I was asked to help redesign a homeowner’s master bedroom for The Washington Post, and I had a great time! I wanted to provide a classic backdrop for the couple but also interject a little bit of color and contemporary pattern.
Here is the “before” picture, courtesy of The Post:
Photo | Leah L. Jones for The Washington Post
And here is the rendering of the proposed “after” that I sent to The Post with my design suggestions:
Caroline McCandlish
But Julius Goyanko’s rendering for The Post turned out much, much better!
Here were my suggestions for the room:
- Cream drapery panels frame the windows while letting in sunlight
- Mixing stained and painted furniture creates an eclectic feeling
- A bench serves as a spot to put on shoes and as additional storage
- Pops of color and pattern add a fresh touch to a timeless, neutral backdrop
- Reinvent an existing piece of furniture (headboard) with a fresh coat of paint
- A textured duvet cover and shams add softness
- Add unexpected touches in the small details, like the crystal curtain tie backs
- A mirror serves a functional purpose and also reflects natural light back into the room
- Relocating the bed allows for easier movement around the bed and a better location for the dresser
I actually did not include a TV in my design, though it was included in The Post’s published rendering. The paper wanted to include a TV because the home owners wanted to keep one in the room. I felt that a round wall-hung mirror would better enhance the romantic sophistication of the space.
Refer to The Post’s online article for the product details. Here it is in print!
House Calls Article, The Washington Post, 5.9.13
A Fresh Approach to Traditional Design 