NewlyWoodwards

an unconventional home

A (cheap) master bedroom update – adding some orange

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It all started with two bedside tables.

And when Kim refinished two quirky bedside tables, she wanted a new monogrammed pillow. And when Kim made a new monogram pillow, she wanted new curtains. And when she put up new curtains, she wanted new fabric to cover the headboard. And when Kim got new fabric to cover the headboard, she also needed another accent pillow.

And when it’s all said and done, she’ll want another bedside table. (Kidding. I love the tables. Henry and I have just been reading “If you give a moose a muffin” a lot. And I like to write in the third person. Doesn’t it make me sound important? No? Moving on.)

So, here’s where I ended up after my mini bedroom update.

Orange blue brown bedroom1

 

 

The curtains were actually hand-me-downs from my mother-in-law. She was selling them in a yard sale and when they didn’t sell, I swiped them. I plan to use them in the barn, but they also go really well in the bedroom. (They don’t block light as well as the brown velvet drapes, but it feels a lot lighter with them. It’s a good trade-off.)

When the tables were done and the curtains hung, I realized that I really didn’t like the tan fabric on the headboard anymore. I looked through my (embarrassing large) fabric stash and nothing grabbed me. So, Henry and I took a Sunday morning detour to Joann’s and browsed. I was wanting to find a grey/blue/grown IKAT fabric. Instead, I came home with an orange medallion print. Reasonable.

Orange blue brown bedroom6

 

 

When I spotted the print, I immediately thought of my friend Sara at Russet Street Reno. Her master bedroom is fabulous in orange and blue.

Russet Street

So, I did what I do best – I shamelessly copied her color scheme. Hopefully she’s flattered and not creeped out that I remembered her bedroom in the aisle at Joann’s. 😉

I chose a quilting cotton for the headboard. At $8 at three yards, I figured it was worth the cost. I didn’t want to permanently attach the fabric in case I got bored with it. So, I just tucked it around the DIY upholstered headboard I made back in 2009. It was simple and this way, I can wash the fabric and use it as a quilt backing later.
 Orange blue brown bedroom3

 

At the fabric store, I ran into my friend Nici who clued me into the greatness of the Gordman’s pillow section. How have I never known how many pillows Gordman’s has? I feel like this is a secret that was kept from me intentionally by my husband. It’s a conspiracy, I’m sure of it.
Orange blue brown bedroom4

Technically, my 2014 goal of fighting the norm would tell me that I don’t need a pillow. It was an internal battle in the pillow aisle. But I finally decided that I could spare $12 for this pretty orange pillow.

Orange blue brown bedroom9

In the end, I dropped $20 on the pillow and the fabric. Which I actually think is pretty impressive for the change. It feels like a totally different room to me.Orange blue brown bedroom5

Shall we take a little trip down master bedroom lane?

In 2010, when we purchased the house. (I like to include this photo for shock value.)

In 2011, soon after moving in.

In 2013, after a bit of an update.

And today.

Orange blue brown bedroom4

When Ryan saw the pictures, he told me that it was “too nice to be our house.” I consider that a compliment. I think.

And to think, it all started with two cheap little side tables?

Orange blue brown bedroom7
 Graphic painted table DIY

Orange blue brown bedroom8
Graphic painted table DIY5

This phrase is really fitting. The bedroom has become a really happy place. I’m pleased with how far it has come.

Orange blue brown bedroom4

What do you think?

 

Linking to the Before and After party at Thrifty Decor Chick.

Comments

  2. The Orange is perfect and the price an not be beat. Great job. The best part of your whole make over is it is your happy place. Just what you should into at the end of a day.

  7. This is such a cute bedroom! I love the quotes you have on the wall and side tables. I never would have thought to use orange as an accent color but it totally works in this room!

  11. I JUST referenced “If You Give a Moose a Muffin” in tomorrow’s post, hahaha. I’ve been reading Mouse/Cookie version to Kenley. She loves it. 😉 Your new look is so calm and serene! (I mean the bedroom. I mean, maybe you personally have a new calm and serene look, but how would I know.)

    • If there’s one thing I’m good at, it’s borrowing ideas from Internet friends.

      COUPONS? HOW DID I NOT KNOW THESE EXISTED FOR GORDMANS? *head-in-hand*

  14. I really love it. I always find myself itching to bring in color, especially around this time of the year, and I feel like this is such a great use of color, and love that it isn’t something super permanent!

  17. i think it looks great! always fun to refresh a space!
    and those tables are just fabulous. you’re on a roll lately with doing some cool things with your silhouette!

  21. These colors make your room look so fresh and springy! I just started using orange for the first time in our room and I do not understand why I havent before. It is the perfect pop of color

    • I agree! It’s also a great compromise for a room that we share. I didn’t want it to be too “girly” so orange is manly enough for my husband.

    • Thanks, Katja! The good news is that bedrooms can be a lot simpler, in my opinion. Some changes to bedding and pillows makes such a difference.

  25. It’s so pretty! I do love Ryan’s comment. He obviously needs to learn that he’s holding you back on the fancy. 😛

    I kid you not, one of my co-workers was just telling me yesterday about the wonderful selection of pillows at Gordman’s. I forgot we even had a Gordman’s.

    • The pillow selection is both horrible and awesome. THere’s more crap than other stores but also some gems. And almost every single color. And cheap.

  26. This looks AMAZING!!! Very inspirational. I’ve been trying to figure out how to bring some color into our room without it being too wild. Insomniac that I am… haha. 🙂 The orange is kind of romantic, even! 🙂