Bedroom

The Bedroom… Lightened and Brightened

Our bedroom is fine. Lovely in fact. I really shouldn’t go mucking about. It looks like this:

Our Bedroom

Which, when broken down, looks like this:

The Bedroom

I don’t know what it is lately though — I’ve been really drawn to soft sweater textures and pale colors. Brandon thinks I’m nesting, and he may be right because I’m nearly obsessed. I want a light, soft rug. I want textured bedding in shades of cream and white. I want white linen curtains. I don’t want color and pattern right now. This is what I want the bedroom to look like…

The Bedroom… lightened and brightened

Um, and that rug just went on sale. Tempted.

Sources (current look):

Additional Sources (lightened and brightened):

Sources & Paint ColorsNeed design help? Let's work together.

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  • meredith
    January 28, 2009 at 1:33 pm

    i love the orange, but the new bedroom is so refreshing! i like to have multiple duvet & sheet sets since it is an easy change. i also love that west elm rug… it looks like it was knit!

  • Tory
    January 28, 2009 at 1:36 pm

    I like the lightened and brightened look you’ve put together. I say go for it! You’ll want a serene, visually quiet place you can go to and instantly drift off…especially as a new mom!

  • Marci
    January 28, 2009 at 1:45 pm

    I totally understand your need to soothe your space. Something as easy as swapping out your curtains and putting a light coloured duvet cover could give you the effect you’re going for. With less $$ and less effort. BTW, I love those prints. They are lovely.

  • Miss B.
    January 28, 2009 at 2:16 pm

    Uh-oh, you are turning into Miss B. that’s NO fun! I love the patterns and colour and happiness that bursts from your brain! Eschew the safe and neutral,save that for the colour cowards amongst us and be free to rain your sunshine on us all. Phew, I’ll get back to work now (in my warm grey, white and chrome office…)

  • lori
    January 28, 2009 at 2:19 pm

    we have that same orange patterned duvet from ikea as well. your bedroom is very lovely right now, but i know how it gets when you want something to change. i’ve been going through that lately too.

  • Patricia Fontes
    January 28, 2009 at 2:22 pm

    I love it! Great!

  • lizzie sorensen
    January 28, 2009 at 2:25 pm

    be careful with the West Elm pintuck duvet and shams. We have them and I paired it with the argyle sweater set in blue/green shams/blanket from PB so I totally get your whole sweaters texture thing – the pintuck duvet rips at the tucks if you pull it too hard and we already have a hole in it somehow (probably from pulling on it).

  • Cindy
    January 28, 2009 at 2:32 pm

    Oh I’ve always loved the pintuck duvet ( but sadly too small for our bed), and that rug looks so cozy. I am thinking you need a bit more color in there though… perhaps forgo the white curtains?

  • Dionne C
    January 28, 2009 at 2:33 pm

    I love your room right now! So lively. But I do like your new idea too, it’s so serene.

  • teresa
    January 28, 2009 at 2:37 pm

    Ha, I feel your pain…I’m doing the same thing although, I’m the opposite…wanting more color and pattern (my spaces were very neutral to begin with). I love both versions of your room. I have the pintuck bedding and absolutely love it (warning though, it’s much more cream/beige IRL than it looks on their website). I’ve had no trouble with the quality and wash it once a week. I too was swooning over that rug at one point – it looks so simple and luxurious at the same time.

    Go for it! You can’t really go wrong.

  • teresa
    January 28, 2009 at 2:39 pm

    Oooo, and I love the idea of keeping those pink drapes in there with the new items just for that subtle pop of color.

  • Melissa Baldwin
    January 28, 2009 at 2:39 pm

    I just have to say that your home looks so put together and cozy. I would really like it if each of my rooms were finished. I’m stumped on what I should do in my bedroom….thanks for the inspiration:) Oh and I love your studio!!
    I hear you on the nesting thing. I just had my forth and can totally relate. Before the birth of each of our kids we have started and finished big projects in our home. There is no stopping the nesting. I say redecorate you bedroom….and don’t forget to post pictures of the after:)

  • josh (in wonderland)
    January 28, 2009 at 2:57 pm

    go for the soft/light scheme. it’ll be so airy and comfy. i guarantee it!

    i have a thing for bright colors, but they can be a little overpowering. i like them more for summertime anyhow. when it’s cold, focus on what makes you feel cozy.

  • Averill
    January 28, 2009 at 3:13 pm

    That pin-tuck bedding from West Elm is really lovely — especially for the price. And since your update would only involve 3 new purchases, I’d be very tempted, too!

  • Making it Lovely
    January 28, 2009 at 3:18 pm

    I think the rug is going to have to come home with me. I went to visit it in the store and it is PERFECT.

    Brandon and I were at IKEA last month and I saw a white textured duvet set for $40 that I wanted but they were out of stock… perhaps I’ll take a trip back out at some point to see if they have it again.

  • Lindsay
    January 28, 2009 at 3:36 pm

    I think you have such a fantastic knack for mixing colors and patterns. I feel as though I’ve been stuck in a neutral rut for years and I’m frequently inspired by you! That pin tuck bedding from West Elm is lovely though…love the texture. Have fun with your transformation! (Plannng is 75% of the fun anyway!)

