Along with referrals, one of the best compliments an interior designer can receive, is getting the call to come back for another project. It means you’ve earned your clients’ trust and they enjoyed working with you. That’s exactly what happened with a recent primary bedroom makeover for a beautiful couple here in Crystal Lake.
Overlooked Spaces
Primary bedrooms are often the most overlooked room in the house. That’s a little ironic considering we spend roughly one-third of our lives in them! We don’t hesistate to pour money into kitchens, family rooms and guest rooms that people will admire. But, then we sleep in a room furnished with whatever works. Why? Our own bedrooms deserve better!
Having helped update several spaces downstairs, I had a pretty good idea of where we were headed for these folks. Our goal was simple; create a space that felt updated, sophisticated, comfortable and as timeless as possible.
Bedroom Before
Bedroom After
Foundations
The foundation and focal point of the room would be pieces from the stunning French Contemporary Collection by Restoration Hardware. We selected an entirely new bedroom suite which instantly elevated the space with clean lines and an elegant, yet relaxed feel.
To help fill the generous room, we created a cozy ‘reading’ nook. My clients fell in love with the oversized Drew Grande Swivel Chair and matching ottoman from Crate & Barrel. To them, we added a reading lamp and drink table. It became the perfect place to enjoy a morning cup of coffee or unwind before calling it a day.
Bedroom Before
Bedroom After
Feature Wall
The room wasn’t just about furniture, though. One of my favorite features is the accent wall behind the bed. After some brainstorming, we decided to add another detail to the accent wall. The homeowners mapped out and added decorative picture-frame moldings that transformed an ordinary wall into an architectural focal point worthy of the beautiful headboard sitting in front of it.
Once that was complete, the homeowners updated our canvas with a fresh coat of paint. We used Sherwin Williams SW 9173 Shitake for three of the walls and toned down the accent color on the moldings wall with Sherwin Williams SW 7633 Taupe Tone. These subtle changes prove that even the smallest details often make the biggest difference.
To complete the room, we layered in the finishing touches that truly make a bedroom feel finished. A beautiful area rug grounds the furniture. Textured drapery panels along with updated hardware soften the windows and add warmth. A storage ottoman at the foot of the bed brings both function and style. New artwork, greenery, and carefully chosen accessories repeat colors throughout the room without creating clutter. We even updated the ceiling fan, giving the space a cleaner, more current look while making everyday comfort a little better.
Beautiful People
As much as I love the finished room, what really made this project memorable was the homeowners themselves.
Every designer knows the best projects are partnerships and these clients were outstanding from beginning to end. They trusted the design process while still offering thoughtful feedback. They were friendly, positive, and simply a joy to work with. That’s a combination that’s often more rare than it should be. (I often remind my clients, “Decorating should be fun! If it isn’t, we’re not doing it right!”)
Even more impressive, these folks were always one step ahead. Whether it was coordinating their own portions of the work, keeping us updated, or making timely decisions, they helped keep the project moving forward. That level of organization makes an enormous difference behind the scenes. It keeps momentum going and prevents the all-too-common decorating delays which usually begin with the phrase, “Let me think about it…”
Like most custom furniture projects, we waited about eight weeks while the Restoration Hardware pieces were built and delivered. Rather than becoming frustrated, they understood that good is never fast (or cheap). Quality takes time. Their patience made the entire experience more enjoyable for everyone and reminded us that some things simply can’t be rushed. Good design is one of them.
Bedroom Before
Bedroom After
Beautiful rooms don’t happen by accident. They come from thoughtful planning, stylish furnishings, attention to detail and great collaboration. There really isn’t a shortcut. If there were, every home improvement show would be about twenty-three minutes shorter.
Working with wonderful clients like these is one of the reasons I still love what I do after all these years. Seeing their excitement after the final accessories were placed reminded me that interior design isn’t just about selecting furniture and fabrics. It’s about creating spaces people can’t wait to come home to.
As my client handed me the final payment, she smiled and said, “We’ll have to see what we can work on next year.” And when a client is already dreaming about your next project together before you’ve even make it to your car, that’s about the best finishing touch any designer could hope for!
Ready to pay attention to your own overlooked bedroom? Give us a call!
Happy Decorating From Decor Designs. 815-245-2433
