10 Master Bedroom Ideas Worth Stealing

Truly feeling at home and comfortable in your living space begins in the master bedroom. Whether it’s a small room that just fits your bed and night table or a grand master suite with walk-in closet, spa-level bathroom, and even a workspace, the right decor and smart design will make it a comfortable place to spend time.

From luxe gold accents to pops of color and neon wall decor, these 10 inspirational bedroom ideas will help you turn a room with a bed into a unique, comfortable master bedroom.

1. Express Your Eclectic Personality

Fill your master bedroom with decor elements that make you happy so that the room expresses your personality.

In this eclectic Austin apartment, hip moon-print wallpaper combines with a rustic bison skull wall mount and gold accents in the bedside tables and lamps. Floor-to-ceiling curtains bring a softness to the space, while crisp white bedding keeps the bed itself feeling clean and classic.

Matching bedside lamps add a secondary source of accent lighting, perfect for reading a book before bed. Magenta velour throw pillows add a sophisticated, luxe feel to balance out the rustic elements.

Make it yours

2. Balance a Bold Print With Neutral Accents

This bold, geometric wallpaper gives the room a pop. To keep it from feeling overwhelming — the bedroom should be a soothing, comfortable spot — pair an energetic focal point with organic, neutral elements.

In this Boston master bedroom, a large, beige fabric headboard softens the blue patterned wallpaper, while a side chair made of brown, blue, and white rattan pulls the natural and accent elements together. In addition to a neutral palette, sticking to solid colors rather than prints on the bed linens keeps the focus on the accent wall.

make it yours

3. Incorporate Soothing Colors

For a space where you spend most of your time sleeping and relaxing, it’s important to incorporate colors that calm and soothe. Experts say tones of blue and grey aid in relaxation, like the calming color combination in this Boston master bedroom.

Shades of grey dominate, from the wall color to the cozy area rug and window treatments. A blue-grey throw blanket across the base of the bed and a mid-century modern style side chair in a cool blue tone keep the space from feeling monochromatic, while throw pillows and an area rug add a warm vibe to the hardwood floors.

4. Go White, Clean, and Calm

The simple palette of this Boston apartment emphasizes the building’s historical accents, from a master bedroom fireplace and mantle to hardwood floors and original molding. Bright whites and beige tones keep this room bright and calming, while a wood and leather chair and black bricks in the fireplace give a rustic edge to this serene retreat.

The faux fur throw pillows and woven rug add texture and softness to the otherwise simple space. Simple black accents — from the slim, modern framed art over the fireplace to the abstract canvas above the bed, contrast from the bright white, traditional bedroom space.

make it yours

5. Add a Leaning Floor Mirror

For a simple way to maximize space and reflect light, especially in a small master bedroom, incorporate a leaning floor mirror in the master bedroom. Available in a variety of styles — from rustic wood to sleek metal frames — this easy-to-add decorating idea is as beautiful as it is functional.

In this Nashville bedroom, corner windows offer natural light, while the leaning floor mirror makes the room feel bigger and reflects the large-scale canvas art prints hung on the walls.

6. Stick With an Accent Color

Worried about how to pull together all of the decor pieces in a luxurious master bedroom? To create a cohesive look, pick a color, then find accent pieces in different shades to incorporate into the space.

In this cheery yet relaxing Nashville bedroom, crisp white walls and sheets create a clean palette for pops of blue — in the wall art, bedside table, area rug, and throw pillows. White walls with pops of color make it easy to switch up decor going forward, too — simply pick new colors and swap out the accent pieces for a simple master bedroom decor update.

make it yours

7. Play With Texture

Master bedroom feeling a little flat? Give it a dose of texture by incorporating a variety of materials, from a rustic wood bed frame and woven textile wall art to a faux fur throw rug and fluffy accent pillows.