  • Brianna
    January 28, 2009 at 3:37 pm

    I have the same duvet cover that you have you eye on for the new look. I love the way it looks and it actually feels pretty soft after a few washes.

  • T. Kimberlyn
    January 28, 2009 at 3:42 pm

    I have that same orange Ikea duvet set : )

    Your new option looks so relaxing…perfect colors for this time of year.

  • Priscilla
    January 28, 2009 at 3:55 pm

    omg thats crazy – i have the same orange duvet cover right now and bought that white textured one a couple months ago. i never got to changing it because my orange one brings so much life to the room. plus we drink yogi bedtime tea (our favorite) before bed, so im afraid to bring out the white! =P if you change yours, i’ll change mine. =D

  • Kathleen
    January 28, 2009 at 4:25 pm

    I love the light and bright look! However, the look you’ve got going now might be a little more baby *ahemvomitpoopbabyslobber* friendly.

  • Birdie
    January 28, 2009 at 4:47 pm

    I am all of a sudden into texture as well. I think changing up your bedroom would be a nice change – it’s super cute right now but maybe the neutrals would make it seem more relaxing, which is probably what you’ll be needing once the baby comes.

  • JuliaL
    January 28, 2009 at 4:53 pm

    I wouldn’t worry about the pintuck duvet. I have it and it’s held up to my boyfriend and dog, both which are pretty destructive! I absolutely love it and now want the parachute one.

    PS. I love the rug too. I think it may go home with me this weekend :-)

  • flights of fancy
    January 28, 2009 at 5:08 pm

    Love the new light & airy look but be cautious with the rug. I bought a very similar plaited wool rug from Pottery Barn a few years ago (in ivory) and it was perfection…for about 6 months. Because it was so soft and plush underfoot, it really didn’t hold up very well and became quite dingy – despite the fact that we never wore our shoes in the bedroom and our dogs aren’t allowed in there. It was wonderful while it lasted though…

  • Danielle Melnyczenko
    January 28, 2009 at 5:53 pm

    I’m going through a similar phase. I’d definitely invest in some organic bamboo cotton sheets and a nice white duvet set, you’ll use it more than you think. The rug looks lovely. I bought some nice curtains from IKEA called “Matilda” I think. http://www.ikea.com/au/en/catalog/products/10111984 They’re so soft and add a bit of texture. Have fun.

  • valerie from Rose Flash
    January 28, 2009 at 6:48 pm

    Tehhe, the pregnant lady nesting phase… whoa, am I in it! I think that the subtle hues and textures are very modern and comfy, def. go for it if you have the energy and the budget :) You’ll have the best place for rest and doozing for the first mom-months :)

  • Jenny
    January 28, 2009 at 7:57 pm

    I absolutely love the new look, I think its ideal for a New Year, you can switch back to the colors come Spring and Summer.

  • Manda
    January 28, 2009 at 8:03 pm

    I like both, and changing bed linen is a great way to change the look and change it back when you’re feeling fickle or need a change. I definitely love that rug though.

  • Janine
    January 28, 2009 at 8:09 pm

    Lol….nesting phase. I love them both but I prefer the new one, the colour scheme is great.

  • Jennae @ Green Your Decor
    January 28, 2009 at 8:12 pm

    We all itch for a new look every now and then, and with the baby coming, you owe it to yourself :) I’m just happy to see organic bedding included in there. I’m a big proponent of greening your bed and nursery, even if you don’t do it anywhere else in the house.

    Either way, your taste is impeccable, so I have no doubt the finished room will be as beautiful as the rest of your house :)

  • mribaro
    January 29, 2009 at 2:19 am

    I prefer your whitish scheme. It is more soothing, and I know from experience that if you want “busy” – you will have your baby to take care of, and not your duvet :) So, an empty slate and nothing to think about is what you want from your new bedroom :) Best wishes!

  • Fiona
    January 29, 2009 at 6:22 am

    Hey, if it looks like you can get the white duvet and curtains from Ikea, that’s not a huge investment, so go for it. You may be craving simplicity and restfulness, which you will crave even more when you have a baby! I don’t find babies/toddlers to be particularly destructive to white (although I wouldn’t have a white fabric sofa with a toddler or anything). My cat does more to destroy things (inadvertently–claws caught, etc) than my child does, but maybe I am lucky.

  • Breakfast for Dinner
    January 29, 2009 at 9:47 am

    I love your room!!! I’ll let you get the new rug, but I love the colorful bedspread as is. :)

  • Amy
    January 29, 2009 at 11:49 am

    I think your current room is gorgeous (I’m horrible at mixing patterns and colors) but I can see why you’d want a calmer room, esp. with a baby coming! I say go for it, I doubt you’ll be doing a whole lot of decorating after the baby comes lol, call this your last hurrah for awhile!

