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!

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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!

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5 Ways to Have a More Durable & Stylish Family Home

I see it all the time: busy families living in hectic, pieced-together, stressful homes that have no intentional style or design. Mamas who have resigned themselves to waiting for their dream home until 1) they can afford it & 2) there are no kids in the house to ruin their nice things!

Why do we let children make us feel like we don’t deserve to love where we live? And why do we convince ourselves that our children can’t coexist in the house we really want- so we let them dictate our lifestyle? (I feel like we could draw this line of questioning out WAY further than home decor… but that’s outside my realm of expertise, so I’ll leave that to the other professionals.) Now, back to your home design dreams. 🙂

I’m going to give you 5 simple ways to improve the style in your home while also keeping it kid-proof! Kid-proof in our house means that my entire family can live in our home, they are comfortable, relaxed, and can access everything they need. It is organized in a way that is clear and easy to navigate for each person (grown-ups and 5-year-olds, too!).

1. Don’t over-invest in your home before your lifestyle can allow for it

What I mean by this is that the first thing you need to establish is what is the standard of living that you are willing to uphold in your home. Do you religiously make everyone take off their shoes at the door? Or do you sometimes like to have “couch-dinners” (my daughter LOVES to have special dinners while watching a movie on the couch!)?

The standard of living that you are willing to uphold sets the stage for the types of items you have in your home and the future design choices you make! A very formal home filled with expensive furniture can be so beautiful, but if it adds stress and friction to the lives of the people who live there- (in my honest opinion) the beauty isn’t worth it!

Work on setting the stage in your home so that the design and decor supports the type of life you want to live.

2. Introduce a simple color palette so you can quickly dress up a space without scrambling

When I’m working on bringing the design of a home together, I always focus on only THREE main colors. A light neutral, a dark(er) neutral, and an accent color.

When there are 4 or more colors in a room that are competing for your attention, your eyes become fatigued and confused, and aren’t able to really take in the entire space. Adding backpacks, extra shoes, the dog leash, Legos, and art supplies…. and that is one HECTIC place to live!

Simplifying the color palette of your homes is a simple way to begin updating and adding peace to your home without making a huge change with furniture or decor.

3. Choose floor coverings that are washable and withstand foot traffic

I love dark wood floors and white area rugs. I’ve heard over and over- how in the world do you keep your rugs clean? Do you just keep the kids in their rooms or in the basement? (Ha! no way, Jose!)

To read all about the rugs I use in my home, check out this round up!

My tip for purchasing rugs that will stand up to all of the foot traffic, shoes, food, pets, etc- is to choose indoor/outdoor quality rugs that are made from synthetic materials. If it says “can be sprayed with a hose” – EVEN BETTER! Now, I don’t take my living room rug outside and literally spray it with a hose. BUT- I do soak it with soap and water when it is inevitably spilled on, and scrub it when needed (WITHOUT freaking out about ruining the carpet).

Seriously- check out this video of me spilling my Saturday morning coffee on our ivory and silver rug!

4. Be sure pillow cases, throws, and other covers are washable and dry-able for easy clean up

Pillow cases and throws are one of the easiest ways to update the decor of a space. They are relatively affordable, can be removed and washed (hello- couch dinners!) and can also be updated and changed for seasonal decor if you want to refresh your decor. Pay close attention to the care instructions for pillow cases (Dry Clean Only is NOT ALLOWED in my house! LOL).

Also check the care instruction of sofa and chair cushions when you’re investing in new furniture. All of the seat and back cushions on our couch are machine washable. A quick wash and dry, and the couch looks brand-new!

5. Designate kid spaces and be mindful that EVERY thing in the room is kid-proof

The final component to planning a kid-proof home design is that you are clear in your home where each activity belongs, and where all of the people “fit” in your home.

I talk with clients about 3 stages of a room design:
People & Purpose / Function & Flow / Design & Details

In each of the stages of designing a room, consider how your kiddos will fit in your home. What spaces do they live in the most? Where do they need self-guided access to their belongings? Can you help put systems in your home to encourage them to learn? grow? help you keep your home clean and organized? 😉

Every home functions differently, and my kids need different systems than yours. But by being intentional about making home design WORK to support your lifestyle can help every day tasks be smoother and less stressful.

For more support in designing your kid-proof home-
Join the busy mama’s home design club!
A free community for moms to get advice and support as you design and decorate your active family homes!

Create Playfully Chic Little Girl Bedrooms (for sisters!)

A client reached out to me with a dilemma: her two daughters’ rooms are always the last to get any design love in the house, and she had NO idea how to create special spaces for them to call their own. These rooms needed lots of personality, BUT also needed to grow up with the little ladies.

I dove in! My own 5-year-old loves “decorating” her room, and has LOTS of ideas about fashion and design. (Wonder where she gets that?!?!?) What a fun project to dream up not one, but TWO little girl spaces =)

My goal for these rooms was to create a design that would easily grow up with them over the years. Kid rooms do not have to be filled with cartoon characters and “kid furniture.” If you are creating coordinating designs, or designing across several rooms and keeping a theme- follow some simple guidelines.

1) Keep furniture styles cohesive.

I chose basic furniture pieces for each room that were either identical, or could mix-and-match in a different space in the future. If pieces are TOO specific to one room, it’s hard to move them around in a new house (or after the kids rooms get converted into something else!).

2) Use variations on a (color) scheme.