This warm, modern master bedroom in New Orleans feels composed and welcoming thanks to a mix of different materials and textures. The color-blocked, wine-red wall gives a punch of color without overwhelming, while the blue velour headboard adds a richness. The gold bedside lamps feel luxe, while the woven pillowcases next to fluffy faux fur throw pillows are unexpected and fun. The combination leaves the room feeling personal and comfortable.

make it yours

8. Highlight Rustic Spaces With Natural Materials

If you’re lucky enough to have exposed brick, rustic hardwood floors, or industrial beams in the master bedroom, play up those unique features.

Take inspiration from this rustic New Orleans loft, where industrial elements like whitewashed brick walls and metal sliding doors create an industrial backdrop that’s balanced by organic, earth-toned linen pillowcases and a beige area rug. A charcoal grey fabric platform bed anchors the room, while a tufted blue bench along the end of the bed adds a pop of deep color.

Gold toned accents on a trio of circular mirrors hung above the bed and the bedside table lamp add a refined edge, while indigo-dyed fabric in natural wood frames continue the natural material theme.

9. Add Luxe Elements

To create a luxurious master bedroom, incorporate rich jewel tones and metallic accents. This Austin townhouse combines elements of mid-century modern decor with glamorous gold and jewel-toned accents. The wooden bed frame, wallpaper, and gold bedside lamps evoke a mid-century feel.

Floor-to-ceiling drapes, accent pillows and walls painted at chair-rail height in blue and green tones keep the space feeling modern and fresh. An extra-large, blue woven area rug grounds the room, which opens up to a private patio with french doors.

10. Make it Fun and Funky

A neon sign above the bed? If it’s your style, embrace it. The master bedroom in this Austin home is all whimsy with cactus-print wallpaper, neon wall art, and a modern, gold pendant light with exposed bulbs. While this room may defy the “expert” notion of a calming, relaxing bedroom, the master suite should be a place that reflects your personality, so surround yourself with objects that you love.

make it yours

This article originally appeared at Domio.

10 Expert Hacks for Decorating a Rental Apartment

Maybe you can’t knock down the wall between your kitchen and dining room or pull up the wall-to-wall carpet, but there are many less permanent ways to make a rental apartment feel like home.

With a few easy decorating tips, you can keep your landlord happy, get your security deposit back, and have a home that expresses your personal style — until you’re ready to move out, that is.

Before you pull out the paint roller or start online shopping for light fixtures, be sure to get your landlord’s permission for any updates you plan to make. Chances are if the change increases the value of the property or you agree to put things back to their original state before moving out, your landlord will give you the green light.

10 Expert Hacks for Decorating a Rental Apartment

** Links provided may be affiliate links to products I suggest or recommend. You can read more about these links HERE.**

1. Go Big With Wall Art

You may not be able to paint the walls (it never hurts to ask!), but don’t be afraid to hang art on the walls — the bigger the better.

Select a large-format canvas, like in this space, a world map, or trio of posters to create an eye-catching focal point. For an even bigger impact, try hanging a large tapestry, rug, or patterned fabric to create interest and cover boring white walls.

Don’t have any large pieces of art? Get the same effect by combining many smaller items into a gallery wall. While spackling over nail holes is one of the easiest fixes before moving out, if you’re worried about nailing into walls, use Command hooks or other easily removable hanging devices that won’t damage paint.

2. Upgrade Bath or Kitchen Fixtures

With your landlord’s permission, swap out the lackluster bath or kitchen faucet for a better-looking version. If you plan on making your rental apartment home for a few years and enjoy cooking, updating the faucet is a medium-difficulty task that packs a big punch.

While quality faucets don’t come cheap, it’s something you can remove and take with you to your next home. And if you’re relatively handy, the update should take less than an hour. Be sure to store the old faucet in a safe place to be reinstalled when you move out.

These updated options are all under $200!

3. Hang Curtains Over Blinds

The right window treatments add instant coziness to your rental home. Stuck with cheap plastic blinds? Don’t worry — you can hang curtains right over them.

Mount your curtain rod as close to the ceiling as possible above the window, then let the curtain fabric brush the floor to maximize the appearance of tall ceilings, like in this property. To jazz up a plain room, choose a patterned or bold curtain fabric.

