You may remember that earlier this year I posted about getting a quote to have my wood floors refinished. The cost was over $6,000 to do the entire house. But to be truly honest, not only was it the cost that bothered me it was also the idea that we would have to move all of the furniture out of our house and store it somewhere (including a baby grand piano). Also, the quarter round on the baseboards would all have to be removed. I don’t care how careful you are doing that, you are going to break some. And you are definitely going to chip some paint, thus requiring the baseboards to be repainted throughout (by yours truly of course).
So after giving the matter some serious thought, Mr. Q and I opted to take our trip to Norway and Scotland instead.
Ironically both my BFF and nnK (that’s my neighbor across the street) did opt to have their wood floors refinished in the last couple of months. They both chose a matte finish (which is also what I would have done) and they both now have gorgeous floors.
So as I gaze at their beautiful floors, do I wish I had decided differently?
Nope! Our trip was amazing. We’ll have those memories forever (well, until the Alzheimer’s kicks in anyway).
best. decision. ever.
I don’t have much money left over after our memorable trip though, so I decided to do a budget DIY makeover in our master bedroom this summer.
I’m dubbing this project ‘mission possible.’ Because while I felt like the whole house floor refinish was entirely impossible, I think this one room makeover is certainly possible.
Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to hold me accountable. You really don’t have to do anything, just the action of putting my plan in writing and sharing it here will give me some additional motivation to actually get this project done (I hope). Also, feel free to leave occasional comments like “hey, what ever happened to the bedroom makeover?” As always, should I or any of my I.M. (interior modification?) Force be caught or killed, the Secretary will disavow any knowledge of our actions.
So let’s go over the plan, shall we?
The walls.
I’ve been wanting to do a faux ship lap wall in here for some time now. Ken (amazing neighbor/handyman) has already agreed to help Mr. Q and me with this project. It’s just a matter of putting it on the calendar. I plan to do just the angled wall behind the bed all the way up to the ceiling (wall seen in photo above).
But first, I have to paint that wall white. The ship lap will be white also, and I don’t want any blue peeking through the gaps.
Although I think the current pale blue walls are pretty, I’ve grown a little tired of them. So since I’m painting one wall anyway, I might as well paint all of them, as well as the ceiling. I’m still trying to decide if the un-shiplapped walls will also be white, or possibly a very pale greige.
The framed vintage maps that are currently hanging on the walls are also going to go. Those white IKEA frames are just not doing it for me anymore.
but I think my pretty floral plates may stay in some capacity.
The floor.
When we purchased our house 30 years ago (good grief, has it really been that long?), the downstairs wood floors had obviously been recently refinished while the upstairs floors had not. Thus, the floors in here weren’t in the greatest of shape to begin with, and 30 years of living has taken its toll.
As it turns out, nnK knows some college kids that refinish gym floors as a summer job. I’ve scheduled them to do just my upstairs floors at a budget rate. They may not do the same professional level work as the expensive guy, but it will most likely be good enough and for a fraction of the cost.
The fixtures.
The last time I remodeled this room I was going through a phase. I liked the idea of combining antiques with modern, clean lines. Um, yeah. I don’t know where I got that ridiculous idea. But as a result, I have a shiny modern chrome ceiling fan in place.
That’s going to be replaced. I’m still debating replacing it with another fan, or just a light. Ceiling fans are so ‘out’ at the moment, but they are so very functional when you don’t have central air conditioning. And now that it’s the middle of July I’m realizing just how valuable it is to have a ceiling fan. Anyone want to weigh in on this subject?
I’m also planning to replace the current bedside lamps. I picked these up at a garage sale several years ago. They are really functional, and actually not terrible looking.
But I found some vintage looking wall sconces at World Market a while back that I love, so they will be taking the place of these.
The furnishings.
Back in the day buying a matching suite of furniture for your master bedroom was the thing to do. Not anymore. Now the key is to mix and match. Over the last several years I have been slowly working on getting rid of each piece of my matching suite (I originally had bedside tables and an armoire to match my sleigh bed).
The bedside tables went first and I replaced them with a pretty table on my side …
and my grandparent’s spoon carved washstand on Mr. Q’s side.
They are about the same size and height and they are painted in the same shade of pale grey, all of which makes them perfect as mismatched bedside tables. So these two pieces are going to stay. The pale grey never worked that well with the blue walls, but I think it will be perfect with my new look.
The current cupboard that holds my clothes will also be staying (now that I’ve cured its bad smell), although I’m probably going to paint it. As much as I love the aqua and white combo, I’m going to be moving away from that color in the room.
I also plan to keep the chippy white stool.
The bench at the foot of the bed is going to go.
