When Bernadine retired and decide to move south, it was wonderful news to hear. When she commissioned me to help her decorate her home, I jumped at the opportunity. Not only was I excited about working with her, but also because it gave me another reason to shop. The room started with basically a clean slate. The home had been vacant for a couple of years and was left unattended. No color on the walls and there were some antique pieces left behind. This Duncan-Phyfe loveseat was purchased from the home’s estate sale and she wanted to have it reupholstered to use in her bedroom retreat. Lavender was her favorite color and it became the color of choice for the walls and the rest is history.
This was the room at the time of her purchasing the home
I can’t tell you how exciting this project was. I love working with fabrics and new designs so this provided the opportunity to be creative. Bernadine loves antiques but also wanted something new, so we scoured the antique shops, thrift stores and furniture outlets to find the right pieces to blend together. Hours were spent at the fabric outlet picking and choosing the right fabrics for her the loveseat, window treatments and bedspread. Her desire was to have an elegant, yet, functional bedroom – one fit for a “retired queen”. The loveseat has been transformed and the new look is fabulous
The cornice boards were perfect
All fears were put to rest when the installment was complete. Not only was the desired look accomplished, but she is completely happy and satisfied with her new bedroom. Step into Bernadine’s retired new suite!
New bedroom furniture was purchased from Merinos Home Furnishing Outlet. For fabrics, I chose a brocade paisley print along with a green & lavender stripe fabric to accent the wall color. The custom made bedspread and cornice boards were trimmed with the striped fabric that was used to reupholster the loveseat.
To give the loveseat a richer look, it was given a darker stain. The artwork above the sofa (originally hers) is a signed serigraph by artist Alonzo Adams. It is one of her most treasured pieces because it reminds her of her beloved mother who was a quilter.
The richness of these two fabrics together blended perfectly
She loves crystal, so some thrifted crystal dishes and lamps were used in the room
The antique crystal lamps flanking the mirror were scored at one of the Metrolina antique sale dealers.
They originally had a hunter green faux marble base (but a bit of silver spray paint gave them a new look)
After retiring from working in an office the last thing she didn’t want in her home was the word “office”..but wanted a computer station. To solve that dilemna and to keep with the elegance of the room, an antique Duncan-Phyfe drop leaf table (scored at the Metrolina) paired with a ghost chair gave her the perfect look.
Above the chest of drawers is her set of decorative art plates and her Daddy’s Long Legs Angel doll
One more close look at the gorgeous brocade fabric.
The room is a true example of how mixing old and new, blending different patterns (paisley and stripes) you can create a beautiful look without breaking the bank. The owner couldn’t be more pleased with her elegant new budoir – perfect fit for a retired “queen”
I hope you enjoy the new look and if you’re ready for a makeover, let me help you create it..and until next time – always remember – it’s not how much it costs but how you style it. Happy hunting and enjoy thrifting your house into a home!
Smooches!
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