In an upper-level bedroom where the afternoon sunlight comes streaming in, a palette of glorious and bright garden-inspired pink and purple hues mingle together to present a grown-up take that proves pretty and pink isn’t just for dollhouses and baby girls’ rooms.
When browsing through flea markets and consignment shops, I can’t resist picking up small antique or vintage footstools, as they are a flexible and useful accent piece in almost any room. Whether placed in front of a chair in the bedroom to invite you to put your feet up, or tucked beneath a dressing table as a place to perch while you put the finishing touches on your look, or scattered in a living room to act as both a rest for weary feet and extra seating for a crowd, footstools are a flexible and indispensable element in every space. You’ll likely find these vintage gems for a bargain price, covered in awfully dated fabric, but since you’ll need less than a yard of fabric to transform them, you can create a small but stylish showpiece. If the appropriate fabric for your chosen colour scheme can’t be found, head for the trim department at the fabric store and embellish a piece of plain fabric with a basket-weave application of grosgrain ribbons that are sewn in place before the stool gets reupholstered.
Not every bedroom has ample closet space, and some have none, so the easy solution to your storage woes is to buy an antique armoire that was originally designed to accommodate both hanging and folded clothes. The faux bamboo embellishments and mirrored door on this antique piece add far more presence than any drywall closet ever could, and if you move, you’ll be able to take it with you.
Having the courage to play with bold colour is terrific, and knowing when to pull back on the reins is invaluable. In order for the colourful elements to seem like interesting and unique moments, some breathing space is required, so instead of splashing your bright and cheery palette on every imaginable surface, leave some white space to fill the gaps. In this room, the walls are washed in barely there pink, and the chairs, bed linens, and skirt are pure white and natural linen to prevent pattern overload.
If you are tight on space and have diminutive bedside tables, you might want to consider installing sconces on the wall, centred above each nightstand, to illuminate your bedtime book while still leaving space for necessities on the tabletop. If you select sconces that are hardwired and need a wall switch to turn on or off, you can usually have a discreet toggle switch added to the backplate so you’ll be able to switch them on and off without lifting your head from the pillow.
It’s the little details that can make a big statement and add an element of fun to your shopping adventures. When shopping for finishing touches, I tend to seek out vintage smalls. They are generally priced comparably or even more economically than any new accessory, yet are better quality and have inherent value due to their age and origin. Shop around, and before you know, you’ll have a lovely collection of art glass to use, display, and enjoy.
Even the simplest window coverings can have a layered mix of colour and pattern. Tailored Roman blinds made from creamy linen with a delicate embroidered floral motif are given a preppy update with a band of polka-dot ribbon sewn around the perimeter.