Again, it’s the wrong color. Plus I’ve found an amazing replacement for it, here’s a sneak peek.
so you’ll have to stay tuned to see more on that down the road.
I have a plan in mind for the bed too.
It’s definitely time for the old cherry sleigh bed to go. Initially I debated just painting it, but Mr. Q really doesn’t like having a foot board. Then I remembered an idea I saw a while back and was able to find just the right supplies needed to make it happen via Craigslist, here’s another sneak peek …
This is another future post to look forward to!
The window treatments.
I’ve had many different treatments on these windows over the years. I’ve had wood slat blinds, bamboo roman shades, roller shades, fabric curtains on a rod, yada, yada, yada. I really struggle with window treatments. For the most part, I don’t like them. I would prefer to have nothing at all, but that’s just not possible in a bedroom that faces the street, as well as the house across the street. I’m sure nnK would prefer we have some kind of window covering.
The current treatment consists of three different vintage linens tacked to the lower half of each window. The functionality of this system is spot on. When I open the windows (remember, we don’t have a/c in this room), the curtains go up with them allowing for unimpeded air flow. When the windows are closed, the top halves are uncovered which lets in maximum light, and the bottom halves are covered which blocks the view of any peeping toms out there. I really love the trim around my windows too, so I hate to cover that up with heavy window treatments.
Plus, I also happen to have a really lovely view. Even though these windows face the street, they also face nnK’s yard which is this year’s winner of the Acorn Award, the local award for properties that go ‘above and beyond’ with their landscaping efforts (here’s a post I wrote about her water feature). As I frequently like to tell nnK, her yard looks amazing from over here!
Window treatments. Still a question mark. Any ideas?
So, Mission Possible starts next week, who’s with me?!
q is for quandie 
At the risk of seeming stalkerish, I thought I would comment again today. I, too, have the ‘matchy’ sleigh bed, end tables and armoire. I bought them about 10 years ago since my husband had really admired the same type of bedroom set at my sister’s house. I want to replace all of them and already have a new (craigslist find) headboard and footboard to paint. Alas, it seems like another big project – but all projects start with a small movement, don’t they? So, your post came at the right time to push me a little. Can’t wait to see your next steps. And the window treatment? I think roman shades in a great fabric would look great on your windows. Maybe not lined so the light still comes through.
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LOL, no worries about seeming stalkerish! I very much appreciate that you regularly comment. Without people like you I fear I would get no comments at all! I wonder how many of us had that same (or very similar) set? I bet the number is high 😉
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Sounds like you will be very busy. Everyone needs a change every once and a while. Can’t wait to see the results! You are so talented I am sure that your room will be fabulous!
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Thanks Monica! I’ll keep you posted 🙂
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I wish I had better decorating advice for you, but I really don’t feel I have a knack for this…hence, why I read your blog. I do want to weigh in on the ceiling fan issue, though. My two cents is that you would want to keep the ceiling fan-especially with no a/c! You will be able to make it work with everything else you will do in the room. If you don’t want it to be so noticeable, make sure it is the same color as your ceiling, and it will blend right in and hardly be noticeable (I do have experience with that..lol). I just don’t think you’d want to do without its functionality-I wouldn’t. I can’t wait to see what you do because I’d like to spruce up my bedroom too, and you do such beautiful things!! I’m excited!! Good luck!! 🙂
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I think you’re right about the fan Kim! And that’s a great tip about the color 🙂
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I love it 😀 I’m a big home DIY gal so I love other people’s projects as well and this one seems very managable and awesome. The sneak previews have me drooling and I’m glad you’re keeping that gorgeous washstand and table. Delightful. Looking forward to seeing your progress.
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I think it’s going to be manageable. I’m breaking it down into baby steps, and before you know it I’ll be done … at least that’s what I’m telling myself 😉
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Can’t wait to see the beautiful transformation. I am quite fond of your current window coverings. That headboard you have in mind will be stunning. Good luck with your projects.
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Thanks Jacqueline! And thanks for your comment about the current window coverings. I still like them, but they are getting a little ratty looking. Sadly, vintage linens do not hold up forever when used as window treatments. The sun breaks down the fabric over time.
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Your bedroom is already cute, but what potential you have with all your fab ideas! Can’t wait to see what you put together — it will be marvelous! P.S. In spite of all the work, isn’t it fun remaking a room. I have the same slanted ceiling above my bed — I should send you a pic!
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It is fun! As for the slanted ceiling, I have those in all three of my upstairs rooms. I love the look of them, to me it gives the rooms a vintage feel that you don’t get anymore. But on the other hand, they can really be limiting. I found many gorgeous antique headboards on Craigslist, all of which were too tall to fit under that slanted ceiling! Even the one I’m going to be using will have to be cut down some. Have you had that same problem? I’d love to see pics of your room, you can always email me at qisforquandie@gmail.com!
