The time has finally come to reveal the worldly reading room in its entirety. I’ve already shared about how this dresser went from plain jane to super star. But there is a lot more packed into this small space.
Our remodel gave us the ability and freedom to completely rework rooms. This reading room (which also serves as a bedroom) used to be the kitchen.
Once a kitchen. . .
Now a bedroom. . .
By creating nooks that the bed and buffet fit into, we were able to make this small space seem roomy as well as enlarge the dining area a bit.
I elected to install dark wainscoting around the bottom half of the room to give a library sort of feel. And since I wanted the space to feel worldly and exotic I attached maps to the walls behind the bed and dresser/buffet. I actually used the maps from old atlases I had lying around. I cut them into squares and hung them up with upholstery tacks. This created a big impact for virtually no money.
I wanted to install some shelves to display items we have gathered during our treks around the globe. I covered cheapo particleboard planks in fabric and once again used upholstery tacks to add some interest.
I desired the reading/sleeping space to feel private and relaxing. With the pull of a curtain, you can enter a different world (with the help of a good book) and be able to enjoy some quality “me” time!
In college my friend Julie always liked the romantic idea of reading by candle light. That concept has stuck with me through the years and I finally felt like I had the environment to implement the idea. Enter the candle light chandelier.
The bifold closet doors were a bit boring, so I covered them with cork and eventually plan to fill them with photos and mementos from our travels.
Congratulations on such a fabulous room! I love how cozy and eclectic and fun this room is. Great idea to wrap your shelves and use tacks on them. I’ll be trying that in my art room. I’m not quite ready for the big reveal…soon!!
I AM IN LOVE!!!!!!! I can’t even express how much I love this room! It’s brilliant!!
What a fantastic makeover. I can’t believe how much bigger the room looks now. I love your maps and fabric shelves. xx
This room is beyond BONKERS! I love that you cut the maps into squares. I love EVERY.SINGLE.THING. about this space. I couldn’t even begin to tell you. One ? though, where did you get the rug? It is killer fabulous.
Thanks for the compliments ladies!!! Come on over and try the room out any time!!!! 🙂
Can’t wait to see the art room Julie!
And Mrs. Dreams of Perfection- I got the rug at an estate sale. So who knows where it is from! Your guess is as good as mine. 🙂
where did you get that light!?
What color of green did you paint the walls? It’s perfect!
Hey Ladies,
Jess, I actually got the sphere that holds a candle at Sam’s. The other ceiling light was from Wal-Mart.
Ms. upstagedbydesign, that green is actually a custom color mix by me, but it is similar to, but just a little but lighter than Sherwin Williams’ Tupulo Tree.