4. Make It Cozy With Rugs

Area rugs transform a rental space from cold and sterile to personalized and cozy. While rugs are a no-brainer in a wood-floored living room, they can be added to any room in the house, from the kitchen and hallways to bedrooms and dining rooms.

These flat-lay synthetic rugs are comfy, stylish, and a great deal!

If your walls and floors are neutral, picking a large rug in a bold pattern or bright colors is an easy opportunity to make a big impact in the room. Even if you have wall-to-wall carpet, adding an area rug on top helps to define the space — just make sure you anchor the area rug with furniture or a non-slip pad underneath to prevent wrinkling as the rug shifts.

5. Paint a Small Accent Wall

If you want to paint and your landlord gives you the OK, go with a bold color on a small area. Not only will a splash of color make a huge difference, it will be less work to paint over when you move out. Try a vibrant orange in a hallway or nook, or paint the lower portion of the wall, where chair rail molding would usually appear, like in this warehouse.

6. Hang Temporary Wallpaper

Long avoided for being a pain to take down, removable wallpaper has opened up new home decor options for renters and homeowners alike. To save money and time, pick an accent wall to cover in a bold print, like this luxe vacation space. Behind the bed, or the dining room are great places to consider wallpaper. If you want to wallpaper an entire room, pick a smaller space like a bathroom or office.

7. Hide What You Don’t Like

Sometimes, the worst part about renting is living with quirks you don’t like and can’t change. But that doesn’t mean you have to stare at them every day. Disguise the ugly backsplash in your rental kitchen with removable tile stickers, toss a rug over a stained carpet, or hang a large piece of art over an awkward opening in the wall.

8. Incorporate Hobbies as Art

Worried about where you’ll store your bike or surfboard in a small rental apartment? Instead of hiding them away in a small space, think of them as part of the decor.

A colorful bike or guitar hung on the wall or a surfboard leaning in the corner adds personality and immediately signifies to guests that you love adventure. If you love to travel, frame photos from your travels and make them into a conversation-starting gallery wall. Personal touches make a rental feel like home.

9. Upgrade Lighting

Staring up at an ugly ‘90s-era ceiling light that’s not meshing with your decor style? Replace it with a new light fixture to instantly upgrade and personalize your space. A modern chandelier becomes the focus of the dining room in this vacation rental.

If you don’t want to remove the offending light, get creative and disguise it with a DIY lampshade that fits over the original fixture. More lighting options will make your rental apartment more comfortable. Even if your rooms have existing overhead lighting, adding table and floor lamps will amp up the ambiance.

10. Don’t Forget About the Front Door

Especially if you rent an apartment in a large building with identical doors, don’t neglect your entryway decor. Putting out a doormat or hanging a wreath differentiates your home from your neighbors, and makes a great first impression on guests before they even step foot in your apartment.

Thanks go to Domio for contributing to this blog!

Build your Personal DIY Toolkit

As I share design and DIY home improvement projects, I often hear the reaction “you’re so amazing at all of that stuff” or “that’s so great, but you already know what you’re doing…” 

And I hate to argue with them- but they’re wrong! Yes, I learned a lot about home improvement and using power tools from my dad growing up (he’s a mechanical engineer), but the truth is that I learn a lot of these skills as I go! He never taught me how to add trim to cabinets, tile a backsplash, or hang a chandelier. 

In the next few posts, I want to walk you through some of the basics of Design + DIY (and Drills!) that I rely on when I’m working on projects around my own home. I’ll break them down in video- here (and over on IGTV) in short 10-minute chats so you can listen in when you have some me-time. I promise, it will be worth it! 

 

 

If you have grabbed the *new and improved* Design + DIY Handbook you’ve seen this update- but I’m guessing it’s going to be new to most! We’re getting started with the basics- your TOOLKIT. I share the resource, as well as launch my new IGTV channel, right here! 

This video walks through where to find the toolkit, as well as chats about why some of the items are so important to me- feel free to go straight to the source, though! The Design + DIY toolkit is a growing and evolving shopping list that I am continually tweaking as I discover new favorite products or find useful supplies that I think you will really appreciate having in your own home. 