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I agree that the slant is limiting and at the same time charming. Two of my three upstairs bedrooms have the slanted ceilings. I’ll send you pics, and you’ll see that we used an antique five-panel door on its side, with a molding on top to make a little ledge. It fits our king bed perfectly!
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That idea was in the top 3 on my list of ideas! But I ended up going a little bit more traditional. I bet it looks great in your room, looking forward to the pics!
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This is very exciting and as a bonus very motivating to me as well! My upstairs bedroom also has a slanted ceiling. Charming but tricky! I’ve mentioned before I have a long list of things to “fix” in my home. Breaking it down into achievable parts its much less overwhelming! I’ve been working in my office/craft compound and am now headed to my bedroom. You will feel so accomplished when you finish your room…I can’t wait to see what you do!!
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Hopefully it won’t take me two years to finish this project, like some of the others I’ve done 😉
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I can see from your sneak peeks, how wonderful this room is going to be! Looking forward to seeing your changes!
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Thanks Linda! Be sure to stay tuned 🙂
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I envy your take the trip and create memories attitude. The first half of my married life we moved due to job transfers every two to five years. Because of that my brain is stuck in resale mode so I always opt for home improvements. Now you understand why I love, love, love your travel posts. I am traveling vicariously thru you. We have been in our current suburban tract home going on 13 years. I am always on a mission to alter something to add character that your home inherently has. Seriously how many people do you know with a carriage house on their property? I am curious to see what you’re planning
with the new headboard. Love the cane back settee??? As for your windows I do love full length panels in the bedroom but lately I have also done several cafe curtains for privacy on the bottom and light on the top. Roman shade are very on trend and I love those too. But maybe not practical if you are operating them on a daily basis. Constantly redressing them would be a p.i.t.a. – IMO.
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Those cafe curtains are so practical, but I do feel like they don’t have quite the right look for the bedroom. And I’ve had Roman shades in the past, but your thoughts on those are spot on. They are not super practical when you are having to close them every time you want privacy, and then open them back up for air flow at night, and then close them again in the morning to get dressed, and then open them again to let light in. Yes, a p.i.t.a. With the radiator directly under the window, I can’t have panels that go all the way to the floor, but I may do something with panels the full length of the window (maybe that’s what you meant). But then again, I’m back to having issues with air flow. Hmmmmm….
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Love ship lap idea! Love changing things up, Feng Shui sister! Bring in the new energy! I always want the window treatments to move with me..great idea! Game on, keep us posted!
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I love that thought … bringing on new energy!
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I debate about the ceiling fan in our master bedroom as well! It is so useful and I know I should keep it, but part of me just wants a light fixture instead! Tough decisions. Can’t wait to see how it all turns out. You have some amazing idea.
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With no a/c, it totally makes sense to have a ceiling fan … but there are so many awesome light fixtures out there … decisions, decisions!
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Oooh fun!!! The sneak peeks are very exciting! It will look fantastic and I have to say, the sconces are a great idea. I have them and wouldn’t go back to lamps on the nightstands. They just save so much room. I’ve seen new ceiling fans that look like vintage fans, so I would go that route. As far as the curtains go, maybe full window panels made from vintage lace tablecloths? Nothing too frilly, but wouldn’t impede airflow as much… or even just really simple washed linen panels. Looking forward to see what you have in store. Great summer project 🙂 Ken to the rescue again!
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I’m trying to find one of those vintage looking fans that is flush mounted, not too large, doesn’t hang down too far (low ceilings), and doesn’t break the bank. Oh, and as much as I love the look of Edison bulbs, I don’t love the yellow light they give off. I’m seeing lots of great options that have exposed bulbs, but don’t really want to use Edison bulbs in them. If you spot one that meets those criteria, let me know! I’m still looking! As for the window treatments, I think you are reading my mind Meggan! Love that idea!
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Miss Mustard seed is moving to Minnesota!!!!
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So funny! Just the other day I was thinking “how weird would it be if Miss Mustard Seed’s secret destination was Minnesota!”, but I have to admit at the time I thought it was pretty far fetched. Seriously, what are the odds?
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Once upon a time, Quandie loved lace curtains…..
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Ha! Hello Linda! Yes, once upon a time … how many years ago now? And here we are still in the same house, just different window treatments 😉 (FYI everybody else, Linda was our realtor when we bought our home, um, let’s see, 29 years ago!)
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Those lamps that are leaving the bedroom? Paint the wood coal black & send them to the study. They look more like study than bedroom to me anyway. Not keeping them? Paint the wood coal black anyway.
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Love that idea! I’ll share their transformation here on the blog when I get it done 🙂
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