ORC: Master Bedroom Reveal
You guys, I can’t believe we’re finally at the master bedroom reveal day of the One Room Challenge hosted by Linda of Calling It Home!
Truth be told, when both of my grandparents passed away unexpectedly a few weeks before the One Room Challenge even started I was pretty sure I wasn’t going to be able to participate. During that same time, I got really sick with an upper respiratory infection, we had company planning to stay with us in early April, there was the Easter holiday weekend and multiple birthdays to celebrate in-between. By the time my dad was rushed to the hospital during week five for heart trouble, I was certain I had made a huge mistake. Every week if you had seen our calendar and been behind the scenes, it seemed there was no possible way we’d be able to pull it off much less finish.
I can’t explain it but in the quiet of my mind, I knew I needed something to keep my thoughts occupied, my spirits up and a creative outlet to keep busy after an unimaginable tragedy. I’ll just say, it wasn’t easy. There were so many times, I thought we were in way over our heads because the timeline was that tight. It wasn’t all Chip, “I’m passing the baton…do your best…I believe you’re going to make this place magical JoJo” either. There were tears and short tempers, sore backs and long soaks. There was an “I can’t eat take out one. more. day. or I’m gonna lose it” episode and a “Why are we out of cookies already, how many are you actually eating a day!” episode. It was kind of nuts.
There comes in point during all the crazy, you just have to laugh it out and let it go though. Because if you don’t, it’s going to stop being fun and no one wants to DIY when it’s not fun. You also have to remember why you’re doing what you’re doing, right? Because you want to create a retreat space… a place to laugh, relax, and unwind with the people you love most.
We started out Week One, flying high like, “look at my design board” and “check out my plan” and “we’ve SO got this” high fiving all over the place…
We painted the walls in Valspar’s Cathedral Stone on the top and Ultra White on the bottom then we installed board and batten.
We ripped out the old carpet and stenciled the floors with the Lisboa Tile Stencil from Royal Design Studio Stencils.
By the time we added $30 window trim it finally felt like things we starting to take shape.
We worked late at night, early in the mornings and every weekend available. We made huge, dirty, dusty messes all over the house and on the front lawn too. It was bananas.
Midstream there was a, “Hey, I really think my style is mid-century modern,” only to come back a few days later, “No for real, I think my style is for sure, traditional.” Before finally confidently requesting, “Hey, can you make it look like a library and a carriage house had a baby? Because that classic sort of style is definitely my jam.” All that change and indecisiveness had me feeling like drinking way too early in the afternoon ha ha!
But we pressed on, painting the dresser and mirror with General Finishes Milk Paint in Lamp Black
and changed out the hardware including our own version of an oil-rubbed bronze back plates.
We dressed the bed with lots and lots of pillows and of course, monogrammed linens.
They’re a Southern staple and a non-negotiable, what can I say?
We painted the nightstand (twice, I know!) before we settled on English Tea Party by Valspar which we love.
The artwork we originally chose didn’t arrive with enough to time have it framed so the, “lady of the house” is on loan from another room for right now. The books and trophy style cup are all thrifted and the duck is an heirloom pipe holder.
The armoire is also painted in English Tea Party and was previously used as a TV cabinet.
But after hearing, “Can you help me find my phone, security badge, keys, wallet, bank card – I’m running late!” almost every morning, we transitioned it to a working wardrobe that I hope will keep the “morning scramble” down to a minimum.
My mom was so sweet to help source a good many of the thrifted and estate sale finds in this space. She found this console table we decided to use as a desk for $30 which we warmed up with dark furniture wax. You can read all about that process here.
About a week later we were out shopping for accessories together and we found this chair for $22 at an estate sale. We found so many great things on that trip.
Part of our original goal was to create a seating area in the bedroom for morning coffee, late night work sessions or just relaxing.
My bestie S made this ottoman out of scrap pieces we already had in the garage which is going to be great for spreading out books and drinks or to simply prop up.
My parents decided to change out the jute rug they were using in the living room at Loblolly Manor so they gave us the rug. The color was a perfect fit for the gray chairs from Joss and Main.
We found the “library hutch” at an estate sale for $12 last year. It’s probably part of a china hutch/buffet combo which I thought we would use in the office makeover but we needed something that would be streamlined and hold the TV. S built the “feet” so it looks like an intentional piece of furniture now. I’ll share it in more detail with you next week.
All the books and thrifted silver have been picked up here and there at estate sales and thrift stores.
It’s hard to imagine the master bedroom went from this…
to this…
We couldn’t be happier with the way everything came together though. The entire experience has a big lesson in staying the course, talking it through and trusting that each of us would bring our best gifts. Without a doubt, this master bedroom makeover would not have been possible without S and my mom. They are beyond gracious, creative and all around rock star amazing. We could not have pulled this off transformation without their help, love or support.
I also don’t think we would have had such a strong finish without you guys. All your sweet comments, private emails, direct messages and prayers along the way gave me the stamina to finish on the days I was utterly exhausted and missed my grandparents so much I found myself crying over the most random things. I appreciate you guys more than I could ever convey.
