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silkenfree

Facelift master bedroom & update - stuck

7 years ago
Needing to update master bedroom look without removing built ins. The 1 wall, headboard, built in cabinets (uppers & lowers) are shaded walnut coloured stain oak veneer. Tops of side tables the stain has a worn look. Walls better papered as drywall not the best. Dresser doesn't match in colour with the mirror brackets.
Home is basically traditional in style with contemporary touches. There is a panel laying against wall which was on attached to the door to make it disappear into the panel wall however doesn't fit new door installed today. Not sure how to deal with this issue either

Comments (50)

  • 7 years ago
    last modified: 7 years ago

    Looks like you're looking to replace the wallpaper. I'd choose something that's more of a texture, rather than a pattern, since you'll be doing 3 walls. Can some of the wood be painted? Are you planning on new bedding or window dressings?

    Something like this to quiet down the busy-ness of the room.

    https://www.homedepot.com/p/Norwall-Burlap-Texture-Paintable-Wallpaper-48923/303172079

  • 7 years ago
    This is the door replaced today that the panel no longer fits that is set to the side.
  • 7 years ago
    Yes planning to replace bedding, possibly hardware on cabinets and window treatment.
  • 7 years ago

    I wouldn't try to re-attach the door panel to the new door. The new door is a good break from all the wood.

    Can any of the wood be painted or does it all stay as is?

    Choose a bedspread first, then drapes and rug that look good with it. Wall paint color is chosen last.

  • 7 years ago
    Altering the colour of the wood is a consideration. Just not sure what direction to go with that if I did. Restain, paint wash???
  • 7 years ago
    last modified: 7 years ago

    Off topic somewhat but if you would look at Houzz pictures that have built in headboards and see if you find a ‘look’ that appeals to you. You might find a stain color you like or color that sings to you or a light fixture you would love to put over the bed.
    One idea often leads to ten more idea and gives you option you might never have thought of!
    The door you bought looks pretty standard and easily returned. Why not consider a plain wood veneer door and stain it to match the rest of the room to accent your built ins.
    Please posts some pictures that inspire you so we Houzzers can add input when we know you desired effect for the room. You have a great blank slate! Keep us posted.

    You might want to go crisp and clean and put a cerused oak stain or opaque stain on the wood in your room with sleek bedding and a fluffy rug.


    Or you could go opposite and paint out the headboard in the palest blue/grey and do the walls in a lovely creamy paint, curtains in a print in the colors used on walls and headboard. Painting involves priming and two coats but it can be done in stages and looks beautiful when done, although oak has a lot of grain, but they make wood fillers when you desire a smoother finish.

    Choosing curtains and bedding first would then dictate the colors of paint. The silvery ceiling light gives a little glam to the room and soothing wall to wall carpet adds warmth......this room below is my first choice!


    Another idea with all wood stained in a rich warm color that is accented with gold and deep plum. There is not a lot of wood to the headboard and the doors can all be removed and stained on the flat. The granite slabs on the nightstands would be an easy fix for the scratches.


    another view below; love the green blue walls.



    Natural wood with a clear finish can be lovely too.....simple modern clean with pale grey blue and beige accents......sconces add drama and puck light adds reading in bed ease.


  • 7 years ago

    I would paint all wood white. I would see if you can't cut the wood above head of bed into a clean straight line instead of what I can only call the Gatsby looking design it has. Once that is painted I would consider doing a geometric pattern wallpaper behind headboard section with he background a color you would like to incorporate in the room. Navy/? Green? IDK what colors you like so can't say. Can you pull down the light above bed? Remove it entirely its too low. Can wiring be taken up through wall so there are two pot lights coming down from cabinet underside above bed? New hardware for cabinets is a must as well. Pull down the window treatment and do two simple drapery panels , coordinate the color with what you choose. Bedding will fall under this envelope as well. I can't really tell whats going on with the mirror above the dresser there. But overall it looks like there is way too much furniture in the space and I would ask myself what can be axed and what absolutely needs to stay.

  • 7 years ago
    First update... Replaced light/ceiling fan. Old one had paddles with rattan & milk white ruffled tulip style shades on the 3 lights.
  • 7 years ago

    Are you redecorating after living there a while or are you just moving in? This photo from your ideabooks has a beautiful new look:


  • 7 years ago

    Worn stain on the tabletops can be retouched. Or you can have glass cut to cover the tabletops.

