apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

This is quite an improvement. But I have to disagree with the statememnt that symmetry makes "a space really wow".

I find it makes a space stagnant. I agree with Geoffrey Beene who avoided straight lines and symmetry as much as possible.

Everything has a place, no? I think symmetry can be stunning, as can asymmetry. Did they do the nightstands? I'm working on a project a lot like that right now but using cork.

where is the headboard from? love the symplicity

It's an improvement, but what's the deal with five shades of brown?

The only thing I think sucks is that painting above the bed. Well, maybe the picture frame... Well, actually, the painting as well because it kinda is like a Bob Ross production.

And the green in that painting clashes with everything. I wouldn't want to sleep in that bedroom. It's too busy now, sometimes less is more... The books, lamps, vase-thing, clock, loud pillows and then that painting...

Oh dear.

i agree with lori. i think symmetry is sometimes (not always or even usually) the result of a lack of imagination.

but i still quite like the after!

See, now I LIKE the painting and wonder if its an available print.

I generally like things off-kilter, but I have to agree that -- in bedrooms, anyway -- symmetry really does make for a more relaxing space. It's funny, I'd never thought of it in that way until I read it here, but I realize that every bedroom I've shared with my husband has been laid out along almost symmetrical lines.

I also really like tiny bedrooms, which is why I find the monster suite trend really alarming. How can people sleep in huge rooms with vaulted ceilings?

Symmetry is forced perspective. You actively force people to see the space in a certain way. I think most people gravitate toward it as a basic source of order. Symmetry feels neat and the math behind it sort of bears it out.

Wow, everyone's a critic!

I think this bedroom looks great. I would want to sleep there or read in bed.

Emma from buzzilions is back! Emma - if you're going to spam, at least spam for some cute furniture. This chest set is another monstrosity!

Brown & Beige = Boring.
- and mixing two shades of green (as in the accent pillows, or the guy in your office wearing green pants and a green shirt) Never-Ever-Never-Ever-Ever works.

The reading lamps may be functional for reading, but make an awful atmosphere for any kind of romance. This bedroom needs Big red, orange or blue ceramic table lamps with tall white cylindrical shades.

One last thing: Clock radios may be functional, but they're UGLY! If you absolutely must have one, hide the thing in the top drawer of the nightstand and run the wire through a hole in the back: the red LED's won't keep reminding you in the middle of the night that you only have X# of minutes before you have to get up, you'll still hear it when it goes off, and since it takes more effort to slap the snooze button because you have top open the drawer to shut it off - You might as well get up on time!

I think part of what makes it a relative 'wow' is the little they actually did, but the difference it makes. This is a good one of those, you don't have to paint, redo the whole floorplan, add architectural elements, etc. to improve the view.

whoever heard of drilling a hole in a nightstand to hide a clock radio in a drawer? that's unnecessarily troublesome and some of us like to be able to tell the time at a glance besides. i'm sure there's an attractive clock radio to be had, somewhere. this whole thing that some people on AT have about form over function really does get to me.

also, maybe you AT guys can get rid of emma. spammers are bad people.

The reason symmetry's a big deal in the bedroom is that so many people somehow end up with completely different furniture -- of different heights, weights, and styles -- on either side of the bed. And unless you have a fabulous eye for balance, that typically ends up a mess.

I'm tempted to start the countdown for when brown poison green become the hot color combination (Fall Colors '08?) and the same people who loathe it today drool over it as the epitome of chic.

I like the floating books....and think the after is a huge improvement to the before.

I ageee about the floating books ... I know I have seen shelves like that before, but can't remember where. Can anyone refresh my memory? Thanks!

Not sure where you can find those floating books online, but in Brooklyn, NY, they're available at Cog & Pearl on 5th Ave. Anybody know the provenance of those great nightstands?

BklynJacquelyn, I think they're from Umbra...

I think this looks really great and I've been struggling with getting some symmetry myself. I have 2 diff heights on either side of my bed.

I enjoyed reading everyone's comments. I have a small bedroom and symmetry isn't possible because of window and door placement. It's a challenge. I think the painting would benefit from a wide inner frame in a light neutral. I like the floating books. It keeps them off the limited real estate of the nightstands yet handy. Ditto the lamps though maybe not these particular lamps (personal taste). I have to have a clock radio. I set it for 5:30 and listen to a half hour of NPR to start my day. (No, I don't work for them.) I haven't found anything cleanly modern, small, with acceptable sound and affordable. Ideas?

Annieo, I think everyone's saying that you DO have symmetry--in the nightstands and lights on either side. I am also seeking a nice, attractive alarm clock...Mine's uglier than yours! I think you did a great job on the redo.

I am looking for a neutral color for my bedroom--what color did you use on the walls. I like the after, however, I must admit that the picture above the bed doesn't do the room justice.