Thursday, January 17, 2013

Beautifying the Boudoir


           Common decorating advice dictates that bedroom décor should be restful, neutral, and a place of sanctuary.  But who wants sleep induced by boring surroundings?  You can turn your bedroom into a stylish escape with a little do-it-yourself handiwork and some imagination.


            Large furniture pieces tend to set the tone of a room, while choices of accents, lighting, and color define personal style.  Nothing provides a focal point in the bedroom like a great headboard.  Before you run out to a store for a typical bed, however, consider making your own headboard out of unconventional materials.  Here are some ideas to get you started:

1.       Cut an inviting headboard shape out of vintage wallpaper and paste it to the wall at the head of the bed.  Modern vinyl decals can be used for the same look.  (Try wallwords.com)

2.      For an upholstered look, start with a piece of plywood, some padding, decorative fabric, glue, staples, and embellishments like upholstery nails.  With little to no sewing, you can create a plush headboard in endless patterns and colors.  (For help, go to marthastewart living.com)  For a more rustic look, try burlap or canvas.  Too much work?  Hang a colorful quilt from a rail over the head of the bed.

3.      Turn an old door sideways after removing the hardware.  You can distress it for a shabby chic look or paint it any color you like.

4.      Attach an old picket fence section to the wall.

5.      Connect several shutters together to match the width of the bed.  They don’t necessarily need to be the same height or all the same colors.

6.      Connect wooden pallets together and attach to the wall.  Position them all horizontally, all vertically, or mix and match slat directions.  You can keep the roughhewn surface, or sand the wood and stain it for a smoother finish.


7.      Screw several old boat oars together at varying heights and attach to the wall.  Have fun with colors and patinas as you collect your oars.


8.      Find a large, old metal or wood advertising sign for some fun color. 


9.      Use a tailgate from an old pickup.  Make sure you connect all heavier pieces to studs in the wall so you don’t damage your drywall.

Now pile on the pillows, and when you choose your bedding, don’t be shy about mixing
patterns.  Vintage quilts or chenille spreads make nice accent throws.  If you can’t decide where to start, find inspiration in the places, colors, and styles you love.  Your new headboard will make your bedroom inviting and fun, and you’ll sleep well because you didn’t over-spend to create your new look!