Bedroom

This is What Our Bedroom Looks Like

I’ve been working with American Express to redo my bedroom. They provided me with a total of 300,000 Membership Rewards points.

Hello, dark and lovely bedroom.

Our Bedroom

Our Bedroom

Everything came together just as I hoped it would. The colors and patterns of the new bedding look great together, and our bed feels so soft with its new pillows and comforter.

Bedding

The Edison Chandelier is amazing.

Our Bedroom

We do have our fears about Eleanor jumping on the bed or swinging a pillow and breaking the bulbs. We may need to revisit our lighting options in a few years, but right now we are absolutely loving the chandellier.

Our Bedroom

I like the little pop of red from our phone, and the yellow of the lacquered tray holding magazines by my side of the bed.

My Nightstand

My Nightstand

I really love the play between light and dark in the room. Sheer white shades, white curtains, and painted white trim all provide a nice balance to the zinc walls, gray rug, dark furniture, and the Jacobean bamboo flooring.

Our Bedroom

Our overflow of books has been contained by the new bookshelf.

Books in Our Bedroom

The bedroom is somewhat small and there is already a lot going on visually, so we wanted the new art to be subtle. I love the antiqued zinc finish against our ‘zinc’ wall color.

Wall Art

Our Bedroom

Soporific.

Our Bedroom

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

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  • SweetBeaker
    June 14, 2010 at 12:46 pm

    looks lovely :) so fun following along!

  • Ludmila {CreamyLife.com}
    June 14, 2010 at 12:47 pm

    Your bedroom looks so elegant due to the wall color! And the chandelier is pure gorgeousness!!! Love the entire look – stylish and beautiful! xoxo

  • Mandy Ford
    June 14, 2010 at 12:47 pm

    Gorgeous! I love the dark walls mixed with the greens and other pops of color.

  • Kate
    June 14, 2010 at 12:48 pm

    Gorgeous!

  • lesley
    June 14, 2010 at 12:49 pm

    pretty!

    out of curiosity, do you know what the dollar value of this would have been if you had just paid for it outright? it feels like the paint and the bedding really went a long way to making it feel like a completely different room, which gives me hope for my own desperately needed bedroom makeover (which has to happen on the cheap)!

    • Making it Lovely
      June 14, 2010 at 1:07 pm

      300,000 points = $3000. The paint and bedding definitely went a long way though, so I’d concentrate on those elements for a new look. A lot of the money in my bedroom redo went towards a new rug (not necessary if you’re on a budget) and new pillows and a down comforter (which you can actually see). The light was pricey too, but I think it’s a pretty interesting part of the room.

  • Christen @ BakerLaneGang.com
    June 14, 2010 at 12:49 pm

    Looks great. Where did you purchase your bedside lamps? We’ve been searching for some similar.
    Thanks!

    • Making it Lovely
      June 14, 2010 at 1:08 pm

      Those are from Pottery Barn. We’ve had them for a few years now and we still love them.

    • Jenny
      June 14, 2010 at 5:10 pm

      There is a similar type at jcp.com, and they are $50 each. Just thought I’d mention it! :)

    • M
      June 15, 2010 at 4:53 am

      Or you could always try Lampsplus. I’ve had success with them in the past during their sales–bought some really great teardrop-shaped metal bedside lamps for about $60 each. It’s worth checking out if you can’t find what your looking for anywhere else!

  • Glenda
    June 14, 2010 at 12:50 pm

    stunning, simply stunning.

  • Holly Marie Gibbs
    June 14, 2010 at 12:51 pm

    It all looks amazing! I just love it.

  • Brigite
    June 14, 2010 at 12:51 pm

    Wow. Looks FANTASTIC!

  • Jenn
    June 14, 2010 at 12:53 pm

    Sooo pretty. We rent but I am inspired to change everything anyway!

  • Mya Papaya
    June 14, 2010 at 12:53 pm

    Love the room! Those closet doors: stock or custom built? If stock, where from please and thanks?

