Hi Everyone,
We’re nearing the end of the full renovation guide. It’s slow going because it just is, pretty much like everything else is with my home.
Like I’ve said too many times to count, there will be no BIG REVEAL.
Maybe there are some designers who do that, but I never did. It would’ve made my life impossible.
Large “The Big Reveal” is:
- TV fantasy
- Something done by incredibly wealthy interior designers,
- Instagram influencers who don’t need to be on TV.
You have to be wealthy to do a big reveal, Laurel?
Yes, you need to own several warehouses or rent space in them. You need an entire crew to deluxe, style, and so forth. Otherwise, when I had clients, deliveries came as they were ready. I did try to bundle items as much as possible and could wait a couple of weeks so that all of the upholstery came together, for example.
This post is about my bedroom. I saved my seriously undecorated bedroom for last.
There’s a good reason why I’m doing it last. This room is a bit funky. Let’s call it an “unbedroom.”
Still, I’m afraid of a few of you. The half dozen of you are so, with faulty filters, who feel compelled to tell me everything that’s wrong with my home.
Yes, indeed, I am aware that nothing is styled, the wires are showing, and there are flaws in my undecorated unbedroom.
Sooooo?
I adore my undecorated bedroom.
I mean, it gives me so much joy, and I like that it’s the kind of space that’s quiet and peaceful. It’s me and full of things I love:
So, let’s get started, and I’ll share what I love about my undecorated bedroom, along with photos I’ve spent the last three days shooting and editing.
Let’s begin with the before and after floor plans!
Above, of course, is before and below is after everything was built.
Now, let’s go over some of the items I love that are in my undecorated bedroom.
1. My prized bookcase
This image is a tad blurry in places, but I like it anyway. There’s the painting and cachepot I purchased in Tiverton Four Corners, Rhode Island circa 1999. I’ve had the bookcase since around 2001. It’s Mahogany and I had a decorative artist give it a Gustavian makeover.
I pretty much held my breath for a year, praying it would fit.
Above is one of my favorite before-and-after images.
That ugly soffit was covering up some copper pipes that help keep the upstairs nice and toasty. Fortunately, the soffit came out about two inches more than the pipes. One day, about two years ago, Eugene took down the soffit and built the wall out to cover everything up. And now it’s a lovely feature in the room.
2. Next up is the gorgeous Chinoiserie cabinet that B&E (my reno carpenters) cut down two years ago.
Yes, I see that the shelf fell down. I’m not sure when, but I noticed it too late.
I bought it for the upstairs vestibule, but when I moved back downstairs with as much furniture as would fit, I realized I loved it too much where it ended up, and it hasn’t moved.
3. The beautiful Vintage oriental rug. I was thinking of it for the den, but it’s gorgeous in my bedroom.
I got it at House of Seance on Etsy. Yes, they are in the Etsy Guide!
4. My Halsoe reproduction I got in Mount Kisco, NY, before I knew who Halsoe was. These colors are the most accurate of all of the images.
4. Louis XVI-style classic Stanley nightstands.
5. My Mario Buatta vintage lamps are designed for Wildwood Lamps.
There is a widget coming up with all of the sources. I got these at Stenella Antiques on Etsy!
6. The fabulous white floor. For years, I have wanted a white floor, and a bedroom is the perfect place for it.
Benjamin Moore White Dove is the paint color. The floor guy used their paint formulated for floors and then put two coats of clear poly over it.
What’s funny is that White Dove is healthy shade deeper than Cotton Balls, but in some photographs, the floor looks more white.
7. I love my white walls (Benjamin Moore Cotton Balls) adorned with the cheapest picture frame moulding I could find. (It’s in the widget with the dark blue wainscoting) It’s perfect! And not only that, I have to keep reminding myself that it wasn’t always here.
Yes, I know I need window treatments!!! And we will get to that next time.
***However, bonus points if you can find something that’s missing.
I know some of you love to point out everything wrong.
My home is for me, not you. However, I’m very happy to share it.
Let’s make a deal. If you have something disparaging to say, please also send me half a dozen pics of your home for me to publish and tell everyone reading all of the things that are “wrong.” Okay?
What I’m trying to say is, please don’t be that person who has to tear others down to make yourself feel better.
So, please let’s focus on the positive as much as possible.
I am proud of myself for the many things I have accomplished–alone.
There are many more photos and a bunch taken just before sunset and nighttime shots like this one, above. What’s funny is that the hall is Benjamin Moore Cloud White which is actually deeper than Cotton Balls. However, in many of the photos it photographed lighter. The two colors blend together beautifully.
I will share them next time, and then I am going to tackle the window treatments and do a virtual window treatment plan.
However, I’m finishing off today with one more image that belongs in the last post about the bathroom and lower-level entry.