The Toolkit is the very first resource included in my Design + DIY Handbook, so be sure to grab your copy, let me know what you think, and check back each time I share a new project to see if there are new essentials you can add to your own kit! 

3 Ways to Prepare Your Home for Summer

With summer fully upon us, I find myself looking into the future of almost three months at HOME with two kids…. every day. all day.  If you are feeling frazzled, overwhelmed, or crazy-mom-brain about the whole “summer at home with kids” situation….. don’t panic! There are a few key changes you can make to your house through intentional design (and even decorating!) that will make your days a bit smoother, more fun, and help you rock this mom-thing all summer long.        

 

 

As the Decor Mentor, it’s my mission to help at-home moms create dreamy family homes. What does that actually mean? Family-friendly home design is functional and makes your daily life easier and more joy-filled; it is durable enough to withstand the active and rough-and-tumble lifestyle of all the humans and animals who call your house their home; it is affordable enough that you can breathe easy when someone accidentally wears their shoes in the house, or your needs change- you’re not investing in heirloom pieces for your life right now; family-friendly home design is beautiful- it makes you happy to come home and expresses your unique love for your entire family.       

Make some time this week to try these THREE WAYS to take control of your at-home mom-life and enjoy your well-designed summer!  

1) Create solutions to real problems, not Pinspirations… 

Scrolling through Pinterest is fun, addicting even- but it can be dangerous and counter-productive. It can actually convince us that our homes NEED pretty, creative, photo-worthy solutions to problems that we don’t actually have in our own homes!  

ACTION ITEM:

Create a new board on Pinterest to collect projects and inspiration for THIS SUMMER, and keep yourself focused on realistic project planning. You will actually get more done and feel more accomplished if you don’t write a to-do list that will never be completed.

2) Identify where your family makes messes+stresses.

Provide simple solutions. Simplicity is key for getting our kids/spouses/houseguests to follow the lifestyle we have designed in our homes. 

ACTION ITEM:

think about 1 or 2 areas in your home where clutter gathers, things get lost, or people end up in a traffic jam on a regular basis….. you know, the places that give you hives just thinking about them! Write down the problem that needs to be solved- and then go look for a solution for YOUR home! Make plans to fix the problem in the next 10 days.

3) Make sure your designs match your mom-lifestyle

(simple beds to make, easy toy storage, plates at kid-level) and give yourself plenty of grace when it comes to enforcing a new rule/system. For instance, I have been asking my daughter to make her bed all year. I think it’s the perfect chore for a 6-year-old to start doing independently – without being reminded daily or nagged over and over. In our last house, her bed was tall, a double mattress, and had lots of sheets and blankets- I was still making it like a grown-up bed…..

I recently re-designed the kids’ room in our new house (check out more of the reveal over on my Instagram!) and the results have surprised even me! She now has a twin bed that is low enough for her to reach, and I make her bed with a fitted sheet and duvet. No flat sheet, no extra blankets, and only 2 pillows and her 4 favorite stuffed animals for decor. She LOVES to come down in the morning and tell me she has already made her bed- she is even folding her PJ’s in a little corner under her pillow for the next morning!

I was frustrated for so long because I had been setting an expectation for my sweet girl, but I hadn’t designed a space that allowed her to be successful. 

ACTION ITEM:

Share an example of your “mom-lifestyle” that you want to achieve in your home- and what space/system/solution you’re going to work on designing that will make it happen! 

Online Home Design: the Client Experience

With the rise of companies like Havenly and Laurel & Wolfe advertising their cheap interior design services…. how do you know if working with an interior designer online is the right path for you? And what if you have already tried working with an online company- and feel like you got left out in the cold after the design plans were presented?

I’ve heard from friends and clients both that super cheap, non-personalized online design companies can be great for helping you get inspired about a new design for your space- BUT the collaborative approach to design, attention to detail and budget, and follow-up to help you make the design a reality just isn’t there. (That’s how they can afford to be so affordable!)