    • Making it Lovely
      June 14, 2010 at 1:08 pm

      Stock – Home Depot. “Nu Porte” was the name of the brand, I think.

  • Kristen
    June 14, 2010 at 12:54 pm

    Looks great…I love the lighting fixture.. my favourite part of the make-over! Well done!

  • Loren
    June 14, 2010 at 12:55 pm

    This looks wonderful, the artwork looks fantastic. I love dark bedrooms, they are so cozy and cave-like perfect for curling up in. You’ve done a fantastic job. I envy/love your color sense.
    Our bedroom is painted a purple that was inspired by the color in your old living room (from your apartment I think?). We love it. Thanks for that.

  • Kerri
    June 14, 2010 at 12:57 pm

    Nicole, it is STUNNING. Seriously, you’ve outdone yourself here. I think this has become my favorite room in your entire house. I’m totally reconsidering my choices for my upcoming bedroom refresher now.

    • Making it Lovely
      June 14, 2010 at 1:10 pm

      Yeah, it’s my new favorite (but that tends to happen each time I work on a room).

  • Lauren Rauter
    June 14, 2010 at 12:58 pm

    I’m so green with envy right now. I just did a whole post on Friday how I want a chandelier over my bed… lucky!!!

    • Making it Lovely
      June 14, 2010 at 1:10 pm

      I never had one before. It’s nice!

  • Brooke
    June 14, 2010 at 12:59 pm

    Oh, I love it! Fantastic.

  • Lauren Rauter
    June 14, 2010 at 12:59 pm

    I’m so green with envy right now. I just did a whole post on Friday how I want a chandelier over my bed… lucky!!!

  • Lindsey
    June 14, 2010 at 12:59 pm

    It came out so, so beautiful! We have gray walls with white trim in our bedroom…but I think I want to go even darker now that I see this!

    • Making it Lovely
      June 14, 2010 at 1:11 pm

      The dark paint gives the whole room some ‘oomph’. :)

  • wanderluster
    June 14, 2010 at 12:59 pm

    The room turned out great! The dark colour looks nice and cozy. Eleanor will love looking up at those lightbulbs and I think its great for kids to be surrounded by beautiful things (and learn just to look and not touch sometimes too).

    • Making it Lovely
      June 14, 2010 at 1:12 pm

      That light is definitely a look, don’t touch. ;)

  • JenWoodhouse.com
    June 14, 2010 at 1:01 pm

    Love love LOVE that wall color! And the light fixture DOES look amazing! Great job!

  • andrea
    June 14, 2010 at 1:02 pm

    nicole – wow! I am so happy that you got the chance to do this bedroom makeover. So inspiring as a reader!

    It’s so funny you picked out the edison – we are planning to install it in our new dining room at the beginning of july when we move to our new-to-us house. Is there any way you can do a post on the installation process? I would really, really appreciate it!

    • Making it Lovely
      June 14, 2010 at 1:13 pm

      The installation was pretty straightforward. We used painter’s tape to mark off the spots to attach the arms before we put any holes in the ceiling.

  • Christine
    June 14, 2010 at 1:02 pm

    Love it! So excited to finally see the reveal. I absolutely adore the bookshelf corner. The artwork is perfect.

  • arlene
    June 14, 2010 at 1:03 pm

    Green and Black. Love it!

    • Funnelcloud Rachel
      June 14, 2010 at 1:32 pm

      That looks fantastic! I love dark walls – we have a lot in our house (our dining room is painted “soot” – which is basically black, but sexier and more dramatic!)

      Will you post some pics with the chandelier on? I’d love to see it all lit up! Is it too bright for a bedroom or do you have it on a dimmer?

      • Making it Lovely
        June 16, 2010 at 3:20 pm

        It’s hard to get a good picture with the lights on. The bulbs aren’t too glaringly bright though – only 40 watts. A dimmer would be a nice touch, but not absolutely necessary.

