Since I only have one window and limited natural light, the brown walls had to go. I wanted to paint the walls a bright cheerful color, but not something distracting, so I went with a belvedere cream and tate olive.
before
after
I wasn't finding any inexpensive, good quality euro shams, so I decided to sew my own. I took the train up (from Orange County) to the fabric district in downtown LA (after getting lost in skid row) and found all the fabric for the pillows for under $20. I also found that all of the bedskirts I'd buy from Linens 'n Things, Target, etc. all appeared dingy and see-through, so I decided to make my own. While at the fabric district, I picked up some heavy, thick white fabric and created my own bedskirt to my liking. The lights above my night stands are just grapevine balls that I found at a Michaels craft store. I simply put a light bulb through it and hung it from the ceiling, and wrapped the cord in hemp, casting dramatic branch-like shadows on the walls.
Lastly the bed. I was tired of practically being on the ground with a platform bed, and after looking around the cheapest box spring and frame would cost $150-200. I decided to head to Home Depot and pick up some wood and make my own. My friend and I simply created a box smaller than the mattress and attached some sheets of plywood on top, giving me storage for baskets underneath.
I kept my desk in the same space as before, however found a sofa console so the desk wasn't sticking out further than the curtains anymore. The two nightstands are ottomans, while the side table by the chair is actually a hamper from West Elm, that just happened to match the piece of art above the TV from Pier 1 perfectly.
Shopping at World Market, I fell in love with this wine buffet, I went back to the store 4 times to make sure I really really wanted it. I not only used it as a TV and media stand, but I also used it to store (and hide) all my DVDs, t-shirts, shorts, socks, and underwear.
I definitely had to think outside the box and learn to not use things for their intended purpose to create the look I wanted. The curtains above both the window and the desk hang from a stick of bamboo attached to the ceiling with more pieces of hemp, creating a more natural feel.
I have fallen in love with my room and have slept even better. I am open to any suggestions and comments as the room will grow with me over time.
Wow, we're so impressed with your can-do attitude Ryan, thanks for sharing your process and inspiration (not to mention affordable alternatives). What do you think everyone?
© 2009 Apartment Therapy
the room definitely looks awesome and awesomer!!! but i couldn't stand something so scratchy as my headboard!
view kdkaboom's profile
Lovely! I found so many ideas I want to emmulate for a guest room in the same colour scheme. Thanks! The only change I would make later on is to coordinate the shelves in the closet with your new desk, beef up the shelves and hide the pole with some crown molding. Great job!
view Carla Marie's profile
very impressive, it's a lovely room now. i especially like the shadows from your lights.
view maike's profile
WOW. very impressive! Very nice changes Ryan!
view mvastudios's profile
Wow. What a wonderful transformation. It looks terrific! I too have felt that my room is kind of dark and creepy and I have had trouble sleeping. I keep trying to improve it but it never quite feels right. Great job and and what an inspiration!
view CapitolHille's profile
wow - what an amazing transformation. you've inspired me to get on and do mine. the small changes you made have turned it into a phenomenal room. i am not at all surprised that you are sleeping better. Huzzah!!
view wingchee's profile
I love the lights encased in the branch-globes! Where did you find these? (or, how did you make them?)
view pugtona's profile
@pugtona--if you read the article he found the globes at Michaels. :)
view animalhouze's profile
Ryan, this is brilliant. And thanks for mentioning the paint colors! I'm constantly searching for the perfect green.
view als1's profile
I'm impressed. Very well done and kudos on all the DIY.
view whytephoenix's profile
I love that you wrapped hemp around the cord. I'm going to do that with my curtain rod!
view Valerie LA's profile
HEY EVERYONE, THANKS FOR THE COMMENTS. FEEL FREE TO CHECK OUT MORE PICTURES HERE...
http://gallery.me.com/rguymer#100078
Ryan
view riggle007's profile
It looks fabulous...great job! I am really loving the orbs around the lights...may have to borrow that idea from you!!
view hanako66's profile
Beautiful!
view sprite's profile
nice job.
view Nina79's profile
What an amazing makeover! I love it, it looks very peaceful and relaxing. I love the idea of hanging the curtain rod from the ceiling. I may try that.
view designpirate's profile
It looks fabulous and should be an inspiration to anyone who has a DIY mentality (and some talent). I love the colors and the natural elements. The headboard doesn't look "scratchy" to me as one person said, though it does look a bit rough.