  • 7 years ago
    I think Pink Peony has given you a lot of great ideas to use. I notice that you have a sample wallpaper tucked in by the window. It’s very nice, and I think that, after you paint the cabinets surrounding the bed, you could wallpaper just that area behind the bed. Use one of the colors in the wallpaper for the three remaining walls. Simple white bedding and curtains, and the basics of your decor will be done. Depending on how much of a DIY’er you are, I’d also paint the bureau white or pale gray, then eliminate the wooden mirror and replace it with a simple silver-framed mirror. Keep it simple, light and bright.
  • 7 years ago

    I like the idea of eliminating the detail on bottom of upper cabinets. It will look cleaner and less busy and more updated. I also like the pictures posted with the cabinets painted white. A dark colour would be nice as well....navy or dark grey or teal... I have searched Houzz for pictures of that look without success. Can anyone find anything like that to share here for a visual? The fan/light looks like you are trying to modernize the space a bit. What about leaving the dresser on the other wall in natural wood, painting the cabinets one of the above colours (white, navy, grey or teal) crisp white quilt and pillows, light textured wall paper. Idea to clean up the dresser and mirror area: take down completely, tidy, eliminate jewellery stand to the left of the dresser and place a full length mirror to the left of closets (if you are going to change the look of the wood panelling)..Maybe a nice, calm piece of art above dresser. Lastly, I would add mirror to the wall on either side of bed above dresser. That area looks dark and it would brighten it up. The suggestions made already about window treatments are great.

  • 7 years ago
    This home is 46 years old. I have lived in it since new. Master bedroom hasn't been touched in about 25-30 yrs sadly so really time to update. Removing the frame with the mirror above the bureau. Considering painting the bureau & cabinets. Looking to modernize, with a clean fresh look with an accent pop of colour which could be in accessory.
  • 7 years ago

    I just saw mention of the wallpaper sample you have tucked near the window. Its fantastic. Use it behind bed in built in then do the rest of the room in a gray grass cloth that matches the gray in that wallpaper keeping texture but solid color. That is only if you cant just paint walls gray.

    Rei Light Gray Grasscloth Wallpaper Bolt · More Info

    Are there any other colors you want to incorporate with the gray? Navy? Yellow? Darker gray?

  • 7 years ago

    Love this idea pink_peony!


  • 7 years ago
    Yes pink_peony I would like to introduce a pop of colour somewhere. Perhaps in accessories like pillows, throw, something that can be switched up if I choose. Perhaps teal, navy or even a yellow if I come across the right one. Tend to like quilts v.s. poufy bed coverings. Will look at the grass cloth papers if when the walls are uncovered find they are not great for painting. Been awhile since they were exposed. Paper behind the headboard would be a nice accent piece to consider. Thanks.
    I am appreciating all the input from everyone.
  • 7 years ago
    last modified: 7 years ago

    Grass cloth can be a bit pricey, but you can get paintable wallpaper that is textured, that will give allow you to cover the walls at a more reasonable cost. I linked to one above but there are many different ones. You could even use it to cover the wood wall.

  • 7 years ago
    Definitely too much dark wood going on here. I would paint the walls white, eliminate the mirror, the geometric pattern over the bed, and the panel for the new door.

    It feels like there might be too much furniture as well, or it needs to be lighter in color.

    Any chance you can put a larger window in?
  • PRO
    7 years ago

    Hello Silkenfree,


    Some great suggestions up above. Have you considered taking the doors of the cabinets above the bed (if not all doors off) and leave those little flaoting drawers on on the side (they're cool!) ?


    Removing that art deco piece under the shelf... It would probably look better straight back on the wall instead of under the edge of the cabinet.... In either scenario it gives you something to hide a little strip light behind (even Ikea has 'em now) and free that wall of it's sconce. That would make one notice it's related to the headboard. Get some hardware that matches that light you put in & the room starts tying together.


    You could try sanding the cabinets to lighten them up - of just going white semigloss paint to really feature them.


    Door panel... what about removing the one above the door, painting that white to match and giving it a floor to ceiling look? With the wood...I'd turn it sideways and find a small portion of wall above the couch or in a cove to chop it up and mount into.


    Hope that helps, good luck!


    Have fun,

    -f

  • 7 years ago
    The hardware will definitely be replaced. There will be a lot of it. The hardware on the new door not installed yet. Brushed nickel finish same as ceiling fixture. Whole house is under Reno.
    Sorry keltikmom the window size we are unable to alter. Light above bed is being removed.
    I feel the dresser being a clear finish is competing with the floor so thinking painting a light complimentary colour & adding hardware would make it more like it belongs.
    When reviewing the photo decided definitely to remove the mirror & frame around it. Too overpowering. Interesting how a photo gives a different perspective (like a new set of eyes). Dark wall also needs to be lightened by painting, alternative (may not be realistic) depending how much damage would create removing completely, however would cause an issue for the closet doors as they currently are flush with the wall panels.
  • 7 years ago
    After reading this post I’m unsure if you plan on painting, removing, or leaving wood paneling as is. Or are you looking for suggestions regarding it?
    My suggestion for behind the bed would be to upholster it rather than wallpaper it. Picking a neutral shade upholstery fabric, probably a faux suede to add softness against the wood. Then add some throw pillows in a geometric pattern that mimics that wallpaper. Similar to this photo:

    https://goo.gl/images/pxYrVy
  • 7 years ago
    following
  • 7 years ago

    I love dramatic bedrooms. You have a touch of art deco detailing above the bed and I would highlight that with black for all of the wood elements in the room and art deco hardware. With the wood grain showing through it will look like the walls are covered with moire'. LED's above the bed and dramatic wall mounted lamps either side of the bed, with upholstery as a faux headboard for the interior wall of the current cabinetry recess will be fabulous.