  • Jennifer
    June 14, 2010 at 1:04 pm

    I absolutely love how well this room came together!

    I’ve always shied away from dark paints because I’ve heard that they make a room look smaller. Since you mentioned that your room is already on the small side, I was wondering if now you feel that the walls make it feel even smaller?

    • Making it Lovely
      June 14, 2010 at 1:14 pm

      It’s darker for sure, but I don’t think it feels smaller. I’m a big fan of dark wall colors.

  • likemamusedtobake
    June 14, 2010 at 1:04 pm

    Wow, looks amazing. I love the two framed pieces of artwork and also the light fitting. Really want to decorate our bedroom this summer so hopefully I will get around to it. I’m thinking a different style though with antique cream walls and woodwork and some floral accents for a country cottage feel. You have given me another little push to get moving on this project so I hope I complete it soon.

  • Michelle
    June 14, 2010 at 1:05 pm

    Absolutely gorgeous! Looking at your room really makes me want to decorate our bedroom. We spent alot of time making our kids rooms beautiful and just so but we haven’t done one thing to ours except buy nice furniture! It looks kinda pitiful:( I’m putting our room on the to do list right now!

  • Heather
    June 14, 2010 at 1:07 pm

    I love the wall color, and the green really works with the gray. Gorgeous!

  • Melissa de la Fuente
    June 14, 2010 at 1:08 pm

    It is absolutely stunning! I love the chandelier( it is a perfect focal piece) and all of the colors and patterns you brought together are just brilliant. Great job hun! Amazing!
    xo
    Melissa

  • Nataliya
    June 14, 2010 at 1:11 pm

    absolutely love the light and wall colour. did you also paint the ceiling the same colour? very very cozy :)

    • Making it Lovely
      June 14, 2010 at 1:15 pm

      Yes, the ceiling is the same color as the walls.

  • Stephanie Feldman
    June 14, 2010 at 1:12 pm

    So restful and stylish, and I love the pops of red and yellow!

  • Amy@MaisonDecor
    June 14, 2010 at 1:12 pm

    Favorite thing: light fixture–really makes the space super cool! Second favorite thing: your fabrics and color combo. Nice job!

  • robyn blaikie collins
    June 14, 2010 at 1:12 pm

    the chandelier is worth it… whatever it was. man!!! love it love it love it. and hte zinc art. so interesting.

  • Kristen
    June 14, 2010 at 1:12 pm

    Looks awesome!!! I especially love your wall art.

  • Amanda
    June 14, 2010 at 1:13 pm

    Looks great Nicole!

  • Mrs S
    June 14, 2010 at 1:15 pm

    Where did you get your headboard? I love it!

    • Making it Lovely
      June 14, 2010 at 1:16 pm

      Our bed is from Room & Board (Hoffman). We bought it shortly after we moved in three years ago.

  • Brittany
    June 14, 2010 at 1:18 pm

    I spy a Chuck Palahniuk book on your shelf! :)

  • Merideth
    June 14, 2010 at 1:21 pm

    I love your room! It is soo adorable. LOVE your website!!

  • Mel
    June 14, 2010 at 1:22 pm

    Great room! We are doing our rooms in the same colors & you’re providing wonderful inspiration! Thanks so much.

  • jodi
    June 14, 2010 at 1:23 pm

    looks fantastic!!

    may we see it with the lights on, pretty please?

  • Melissa
    June 14, 2010 at 1:29 pm

    Love it – I like dark bedrooms as seem cozy.

  • Lauren
    June 14, 2010 at 1:32 pm

    Looks great, I love the colors you chose!

  • Allison
    June 14, 2010 at 1:36 pm

    Perfection! I LOVE the wall color.

  • Elaine, clothed much
    June 14, 2010 at 1:40 pm

    It looks amazing! I love the light and dark contrast as well.