Finally, I want to thank House Beautiful and Linda of Calling It Home who has been a fabulous cheerleader over the past 6 weeks. Thank you to General Finishes and Royal Design Studio Stencils for always being fantastic sponsors.
As you can imagine we are overdue for an extra long weekend so we’ll be spending the next few days at the relaxing at the bookstore, eating ice cream, watching movies, listening to Amos Lee Radio, celebrating the end of this challenge with breakfast in bed painting what’s left of my nails, drinking venti chai tea lattes with almond milk taking picnic lunches to the beach, and snuggling this sweet little lady anytime she wants.
I’ll have a full list of sources to share with you tomorrow. Until next time, I’ll see you on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest.
Many blessings,
CoCo
Beautiful master bedroom! I love how all the pieces go so well together. Really stunning!
I really appreciate it, Melissa, thank you so much! I can’t believe 6 weeks have gone by already! Hugs, CoCo
What a beautiful room! I love all the texture and the details. That dresser is gorgeous! Great job!
Thank you so much, Jill. The black was bit of a hard sell at first but as soon as I saw it, I knew 🙂 I’m so glad we’re finished. I feel like I need a long nap and a big bowl of ice cream ha ha. Sending you hugs for a happy day, CoCo
I feel you about that nap! I wish I had gotten in on this challenge bc I re-did my gurstvroom not long ago. It wore me out too!
What a beautiful and peaceful space! I can’t decide which part is my favorite, but I’m definitely inspired by your floors and furniture paint choices. Im sorry that you faced so many challenges all at once but you certainly overcame them in a big way!
You’re so sweet, Tisha, thank you! I still can’t believe we got so much accomplished with all of the crazy happening behind the scenes but I’m definitely proud we stuck with it. The floors changed everything, right? They’re a favorite of mine too. Sending you big hugs and thanks you for your kind words, CoCo
Wow CoCo! Beautiful makeover! You should be very proud of your hard work-it’s so amazing ♥️Liz
Aww you know how much I appreciate you, Liz? So, so, so, much! Thank you for your kind words and for being such a great cheerleader throughout this process. I’m really excited we’re finished. I’m ready to hit the treasure trail again and enjoy the summer. Ice cream truck here we come! Hugs, CoCo
Wonderful! The stencil, the colors, those chairs….it’s such a pretty bedroom but it says Come Sit Down for Awhile. Great job!
ha ha it does say that Stacey and so do all those pillows, right? Like just give me 5 minutes and I swear you’ll be asleep. It’s been a crazy 6 weeks and I’m so glad we finished. I’m definitely going to take some time to recoup. Sending you big hugs and thank yous, CoCo
Oh my goodness – how I love your room! It is just gorgeous! I have sympathized with you through the past weeks with all you & your family have been through – you are strong and amazing! Love on that puppy – we don’t have them with near long enough!
You’ve been so sweet throughout this whole process, Patty, thank you so much. It was a ton of work and I’m definitely excited we’re finished. I can’t wait to kick back and relax for a hot minute with that sweet little pup. She turned 17 while we were finishing all the last minute details so I’m ready to give her a proper birthday party. Sending you hugs and thank yous, CoCo
Your bedroom looks gorgeous!! Great job! I love the floors, gives me hope that I can do that to mine soon. I hope you guys are planning a lot of naps too. I can imagine you’re exhausted and exileerated.
Thank you so much, Sally! I have to say those floors changed everything really. They just made a huge difference. They were a lot of work but totally worth it. I can’t wait to hear about your floors too. I know they will be so pretty. I appreciate all of your sweet comments and support along the way. It means so much, hugs, CoCo
It turned out so beautiful Coco! That floor is a stunner and I’m always amazed at how mill work transforms a space. Your painted furniture pieces are so lovely in the space and all the texture from the fabrics and the rug make it feel so cozy. You did an amazing job! I can’t believe we made it through this journey still intact! You are amazing!
Nancy
I know, Nancy! It’s been a crazy 6 weeks for both of us. The floors are definitely a favorite and the board and batten made a huge difference too. We didn’t change the square footage at all but I swear it feels bigger. I cant’ wait to see how you spend your weekend. I hope resting. Your dining room is just gorgeous. Hugs for a happy weekend and a strong finish, CoCo
coco, this turned out so well! i love the floor and of course i love that portrait!
If I tried to list what I love about this room, I’d be here all day and have a list a mile long. Let me just say that I totally love everythig about it and herald you as the Queen of Floor Stencilling. Seriously, girl. That floor is breathtaking. I’m so sorry that you travelled this makeover journey under such stressful circumstances. Again, you are an inspiration to soldier on no matter what. Now it’s time to enjoy. Congrats! Susie from The Chelsea Project
I appreciate that so much, Susie, thank you! I’m glad we stuck with it too even when it was hard because it would have been easy to give up right in the middle of it all. ha ha those stenciled floors are one of my favorite things about this whole makeover. They took quite a bit of time but were total worth it. I hope you have a chance to rest and relax this weekend, your living room is gorgeous, you’ve definitely earned it. Hugs, CoCo
What a beautiful, cozy room! I could just curl up in one of those leather chairs with a book…or maybe some of that whiskey after the last 6 weeks 🙂 And the stencilled floor is awesome! Hope you have some time to relax in it and rejuvenate yourself.
