Romantic Bedroom Before & After

Romance is my word for the year. You may remember this picture that was my inspiration for using what we already have to create a more inviting and romantic bedroom.

Of course it’s not about literally duplicating this room. Rather I hope to improvise key elements of this room to create a similar warm, inviting, romantic look using what we already have. We already have a bed that is in keeping with this look, but slightly more modern with medium toned wood.

One afternoon I moved a red wool rug (a generous gift from my cousin) from the living room to the bedroom. This really set off the lighter toned wood of the bed and the white linens. Scouting around the house I gathered a collection of pictures in deep rusts, oranges and reds with wood and metal burnished wood frames. I hung them over the bed. A bookcase was moved to flank the bedroom window.

What else? I love the white bedding and the casual “unmade bed look” in this picture. Currently we have a white quilt (also a gift from my cousin) and comforter, cream flannel sheets and khaki colored pillows on our bed.

As it happens, a while ago DH gave me a gift of an extravagant down comforter. I had never used one before and they seemed expensive. But once you experience how incredibly light and warm they are I wonder how I ever lived without one – especially in Minnesota where temperatures easily dip to 20 or 30 below. We can set our thermostat even lower at night. It is a gift I truly enjoy. So topping the bed with this fluffy, but light, down comforter really adds to this look – and we already have it.

Since I’m a writer and voracious reader, as is DH, my desk has the usual writer’s articles, books and notes. This desk already functions as a bedside table.

Next I will finish one side of the window with a panel of cream velvet or white linen. I don’t think it’s necessary to drape the entire window which is large in this case. A panel hung to the floor will provide the same look for minimal or no cost. The fabric – velvet or linen – will most likely depend on how close to warmer weather we are when this update is finally finished. I already have cream colored linen panels, by the way.

Then hopefully I can post a picture of the finished project. It will have a slightly more modern look and feel. But the romantic vibe should come through. Here’s the before from a photo taken two years ago:

And here’s where we are so far, basically  almost done:

You may also like Isn’t It Romantic?, Romantic Dining Area Before & After.

Ciao!