{Master Bedroom} The Befores

So after Friday's post of <a href="http://goo.gl/GZMpKa" target="_blank">Spring outfits</a>, did you get to bust any of them out over the weekend? Yeah, neither did we. It went from gloriously warm and sunny, to cold and rainy overnight. Awesome. Spring is sure taking her sweet time. I guess it's just as well because the icky weather lends me more time working on projects inside in the house. Once the weather is nice, I have a hard time not turning all my attention to the backyard.<br /><br />And I declared in my <a href="http://goo.gl/sBwpgV" target="_blank">Home Goals</a> that this was the year the Mister and I finally got our own space. Virtually every room in the house has received some love, except ours. And since our marriage is key to this family and home working, you could say it's the most important room in the house! <i>(You like how I rationalize a makeover?)</i><br /><br />A few weeks ago I showed you the huge difference <a href="http://goo.gl/ai8o6F" target="_blank">new bedding made</a>....<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Crane & Canopy Bedroom Update" height="825" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2863/12663626505_317e45bdb7_b.jpg" width="550" /></div><br />But I was very selective in how much you saw...in fact, this is as wide as the angle got.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Crane & Canopy Bedroom Update" height="645" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3795/12663739913_9ccbbb80fc_b.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br />Bloggers are sneaky that way. I wasn't trying to trick you into thinking our room is a space that it's not, I just didn't want to take away from the awesome new <a href="http://bit.ly/1dfJzJJ" target="_blank">Crane & Canopy duvet and shams</a>. The updated bedding was the fuel my tiny fire needed, and now I'm ready to tackle this room. And we can't have Afters without Befores...so lets take a tour of our mis-matched bedroom, shall we?<br /><a name="more"></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Master Bedroom BEFORE" height="676" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7226/13312649545_4c0da65a46_b.jpg" width="550" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Master Bedroom BEFORE" height="692" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2849/13312807413_64973a5d63_b.jpg" width="550" /></div><br />Some of you are thinking I sound like a big brat by ragging on a perfectly fine room. Of course there's nothing wrong with the space, it just doesn't reflect us, or our style. And as a result, we never spend any time in it...unless we're, you know, <i>sleeping</i>. And since the room has never received much attention, it's become the furniture dumping ground over the years. All the random pieces that have no place in the rest of the house, have come to die a slow, boring death here....creating a mashed-up, overcrowded space.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Master Bedroom BEFORE" height="748" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3796/13312807613_faf02d6950_b.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="IMG_0640" height="618" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7269/7593110660_bdf113c465_z.jpg" width="550" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Bedroom" height="638" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7307/12726005293_64999ebddd_z.jpg" width="550" /></div><br /> We've added a few things over the years, but nothing with intention, which only adds to the randomness.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Master Bedroom BEFORE" height="687" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7187/13313022914_0527a586cf_b.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div>This dressing table was in my childhood room, and received the red and zebra treatment years before I started blogging. I kept it, and never updated it, because I thought I'd move it to <a href="http://goo.gl/Wk4EgR" target="_blank">Babygirl's room</a> someday. It wouldn't fit in her small room, so someday never came.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Master Bedroom BEFORE" height="718" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3698/13312649825_b938eb28b6_b.jpg" width="550" /></div><br />These clip frames hold pictures of travels and moments that are most special to us, but I stopped updating them about five years ago. So much for special. Now they just feel like noise on the wall.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Master Bedroom BEFORE" height="674" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7039/13312649345_e1612f7262_b.jpg" width="550" /></div><br />I love all the windows, but they are pretty wimpy at just 31-35 inches wide. Drapes would obviously help that situation, but I hated to add any when I wasn't sure of the room's direction. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Master Bedroom BEFORE" height="732" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7165/13312806893_b878882505_b.jpg" width="550" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">This dresser, the only one in the room, was also mine from childhood, but it's not big enough for the two of us...so not very functional.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="IMG_0630" height="648" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8291/7593109978_bac4613ac4_b.jpg" width="550" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br />The armoire used to be the TV cabinet in the <a href="http://goo.gl/4xx2ZN" target="_blank">Family Room</a>, now it blocks the windows in our room. And just like <a href="http://goo.gl/wBjEU9" target="_blank">the floral rug in the Living Room</a>, the giant <i>(5-foot tall!)</i> ship has no place in our home. But since it was one of my grandfather's favorite possessions, I haven't been able to let it go. This is the only room tall enough to accommodate it...so it's perched awkwardly on top. Someone please write me a permission slip to sell it.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Master Bedroom BEFORE" height="801" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7214/13312808173_ec2d5d4b08_b.jpg" width="550" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Master Bedroom BEFORE" height="647" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3780/13313022124_5f45e95019_b.jpg" width="550" /></div><br />I created this floorplan to give you a better idea of the layout of the room. The chest and dressing table have no use, and the dresser and two side tables aren't very functional. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | master bedroom floorplans" height="390" src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2810/13362551243_4fedb0c32c_z.jpg" width="550" /></div><br />And here's a 3D of the space with no furniture. The windows pretty much determine the location of the bed, so there's not a lot of flexibility with placement.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | master bedroom floorplans" height="390" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7442/13362784914_b1a2c4e24c_z.jpg" width="550" /></div><br />It's a great space and I can't wait to uncover it's true potential. I've got a lot of ideas, but per my usual MO, I can't seem to decide on a direction. I'm working on some moodboards and new floorplans and hope to show you soon, and get your input. Until then, let's just reflect on the one happy spot in the room.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Crane & Canopy Bedroom Update" height="677" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7377/12664080734_a68caa49a4_b.jpg" width="550" /></div><br />Do you have have neglected rooms that serve as furniture graveyards, too?