This is the view if I’ve come out of the shower and all of the doors are open.
.
Unfortunately, every light in this bathroom is an LED, and that’s why it’s difficult to get clear images. The other thing is that I have to turn them on as dimly as possible. They photograph at least ten times more bright than they actually are.
I know, not even a pillow.
However, having this unadorned, undecorated bedroom, really helps show off the architecture.
Please enjoy the widget with everything I used in the bedroom, and some things I didn’t. For one-of-a-kind pieces, I added substitutes.
xo,
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46 Responses
Everything is fabulous! And seeing all the work/planning that goes into a BIG project was very eye opening.
It might sound crazy but one of the things that I liked was that you showed your mistakes (and how you resolved them). It also made me feel better about the mistakes I have made remodeling my home –instead of beating myself up, I just say– “well, EVEN Laurel makes mistakes”! 🙂
Laurel, your home is beautiful. You have impeccable taste. I don’t have your budget for my own home so I’ll just come back to your blog often to swoon. Well done!
Laurel,
I’m so happy for you. Everything turned out so well, and I am sure you are thrilled to live in the space. It’s amazing how one’s environment can really affect your state of mind. For me, the genius of this renovation starts with the new floor plan, especially important on the ground floor. You created so many spaces — to store, to rest, to sit, to admire, to hide — that weren’t there before. The details were hard won, but win you did. Congratulations.
Mouldings. My hands down favorite portion of your entire project. Plans and colors and furniture, etc, are all very good, but the elevated feel the mouldings add is everything. Oh, the bookcase is also pretty amazing:)
Mrs. Bee,
Thank you for telling me about the radiator behind the bedroom chair. I didn’t see it originally.
There is a radiator – it’s unobtrusive but visible behind the white chair in the first picture and in the last one before the widget, with the pretty twin lamp on. It’s too bad you couldn’t save the old radiator, but I guess one can’t have everything. This is a wonderful bedroom, just wonderful – it’s a wonder how you ever get out of bed, don’t you just want to be there and look at your room?! The play of darks and whites is so pleasing to the eye, the mouldings make the space so elegant, and the blue green ceiling looks like the sky! I remember you moved away from a bluer color in favor of Italian Ice, and I thought, oh no – but it’s really stunning in your pictures. I’m also glad you found a use for your beautiful bone inlay mirror!
Thank you, Mrs. Bee for coming to my rescue. Yes, you are right. I elaborated on that to Martha, below.
Some days, I do work in my room. I try not to, but it’s so comfortable!
I think your bedroom is perfect, and so are your furnishings. You should be proud of the work you’ve done to renovate your place, and I hope you can enjoy and luxuriate in it for many years. (I expect you’ll never get tired of it.) You’ve created a real oasis of calm for yourself. Really, you should sit down and pat yourself on the back (metaphorically) for all the painstaking work and effort you’ve accomplished. What a magnificent and educational journey you’ve taken us through!
PS: I, too, wonder about your radiators and heating, but I trust you’ve done something clever and have not been left to freeze in the Boston winters.
It is drop-dead gorgeous. The only thing not decorated is the un-hung picture. I love love love the rug and am impressed that you have white floors. Do you have a no-shoes-in-the-house policy? After this long winter I think I have a layer of snirt (snow plus dirt) everywhere.
Thank you for inspiring us all.
Hi Celestial,
Well, I removed the art prints I normally have on the window sill to block the first foot of window. Of course, I tidied everything up.
I also prefer a bedroom free of decorative pillows and other knickknacks! This is gorgeous as is the entire renovation. I never miss a post. Thank you.
Don’t listen to the haters, they are just jealous. I have enjoyed reading your posts and seeing the before/after transformations. I love the detailed stuff as much as the composite whole.
I admire your courage and stamina of such a large project. I myself have just finished an insanely extravagant boondoggle of a remodel of a pantry. It is so amazing now I have to remodel the entire kitchen. I really must be insane…
Hi Lisa,
I don’t see a problem with that. In fact, I’m assuming it’s a butler’s pantry. Often there are two entrances, so if yours is like that, you could board up the entrance to the kitchen and then use the butler’s pantry as your temp kitchen. If that’s the case, then what you did is actually quite smart. If it only opens up to the kitchen, then of course, that plan won’t work.
Love everything about your renovation! You need to go to some estate sales & get all the frillies!
Laurel, I’m just curious about the bedroom radiator. Is it still in the bedroom? Was it covered up by the rebuilt wall in that corner? Was it removed? What are the pipes behind the bedroom chair? What type of heat do you have in your bedroom?
The bedroom looks fantastic, very soothing.
Thank you.
Hi Martha,
I often read comments backwards, but today, I’m answering a few in the order they came in. Yes, I see that your question was kindly answered by Mrs. Bee.