In fact, I have picked up design projects AFTER several clients worked with a budget online design service because of those very reasons…. the items weren’t realistic, they had issues implementing and installing the design plans, or life circumstances changed and the original design wasn’t a good fit anymore…. but the budget designer wasn’t available to help them troubleshoot.

Watch below Watch this interview and hear directly from a client in my NEW and one-of-a-kind group online design program how she is using on-call interior design to completely update her home!

 

 

Some highlights and notes from the video:

  • When you just need some direction, advice, inspiration, or help as you plan your own home projects- having a designer to call is helpful and encouraging.
  • The group (DIY Design Mastermind) is a one-of-a-kind membership program that provides education and guidance for your home design- AND access to Alyssa as an interior designer on-call to help with every little choice along the way!
  • Find Brittany’s blog at www.simplystayhome.com

 

Need help figuring out your style so you can get started on your next project with confidence?

Wish you had a *little* bit of help laying out your project?
Let’s chat and see how I can help you out! 

Watch an Interior Designer Plan a Complete Bedroom Makeover

Do you LOVE home design magazines filled with beautiful rooms, textiles, gallery walls and mood boards of gorgeous room designs? 

But when it comes to your own home…. nothing ever comes together QUITE like you dreamed? 

Watch below to follow along as I walk through the steps to gathering inspiration, planning a room, visualizing your design, and some easy (and free!) digital tools to make it all come together.

 

 

Some of the best tips from the video:

  • Use Google Image search to find inspiration photos
  • Copy and paste images into a word processor to create a mock-up
  • Search for paint colors in an image search to find cute paint swatches for your mock up
  • Use image resizing to visualize the scale of items in your room BEFORE you start shopping

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Need help figuring out your style so you can get started on your next project with confidence?

Wish you had a *little* bit of help laying out your project?
Let’s chat and see how I can help you out! 

How to Hang Wall Art (without math!)

Do you know how to hang wall art? Or does it scare you MORE than your sad empty walls? (so the artwork is still stacked in the basement???) 

 

Watch for demonstrations of my top 3 tricks to hang wall art perfectly EVERY TIME. 

A few tools to add to your DIY designer toolbox for hanging wall art (as mentioned in the video):

  • Blue Tape
  • Drywall Screws
  • Level

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Just want the quick notes? Here ya go!

A few tricks for your DIY Design toolbox….. 

1) Hang lower than you think you should (even if you need to move it up, the nail hole will be hidden!) 

2) BLUE TAPE is your friend! (lots of tricks for this! check out the video for examples)

3) Err towards larger pieces of art. Small frames and items get lost on a big wall…. and Gallery Walls are a topic for another video! 😉 

Need help figuring out your style so you can figure out what art to even buy?!?! 

Wish you had a *little* bit of help laying out your project? Let’s chat and see how I can help you out! 
 

How to Create a Home Office (when you don’t have one!)

 

This presentation will cover all things HOME OFFICES, including:

furnishings, organization, styling, and design!

We chat about how to create an awesome workspace that helps you manage all of the jobs you juggle….. even when you don’t have your own separate office. 

This is a great place to start when you’re feeling overwhelmed by all of the mom-life duties that pile up, when you’re ready to go full-time with your side hustle, or when it’s time to make your own business start paying the bills! 

Watch the videos (part 1 and 2) to learn about how the furnishings you choose can help you create your ideal office space anywhere in your home, and be sure you grab the complete Office Design Guide to shop the looks and get inspired to work on your own space! 

Part ONE:

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Part TWO:

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Because (let’s face it) we all have 3 or more “full time” jobs, and it can get a little crazy….. it’s time to create your little office corner and get to work, mama. 😉 

no time to watch the video?

Grab the presentation I cover in the video, read the tips, and SHOP all of the looks!

 

Don’t forget- you can show me your home office in my FREE online community:

<the busy mama’s design club>

See you there!

Easy Updates: Master Suite Ideas

Great design doesn’t always mean a renovation project, a big mess, paint chips, and contractors in your home for weeks. Don’t you wish you could have a space all to yourself that feels like a real retreat?

