to my bed, I will have to move the rug and chair towards my bed as well.
PRO
Nick Dellos Creations
13 years ago
last modified: 13 years ago
I see a definite theme and it has a nice feel. I would not use such small scale nightstands as the only support pieces on that wall. Perhaps one shallow hanging shelf unit on the left side would give you a fuller feeling on that main bed wall. That seems to be what is missing to me. You might be able to use or stain pieces of wood that match what you already have there. Just a box shape and a couple metal brackets to hold it to the wall. It could be made up from 4 pieces of wood cut to size at a local supplier.

If you want to go more into it, lots of small boxes would be cool too.

Also, maybe a decorator can help advise on how to make the window look a bit more dimensional. The drywall frameless sills are always a bit drab looking.
User
Original Author
13 years ago
The ideas are definitely helpful. I stopped where I was with decorating and didn't want to go further since I thought I created a good base and wanted some more diverse "expert" opinions :-)
Ed
13 years ago
Adam, I like what you've done with your bedroom so far. I don't think you need any MORE things. :) If anything, I think less is better. :) It looks great as is, even better with less, I think. :)
Judy M
13 years ago
I'd like to see floating nightstands ( meaning they are attached to the wall) with a tall mirror hung on the wall behind them and matching lamps on the nightstands.

I would continue the paint color around the entire room

Bedroom · More Info

Aldine Avenue · More Info
anne dee
13 years ago
Townhouses · More Info

what about something like this?
User
Original Author
13 years ago
I like the floating nightstand idea, and the last picture of the huge bedroom with the Eames chair and nice modern bed/headboard, however I don't want to have to dispose of any of my existing furniture since it is all new.

I am open to buying new items, painting, curtains, and ditching the big picture to go with another plan for the whole wall (17'x7' to the duct box above the bed)

I've just moved the carpet and nightstands closer to the bed, mirror flat against the wall and chair out of the corner. Thoughts?
User
Original Author
13 years ago
Add pics
anne dee
13 years ago
that looks nice! With a pair of lamps you don't need to change anything!
Judy M
13 years ago
Can you change the runner at the end of the bed, it would look better if it was longer so it went over the sides of the bed. a picture for reference
Matusevich Street Minsk · More Info
Patty Eades
13 years ago
You have done a great job......looking better......a great pair of new lamps, possibly pulling in the materials form your great chair, dark and silver.....remove the throw and navy pillow leaving the bed neutral...work on your matching pillow shams. may need to go to a larger size..pair of queen or king shams w/same size inserts to get pillows to cover bed almost edge to edge....keep it sleek and neat ...I personally think the wall color though nice could be a darker gray to pull out the rug color and the gray background in your great art work.....the chair could still be a little closer to table, you should be able to reach out and put a drink on the table confortably ...have fun,
PRO
Susan Mills Design
13 years ago
Hi Adam, what I see needs to happen is for all the elements to be brought together. You have different metals, different woods and different colours. Soooooo, I suggest doing a wood wall for your headboard wall. This will bring the different woods together. I would then add these wall mounted lights above the nite stands to creat some height here, as they seem a bit short. I would love to see your bed layered up with Linen in the greys, and natural linen which will bring the rug, the chair and all the wood tones together. You could add colour with art, either bright modern art or vintage prints.
PRO
Susan Mills Design
13 years ago
Art suggestions:
User
Original Author
13 years ago
@Judy M - I could change the rugs up and have a single rug that extends on the sides and end of the bed. There is a slight problem. From the end of my bed to the closet wall is only 20 inches. My bed is 87.5 inches long.

Any recommendations on a rug that won't break the bank? I'm guessing I will need an 8x10 and have it cut? I do like the style in the picture above (
Townhouses · More Info
)
PRO
Susan Mills Design
13 years ago
Adam, how much are you willing to spend on a rug?
User
Original Author
13 years ago
Few hundred dollars. Maybe $500 max at this point.

I've been pacing myself and haven't really done much with my bedroom in a few months. This is a 3BR townhouse and I'm currently in the middle of a stone wall and tile backsplash project in my living room and kitchen. The rooms that visitors see much more often :-)
PRO
Susan Mills Design
13 years ago
Adam, as your room is long and narrow, I would see what a local carpet store has for roll ends. You could find something for next to nothing and just have them bind the edges. I would look for a wool Berber style that has a Marled appearance, which would bring the warm tones in with the greys.
PRO
Susan Mills Design
13 years ago
I don't think the picture opens up enough to see the tones.
User
Original Author
13 years ago
This particular setup caught my eye (minus the purple bedspread)
Philadelphia Penthouse Apartment · More Info
PRO
Susan Mills Design
13 years ago
last modified: 13 years ago
Yes, With the combined wood wall, perfect!
PRO
It's a Beautiful World!
13 years ago
last modified: 13 years ago
Adam, if you are still looking for color inspiration and/or art for your room, perhaps, our Houzz page can help. All images you see there can be printed not just on paper or canvas but also on acrylic and metal. Enjoy and best of luck decorating!... Raisa
schurer
13 years ago
Hi Adam, As for curtains, I am thinking of a Big Box store, ready-made, extra long--nice and inexpensive. One solid color in a textured, roughish fabric maybe in an off-white. Off-white would look pretty with the grey or wood tht has been suggested. Darker colors really do stop the lightform coming into the room. I suggest the curtains for two reasons: to soften the look (if you want to), and to match the hieght of the photo and keep the eye moving up.
Judy M
13 years ago
A change in the rug would be great, but I was talking about the throw at the bottom of the bed, it's too skimpy and a different color would be nice.

But since you're thinking the carpet , yes the room you show with the carpet looks very nice.
I like the size, placement and color of it.
I think nightstands and lamps should be first, but that's a decision you need to make.

Sounds like you are making a lot of improvements to your home, don't rush the process. Enjoy taking the time and searching for the right pieces.
kutsie
13 years ago
Mornin Adam. back to the drapes-take a look at Pottery Barn. Some of their linen drapes are on sale right now. They have nice colors like Mushroom, Oatmeal, wheat and other naturals plus a pretty Blue Dawn. I hear you're not crazy about drapes (many men aren't) but they will soften that window, are good for acoustics and will make your room feel cozier. Make them full length- to the floor.
User
Original Author
13 years ago
I will look into some curtains. Since my windows are technically frameless, are there other options besides curtains? Install a sill, frame the window, etc....

I found a place in Cambridge, MA (LongLeafLumber.com) who sells reclaimed wood for $6.50 sq ft., so I will be swinging by there to see if I can construct a large wall for behind my bed (similar to the "Philadelphis Penthouse" picture above).
User
Original Author
13 years ago
If I remove the existing rugs and buy a new rug that is centered under my bed, what would be an appropriate size? I can only go 9' front to back (wall to wall) and my bed is 5'8" wide and the room is 17' wide.

There are nice, affordable options on RugsUSA.com and many are 50% off their retail price.
http://www.rugsusa.com/rugsusa/rugs/rugs-usa-medea-chevron/grey/200HJHK57C-860116.html
PRO
Go Nautical Collections
13 years ago
Lovely wall art above the head board.