Thanks so much Wanda, I appreciate your kind words! I can’t wait to take a little time off to rest and relax. I hope you get a chance to put your feet up this weekend too. Hugs, CoCo
CoCo, it’s gorgeous! I love all your thrifted beauties, and the walls are amazing. I hope you can find a bit of peace in your lovely new room – you so deserve it xo
Thank you bunches, Lizzie! We couldn’t believe we were able to find all of those thrifted goodies. It was definitely a great shopping day. Sending you hugs for a fabulous ORC finish. I hope you’re able to rest and relax this weekend. I know you guys have been working so hard! Hugs, Coco
WOW girl – so much character in this room. I am obsessed with it! I’m so glad you pressed on despite all the hardships you faced before and during the challenge. You have a stunning new room!!!
I appreciate it, Bre, thank you! Now that everything is over I think I’m going to put my feet up and enjoy the weekend. This project was definitely a lesson in perseverance. I hope you’re able to treat yourself to something special too. You’ve earned it! Big hugs, Coco
I knew it would be this awesome! I love the darker grays you brought in. And all of the textures and patterns are gorgeous together! Well done my friend!
I so appreciate you, Dara, thank you! This was so much work and so much fun to put together all at the same time. I’m so glad we kept going because in the end it was all worth it. Thanks for being such a great cheerleader along the way, hugs, CoCo
Coco, you really summed up the true work that goes into a ORC makeover! I absolutely love your new space, those floors are gorgeous, the board and batten is stunning, and I can’t believe you got that amazing chair at an estate sale!!
Thanks so much sweet friend! Can you believe that chair was just $22 at an estate sale? We were so excited to find it! Thanks so much for all of your kind words. I’ve really enjoyed watching your bedroom makeover progress along the way. It’s stunning. I can’t even get over that barn door – it’s perfection! Hugs, CoCo
Wow! Love, love, love that after!!!! You did a great job girl!
You’re the best, Angie, thank you so much! Sending you big hugs, CoCo
Wow. Wow. I could say so much about your transformation but first…bravo for pushing yourself after your losses. It could have gone either way, sometimes we need to take a pass on projects for our well being…other times it’s good to focus our minds on something else. This was good work all around, CoCo.
I am in love with the board and batten and the stenciled floor. This really makes your room more than just an accessorized version of what it was before (and I see this in a lot of makeovers). The cabinet and nightstand are fabulous and the bed linens work perfectly. I’d love to dive into that bed at night or curl up in one of those comfy chairs. Great job!! Enjoy!
Jane x
What a beautiful room! I love all the different elements and textures…and that stenciled floor, love!
I really appreciate it, Nancy, thank you so much! I can’t believe how fast 6 weeks went by! I think about your gorgeous laundry room every time I go to do laundry 🙂 Hugs, CoCo
After all the behind-the-scenes challenges, you managed to pull together another great space for the ORC. I really like the new sitting area and desk placement, it somehow makes the room look so much larger! Great job 🙂
I really appreciate that Nicole, thank you! The seating area was a priority and I wasn’t fully sure there would be room for the desk but I knew we had to try. I’m just glad it all worked out. Hugs, CoCo
It is so beautiful. I think my favorite is the stenciled floor. I what a lovely Bedroom congrats on a great job! Hugs!
Thank you so much, Bonbon, I can honestly say those floors changed everything. Thanks for being such a great cheerleader and sounding board throughout the six weeks. I couldn’t have made it without your support. Hugs, CoCo
This is one hell of a space! It is gorgeous! I love all the vintage touches!
I really appreciate it, Jessica, thank you so much! I still can’t get over your girls room – perfection! Hugs, CoCo
Dearest CoCo – You have absolutely outdone yourself. This bedroom makeover is absolutely beautiful! We love every single detail – paint color, furniture piece, detail finish and cute dog! You have managed to blend a fabulous look with fabulous style. The library and the carriage house had a beautiful baby!
You girls are so sweet, thank you. Well, the lady of the carriage house almost pulled her hair out ha ha but I kept my Jesus and now it’s a gorgeous space we can be proud of. Thanks so much for being a great cheerleader. Hugs, CoCo
My youngest had an operation so I’m just catching up on my favorite bloggers (must be one of those years!). Lovely room Coco, definitely pinning because 1. I want to stencil my office floor since I painted it white and 2. maybe I’ll do my own board and batten project one day – maybe 😉
Thanks so much for your kind words, Mary Beth! I really think those floors and the board and batten made such a huge difference in this space. I can’t wait to see what you do because I know it will be fabulous. Sending your family my hugs and prayers for a full and speedy recovery. Hugs, CoCo
Wow, CoCo, this on is the picture of preseverance! I am so proud of you for pressing on! Those stencilled floors are amazing and I love your bed! All the furniture finds were such amazing deals! Well done, my friend!
I so appreciate you, Kendra, thank you so much! Hugs, CoCo