  • Karrie
    June 14, 2010 at 1:41 pm

    So pretty! It is dark done right, for sure!

  • robin
    June 14, 2010 at 1:42 pm

    wow! it’s really lovely… amazing job :o)

  • Valerie
    June 14, 2010 at 1:43 pm

    Your new bedroom is rich in textures! I love it, especially how all the different patterns come together in your bedding. And I must say, I was a bit sceptical about the chandelier, but boy does it make a statement! Can wait to see your next room, it’s giving me lots of inspiration for our upcoming house (built from scratch!)

    cheers!

  • Anita
    June 14, 2010 at 1:44 pm

    Absolutely LOVE it, especially the Edison light. It is so unique!

  • Danielle
    June 14, 2010 at 1:48 pm

    beautiful!!!

  • Annie
    June 14, 2010 at 1:51 pm

    Oh, I’ve been anxiously awaiting the “after,” and I was not disappointed! Love, love, love it! I think, though, that my favorite thing has to be the bedding. I really like mixing those stripes with the paisley print, and the colors really all came together so nicely!

  • Frances Bentley
    June 14, 2010 at 1:51 pm

    I love it!!

  • k8
    June 14, 2010 at 1:53 pm

    i’ve been looking forward to this post for weeks, and it did not disappoint!

  • Hally
    June 14, 2010 at 1:58 pm

    Nicole,

    Someone may have already asked this, if so I apologize, but I was wondering if it might be possible for you to post pictures of the room with the new chandelier lighting turned on. Just a thought?

    • Making it Lovely
      June 16, 2010 at 3:21 pm

      I know. I’m having a hard time getting a good picture though.

  • Julie
    June 14, 2010 at 2:05 pm

    Love the bedding and the paint color.

  • brett | design babylon interiors
    June 14, 2010 at 2:05 pm

    Your room looks fantastic! I am a huge fan of dark walls and loooove the grey color you chose. My favorite part though is the red rotary phone — where did you get it!?

    • Making it Lovely
      June 16, 2010 at 3:22 pm

      Pottery Barn, years ago. I think they still carry them, but not in red anymore.

  • CrystalN
    June 14, 2010 at 2:08 pm

    Great decor. I love your choice of color for the paint. Awesome!

  • Joy_UK
    June 14, 2010 at 2:19 pm

    Absolutely STUNNING! I love love love greys. I was thinking of using a shade of darkish grey in my bedroom walls as well, having maybe just 1 wall red/dark pink as a feature. Do you think it would work?

    • Making it Lovely
      June 16, 2010 at 3:23 pm

      You can always find a shade of gray to work with red or pink – It’s such a versatile color. I even think ‘zinc’ could work.

  • melanirae
    June 14, 2010 at 2:22 pm

    Wow! I Love it. And I like that it is a bit of departure from your usual aesthetic while still maintaining your distinct signature. Everything is spot on. Really fantastic.

  • Averill (Odi et Amo)
    June 14, 2010 at 2:23 pm

    Really beautiful, Nicole. Love the wall color in particular. So soothing!

  • Katie
    June 14, 2010 at 2:25 pm

    It looks gorgeous!! I’m officially in love with the wall color, and the bedding, and the light fixture…

  • Charlene @ Sweetchic
    June 14, 2010 at 2:28 pm

    Oh my gosh, I LOVE it! With you perfect use of accessories, it looks so “finished”. My fave is the @ symbol :)

    Thanks for inspiring me to finish our bedroom decor. I just can’t find THE perfect wall art to fill up a 10 ft wide expanse of blank wall though… ugh.

  • Redlilocks
    June 14, 2010 at 2:30 pm

    Wow, just spectacular. The colours are perfection and that chandelier is to die for! I figure your status will go a lot further than mine in convincing Pottery Barn to sell in England as well so if you could have a word? ;)

    Brilliant job as always, you really have so much talent!