    https://www.houzz.com/products/query/art-deco-hardware/nqrwns

  • 7 years ago

    Go as much white as you can in this room. Remove the wooden trim hanging over the bed. Paint the cabinets white. I like the wallpaper you chose. Do white bedding with raspberry and yellow throw pillows for color.

  • 7 years ago

    I’m keeping with my original comments here is a possible color story for the room. I would layer quilts using a pic stitch pattern in white with navy linen on foot of bed and in Shams. Then add yellow/gold patterns in pillows. With the gray it will look great.

    I would do a simple white drapery panel on the window .

    White Heavy Faux Linen Curtain · More Info

    use a rod the same finish as your hardware and fan.

  • 7 years ago

    White drapery panels on the window.

  • 7 years ago
    @pink_peony. Your colour story and ideas are awesome! Silkenfree- these are great ideas!
  • 7 years ago

    Thank You ;-)

  • 7 years ago

    Does the wallpaper go behind the built-ins? It looks like the panels over the nightstands are on top of the wallpaper.

  • 7 years ago
    Apple-pie-order while the paper appears to go behind the panels I actually applied it around the panels & behind the headboard. Toying with idea removing the panels & perhaps add mirror between the side tables & upper cabinets & see if we can add some lighting. Have to see if they can be easily removed. Planning to see if the valence can be taken down & straightened. The base of the bed would have to be painted & rehardwared as well. There are 3 drawers each side of the bed. It is extremely heavy.
    Thanks for your interest in the project.
  • 7 years ago

    Thanks for info. That's an excellent precise job of wallpapering. If you used a sizing way back when, the wallpaper may be a lot easier to strip off. Have you given in to the temptation to peel back just a corner?


    Are the bed and dresser built in, too?

    Consider putting a strip of LED lights under the valence and under the bottom drawers above the nightstands. It will highlight the new wallpaper.


    I would keep the wood valence because it echoes the shape of the headboard and provides character. Painting the whole kit and kaboodle white like your inspiration photo would be a dramatic change.


    If it is time to simplify, you could remove the large chest at the foot of the bed.

  • 7 years ago
    Apple_pie_order yes the headboard, side tables, bed & wall units. The dresser at the other end of the room not built in. Mirror is attached to the dresser but do know it can easily be removed. The decor panels above side tables not sure how they were installed. May be screwed to the wall behind the build out piece layered on. Definitely considering some strip lighting under upper cabinets if I can conceal the wiring or find plug in components. Will look at options.
  • 7 years ago
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  • 7 years ago

    Here finally is an update of what we ultimately did. To the master bedroom

  • 7 years ago

    What was a dark wall. The Art Deco above the side tables was replaced with smoked grey mirror & glass tops on the painted side tables. All new hardware. Hardwood floor was refinished also.

  • 7 years ago

    New light fixtures in bathroom. Repainted cabinet, added new hardware & made minor changes to the vanity. (Note mat not there when finished)

  • 7 years ago

    Another view of the master bedroom

  • 7 years ago

    Looking for some ideas for finishing the decor now that the harder work is done.

  • 7 years ago

    hi...saw your current, from that - appears almost that the bed "is one with" the cabinets...might a bed cover be nice in color blend with wallpaper, and cause wall has much contrast of wp and cabs, not bedding that is all light or all dark, but a mix pattern

  • 7 years ago

    looking good!

  • 7 years ago

    It is so cool to see how everything turned out, and it looks great—fresh and bright and updated. What an amazing difference.

  • 7 years ago

    It looks GORGEOUS!!! I would paint the jewelry cabinet a fun accent color, matching to the dresser, or remove altogether. I would also remove the brass hanger thingy and the trash can. The room appears small so I would remove the chest at the foot of the bed or paint it to match the dresser. Maybe a beautiful rug? A beautiful piece of art on the door wall? This is an amazing transformation even if you do nothing more.

  • 7 years ago

    I would change the ceiling lamp , immediately ...to a more modern lamp or fun modern chandelier ..with a dimmer to add romance ..

  • 7 years ago

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  • 7 years ago

    Great transformation. It looks clean and fresh.

  • 7 years ago

    OMG! What a transformation! Great job!

  • 7 years ago

    Looks so much “happier”. Great job!

  • 7 years ago

    Congratulations! So nice to see the update and I'm glad you're happy with the results! What a huge change! Its looking great!

  • 7 years ago

    great update thanks for sharing the photos.