The only thing is that your desk makeover plays into one of my consistent pet peeves. It looks great, but there's no way anyone could sit for any length of time on a stool like that and do work. I'm guessing that is a secondary desk/computer set-up.
view Orchid64's profile
sooo nice and love the DIY lights!
view witchbaby's profile
So wonderful! Can you tell me where the chair is from?
view annieo217's profile
awesome. i was thinking of doing my bedroom in a neutral scheme but this may have inspired me to go brighter!
view J.L's profile
annie - the chair is actually from target.
http://www.target.com/Hudson-Lounge-Chair/dp/B00121BRTO/qid=1216393969/ref=br_1_13/601-2341598-3139341?ie=UTF8&node=333965011&frombrowse=1&rh=&page=1
view riggle007's profile
Very, very good job! If you're not a professional, you ought to be! I know!
view rachelrachel's profile
that looks amazing. I love the pendant lamp over the chair.
view modernlogcabin's profile
Ryan, please come to my home and be my decorator! I love everything about this revamp.
view madampince's profile
Ryan, Where did you find the headboard? Do you find that it is scratchy?
view paeonia's profile
Ryan, what a marvelous after although, I take it you have to keep the carpet.
view Seaside's profile
This is totally amazing. You must be a professional or should be. Design Star!
view wild-er's profile
Where are the curtains from? Great work!
view k.c.'s profile
Oh man, Ryan, you did an AMAZING job!! I absolutely love the new look. Much more serene.
I love all your DIY projects. Please share tips on sewing shams and bedskirts. I would love to learn how to make a bedskirt like the one you made. : )
view gekko's profile
It's not my style at all, but I LOVE IT!!! I especially love the shadows from the lamps...mybe I should change my style...hmmmm....
view Sandie's profile
Ryan, thanks for the source for the chair! I had been looking at that Hudson chair but didn't want to buy anything I can't try out in the store. How comfortable is it?
view annieo217's profile
paeonia - I got the headboard from west elm. its actually on sale right now for very cheap. i don't find it scratchy at all. it isn't as rough as it looks. its almost as if there is a lacquer over it, so yes it is bumpy due to the random weave, but it isn't scratchy or rough. i love the headboard.
view riggle007's profile
k.c. - i actually got the curtians from ikea. i planned on sewing the bottom to hem them, but they also come with iron on hem so it can be a no sew project.
view riggle007's profile
gekko - feel free to contact me directly if you are really interested in sewing projects. something such as a sham is extremely easy, and especially worth it considering the lack of shams out there.
view riggle007's profile
annieo - i am pretty happy with it. it is very straight edge and simply which i like, its a low back so there is no neck support. its exactly a plush chair that you could curl up to and fall alseep reading a book, but i enjoy it as it serves its purpose for extra seating in the bedroom.
view riggle007's profile
Brilliant work! Especially in awe of the bedskirt. How much prior sewing experience did you have? You put Design Star to shame :)
view diyordie's profile
Ryan,
Beautiful color scheme! Your colors are very tranquil and perfect for a bedroom.
I have been looking to move my office from my dining room table to the foyer however, I have found it difficult to find a small desk. I love the console you used as a desk. Where did you buy it?
Also, what manufacturer makes your beige and olive paint colors?
view shimme's profile
shimme - i was having the same problem, just start looking for sofa tables or console tables. i got mine at world market, a few days after i bought it, it went on sale so i got a price adjustment. the paint colors are from behr.
view riggle007's profile
Hi Ryan,
Where'd you get your clock from? I love it!
view dellem's profile
dellem - the clock is from crate and barrel, i tried to find the link for you and i don't see it on their website anymore. maybe check out a store?
view riggle007's profile
Thanks Ryan!
view paeonia's profile
Ryan, great job! Where did you get your pendant light? I love the size. Thanks!
view cbboard's profile
cbboard - it is from west elm. i believe it was $40 but i got it for $25 because there was a little smudge on it that i got out with a tide pen.
view riggle007's profile
Smoke detector as decor. Me luffs hit....
view quiltmaster's profile
I just bought the same clock from the Crate & Barrel Outlet. It's a Karlsson Mr. White clock. Great job, Ryan!
view pontefract's profile