  • michelle
    June 14, 2010 at 2:59 pm

    love all of it!!! you do great work, it looks like your style, not corporate as some feared.

  • amyks
    June 14, 2010 at 3:06 pm

    AAAHHmazing!

  • Sarah
    June 14, 2010 at 3:19 pm

    GORGEOUS! I LOVE that chandelier. Plus, the wall color, the paisley quilt + striped sheets…omg. Everything is just seamlessly beautiful!

  • Stephanie Partridge
    June 14, 2010 at 3:22 pm

    It looks great! We just finished redoing our bedroom too, but I’m thinking of replacing one of our nightstands with a small bookcase. Where did you get your wooden @ bookend? I would love it in our room?!!

    • Making it Lovely
      June 16, 2010 at 3:23 pm

      That’s from Crate & Barrel. I figured it was perfect in a blogger’s bedroom. ;)

  • Jane
    June 14, 2010 at 3:46 pm

    You’ve outdone yourself! I’ve loved following along! I must say I’m usually a fan of light and bright but I think I could crawl right in to that bad and stay for a while:)

  • elizabeth
    June 14, 2010 at 3:47 pm

    I am loving the mood in this room… the bedding is so inviting and that lamp is to die for! My favorite thing in the whole room is the phone :) LOVE IT!

  • Miss B
    June 14, 2010 at 3:59 pm

    I knew it would be beautiful! I love the zinc on zinc very classy ;) And the Edison bulb chandelier makes my heart skip a beat–gorgeous!

  • iris
    June 14, 2010 at 4:00 pm

    ‘Soporific’ was definitely an SAT word for me many years ago…great looking bedroom, by the way :)

  • Licia
    June 14, 2010 at 4:09 pm

    Wow! What a great project from start to finish. Your bedroom looks just amazing. I like the masculine feel of the zinc colored walls with the more feminine feel of the bedding.

  • lylah ledner
    June 14, 2010 at 4:13 pm

    it’s awesome! and it’s always fun to peek into someones special place of rest….very very soothing….thanks for sharing…

    xoxo lylah

  • Danielle
    June 14, 2010 at 4:18 pm

    I have the same phone but in chrome. I bought the pink princess phone for my daughter’s room. I love retro phones. The room is gorgeous. :)

  • Emily
    June 14, 2010 at 4:19 pm

    Lovely!

  • Jules
    June 14, 2010 at 4:35 pm

    It looks great! What a difference.

    I really want that Edison chandelier for the dining room, but first I need to do a host of other things first. Namely, refurnish and paint the dining room and living room.

  • Hilary
    June 14, 2010 at 4:36 pm

    Wow! It’s dark- but just right. I really like it, especially with the contrasting green.

  • Viv
    June 14, 2010 at 4:38 pm

    Nicole, it all looks amazing! I’ve been obsessed lately with dark walls and your new room just proves to me that dark walls in a bedroom adds to the luxurious and cozy factor. It is like being wrapped in a warm blanket.

    You’ve done a great job. I bet it feels amazing to lie in bed looking at your bulbs.

  • Felicity Lingle
    June 14, 2010 at 4:38 pm

    The light is so intriguing, i’d love to see a shot with it turned on.

  • kate
    June 14, 2010 at 4:40 pm

    Love the zinc wall color and wall sculpture. I’ve seen the light fixture a million times, however, so it feels way too trendy for me and all those bulbs would catch a lot of dust in a bedroom. But, kudos on the overall color combos…

  • Melissa // Apartment B
    June 14, 2010 at 4:43 pm

    It looks fantastic! I am so happy to see that the Edison light worked out and looks amazing. Everything works together perfectly, great job!

  • Krystal
    June 14, 2010 at 4:45 pm

    Its just perfect! Great job!

  • MissHavoc
    June 14, 2010 at 4:50 pm

    I just showed hubby the “finished look” and he loves it. Giving me the “go ahead” with the green/gray look for our room as well. He even wants those exact sheets from West Elm. Love you style, thank you for helping me move my hubby into re-doing our master bedroom!