There is also a baseboard heater underneath my headboard. B & E forgot my bed would be covering it up, and they made a darling cover for it.Well, now there’s barely anything coming out of it. The Runtal gives off a lot of heat but when the temps fall below 40 degrees, it is insufficient. So, I am forced to use the mini split heat. It works great, but… I am paying for that heat and it’s adding $200-$300 to my monthly electrical bill for about five months of the year.
I do need an HVAC guy here eventually. And, hopefully, there will be a good solution to that and some other issues.
Stunning. The amount of work and attention to detail in both your design and your blog do not go unnoticed. Very much appreciated.
Laurel, it is stunning and so serene. And beyond that, so practical in terms of the space planning to incorporate all the things you need. I’m so glad that you love it. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Well, well, well…
If this is undecorated then I am here for it!
Your new bedroom is heavenly. The simplicity and order are so calming and restful. Thank you for the inspiration.
Laurel,
I think you do an incredible job transforming the space. You are so talented. Thank you for sharing.
It is all lovely and crafted so very carefully as your regular readers know all too well.
You have given us a once in a lifetime window into your process. Most of us understand that and are grateful.
I look forward to seeing all the tweaks yet to come as things you have planned, like the black and white pattern on your floors and the finished tapestry in your upstairs entry.
Your vision has been brilliantly executed.
It’s absolutely stunning Laurel, just stunning. Your vision for the space is incredible & your fearlessness is amazing. I’m so glad you fixed the floor, changed the wainscoting, fixed the expensive surprises….one of the most valuable things about your blog, for me, is your consistent “revelation of reality.” Thank you for that. (ALSO, every design principle you’ve taught me is completely applicable to my 1950s ranch) Happy Spring 🙂
The coolest thing about your renovation is that is looks like it could have been built that way 100+ years ago.
Hello Miss Laurel,
It’s been a minute. I’ve found time between revamping my own design biz and taking care of six meow heads and a husband to enjoy one of your posts! And what a lovely one. I would happily love to spend the rest of my mornings waking up in your bedroom just as it is! Stunning work up to this point. I truly love it. Have fun playing with the details!
Absolutely gorgeous!
I don’t know what you mean by “undecorated”. Maybe you’re referring to the non-functional purely “decorative” stuff that people add to rooms? In any case, your bedroom looks beautifully decorated to me. And I come from a place of overwhelming clutter-bug envy. Enjoy your peace and tranquility The room is stunning. I am inspired to ruthlessly purge!
Hi Sue,
Yes, that is what I mean. Pillows, flowers, beautifully staged shelves. Well, except for the one that’s falling over. haha. Then, there’s the wallpaper sample on the door. haha!
Your home is absolutely gorgeous. What you accomplished with the renovation is masterful. I am truly in awe. I love the simplicity of your bedroom. It’s quietly elegant and calm – just what a bedroom should be for sound sleep, which we all need more of (at least I do). I find it interesting that people see the need to nitpick about someone else’s space on a public forum. You are vulnerably sharing your home with strangers. That takes courage, and a thick skin! Thank you for your design expertise and the contributions you’ve made to my home styling.
Hi Laurel,
Like Gabrielle, initially I didn’t realize you had wallpaper taped to your door. I thought, “what a beautiful view! No wonder she loves her bedroom so much”. Lol!
I don’t think your bedroom is undecorated. It looks very calm & relaxing to me. And the only thing I think is missing is a small bouquet of flowers on the side table next to your chair. 😉
Also, is your door to the patio missing a doorknob or lock? I’m seeing what looks like an empty round spot on door.
I’m in the process of putting together my guest bedroom. I hope it turns out as lovely as yours.
Dear Laurel, You must be familiar with the phrase :” No good deed goes unpunished”. Although blogging is a big part of your life, it is also a gift, for free, to those of us who love decor and decorating. Those who seek to criticize you are just mean-spirited. I was a lawyer in a vicious field, and design has been my refuge from the slings and arrows of outrageous misfortune. Keep up your good works and realize that there are a lot more of us who value your tremendous knowledge and talent than those prissy, small minded know-it-alls. You know it all. I love the solace you have given me when I needed a place to rest.
Hi Pamela,
Oh, you’re so kind and right, too. Although, I must disagree that I don’t know it all. Also, some things that look “easy” came after a ridiculous number of hours planning, pondering, changing my mind, or a happy accident. I think it’s a lot like ballet dancers that make the dancing look easy. Nothing in ballet is easy. Ask any girl in the corps de ballet what the most difficult step is?
Standing still in B+ position.
Food for thought.