  • coral
    January 29, 2009 at 12:54 pm

    I feel the same way these days – I’m really drawn to calm, cozy, neutrals and plaids. I think its the weather and the state of affairs in our country, we’re all looking around for reassurance and nostalgia. I’m hoping this spring I pull out of it and reach again to more color.

  • Brandi
    January 29, 2009 at 3:49 pm

    I love the pale pink roman shades you have in your bedroom (They are pink, right?). Where did you find those? I have looked and never found anyhting that looked that delicate and feminine. So pretty!

  • elle
    January 29, 2009 at 6:58 pm

    It’s beautiful and restful. Where did you get that little oval clock (I think it’s a clock) that is next to the red phone? That is awesome…

  • Lynn
    January 29, 2009 at 8:10 pm

    I love bloth looks. I’ve been coveting the Chocolate Froth paint for years. Do you love it? I just really like the name!!

  • Paul Olson
    January 30, 2009 at 11:36 am

    Is the jar where your husband’s dick is stored in the kitchen? That seems logical. The bathroom seems like a possible location too. I can’t find it on the charts or photographs.

  • Making it Lovely
    January 30, 2009 at 11:41 am

    Wow, uncalled for.

  • Ashley Brooke
    January 30, 2009 at 1:38 pm

    I stumbled upon your blog and just adore it and enjoy reading your posts daily!

    I really love the orage graphics on the duvet in your original room, I think it really makes the room pop. But, I also love the textures in the “concept room”! Tough call!

  • Anneke
    January 30, 2009 at 8:11 pm

    um, wow. totally uncalled for!

    even if you don’t change the colour scheme, PLEASE buy the rug. it would be like getting a hug from your floors every morning!

    plus, the nice thing about changing textiles is you can do it cheaply and you can always go back and forth as your moods change!

  • michele
    January 30, 2009 at 8:49 pm

    i have to say, we went all shades-of-white in our bedroom last year and it is the most restful, clarifying, peaceful room in the whole house. you walk through red and yellow and brown and green and orange all day long, and then at the end of the day you enter white-on-winter white and just breathe a sigh of relief. i say go for it!!

  • Lisa
    February 4, 2009 at 10:46 am

    I really love your bedroom as is. The colors are still soft and inviting and it just looks fresh and happy. I would leave it be. But, I totally understand wanting to change things even if it looks good. I do it all the time and people think I’m nuts. The new rug would look lovely with your current set up, though.

  • Lucia M
    February 5, 2009 at 8:42 pm

    I love the room, the colors are awesome!!!

  • Laura
    February 8, 2009 at 2:48 pm

    I love the color of your bedroom. I am lookiing for a similar color as well. But, it is so hard to know from the pictures if this color will work for me. I want a cream color that will look good with either pink or blue accents. Yours looks amazing with the pink. I would like a cream that doesn’t have strong yellow tones. I feel like so many of them do. Would the color you used look good with either pink or blue?

  • carrie
    February 9, 2009 at 5:52 pm

    that’s so funny, just before my son finn was born, we had a pattern duvet from brocade and all sorts of pattern/color…although relatively subtle, it was color. and i had my mind set that everything had to be white. and so i did, and i’ll tell you, i LOVED it and remember how crisp it all was when he was a baby. we’ve since re-painted and added color. i think i might go back to white again at some point. you look amazing by the way…what an exciting time for you!!!!

  • Candice
    February 11, 2009 at 1:48 pm

    I know how you feel, sometimes I just really want a neutral palette!

  • Jess LC
    February 22, 2009 at 5:33 pm

    I actually own the duvet from West Elm you want! When I saw it I immediately knew I had to have it. So I placed a wager with my boyfriend on a game of Backgammon. The loser had to buy the duvet. He bought the duvet.

    First we got the seafoam color- it looks so light and icy blue/aqua. But when we got it in the mail the actual look was much more minty and overwhelming than we imagined. So we swapped it out for the natural and couldn’t be happier. FYI- if you do end up getting it, be careful with the tucks- they can split open and “un-tuck” if you are pulling on the duvet too much.

    Cheers from Lakeview, and LOVE your blog!

  • Kim
    March 20, 2009 at 10:13 pm

    I am so glad I ran across this article in your blog. The light and bright look you displayed is what I’m currently looking for. Specifically, I want cable-knit pillow covers and all sorts of textures.. very simple in color, though. The problem is that I have a California King down comforter. I can’t find ANYTHING that fits 108 x 98. Any suggestions… anyone??

  • Kim
    March 21, 2009 at 10:38 am

    Got the duvet! Now, I just a need nice, textured, simple king-sized blanket!

  • Making it Lovely » Blog Archive » The Bedroom, Dressed in White
    March 26, 2009 at 9:54 am

    […] and two extra pillowcases) at IKEA for less than $75. The duvet cover isn’t as textured as the pin-tuck set I had wanted, but it was a much more affordable […]

  • Making it Lovely | Transforming the so-so. » Blog Archive » Time to Revamp the Bedroom
    May 4, 2010 at 7:51 pm

    […] latest version of the room has been looking pretty good with its all-white bedding and soft white rug, thanks to a strong nesting urge when I was pregnant with Eleanor. Now though? I want color. […]