{Master Bedroom} The Befores

So after Friday's post of Spring outfits , did you get to bust any of them out over the weekend? Yeah, neither did we. It went from glor...

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Bedroom Refresher

The Master Bedroom isn't a spot that's gotten a lot of face time on zee ole blog. I've shown it on occasion, like when I <a href="http://goo.gl/tFlTbD" target="_blank">paraded lamps around the house</a>, or in <a href="http://goo.gl/h8KjXP" target="_blank">this reader Q & A post</a>, but in the almost four years (4?!?!?!) of blogging, nary a project or makeover has started in here.<br /><br />Why is it our personal spaces are always the last to receive love and attention? Well, I declared it in my <a href="http://goo.gl/wjJQBF" target="_blank">Home Goals 2014</a>, this is the year that changes! <a href="http://bit.ly/1dfJzJJ" target="_blank">Crane and Canopy</a> has made that easier by jump starting our makeover with fresh new bedding.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Crane & Canopy Bedroom Update" height="825" src="https://v4s.yimg.com/sj/2863/12663626505_e83c31c856_o.jpg" width="550" /></div><br />We'd had this set from <a href="http://bit.ly/1c8Ga9y" target="_blank">West Elm</a> for several years, and I liked it just fine, but it always felt really dark and heavy. Maybe it's the impending Spring, but I was ready for something lighter and brighter. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="IMG_0635" height="672" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8286/7593110240_1a38001a11_o.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br />But you know I've still got to have color...so we chose the <a href="http://bit.ly/1dfJzJJ" target="_blank">Linden Duvet with Coral Border</a>. The cotton is deliciously soft, while still crisp and cool. Does that even make sense? Basically it feels like fancy hotel bedding. It's crazy what a huge refresher just switching out the duvet and shams makes to the whole room.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Crane & Canopy Bedroom Update" height="700" src="https://v4s.yimg.com/sj/2876/12663739263_f947d1e392_o.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br />I don't want to rush the process, so it's currently paired with pillows we already had on hand...black and white from Ikea <i>(similar <a href="http://bit.ly/1gou3aX" target="_blank">here</a>)</i>, and monogram lumbar from <a href="http://www.garnethill.com/" target="_blank">Garnet Hill</a> <i>(huge fan of <a href="http://bit.ly/1hf8Cd9" target="_blank">these</a> and <a href="http://bit.ly/1c8IbTn" target="_blank">these</a>, too)</i> But I'm imagining a watercolor floral and maybe some leopard in the future.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Crane & Canopy Bedroom Update" height="677" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7377/12664080734_9975564a4e_o.jpg" width="550" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Crane & Canopy Bedroom Update" height="645" src="https://s2.yimg.com/sk/3795/12663739913_b2ee0f35f6_o.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br />To get the Euro Pillows so round and tall, I use a Euro insert, plus a standard bed pillow as fillers. Instead of tossing old, flat bed pillows, save them to make your decorative pillows fatter. And thus, phatter. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Crane & Canopy Bedroom Update" height="600" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3699/12663739533_41f52325bd_o.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br />The pictures over the bed now live in the big <a href="http://goo.gl/YYxYyN" target="_blank">Family Room gallery wall</a>, and were replaced with <a href="http://popsu.gr/qoia" target="_blank">this steal</a> of a mirror. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Crane & Canopy Bedroom Update" height="737" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5547/12663738683_28406b25b1_o.jpg" width="550" /></div><br />It's going to be so fun pairing this with other fabrics and patterns! I do try to keep the room from being overly feminine...since after all, a man lives in it, too. #scandalous<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Crane & Canopy Bedroom Update" height="742" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3716/12663626285_c13ee4f3bf_o.jpg" width="550" /></div><br />Creating an inviting room is even more important because our parents stay in our bedroom when we travel without the kids. During those times, I prepare it like a Guest Room, so they feel welcome and comfortable. My favorite things are to leave fresh flowers and water by the bed, provide extra throws and magazines, and make sure the wifi password and a charger is nearby.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/12726005293/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Bedroom by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Bedroom" height="638" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7307/12726005293_8ffa813908_o.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/12726005253/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Bedroom by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Bedroom" height="582" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2806/12726005253_ec06beb5ab_o.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/50491685@N04/12726005203/" title="Hi Sugarplum | Bedroom by hi sugarplum!, on Flickr"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Bedroom" height="614" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7325/12726005203_8d85b6ef9d_o.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><br />I also keep the <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/02/organized-bathroom-cabinet.html" target="_blank">guest bath</a> stocked with extra toiletries.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hi Sugarplum | Organized Bathroom Cabinet" height="421" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8232/8454171770_7822b5335f_o.jpg" width="550" /> </div><br />The new bedding has already made such a huge difference, that I can't wait to get started on the rest of the room! Some of my friends are sharing their bedroom refreshers this week, as well as tips for preparing for guests, so be sure to follow the fun series! Have you started refreshing rooms for Spring yet?<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://goo.gl/5Mt1Kq" target="_blank">Megan | Honey We're Home</a> ~ Tuesday</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://goo.gl/FYvOo2" target="_blank">Courtney | A Thoughtful Place</a> ~ Wednesday</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://goo.gl/2TErkQ" target="_blank">Beth | Home Stories A to Z</a> ~ Thursday</div>

Bedroom Refresher

The Master Bedroom isn't a spot that's gotten a lot of face time on zee ole blog. I've shown it on occasion, like when I paraded...

Read more »