Are home renovations an ongoing thing for you? What rooms have you checked off your list? Which ones are still left? If you’ve got little ones scampering about, I can almost guarantee that the kid and family spaces take first priority on your renovation schedule. That’s usually how it goes when you have children. You end up putting yourself last…all the time. That’s certainly how it was for Scott and Juliette. And that’s why Juliette decided to single-handedly begin a complete master bedroom makeover. Her labor of love turned a once outdated space into a room full of beauty, function, and meaning. How’d she tackle such a big project all on her own? Let’s find out…
What inspired you to start a master bedroom makeover?
It all really began with something my husband mentioned in passing. Last winter, I poured my time and energy into our soon-to-be-born daughter’s nursery. Scott said how nice it would be if I’d decorate our room with just as much intention and love. His comment really stuck with me. When I found out he was heading to China for work around the time of our seven year anniversary, I decided my gift to him would be a surprise master bedroom makeover.
How did you begin?
I began where I think everyone should begin…with the color palette. It just makes decorating choices so much easier. Once you decide on the colors you love for the space, 90% of what’s out there in the design world doesn’t apply. That might sound a bit limiting, but it’s actually quite freeing. Making choices within boundaries reduces stress and helps you have more fun. Personally, I went with yellow, gray, and white. It sets the exact tone I want in the room: relaxing softness with a touch of refreshment. As for the little hints of aqua…well, it’s my favorite color, so I just couldn’t leave it out completely!
What features were most important to you?
My top priority for our master bedroom makeover was, hands down, finding the right window shades. Sleep is very, very important in our family, so room-darkening, energy-efficient shades were a must-have. They help to create the dark, comfortable atmosphere that we need, and love, for sleep. I went with Solera Shades, and they’re amazing! They offer all the benefits we want, they’re child-safe (cordless), and the beautiful layers of fabric add so much to the overall look and feel of the space.
I also needed our master to have a minimal office space. The room that most people would use as an office is our kids’ playroom, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. So, I designed a functional little spot to set up shop. It has everything I need for work along with some art supplies to entertain my frequent little visitors. I wanted to include photos of my children because I’m a much happier worker when I’m surrounded by their smiles. After I knew my colors, I did a little photo session with them so I could incorporate a collage into the design. I’m probably biased, but I think it’s perfect!
Tell us about your gorgeous gallery wall!
When you work, have three kids, and a whole house to renovate, life can kind of swallow you up. It’s easy to get lost as a couple. I wanted something that was just “us”–something that would always remind us of who we are together. And that’s how the gallery wall was born. I spent a ridiculous amount of time scrolling through ten years of photos and a massive amount of pins on Pinterest. I reconfigured the design over and over again on my floor. And that cursive “love” was the bane of my existence for awhile. I was committed to including it, but it never looked right…until I turned it on its side. That was a stroke of genius!
What advice would you give to those considering home renovations?
Um, just buy new? Ha ha. No, renovations are totally worth it. I think my main piece of advice would be to take your time. Your home is always going to be a work-in-progress. Taking on too much or stressing over getting everything done is a recipe for overwhelm. Keep the focus on each step in the process and be patient. You’ll be so much happier in the end if you spend time choosing meaningful design elements you love.