The transformation of your entire house is phenomenal, but nowhere is it more noticeable than in your lower level. I love your bedroom. It is cozy and inviting. It doesn’t feel un-decorated to me. This is why your room feels restful. Personally, I love a bedroom without window coverings so I can wake up to sunlight. I’ll be anxious to see what you use for window coverings. I vote for something minimalistic, just enough to provide privacy but not something that where the design of the room is lost.
What you accomplished in this renovation is something you should be so proud of. Very few people could have survived the process.
It doesn’t look so undecorated to me! I adore your taste. It always feels like what I wish I could make my home feel like. It’s not trendy. It’s thoughtful, timeless, and inviting as well as beautiful.
Laurel, your bedroom reminds me of a friends NYC apartment I always admired – it had the most beautiful moldings and high ceilings. I have read in a few excellent books on interior design that one should wait for a room to come together and that plans change as their occupant has time to decide on what works for them and also how it influences the decor going forward. Your room is lovely as it currently is. And my guess is if you decide to change it in the future, it will continue to reflect a comfortable and gracious decor.
The peacefulness of your bedroom is so inviting. It doesn’t look undecorated to me! It is wonderful to be surrounded by art, lamps, and furniture that are just right and so loved. I am fascinated by the embrasure doors and would love if you would do a post that was about just them — what they look like open, what they look like closed, how you use them “everyday life.” I can imagine playing with them in different positions just to enjoy the beautiful millwork.
You really messed up by not putting a 55″ flat screen over the bookcases—just kidding. As everyone else has said, it’s beautiful, your vision is amazing, and with every post, I’m so grateful that you share it.
My sofa is at the upholsterer’s, getting covered in bright green velvet—I never, ever would have had the guts if it weren’t for your beautiful teal sofa. Following the Boston transformation has given me so much inspiration.
And finally, my sister and I bought a 1915 Portland bungalow that was last updated in the 1980s (well, “updated” is not quite the right word, but I’m acting like a lady right now). I’m having such a good time with it thanks to what you’ve shared over the years. I have nowhere near the budget, but everything we’re doing is filtered through improvisation and creativity to make it look like what it should be. It’s going to be so satisfying to see it done.
Hi Jessica,
The 55 inch TV slides up from behind the bookcase! Just kidding. Right now, I have no TV because the TV itself, is not working and what really needs to happen is a major over-haul of the home entertainment system. I suspect dust from the reno degraded the machinery and then I found out that my TV is at least 15 years old, anyway.
Laurel, So much love poured into every inch of your home. Each detail is just perfect. You have created a warm, comfortable, inviting space. I’d really like to say something snarky though… then I can send you 15 pics of my house for your eye to pick apart! Ok… here is a new series idea for you… we send you pics of a room for you to critique!! Looking forward to the bedroom window covering edition!
Hi Patty,
Hahaha! I know you’re mostly joking. As for the series idea, even when critiquing people’s homes, I always try to do so on a way that won’t make them feel bad. Sometimes people are stuck with items or broke a rule they didn’t know about. Decorating is difficult!
I had an empty envelope and 2.5 years of development. No, I wasn’t working on things the entire time, but I was for a good year. Hundreds of hours. And a lot of it happened after the reno had begun which is not ideal.
Getting back to your idea, I am always open to featuring readers’ homes for blog posts.
A few things.
If there’s a dilemma, it needs to be something fairly universal. And although I do write about things like staircases
and custom doors that not everyone will have, a topic like a basement is way too narrow because at least half of us don’t have one, and of the remaining readers, maybe 10% at the most would be interested.
Love all of the work you do! But this bedroom is BEAUTIFUL its gentle soothing and no doubt perfect to relax and be!
Your place is an inspiration to us all! Architecture first, comfort and beauty with no unnecessary frills. Feels so luxurious.
Hi Sarah,
For me, the architecture is everything. It’s like a super model. Even without hair and make-up, they’re all pretty stunning.
Beautiful & tranquil place! Restraint is everything who needs extra flounces with architecture like this? Thank you for sharing.
Well, I love your bedroom! (And everything else in the house!) I think it looks restful, and it seems like a place that a real person can enjoy, and it sounds like you do. It must be just like what Claudia Kincaid from The Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler was looking for when she and Jamie ran away to the Metropolitan Museum of Art – elegance.
And my favorite part was the wallpaper you taped to your door…until I zoomed in, I thought it was a beautiful view of a snowy courtyard 😆
Enjoy all the beauty … I think we loyal readers all agree “the sum is greater than its parts”. Hats off!!!
Hi Gabrielle,
Thanks so much for your sweet comment!
Yes, the wallpaper, I love and it also allows me to not feel so exposed, even though it faces a brick wall that’s taller than all of the other buildings around. I keep thinking about wallpaper but there are so many of those panels of various sizes and many are mostly covered. I think it’ll be too busy in here.