  • katiedid
    June 14, 2010 at 5:11 pm

    Love the wall color, love the chandelier, love the bedding, love it all!!!……Lovely. :)

  • Jenny
    June 14, 2010 at 5:12 pm

    That light fixture really is amazing. I love how the room seems sort of industrial, yet comfy. Bravo! My only question: what is the wattage of the bulbs? Is it crazy bright in there with the fixture on?
    Jenny

    • Making it Lovely
      June 16, 2010 at 3:25 pm

      They’re only 40 watt bulbs, so it’s not too bright. You can stare right at them and be fine (though I don’t know why you’d want to for any length of time!).

  • Michelle
    June 14, 2010 at 5:26 pm

    I am SO running this by my husband. LOL.

    I LOVE IT.

    We are very country/vintage- I think adding a little mod to it helps balance things out.

  • liz @ bon temps beignet
    June 14, 2010 at 5:49 pm

    I can’t believe how fast everything came together. I was worried about the Edison light but it totally works in this room.

  • Aron @ hitherandthither
    June 14, 2010 at 6:26 pm

    That looks great!

  • Alicia (Atypical Type A)
    June 14, 2010 at 6:39 pm

    We have a dark bedroom too, it’s like a cocoon, I love it.

    It looks fabulous as always Nicole, well done!

  • Wendy
    June 14, 2010 at 6:46 pm

    Looks great! Everything came together so nicely, congratulations!

  • just a girl
    June 14, 2010 at 7:00 pm

    Your bedroom looks amazing! I especially love how you put all of those colors, prints, textures together just on your bed!

  • Steph
    June 14, 2010 at 7:11 pm

    Your bedroom looks great.

    I was wondering where you got that wooden @ sign?

  • meryl rose
    June 14, 2010 at 7:21 pm

    Oh my gosh it looks BEAUTIFUL. I absolutely LOVE those dark walls with your great green and yellow bedding. And that “chandelier” is absolutely fantastic!!!

  • Theresa
    June 14, 2010 at 7:22 pm

    I love it!!! This is making me want to re-do my bedroom!!

  • Gwendolyn
    June 14, 2010 at 7:36 pm

    Love it!

  • Amy
    June 14, 2010 at 8:05 pm

    Beautiful!!

  • Cindy
    June 14, 2010 at 8:10 pm

    WOW! It really turned out great. And thanks for sharing your project. It has inspired me to get moving on some projects I’ve been putting off for too long.

  • Amanda
    June 14, 2010 at 9:07 pm

    It looks AMAZING Nicole! Is that an Australian ‘Real Living’ magazine or am I imagining things?

    • Making it Lovely
      June 16, 2010 at 3:25 pm

      Yep. I subscribed after a few kind Australian readers sent me some issues. Great magazine!

  • Today Hilary
    June 14, 2010 at 9:12 pm

    I looove the bedding!

  • Amanda
    June 14, 2010 at 10:15 pm

    I love how this came together! It’s so cozy and the colors and pattern compliment each other so perfectly!

  • Tatyana
    June 14, 2010 at 10:19 pm

    Everything looks so great! I love that you were able to keep your existing bed and nightstands but changed the rest and make it look SO different.
    I was wondering if you find your IKEA closet to work with the rest of the bedroom now – I didn’t see any photos of it.

    • Making it Lovely
      June 16, 2010 at 3:26 pm

      Oh, I just didn’t get any interesting photos with it. It’s still in the bedroom, and in fact I’ve painted it white (the doors were light/natural wood).

  • jbhat
    June 14, 2010 at 10:58 pm

    What a lovely finished project. I’d love to see a shot of the Edison from the head on the pillow perspective, so that we can see it how you will see it. Perhaps?

    Thanks for taking us on this journey. I love your choices.

    jbhat

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