Announcing a new sponsored project…
Our bedroom has gone through many changes over the last three years. We started with wall-to-wall (disgusting) carpet, broken louvered doors on the closet, and mismatched woodwork. We got to work soon after we moved in and we replaced the carpet with dark bamboo flooring, swapped out the closet doors for a sliding paneled set, and added new crisp white trim. We even added a second freestanding closet to the room, and sprung for a new bed and nightstands.
After all that, we didn’t have much money left for decorating. You know… the fun part! We already had some cute sheets, and I made changes by adding inexpensive bedding. We even had a rug that fit, leftover from the dining room of our old apartment. The jute was a bit scratchy, but that rug really tied the room together.
The 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. Pattern. Texture. I miss the fun, the zip, and the zing.
That’s why I’m happy to announce that I will be working with Membership Rewards points from American Express to revamp the bedroom! I’ve always been a big fan of their Membership Rewards program; I use my card for business expenses all the time to rack up points. They can be redeemed for different items, but I usually like to go for the gift cards. With stores to choose from like west elm, Pottery Barn, and Crate & Barrel, I know I’ll be able to find some great items.
Over the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing the process of transforming my bedroom with you. Since we already know what a big difference bedding can make, I’ll be starting there. And at the end of the project, I’ll have a little something (or maybe a big something) for you too!
Ludmila {CreamyLife.com}
May 4, 2010 at 12:19 pmYay, can’t wait to see how your bedroom will look like, pattern+color+textures sounds fabulously exciting!!!
Amy
May 4, 2010 at 12:20 pm“that rug really tied the room together.” haha! :) Love that movie!
I can’t wait to see what you do! We splurged on an eastern king Hoffman bed from R&B and a nice latex foam mattress with our tax refund money this year and now the rest of our room just doesn’t measure up! Mismatched nightstands, mismatched lamps, bedding that didn’t match the new upholstery, curtains that now don’t match, etc. I did get the Amy Butler Modena (I think) comforter set and I love it, but I need more!!
Making it Lovely
May 4, 2010 at 3:35 pmI’m glad the Big Lebowski reference wasn’t lost! Brandon will be so pleased. ;)
Ashley @ The Design Thief
May 4, 2010 at 12:26 pmI love your space! I am all about the splurge on a nice rug, because you’re right, they totally make the room. I can’t wait to see more!
Samantha
May 4, 2010 at 12:29 pmI love the bright orange bedding, but can’t wait to see what changes you make.
Licia
May 4, 2010 at 12:36 pmOh, I’m excited about this project! My bedroom is looking pretty sad right now and I’ve been mulling over what I should do. I’m sure your posts will provide some inspiration.
Holly
May 4, 2010 at 12:46 pmLOVE to see all the different photos of your bedroom! And can’t wait to see what you come up with- your house is so darn CUTE!
xoxox Holly
Ana
May 4, 2010 at 12:56 pmExciting! Maybe you’ll inspire me to do the same (actually, I know you will inspire me, I just don’t know if I will act on it).
Carrie
May 4, 2010 at 1:49 pmOh how fun!
I have been looking everywhere for inexpensive bedding and while I find things I like, it’s not the color I want. It might be time for me to learn to sew.
Camilla {Hygge Nook}
May 4, 2010 at 1:52 pmI love the look of your room but change is always good. Hope you have fun creating the new look!
Emily
May 4, 2010 at 1:53 pmI’m excited to see what you come up with!
Jenny
May 4, 2010 at 1:53 pmI love seeing room transformations, so I’m excited about this one! If you don’t want that rug anymore, feel free to send it my way :-)
beth
May 4, 2010 at 2:01 pmlove it when those rewards come in handy! can’t wait to see what you get…
Kelly Jo
May 4, 2010 at 2:04 pmI have so many different design styles that my rooms look like a garage sale than an eclectic-pulled-together style. I can’t wait to see what the new room looks like. (If you need to do something with the old stuff, I’ll forward my address! LOL)
alicia
May 4, 2010 at 2:21 pmI love your lamps, where did you find them???
Making it Lovely
May 4, 2010 at 3:34 pmThose were from Pottery Barn.
Diana
May 4, 2010 at 2:32 pmthis scares me. Is this a sponsored post? It doesn’t sound like your “voice” at all.
grace
May 4, 2010 at 2:37 pmAgreed with comment left by Diana, did they make you write it that way? It doesn’t sound like your usual fun sweet voice! I’m a little scurred….
Patti
May 4, 2010 at 3:01 pmSo funny… I was thinking the same thing as Diana & Grace. Looking forward to the next look in any event.
