I’m thrilled to be revealing my master bedroom renovation. With a complete overhaul from top to bottom – this room now feels like an oasis.
Photography Mark Zeidler
BEFORE: The wardrobe doors had seen better days
BEFORE: The room was dated and security screens made it look like a prison cell!
Let’s discuss what was here before shall we? A very boring room with super thin brown windows and ugly security screens. We replaced one window with a new one with thicker glass for better noise-proofing (although if you were on a tight budget you could always spray paint the window frames). I also really hate security screens so decided not to put them in over my nice brand new window! The second window facing the backyard was replaced with French doors – and what a difference it makes to the entire feeling of the room – so much more elegant than what was there. It was a big expense - but totally worth it!
The carpet had a bad stench to it – I assume it had been there since the 80s and the blinds also smelt like mould. The only upside was that it had a built in wardrobe – it just needed new doors, new handles and hinges and a coat of white paint. All up it cost about $600 to give the wardrobe a new refreshed look - it would have cost a lot less had we just kept the doors and fixed the chips, but I wanted VJ-look doors (purchased from Bunnings) to give the master bedroom something a little special.
The slimline U black handles from Linear Standard are super elegant and go with all of the black accents throughout the home.
The curtains and plantation shutters from DIY Blinds have really added a touch of elegance to the space – they just complete the room. I chose blockout curtains in Belmore ‘Chalk’ with a black track (to go with the black door handles throughout). Evan from DIY Blinds was really helpful in helping me to select the right fabric for the space and also warned me about doing sheers with the blockouts (just because they add a lot of bulk which my small bedroom couldn’t really handle). The blockouts really do go well with the French doors though – so I’m happy with how it turned out. Likewise the PolyLux Shutters in pure white were the right choice for that window and add a coastal vibe to the room.
Carpet is one of those super important elements that can make or break a room. It also can be overwhelming when selecting a carpet - to get the right colour and texture. Thankfully the sales staff at Carpet Court were super helpful and also very generous to lend me a few full size samples to bring home with me to try out in the space. Colours can look different in the showroom to your own home so I recommend you do the same when choosing. We ended up selecting a nylon carpet – for a number of reasons - including its durability and also the colours available. I chose Stoney River in Shale – a lovely soft grey colour with white flecks throughout. It actually looks like a wool carpet and that’s what also attracted me to this particular carpet. I’m so happy with how it looks.
It pairs so well with our feature wall clad with Easycraft EasyVJ panels (available from Bunnings), and painted in Taubmans Ashen Mist (half strength). The theme throughout the house is modern coastal and the VJ panels give the house so much character – something it was previously missing. They also make a feature out of ordinary-looking spaces.
The entire colour palette for the room was inspired by Kimmy Hogan’s new ‘Dusk’ artwork. It really is the hero of the room and such a dreamy piece! From there I matched it with cushions from Citta and AURA Home, along with The Cover Collective and Castle pillowcases and an Adairs throw.
For the bed, I chose a really simple design from Life Interiors – the Finn bed in light grey. It’s a timeless design that won’t date and will last me years to come and tie in with a variety of decorating styles. It’s honestly the best bed I’ve slept in – it has a timber slat base, is super sturdy and doesn’t squeak or make any noises when you turn (I toss and turn a lot in the night) so immediately that impressed me. It also comes with two sets of legs – in black and brass. I chose to put the black legs on to go with all the black accents in the room – but I’m keen to pop the brass ones on in the future to change things up!
Easycraft EasyVJ panels painted in Taubmans Ashen Mist (half strength) / Artwork by Kimmy Hogan
All up this room came in just under $9,000 – that doesn’t include furniture and decor - that’s just for renovating the bones of it! Certainly not cheap but that comes down to the fact that this room didn’t really have a lot going for it – it was like building a brand new space. Oh and my budget doesn’t include paint. But it’s totally worth it to have a beautiful bedroom that now feels like home.
WALL LIGHT / THROW / ART / DRAWERS / SIDE TABLE / BED / CARPET
CUSHION / CHECK CUSHION / CLAY CUSHION / VJ PANELS / VASE