Bedroom Makeover 2018
They say that an open space allows for an open mind...or something like that. After moving back to New York City permanently in September, all I wanted was an open and comfortable space to think and reflect on the most recent events and come up with a game plan. If you've ever went through a transitional period, you know that that period can be difficult in and of itself without added stress and pressures. As an inherently anxious person, who may or may not have some symptoms of OCD – although not officially diagnosed – it felt to me that everything was falling out of place, including my bedroom, because I happened to steer away from my intended course. I had to make a change, or at least take up a new project, in order to put my life back on track and reflect on this new beginning. So, I decided to redo my entire bedroom. Being away at college had caused my room to become more of a storage space than a bedroom. When I would come back home during breaks, my bedroom felt more like a guest room than the room in which I spent the first 17 years of my life. It felt temporary instead of permanent (which in many ways it was because I lived nearly full-time in Burlington). Even the air in the room was different – it was cold and chilly, not warm and inviting like a bedroom should be. I am a very sentimental person and I think a lot about the spaces we inhabit and take up. I believe there is a lot of power in a home. A home should feel welcoming and inviting. A home should feel like yours even when it technically isn't...that rental life you know. When you go home after a long day, you should feel safe and have the ability to relax. The stressors of outside should not be brought inside. The bedroom, in particular, should be your safe haven – a home within a home. As someone going through a difficult transitional period, the last thing I need is to be stressed about is the appearance and feel of my room – what should be my humble abode. And since I made the decision to move back to the city permanently, I decided that it was the perfect opportunity to redecorate my bedroom and make my home feel like a home again. It took two months to completely redecorate my room, and here is the finished project...until I decide to add more things or completely redecorate my room again:
Before...
Dark, cluttered, no cohesive color scheme, suitcases and boxes...literally all over the place. That floral comforter and the non-matching pillow cases...um?! This photo was taken in the morning (as you could see from the morning light shining through the window) but it was so dark you would think it was mid-afternoon. Home Decorating Tip: If you want to invite natural light into a space, do not opt for opaque curtains, but rather invest in some sheer ones. My bedroom looked more like a motel room in the-middle-of-nowhere-America than a 20-something-year-old's bedroom. Clearly my mom didn't think about feng shui when adding that bedding when I was away. (Personal) Home Decorating Tip: Do not involve parents in room decorating. My mom tried to convince me that this was okay...it is not o.k.
...& After
Throw Blanket: Dormify (Similar) | Nightstands: Ikea | 12-Cube Organizer Shelf...or My TV Stand: Target | Bedrest Pillow: Target | Sheer Curtain Panel: Target | Swivel Chair: Ikea | Desk: Ikea |Throw Pillows (from left to right) from Dormify: Elton Fringe (No Longer Sold), Namast'ay in Bed, Faux Mongolian | Duvet Cover & Pillow Case Set: Dormify | Tapestry: Society6 | String Lights: Target (Similar) | Banana Leaf Tray: Dormify | Lamp: Target | Candle: Marshall's | Framed Artwork: Thrifted | Poster: Amber Vittoria x Society6
Wow, what a #GLOWUP amiright? As you can see, I completely redecorated my room. Except for a few things – my shelving/TV stand, TV, desk, and desk chair – everything you see is a new addition to ma chambre. I added completely white bedding and white sheer curtains. Something about white bedding makes it feel/look luxurious and comforting. I also wanted to add sheer curtains to let the light in, now there's natural light in my room until the late afternoon. I also added throw pillows and a throw blanket...again comfort. I purchased two nightstands from Ikea to match my already black/brown furniture. The identical nightstands add consistency to the room and are also convenient for storing sleepwear and intimates; before that stuff was in cubbies under my TV (not a good look). I completely reorganized my shelving to store my books – in color order of course – as well as my art supplies, jewelry, and makeup. Before the art in my bedroom was not cohesive and didn't really add anything to the room nor represent my favorite artists. Now, the artwork in my room is representative of the art and artists – shout-out to Amber Vittoria – that I like, and add a special touch to the room.
Side-by-Side Comparisons
So you know it's real.
Wow, I really did that doe. Just call me the Decor Queen! HGTV, hire me. Interior design firms, contract me. Chip and Joanna Gaines ain't got nothing on me bruh. Anyways, yeah I'm really happy with this result. My room finally feels like mine, and I couldn't be happier!
Xo, Naydeline