Making it Lovely
May 4, 2010 at 3:03 pmDiana, Grace, and Patti,
Yes, I’m working with a sponsor (I wouldn’t be able to redo the bedroom if I weren’t), but the voice is 100% mine! If I came across differently, it’s only because I wanted to do a recap of the room’s past looks since many readers haven’t been around since the beginning.
Patti
May 5, 2010 at 7:05 amNicole,
I think it’s great. No judgement from this gal, I just thought this post sounded more like a commercial for Amex Rewards (& said stores) than the usual “down to earth” tone of your previous posts. I loves me some Amex Rewards Points! LOL I use my Amex card for business as well so I totally get it… Good luck! And Congrats on the sponsorship. Can’t wait to see what your creativity brings us!
katiedid
May 4, 2010 at 3:10 pmOh goodie! Looking forward to it!
Carrie Anne
May 4, 2010 at 3:24 pmCan’t wait to see you add color! I already love the window treatments.
Kate
May 4, 2010 at 3:37 pmI think the other commenters were referring to the abundance of exclamation points in the last two paragraphs. The beginning of the post was all you and then … whoa!
Loves Design
May 8, 2010 at 12:45 pm“…abundance of exclamation points…”
All two of them? Percentage-wise you used more. Whoa.
Adventures In Babywearing
May 4, 2010 at 4:06 pmOh very nice! I’ve been updating a room at a time in our house and have made several trips to CB2 & Pottery Barn lately!
Steph
Kim at Yellow Brick Home
May 4, 2010 at 4:10 pmI can’t wait to see what you do!
I feel in the same boat – but opposite. We have a bright orange bedroom, and while orange is my favorite color under the sun, sometimes I just feel a bit..well, panicked. In my own bedroom.
But if I dress it all down, will it be just-so-not-fun? I’m feeling very torn.
Elizabeth
May 4, 2010 at 4:25 pmSo cute!!
Michael
May 4, 2010 at 4:33 pmI love the closet doors. Where did you get them?
Making it Lovely
May 4, 2010 at 7:57 pmThe Home Depot. The brand started with an ‘N’, but I don’t remember what it was exactly.
Tory
May 4, 2010 at 7:22 pmI’m so torn by this post. I’m very excited to hear you’re tackling another decorating project and taking us along for the ride. You have such a great eye! However, I’m a little nervous about advertising creeping into your posts; it sounded a bit like a commercial when you introduced your sponsor. I hope you’ll find a great way to balance the lovely decorating you do with your obligations to the sponsor.
Megan Elizabeth
May 4, 2010 at 7:57 pmIn the last picture is your white bedding by any chance a Ikea duvet cover? If it is then WE HAVE THE SAME ONE! :)
I understand your need for colour (trust me I LOVE COLOUR) but I like to make my bedroom very calming. Mine is alot like your current one, chocolate browns and whites. Very zen. I’m moving into a new apartment this summer and I’ll be painting walls and ceiling white and the trim a dark glossy brown, paired with my all white bed I’ll be sleeping in heaven. I did however buy a second duvet cover that’s blue and white so that I can switch it up a bit.
So excited to see your new room makeover!!!!
Pencils
May 4, 2010 at 8:03 pmYour bedroom already looks fabulous, and you’re updating it! I can’t even get the energy to fix up my bedroom for the first time. That’s the problem of moving into a house that needs a lot of work, you don’t know where to start. We’re working, slowly, on my daughter’s room. Peachy pink walls, white trim, old-fashioned white curtains with ball fringe, and I can’t find a flush light fixture for a little girl’s room that goes with that color scheme. :( The ceiling is low because of the dormers so there’s no room for anything that isn’t flush.
JuliaL
May 4, 2010 at 8:47 pmI don’t see what the big deal is about being sponsored by someone you already love. If you are already using it, why not share it with us and get paid at the same time. Personally, I love Amex. I charge everything on my card to get Delta SkyMiles. It’s all about using credit responsibly. I think it’s smart. I look forward to hearing all about how you are spending your points. :-)
robin
May 4, 2010 at 9:07 pmhow exciting! i really look forward to seeing more :0)
grace
May 4, 2010 at 11:08 pmThanks for clearing that up. Of course this is first and foremost your blog, your (lovely) home and your business, but I am nostalgic for the days when reading blogs was entirely no strings attached and before big companies smartened up and started using it as a means to get customers.
Of course, Amex simply knows a good thing when they see it – and recognize this great blog for what it is.
ana
May 5, 2010 at 1:35 ami agree with torry, i’m torn, i’d prefer not to see sponsored posts like this (i also had mixed feelings about the dyson post) but i also understand why you’d agree to do it, and i know i’ll enjoy the transformation :)
lias
May 10, 2010 at 7:45 pmIf you don’t want to see sponsored posts, maybe you shouldn’t read popular blogs.
