Not everyone is able to start from scratch in their bedroom. I have a client who is fortunate enough to be getting rid of her dated bedroom suite and bedding and starting anew. While her tastes are still traditional, she wants a look that is current and takes her forward without being trendy. She wants a peaceful, neutral bedroom that will appeal to both her husband and herself. This is the Inspiration Board I recently created to cast a vision for her space.
Bedroom Inspiration Board by The Decorologist
We decided to use an updated neutral on the walls and a grayed blue on the ceiling. Notice that this is not a “matched set” bedroom. If you are buying new bedroom furniture, please don’t buy a bedroom “suite” or matching set! The creamy painted bedside tables and desk keep things light and current, but are anything but trendy. Go for larger bedside tables than you are used to – maybe a pair of small dressers if you have room. A bench at the end of the bed is the perfect place to take off your shoes or pile up your decorative pillows at night. Finally, don’t forget to treat yourself to a really special hanging light fixture like the one pictured here.
Everything in this virtual design is not “made” to go together, but it all blends well. I think it’s so much more interesting than a matchy-matchy bedroom suite. Are you “over” traditional bedroom suites?
I couldn’t agree more. We’re wish-listing new bedroom pieces for our room, so I’ve been scouring the antique shops and thrift shops for some unique and interesting finds… No luck so far, but we won’t settle for matchy-matchy just to have something!
Good girl – just be patient. You will find just the right thing if you don’t rush into it 🙂
Beautiful choices for your lucky client! I love the bedside tables and am a fan of large ones too!
Barbara
Love your choices Kristie! Especially the desk table and mirror. I have to practice on my design boards- your are so pretty! Mine are not! Have a great weekend!
I’m sure yours are just lovely, Kelly! We are each our own worst critic 🙂
Kristie, I think that more then the matching set a ‘collected’ look is in vogue. The well traveled collector appeal even in our bedrooms, the heritage pieces that speak of where we hail from, mixed with global influences and personal touches. Ecclectic but beautiful.
So well put!
Kristie, good post and tips! I have a matchy set that I’ve had for a while and purchasing a new piece is not an option right now. I’m thinking of painting both the pieces one color and then I’m going to put the smaller piece in the closet. Not only won’t I have the match trap bedroom, but I’ll be able to free up some space in my small bedroom.
great idea, monique!
SO over them! It’s helpful to see you break down the elements, though, Kristie – light bedside tables, etc. Great post – thank you!
Beautiful design!
Kristie….love the room! Do you remember where you grabbed the photo of the bed from? My mom is interested in finding the coverlet on the bed. TIA!
Hi Kristie – I have been scouring blogs looking for tips on how to get out of the match trap bedroom if you can get all new furniture. I have dark wood side tables that match a dresser and a dark headboard and I hate all of it (what was a i thinking) but my husband points out that these were expensive and we are not going to get rid of it all just because my tastes have come to their senses. I am wondering if you have any ideas on how to make a room more contemporary despite having matchy matchy furniture?
One word: PAINT. Even just painting the side tables in off-white or black will break up the matchy-matchy. And it’s cheaper than buying new!
I have a beautiful matching natural cherry bedroom set that I love. It was quite expensive and I really did not want to replace any of the pieces. What I did to break it up a bit was to purchase marble tops to put on top of my bedside tables. Even though the pieces all match, the white marble breaks it up. I added colorful bedside lamps which also breaks it up. I did the same for my daughter’s bedroom and it looks great.
Good idea, Felicia! I have an antique cherry bedroom suite, as well. I use a few of the pieces in another room and brought in 2 armoires that I painted white. That along with a great wall color makes it fresher and more “current.”
Love, love, love the bedside tables. Can you tell me where I can buy them? Thanks!
What are some great options to eliminate the matchy bedroom suite if you can’t start over from scratch. Mine is a black slightly distressed style.
I recently replaced a cherry wood 4 poster bed with an upholstered headboard and matching bed skirt, both custom made. I can’t afford and don’t want to buy a new dresser, end tables or chest of drawers. The bed is a wonderful focal point now. I also painted the room Woodlawn blue (Ben Moore), and bought new bedding. The room is beyond beautiful. I cannot wait to redo the master bath now.
That sounds so beautiful, Linda!
I agree, especially if you got time to decorate your space, it’s worth mixing and putting together furniture that matches your personality