Well, it's been one week since the end of the One Room Challenge. I knew when I posted about my bedroom there were some things that were off but I decided to keep last week's post focused on what I did like. Now time to look at the problems...
The Pelmet: I went with this option because I had a room darkening Ikea blind that was unsightly (but so needed) and a window with only molding at the bottom. While I do love that gray velvet, as a pelmet it's a strong contrast right at the ceiling line, only emphasizing the 8 ft height. I remembered I had off-white fabric with a gold greek key border already sewn on it (originally intended as a twin bed skirt) so I covered the gray with it. The looks is softer but it does make me wonder -
- Is the contrast of the gold drapes still too much against the white walls?
There are bits of gold accents in the rest of the room but I don't think enough to move the eye around.
The Walls: First, let me say this room is super hard to photograph. It was sunny day and it all just looks so flat. Photography aside, the walls are BM Ancient Ivory. I've had darker colors in this room and just don't want to go there. However, there is too much contrast w/the drapes. So I'm wondering -
Is there a way to add interest to these walls to bring more life to them? What about stenciling a slightly-less curvy stripe in a very soft dove gray on the walls? Or a strie wall treatment? OK, do tell me if I'm reaching here…Ideas?
via Pinterest
All the Straight Lines: You may have noticed from the first pic that I ditched the matching lamps and added in this curvy mercury lamp. There's so many straight lines in this room that I think some more softness needs to be brought on. This may also mean bringing in some art that is softer as well. More of this maybe?
Here I am testing out what some additional color and pattern on the bed would do for the room. Above is leftover drape fabric but I think the pattern is too subtle. The vintage Ikat fabric is going somewhere else but maybe the answer is in a stronger pattern that also has some gold in it, along with gray/purple.
Maybe a fabric something like this Oushak but with a bit stronger gray in it?
OK, so that's the critique. I think the room is fine (still serene, etc) but I know it can be so much better. Do serve up your advice, I'd love to hear it!
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23 comments:
What you have in this room is SO far above where you started. Take a breath and bask in the glow of your accomplishment for a while longer. The parts of the room that bug you will work themselves out, if you give your subconscious time to work on it.
Not a decorator but I like the new peplum much better. I agree with the previous comment--let it be for a while. It is beautiful!
the new pelmet is so much better - I like the gold curtains -it brings your attention to the view. You need a focal point somewhere!
i actually really loved the pelmet with the darker color that mirrored the headboard, it was a lovely play off of each other. either way though - if it was bugging you, you're the one who has to live with it so glad you made it better. otherwise, i love the serene-ness. what is the grasscloth on that one wall? who is it by or what color? i think its perfection. and art with a gilded frame looks SO good against it
From my computer screen, it seems there are too many discordant elements. There does not be a relation between the pelmet and the drapery. Again it may simply be what I am seeing on my screen. I understand the need for black out, but a not seeming matching pelmet and drapery contrasted with the shutters seems off putting some how.
In my own house, when stuck I usually turn to fabric. What if—and I know you love fabric too—what if the walls covered in fabric. You could upholster or simply use drapery tracks around the room and hang curtains. That way the openings of the two windows would speak to each other. Fabric softens a room like nothing else can.
If that is a nogo, I think the first step I'd make is to make the art bigger and more of it. There is a scale problem going go here.
Easy for me to say. My own bedroom—which will be upholstered in cotton duck—is in disrepair until the downstairs is completed. It's been in that tenuous state for FIVE years!!!! At least you spent six weeks making a big difference!
I think you accomplished a lot in six short weeks and I like the new pelmet. Maybe adding drapes or something to the shutters behind the headboard? That might help to soften all the lines a bit. It will come to you someday, probably while lying in that very bed. That's when all of my ideas come to me anyway. :)
I like the new lighter pelmut but I would add more gold around the room in the form of fabric. Also, grasscloth on that wall too, maybe?
Hi Michele, you are really getting all sorts of responses, so here's one more! You have a fantastic start to your MBR, and it could just use some continuity. I believe in what ever colors you use you need to repeat them at least 3 times. That gold needs a friend (strong) as does the gray. This is where clients get into trouble, too- pulling it altogether. I'd love to help! Let's talk more. xo Nancy
Michele I love the lighter pelmet and the gold curtains! What if you layered small decorative mirrors with gold frames above (Stacked) the art next to your beds, for something reflective and light? Just a thought.
My Bedroom shows dark and I haven't even put up anything on the windows yet, so you are way ahead of me, Ha!
xoxo
Karena
The Windows of Buck House
There's no critique needed. To think what you've accomplished in six week is astounding. The best rooms develop over time, so you've got quite a solid foundation for yourself. I love the addition of the ikat, by the way!
I really like the window exactly as you have it now, with the cream fabric on top and the gold drapes. I don't think the gold is too harsh for the white walls - I do think it's probably difficult to photograph it without a bunch of added lights and umbrellas and leprechauns... :)
I think if you are going to have mismatched lamps, you need matching nightstands. Or vice versa. I think it will bring balance, which then makes the straight lines an enhancement and not a detriment.
Your room is lovely.
I think you are doing great, I really like the softer pelmut and I like the ideas you have for oushak with gold in it and adding some more bursts of gold to the space. I think you have done a great job!
All you need is a 1000 comments getting you all confused! I agree that it is probably a hard room to photograph....with all of those windows! I do the same thing by trying different things and then taking a photograph to see how it looks....and sometimes you just need a different eye? Have you asked Anne.....I thought you were on to something with the gold fabric on the bed....did you try draping it over the headboard....not totally covering it but just a bit down the middle?
This is another Elizabeth agreeing with the previous Elizabeth. I think curtain panels and matching pelmet over the bed would look lovely. I also agree that you've made great strides, and now have to be patient as you wait to find things you love that will make the room complete.
Love the new look. My only critique though is this
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pelmet
Pelmet ...not pelmut
We all do the same thing ... Critique ourselves insane! Personally I think your room looks lovely, I do like the Pelmet with the lighter fabric .... Wondering if you could introduce a hanging chandelier with a drum shade over the beside table and cover the drum shade with the lighter pelmet fabric or perhaps the grey grass cloth, it will give a textural softness and an additional round shape to focused in on. Love the gold drapes and the introduction of gold on the bed, perhaps in a slight non overpowering pattern. Relax and enjoy and more layers will evolve over time.
Vera
Hi Michele - Your energy and committment to starting and finishing these projects in a short amount of time is admirable! I need to take a page from your book. My humble opinion, respectfully submitted, is that it would be nice if the window treatments on both windows matched rather than having drapes on one and shutters on the other. I don't think it matters if the window fabrics are light, dark, include a pelmet or not--just that both windows match. Also, how about matching bedside tables and lamps, or at least matching the lamps if the tables are different? I am in the middle of redoing my bedroom and will post photos, but won't be as brave as you in soliciting feedback! The ikat fabric is gorgeous, btw.
Deborah
love the lighter pelmut! Of course I am not a decorator but I know what I like! Great job on the bedroom, its beautiful.
This room is screaming for large art that brings all the colors together. All else is fine and will come together when you do the art.
Scale: lamp on your left, my right looking at my screen not in scale with other side. I like the window but think on either side of it two large apintings, prints, would look more in scale with the size of the bed and the large window. Also possibly two round shaped frames above the bedside tables would give you some curve for the straight lines to look less so.
Experiment!
It's a bedroom. The bed should be the focal point. Not the curtains. The gold curtains are too dominant. They command the eye and prevent the eye from traveling to anything else in the room. I'd swap them out for an ivory color that matches the walls.
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