Today I am so excited to share what I was working on over the weekend. If you remember back a bit, I told you about a lovely lady named Donna who’s husband passed away 3 years ago. Donna’s house has not been changed since. That may not be a big deal for some families, but Dave was an artist and his home was filled with his creations. When you are a creator, you recognize that everything you make literally has a piece of you in it. So, although Mr. Dave is in Heaven, he is still very much here. And I think this has made it hard for the family to move forward. Of course, I didn’t want to take everything “Dave” out, but rather create a space that allowed Donna to fondly remember the past but also help her look hopefully toward the future. Here’s how I tried to do that in her master bedroom.
This is the before.
And the AFTER!
I chose a dark gray Sherwin Williams color named “Dovetail.” Donna likes her home to feel more cozy and cave-like, so this gorgeous gray was the perfect choice. Lighting is always important but especially when you choose a dark paint color. Not only does it brighten and lighten the space when wanted, it adds a dramatic element that is really beautiful. A couple of lamps and a great chandelier from Lowes provide all the light we need!
We were able to use a ton of items that Donna already had. This was great for cutting costs, but also for helping Donna to feel comfortable with all the new changes. For example, this table used to be in the entry and had a antique crackle finish.
I thought it would be great as a nightstand in the bedroom, so I sanded it down and painted it a high gloss light gray. A GORGEOUS antique mirror and some old, super cool suitcases finish off this side of the space.
The headboard was actually an old door that Donna had stashed in the garage. I painted it a cream color and it looked like this. . .
but you know I am a sucker for layering and texture, so I finished off the piece by hanging a graphic rug over the top. Tip- Hanging a blanket, rug, or some other piece of fabric over a headboard can easily and inexpensively change up your look in no time!
Accessories are a great place to put some of your personality and history into a space. On this dresser, I used: Donna’s mother’s flower broach to add a little something to the lamp, a lamb painting Donna loves that reminds her of a favorite song, and an incredible old photo album the family had tucked away.
The dresser (which was a changing table for Donna’s daughter years ago) was gussied up just a bit with some new fun knobs. This is such an easy and inexpensive way to make this piece look fit for an adult space rather than a newborn’s nursery.
Over by the bed, I had to display this AMAZING antique necklace/collar. It is from the 40’s I believe and is STUNNING when worn. I tried to find a bust to display it on, but came up short. Darn!
That’s it for Donna’s master bedroom makeover. We are moving to the entry next and I can’t wait to get started. What do you think of the work we’ve done so far? Do you have or know of an instance when design has played a vital role in helping to heal a family? If so, I would LOVE to know about it!
Kara – I’ve gotta tell you, it is always a treat for me to visit your site. I love the inspiration you share.
What a beautiful post. New beginnings for this lovely lady. The room turned out beautiful and as I write this comment I am praying that God will grant her sweet peaceful sleep and all the desires of her heart for the rest of her days.
xo
Beautiful room, Kara! I think if I would have seen the photo of the finish room elsewhere, I would have immediately thought of your design style.
I’m wondering are there any “Dave” touches still in the room?
that room came out great!!
WOW that looks great- did it only take you one weekend? you are amazing!
I love all the details you add to a room.
Love it! Especially the color you chose for the walls, very cozy 🙂 We just created a headboard out of an old door too, love the way it turned out! I might need to add a tapestry now!
Love that grey wall and the dramatic headboard. Gorgeous!
Love the room! What wall color did you use?
Hey Ladies, thanks for the compliments. I hope that Donna enjoys this room for years to come.
And yes Samatha, with the help of Donna’s daughter this room was completed in a weekend.
And Yanet, Dave’s presence is still in the room because almost all the accessories we decorated with were gathered as props when Dave and Donna worked on TV commercials and shows together.
Candi, that color is Dovetail (Sherwin Willliams). Be sure to double check the posts. I will always include paint colors when they are not a custom mix. 🙂