Check out 3 simple steps to take when you’re updating your Master Bedroom design- to achieve a final style that is pulled together, intentional, and uniquely yours!

 

 

Easy Update: Master Suite Ideas

This bedroom was a blank slate. The walls are a light sage, the hardwood floors and trim complete and in great shape, and a beautiful cherry wood bedroom set. To completely transform this bedroom in a weekend, follow three easy steps! 

 

 

1. Declutter and Simplify

Clearing your space is arguably one of the most important steps to take when you are designing a space in your home. When we living amongst all of our STUFF all the time, it can be difficult to “see” the bones of the room and imagine a new design through the clutter. 

Identify what is staying in your room, and remove everything that just doesn’t belong!

Our example room is in the process of being unpacked, so keeping the clutter out of the space should be an easy task (if the room is designed and organized from the start). More important than any design or decoration, this step is so important to updating your space- keep readhing for more master suite ideas!

2. Arrange furniture to highlight the bed

The easiest way to create a bedroom that looks professionally designed is to arrange the furniture and functional pieces of the room in a way that highlight the bed. 

 

 

bedroom design golden rule: 

The most important thing in a bedroom, and the FIRST thing you should see when you enter the room, should be the bed (and headboard).  

If you’re not sure where that is- go to the doorway of your bedroom, and identify the wall that is furthest from you and FACING the door- that is where your bed belongs!

Ideally, center the bed on the wall- and create symmetry around the bed with nightstands, lamps, drapery, art, and decor.

This bedroom has an office alcove with an opening that is visible from the bed. To keep the spaces separate, and create more visual peace (by hiding the office clutter!), a folding room divider will be added across the opening. “Clutter” can include little items without a home, surfaces filled with items with no home, as well as visual clutter when your eye has too many things to look at that are distracting.

3. Add linens and decor in 3 main colors

Start with the three main colors you want to see in your bedroom design. Any more than this, and there is a risk that the room starts to look messy and cluttered- even when it is neat and clean.

Not sure how to figure out a design around ONLY three colors? 

Here is a quick slideshow to highlight the THREE MAIN COLORS in each of these beautiful bedroom designs:

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For the bedroom design this week I chose to highlight the light sage paint and deep cherry stain of the furniture set as two of the three main colors in the room. 

 

I discuss all three steps to planning your master bedroom design- and share two complete Master Suite bedroom style designs on my weekly show: Design [like a mother] Episode #3! 

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1) SAGE: different shades of the same sage green are incorporated in the paint, rug, curtains, and decor accessories like the lamps. 

2) CHERRY/WOOD: The hardwood floors in the room and the complete bedroom set are a main color in the space. Since there is an extra office space attached to the room, I added a folding room divider in the same cherry stain to keep the spaces separate. 

3) CORAL: Coral is a bright, happy accent color that really brings personality to this bedroom! By adding a new duvet cover and some coordinating pillows, the room transforms from a dull blank slate into a welcoming and relaxing place that is a true reflection of the people who live there. 

Are you already planning the ways you are going to declutter, reorganize, and refresh the design in your Master Suite? Tell me all about it in the <busy mamas’ home design club!>

 

Get the shopping list for this entire bedroom design in the Design Vault! 

3 Ways to Refresh your Bathroom (without a major renovation!)

Bathrooms and Kitchens often scare us when we’re thinking about upgrading or refreshing our home design, because so many different things are involved in a pretty small space:

 

  • plumbing
  • electric
  • tile
  • fixtures
  • hardware
  • lighting
  • backsplash
  • storage
  • paint
  • (and finally….) the decor

Immediately, you might be imaging the dollar signs, mess, and stress that would come with a bathroom renovation… and I get it. But today we’re going to talk about 3 ways to update your bathroom WITHOUT a renovation, either to tide you over until you’re ready to invest in a larger project, or to make do with what you currently have- and hopefully learn to love it!

 

 

Bathrooms are an easy spot to add luxury to your home, improve the function in an area that everyone uses daily, and increase the market value of your house for when you’re ready to put it on the market.