Jen
May 5, 2010 at 9:28 amSooo jealous! I love AmEX rewards. I can look at various parts of my home using our points. I got our Crate and Barrel Troy sofa with chaise and a Pottery Barn teak picnic table using gift cards from points.
Of course it took awhile to accumulate, but still it was free. We have always used our card for travel, and the holidays…paid it off when we received the bill. I am eyeing the Tate bed right now, but it seems too low to the ground for my taste.
Sounds like a lot of fun!!
I’d be golden if AmEx would add Room and Board to it’s vendor list!
Elle Sees
May 5, 2010 at 10:05 amLove the white, but excited to see the new!
jane
May 5, 2010 at 1:12 pmI’ve always loved the bed frame you chose. Were the paneled closet doors difficult to hang? They look so clean and modern.
melanirae
May 5, 2010 at 2:40 pmLove your house!
We just laid a nice whitewash wood floor over some ghetto ass plastic floor that had dirt caked in from 1978. god it feels good to walk barefoot in the room now!
jbhat
May 5, 2010 at 5:54 pmWhat fun! I too cannot wait to see and read about the progress.
jbhat
Trishna
May 5, 2010 at 10:18 pmI am really excited to see the changes. Knowing you I would not be disappointed. :)
Nuit
May 6, 2010 at 9:54 amyes!!! color, pattern!! can’t wait to see it!!!
Jules
May 6, 2010 at 10:06 amI can’t wait to see what you do this time around and am thrilled you are being compensated for all the work you put into the blog.
Kenziepoo
May 6, 2010 at 7:46 pmI can’t wait to see what you do with your bedroom revamp!! :)
romeoandjewels
May 6, 2010 at 8:48 pmThe door brand is mostly likely Nuporte. I looked at them to replace our sliding doors and then decided to just put up curtains. I’ve only seen them on the Home Depot website, never in person.
Doh – just checked the website and they renamed the company TRUporte. Weird…
http://www.homedepot.com/Doors-Windows-Doors-Interior-Doors-Bypass-Sliding-Doors/h_d1/N-5yc1vZ1xhcZapwf/h_d2/Navigation?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053&omni=c_Bypass/Sliding%20Doors
Cara
May 6, 2010 at 11:47 pmI wasn’t going to say anything, but I have to put it out there, the blatant ad copy is really off-putting. Obviously it’s your blog/your business, but this kind of thing loses my interest quickly.
Jules
May 7, 2010 at 1:36 amYou should have followed your instincts and held your tongue.
Nicole already stated the voice was hers at the beginning of this thread. To then say it’s “blatant ad copy” is akin to calling her dishonest, which is a bold statement for a stranger to make.
Bloggers deserve to be compensated for the value they deliver to their readers several times per week for free. The only off-putting thing I have read on this post are condescending statements like “this kind of thing loses my interest quickly,” which implies blog authors are shiny toys meant simply for one’s amusement.
A great deal of personal time, effort and money goes into authoring design and home improvement blogs, and Making it Lovely is no different. Nicole has always acted ethically and with integrity, something that can’t be said about everyone–blogger or not.
My @ tha Hotness
May 7, 2010 at 9:54 pmLove me some Jules. xoxo
SusanF
May 7, 2010 at 4:27 pmWe will miss you Cara! Blog on, Nicole!
luuve
May 7, 2010 at 4:35 pmi love jules!!! ha! i feel the same exact way! design on nicole…im looking forward to what you come up with along with what new ads or ideas cross your path…companies are smart..and savvy..like someone else said..WHHHY wouldn’t they reach out to nicole?! she is seriously one of the best home improvement/design blogs in the universe! ooooh can’t wait to see! loooove you nicole! :) oh yeah happy mother’s day :)
Megan Elizabeth
May 6, 2010 at 11:56 pmTo all the people who are “upset” my the fact that she’s being sponsored… Get over it.
She gets to redo her entire bedroom and all she has to do is give us some info. Don’t read it and look at the pretty pictures instead if it upsets you so much.
M
May 7, 2010 at 2:27 amI used to rack up the points on my Amex for Pottery Barn cards too. However, I was beyond irritated to find out that they had drastically cut my limit without even notifying me. I always pay on time and my credit score is in the 800s. So now I use my Visa. Amex doesn’t deserve my business.
Sorry to be a Debbie Downer, but I just had to throw that out there.