For these rooms, I chose four colors to set my color scheme: Main, Accent, WHITE, and Metallic. This made shopping for decor SO EASY- when you know the colors you are restricted to- it’s much easier to say NO to all of the distracting decor that you see on the shelves! Especially in a kid room- keeping the color scheme simple really ties the room together and makes the design feel sophisticated and intentional.

3) Lean towards the multi-functional.

Kids don’t stay kids forever! I chose furniture, accessories, and accent pieces that could be re-purposed in other adult rooms in future years if necessary. Just because we have to buy our kids new clothes every year- don’t let them grow out of good design, too!

And now what you’ve been waiting for! The Room Designs!

Shared Design Elements

By including several matching items in each room, I wanted to keep the girls’ designs different enough, but still equal (to avoid future fights!). These simple, white, foundational pieces can be updated to countless styles as the girls grow and change their tastes.

Room A: Tranquil Turquoise

My daughter especially loves this room design (and promptly asked me to made a moodboard for her room, too!). I love turquoise as a base color, because it can pair with SO many other accent colors that help it grow up with your little girl. Coral here is a playful and aquatic color pairing that reminds me of mermaids and shells on the beach.

Room B: Pretty in Pink

The second room is a bit more muted with soft pink, gray, and gold metallic accents. Using the same base furniture, I created a entirely new design with a different rug, pillows, and wall art!

Let me know if you have a little girl room to makeover at your place, and share your style with me on Instagram! I’m hanging out over there every day sharing my home design adventures and soaking up inspiration from all over the world! If you won’t to connect, follow me at @alyssaturnercairns and tag your home design shots with #ATChomedesign. See you there!

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Create a Peaceful Farmhouse Bedroom (Steal This Style!)

Peg, a friend from my neighborhood, asked for some help pulling her master bedroom together this winter. She lives in an old home like I do, so we both know what it is like to navigate some challenges of a house in Michigan built in the 1920’s!

Luckily- she knew EXACTLY the look she wanted for their room, so we dove right in to see how it could translate to her space.

This project was the inspiration for my “Steal-a-Style” design package where I quickly and affordably give my clients a shopping list and plan to create an exact style in your home- pulled directly from your inspiration photo! Quick, easy, custom design that stays on budget and saves you SERIOUS time and effort. Score! Check out this service HERE!

The photo Peg shared with me was the peaceful and romantic, farmhouse-inspired bedroom designed by Liz at Love Grows Wild. Liz’s home improvement and design inspiration on her site are such a delight! If you don’t know her already, check her out at www.lovegrowswild.com, or follow her amazing feed at instagram.com/lizlovegrowswild

Based on Peg's inspiration and the layout of her room- we put together a Design Guide for her new Master Bedroom. Photos are examples of products, and are not mine. — Based on Peg’s inspiration and the layout of her room- we put together a Design Guide for her new Master Bedroom. Photos are examples of products, and are not mine.

When a client asks for a “Steal-a-Style” package, we start the project with a phone call or video chat to discuss the space she wants to design, as well as narrow down her inspiration photo.

The best part of Steal-a-Style is that the client has NOTHING more to do after that call! I take the inspiration photo, the client’s budget, and the dimensions of the room, and get to work. I put together a shopping list of as many design elements as possible and get back to the client with an implementation guide and the list. We might email a few times to make sure it all goes as planned- but it’s that simple!

Learn more about Steal-a-Style

For Peg’s Master Bedroom, I found the major furniture pieces, linens, and a few decorative touches to complete the transformation of her space. She and her husband found some awesome pieces at local antique shops and boutiques, and it was fun seeing how they worked these into the room.

Click each product photo for more information. This round-up includes affiliate links that help support my business at no additional cost to my clients or my audience. Thank you for your support! =)

We are working on the finishing styling details of this room later this month, so stay tuned for the reveal of this sweet farmhouse master bedroom!

Designing a Cozy Rustic Office

My latest design project is an office plan for an amazing chica who works from home- balancing a career AND the hustle of owning her own consulting biz. She wanted to create an office that was inspiring, welcoming, and cozy. She had the idea of her dream office in her mind, so we started working together to make her dream space into a reality.

We started planning her space by sharing some inspiration images, from which I created a mood board. I often start working with a client by creating a mood board that reflects the feeling and the types of functional pieces we will need to include in the room. This visual collage helps create a shared language between us, and gives me a head start in sourcing some of the key design elements we will include in the room. This Cozy Office mood board was especially fun to create as I imagined her dream work space:

Cozy Rustic Office Mood Board: all images are not mine, and are used as part of the client consultation process.

Katelyn knew that her preferred work space is in a large chair or chaise, and she was dreaming of curling up with her laptop, somewhere to put her coffee, and a cozy arm knit blanket. We identified that her cozy style also had elements of rustic and industrial to it, with lots of warm woven textures, natural materials, and functional pieces to include in the space.

This room is ONLY for her work space, so we did not need to work in any furniture for clients, guests, or her family.

After the mood board was approved, next I move to the layout of the room. This space had one window, and the door and closet used up an entire wall.

Configuring the layout of a room often takes 2 or 3 attempts. When the right layout falls in to place- you just know it! This office needed storage, a wall mounted TV, and plenty of comfortable inspiration.

The layout for this room finally fell into place with an oversized chair by the window, a storage bench for extra seating and a nice place to stow extra papers or pillows, and the TV mounted on the wall with an industrial console table for medial components and office storage.

Katelyn specifically asked for a bar height pub table to use as a standing desk. An overhead floor lamp provides task lighting without requiring any extra electrical work.

The next step is to source the perfect items for the room, and then I hand over the implementation plan to my client!

Stay tuned for Before and After photos of the office!