apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Last year I had a rental and the bedroom had exposed brick. It wasn't coated with anything so gave off tons of dust... If you notice that you have trouble sleeping it might be brick dust. My solution was to hang a giant wall hanging above the bed which also added a nice contrasting color.

I agree - a lot of things look right. I think if you had a focal point - a really interesting afghan or coverlet on the bed - or maybe some really colorful pillows it would serve as a good grounding point. Perhaps also consider replacing the white curtain with a bamboo matchstick blind?

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i agree with the suggestion to lighten the wall color. something more along the lines of a slate grey, but with more white.

personally, i think the lamp shades are both too small and too rectangular.

i'd add some color with a different duvet cover or a couple of accent pillows. put the art on the painted wall.

with the texture of the brick, you could easily accommodate some faux fur or corduroy for the pillows/duvet cover.

I feel so Sally Fields right now. ("You like me, you really like me!") And that's as far in THAT direction as I'm gonna go as a properly metro-ized straight man. ;)

I like the suggestions about taking the blue walls from Spinal Tap 11 to a 2 or 3. I've been thinking that myself lately - maybe a lighter tone of the existing color, or something thats like a light grey that matches the mortar in the bricks but with a hint of blue in it to give a suggestion of color. I agree with the comments that the brick wall is a pretty bold part of the room and the rest needs to complement it, not try to overwhelm it.

dave l. - I hadn't considered the lampshades being too small and rectilinear, but I think you hit the nail on the head. Betweeh the headboard, the nightstand cubes and the cedar chest, I've already got wall to wall rectangles. I think I'll stick with the white sheets and duvet - I like being able the bleach the suckers to keep them from getting drabby grey. But some nice colored throws could be awesome, esp. in a fun, pop art inspired pattern.

Thanks all - any further suggestions are appreciated. I intend to enter my apt. in this years Smallest Coolest Contest, and I need to be ready, yo.

I agree with the color suggestions to go lighter. Also, as it doesn't look like you have the floor space, what about a hanging plant, that would bring in a nice touch.

I think I'd actually kind of like to see even MORE horizontal rectangles in there, though. Perhaps in the form of some blank white canvases hung above the headboard in a semi-brick pattern on top of the brick.

It would kind of soften the brick, and lighten the wall. Or possibly paint all three of the canvases solid neutral colors found in the bricks, themselves. The paint itself could be those sample paint jars of Benjamin Moore interior latex paint. And if so, I'd probably paint it around the edges of the canvas. And I would get the kind of canvases that are stretch around in such a way that the staples are on the back.

Seriously, one thing I think that might do is keep whatever sound you may have in there from echoing off the bricks.

OR... you could stretch solid colored fabrics in warm, wonderful, yet plain textures on stretchers bars, that you could by in whatever sizes and shapes you wanted, because THAT is really cheap, no kidding.

BUT... I would ALSO... paint the walls one of the neutral colors in the brick, just to help the brick recede just a little. I personally don't think that blue is going to recede no matter how light a version of it you put. It's going to "pop" off that red brick wall. Consider mixing up a color out of grey and red brick, because although it MIGHT kind of look like Dusty Rose, it actually won't really be, and it will be kind of great.

I agree with Curtis, don't go blue bc it will compete rather than complement the red/black/grey. A grey with a *slight* reddish tone, or jeez, go all out with a brick-matching red. Don't fight the power.

Like the whiteness you're adding to soften/open the space. Add some elements that blend that white with the strong brick - valance, hanging plant pot, lamp embellishments, wall artwork - and this room will be so ready for the competition.

Cozy, love it.

I'm going to chime in on the no to the blue. The brick is such a huge statement (and will continue to be even if you hang some canvases on it, which I would advocate for) that I think anything that contrasts with it will pop too much. What about a warm off-white? I agree with keeping the bed linens white, and then adding some accent colors. I personally would change the nightstands to something more solid that blocks out the view of the brick under them, and yes on different lamps/bigger shades. Overall I think you just need some more color - but I would add it through art (I'm thinking a few carefully selected large pieces) and pillows/accessories. Also - I like the white window treatment, but what about something a little more substantial, like canvas? It looks flimsy and impermanent right now.