Samae
May 7, 2010 at 4:59 pmI had that same thing happen. Weird. I always pay my bills and have been a loyal customer since 2000. Amex can suck it. LOL
Go Nicole. Can’t wait to see the new bedroom.
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Laura
May 7, 2010 at 7:30 pmHave been using American Express points for years and am always telling my friends about them. Good for you for finding a partnership that will help to introduce others to this great perk. I am currently 15K points away from saving 50% on a Pottery Barn leather sofa that I have been eying for years. Every purchase I make using it, I know that I am one day closer to the sofa of my dreams for a price that is affordable for my family.
Kathy
May 7, 2010 at 7:31 pmI just recently discovered the wonderful world of blogging. I don’t blog – I am a fan. Reading design blogs is my new guilty pleasure. And why is it a guilty pleasure, you might ask? Because I have not earned or paid for the right to be a voyeur into the lives of these wonderful women who provide me with so much entertainment, insight, instruction and aesthetic beauty. I would have to pay a designer for the advice and resources that these women so freely give away for nothing. So, Nicole, I am happy (and relieved) to read that you are being compensated in some way to keep your wonderful blog going. I marvel every day at your creativity, frugality, resourcefulness and your strong work ethic. You are a role model to many.
Jess
May 9, 2010 at 9:20 pmI’m with you! Do you know how much I used to spend on magazines each month? Enough to never admit it to my boyfriend and only pay for them with cash (yeah, I know, I’m ashamed). Now I just browse the web for no extra money than normal and get even more out of it.
Joy_UK
May 8, 2010 at 2:05 pmJules said everything so perfectly…love you Girls!
Brismod
May 9, 2010 at 12:32 amI really like what you did to your bedroom – particularly your wardrobe. I am new to your blog and will enjoy reading what you have done. And those people are silly to criticise about blog advertising. There is always the little x in the corner if it is so unpalatable. regards Anita
Jan
May 9, 2010 at 6:35 pmI think it’s great. I see no problem with getting reimbursed by a sponsor as long as you are able to do whatever you want. However, I also think it should be okay for people to be able to voice their opinion. I’m sure you would agree.
Jan
May 9, 2010 at 6:38 pmForgot to add, I can’t wait to see the new patterns and textures you will choose. They are always outstanding.
readeranonymous
May 9, 2010 at 9:36 pmi cannot seem to leave a comment under your new post about the negative comments you’ve received in this one. i just wanted to say that i think your new post was very well said and i like the way you handled yourself. i’m pleased with your composure and i’m sure that after reading such hurtful words it was not easy to write a response that didn’t quite show your anger and resentment. well done!
Emily
May 10, 2010 at 8:46 amI’m curious. I see that your bed is placed in front of the large window, therefore blocking the window. I see this done quite a lot. Is it because the space in the room does not allow the bed to be placed anywhere else or do you just like the look of the bed in front of the window? I was just curious about this since I’ve always had a phobia of blocking my windows. I do think it looks pretty the way it’s done.
walrus studio
May 11, 2010 at 5:30 amI just used my AmEx points for new headboard from William Sonoma Home, so I share your excitement!!
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Mrslimestone
May 19, 2010 at 1:58 pmIm way late here but I think its entirely obnoxious of people to attack you for this. You are being completely honest about Amex sponsoring t and you are using it to provide great (and 100% free) content to your readers. Your blog doesn’t have a single false advertising without valuable content like post so whats the problem?
I don’t think people realize how much work it is design, host and write such an amazing blog like yours. (Admit Im a bit biased here but I know how much time my own blog takes and it isn’t nearly as well done as yours.) To expect that you do it for absolutely no compensation is completely absurb. How does Amex paying for a few things in your home take away from us as readers watching you work your magic on a space?
Melissa
May 19, 2010 at 2:34 pmI love this room already but can’t wait to see what you come up with. By the way I wanted to ask where you got your panelled sliding doors for the closet?
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May 21, 2010 at 9:37 am[…] I am working with American Express to redo my bedroom. This week they have provided me with 100,000 Membership Rewards points. […]
Rachel
May 22, 2010 at 4:59 pmThanks for all that you do, Nicole. We’re a lucky bunch to be afforded a peek into your seemingly magical world. I’m constantly inspired by your magnificent home, your gorgeous family, and your uncanny ability to track down the most wonderful designer finds. And we get all of this…for FREE. Thank you!
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Victoria Bellow
June 2, 2010 at 5:47 amWhat a cozy bedroom!it looks elegant and functional space!A beautiful room, bed is wonderful!You have done such a great job.
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Kath Vent
May 17, 2011 at 1:45 amOh I do like the final finish. Even the fascia boards looks stunning. Well done!