Today I’m sharing three steps to update your bathroom that don’t require a major renovation. Either try one, or all three, and see if you can upgrade your sorry bathroom from junky to the jewel box it deserves to be!

1) Paint

One of the easiest, most cost effective, and DIY-friendly ways to make a huge impact in your home is with paint. Tile, bathtubs, and lighting fixtures might all look completely different if they are against a new backdrop. Vanity cabinets can also be painted to make a serious update to the style of a room, for much less money and hassle than replacing a bathroom vanity.

First, identify the color palette of the things that are absolutely staying in the bathroom.

It is tempting to want to match the colors that are already in your bathroom- but if you’re looking for a big change- Don’t do it!

We had a bathroom with a dark tan travertine marble tile on the walls and floor, and the previous owners had color matched a peachy-orange for the wall paint. The room felt small, dark, and dingy (and it was terrible for putting on makeup, too!).

I repainted the room in a simple creamy white (still with a warm undertone to not clash with the tile) and it completely opened and freshened the space. I had *thought* that I hated the tile, but what I really hated was the orange color on the walls. As soon as it was painted white, the tile looked rich and luxurious, and that half-bath didn’t bother me any more.

In another bathroom, I couldn’t update the tile because it was from 1925 and could no longer be matched perfectly. So, I drew inspiration from the accent tile and painted the walls a pale green that was close to the tile. The previously buttercream paint made the old tiles look dingy and dirty all the time. When the paint was updated to a cool green- the white and green wall tiles looked fresh and updated!

Have a bathroom you’re considering painting? Show us in the busy mama’s home design club!

2) Textiles and Details

For a quicker fix, let’s assume everything permanent in your space will stay as it is, and you’re not ready to commit to a weekend of painting. 

The textiles and other decor items in a bathroom can be updated quickly and can change the whole style of the room.

First, clear ALL the clutter from surfaces. This includes towels, soap dispensers, shampoo bottles, makeup, medicine, towels, shower curtains, window treatments, and rugs. If you leave *just a few things* in the space, you really can’t see what you’re working with, and it’s harder to imagine a new color palette when you’re looking at your old things.

Next, as you’re getting started, stick to a SIMPLE color palette. Simplifying the amount of colors and textures that you look at will make the space feel more pulled together and intentionally designed. You can get your color inspiration from a piece of artwork, or a towel or rug that you love. But Keep. It. Simple.

When you’re sourcing things for your bathroom update (from around your home, vintage shops, or your local big box store….) only add functional/decorative items that are a) absolutely necessary and b) that you like! When you start wondering where something “could” go- it shouldn’t go in the bathroom at all!

Only after you have a combination of the necessary things (towels, curtain, etc) should you even consider non-essential decor! 😉

3) Storage and Non-Traditional elements

Finally, if you’re looking for an update that will truly define your space and reflect your unique style- look outside of the “bathroom aisle” for items to add to your space. 

Storage and function are top priorities in this hardworking space in our homes.

Vanity cabinets, countertop trays, towel storage, drying racks, and light fixtures can all be included in bathrooms by using furnishings designed for other living spaces in our homes.

For inspiration, I put together a curated collection of items to include in your next bathroom update- from storage to decor- that will add a designer’s touch to your powder room!


Each week I host a LIVE video series on Facebook to discuss {real} design + decor solutions for {real} family homes! This episode is all about updating your bathroom (on a budget, in a weekend, however you need to!) so that it works the best for your busy family home (and you love it, too!).

 

What bathroom dilemma are you trying to solve right now? Is the color off? Not enough storage? Are you scared to invest in anything permanent, so you just do NOTHING?

My Online Home Design+Decor Consulting services are designed to help you solve your design problem, make great decor decisions, and implement so you can hurry up and start living in your dream home!

If you’re tired of waiting to love your home, and you’re ready to get started- book a free design chat today!

Not sure how you would update your space even if you felt ready to get started?

Create your Signature Home Design Style with my 5-day email course. Because having a clear plan is the first step towards making that dream home a reality!