I LOVE the chest by the way.

ps. if you really hate the carpet, you could always cover it with a throw rug that you could then take with you when you leave.

elizabeth - My hatey-ness of the carpet, in addition to its cheap look, is also because my living room and hallway have hardwood flooring. I am pretty hate-y on the whole wall to wall carpeting thing.

I think I'll just have to live with the carpeting. *sigh*

I do think the more solid side tables could work. I had been thinking about that too.

Well, looks like this weekend I'll be painting big test patches on my walls...

I wouldn't change the blue, I would change the lamps though, maybe something white ceramic and curvy. I think a crisp more tailored blind is the way to go a roman shade or a matchstick blind.

Can you move the chest somewhere else in the room or out of it altogether? If it were out of the way the bed would be more inviting.

You could put a large white canvas over the bed and put white christmas lights underneath it, it gives off a warm subtle glow and would look very nice on that brick.

Dave - My first instinct was to cover up the brick somehow. I'm not a fan of exposed brick of that color, esp. if you're looking to move in a different direction with the rest of the room.

I love the blue on the walls, esp. in contrast to the neutrals you've got on the furnishings. I also think your lamp shades could bring in a soft grayish blue to work on tying it together.

But as you know, the blue on the walls and the color of the brick don't make for a calming room. My gut is to paint the brick a very light grayish-blue, or cover it with fabric.

Good luck!

I had the same problem with exposed brick in my kitchen. I didn't want to go red, or tan, or grey. What I wound up with was Sherwin Williams' Floral Tape Green with off-white crown molding and baseboards, and I'm very happy with that.

Dave has a way with words. I look forward to his entry in the
smallest/coolest contest. Hopefully his personality is expressed in the rest of his apartment, too. Let's hear it for design- conscious heterosexual men - perhaps the next hip minority.

The LA Times did a big spread today on Keyshawn Johnson, who is heavy into design, and wants to have a furniture line someday.

Someone should do a book on "straight guy style" - with modernists like Brad Pitt and that guy from that 70's show...and Jerry Seinfeld, who hired Charles Gwathmey to design his house.

i think some round or oval rice paper pendant lamps would look good hanging over the bed very close to the brick wall. really you could do any kind of pendant lamp, i just like those. :-)

Elizabeth,

That's a great idea, I pictured different shapes all in a row, hung at the same height.

Now I wish I had a brick wall.

As some have already mentioned, I'd suggest changing the wall color. Blue can be calming, but here the color contrasts too much with your existing red brick to be calming. I'd suggest a dark red paint (heading towards brown) actually, which would make the room very cozy and would make the brickwork look nice, but not as overpowering (since it will blend). Or if red isn't your thing then pick another color out of the brick wall and go for that.

To my eye, the headboard looks like it blends in too much with the wall behind it. I'd try for more contrast. Something dark- maybe closer to the color of the chest? Do you have a piece of fabric with which you can recover the headboard? Or consider other solutions which would make the headboard pop against the brick wall.

For feng shui- the recommendation would be a light neutral on the walls. You already have the solid wall backing the bed, and bedside tables on each side of the bed. All good feng shui :)

The chest makes the room look heavier. Although it isn't clear where your door is- if it is on the wall opposite the bed, which looks likely, feng shui-wise it is helping block the onrush of too-strong chi coming in the doorway from hitting your bed. (A good thing).

...Hey, you did ask about feng shui! :}

Oh, and - 9 x 12 is pretty small- you can easily buy rugs that size! Or even bamboo rugs that size, assuming the carpet is low pile...

Whatever color you decide to paint, I'd get window coverings in that same color. Right now each wall looks different, so you have three competing textures/colors going on. Getting those two opposite walls to read as the same will make the room look more serene -- the brick wall becomes the focal point (like it's a big headboard) and the other walls drop away.

For the wall color I'd take a hint from what's already in the room: the grey/tan/whatever of the carpet, the headboard, and the mortar between the bricks. I think that would neutralize the brick a little and tie in both walls with the bed and floor.

I'd have to agree with skywaykate in that brick isn't a favorite. I've got a brick hearth in front of my fireplace and I keep trying to figure out a way to cover it with something else.

If you like the wall color, why not re-cover (or drape) the headboard with material in the same color? It would stand out against the brick and tie things together a bit more. An oblong, abstract canvas with a bit of the wall color and whatever color(s) you decide on for accents, with a good deal of the white showing would tie things together even more.

As I'm a big fan of houseplants, I think I'd hang the canvas low and add a row of pothos over that, and maybe set one on the chest at the foot of the bed.

And I think the bamboo shades would look great.

I would paint the brick white to lighten things up and I would hang some type of reflective piece over the bed.

I would then paint the wall a different color, the blue is too heavy. And get rid of the carpet, I'm wheezing just looking at it.

I think taking a color out of the bricks would look really nice, but have you thought about a light, springy green? It would contrast, but it would look more intentional than the blue. I'd also reupholster the headboard, but that looks like an easy job. If you go with green, a very light, buttery yellow would look nice.
I'm partial to the hanging lantern suggestion.

I really like the white bedcovers. My first thought was to paint the walls white also. White everywhere except for the brick wall and the chest. Could be great, could be totally scary awful.
Best,
Joanne

The rule of feng shui is to ensure the qi is not interrupted and is in harmony and balance. This is what I know from what my mom has taught us - believe as much or as little as you want . . .

A bedroom is an area of tranquility and rest. Rule of thumb, no bright or extreme colors, and no dark colors. Black is a definite no no - doesn't matter how good it looks. No shiny surfaces as it reflects the qi and creates too much "energy" in a bedroom. Mirrors (though very popular) is a no no, especially if your feet are facing the mirror. Your "spirit" will never be fully rested due to the reflection hence you will be fatigue and be prone to illness. Minimize electronic equipment in bedrooms as the electrical charge over stimulates. Not to mention, most TV sets are placed where your feet are (common in hotels) and the screen is reflective. To avoid this, store your TV in a cabinet and make sure its hidden when you are resting. Make sure there is good circulation - makes sense but stale qi is not conducive to good rest. Also, it appears that you have exposed brick. Correct me if I am wrong but are you in a loft? Lofts often have exposed beams, which is a huge no no in feng shui. The beams are bulky and heavy and will "weight" down the flow of energy hence slowing down your progress (in life, career etc.)

Moving the furniture will make a big differece. Turn the bed and put the head against the painted wall. (The left wall in the picture) The chest will look great against the brick wall. Add a big plant in that corner. Pick up a warm color from the bricks to repaint the walls. You will have a new room for only the cost of a can of paint.

I think for me its the fact that there seems to be a lot going on at a low level and then acres of wall space above - I like the blue colour but the brick is not doing it for me - too orangey and too full-on - cover it up with something - and I'd definitely change the lamps/shades - anything to break up that straight line of lamp-bed-lamp - get some taller ones to give some vertical interest - its not as bad as you think at all

This room is already really appealing, I think. Just a few tweaks would make all the difference.

My first thought about paint color was exactly what I read in Curtis' post: go for one of the light gray neutrals in the brick.

I agree that you need some sort of wall hanging on the brick above the bed. I suggest making a wall hanging out of some light-weight board from an art shop. Paint it the sort of neutral color similiar to the walls, and then add texture by way of combing a lighter shade of the same color over that. Make the porportions mirror those of the headborad, only a little smaller in dimension.

A bamboo shade would fit in with the mix of materials in the room. I think what would make it work would be the neutral, warm color, and the texture, and how it would be more tailored-looking than the floaty curtain. Whatever window covering you choose, I'd go for one that has some sort of texture to help tie together all the elements in the room.

I like the wooden chest. I think it's what makes this room work. I think it's great color and grain are perfect, and putting stuff on top of it would really be in the way.
I also think the quiet, black and metal nightstands are cool, and so are the lamps. You can always just keep them for now, and then when you find other tables and lamps you love... get 'em! I'd suggest somehow hiding the lampcord on the left.
I also like keeping the bed against the brick wall. It's a natural focal point, and the symmetry of the furniture arrangement is really soothing.

In this setting, flat gray carpet isn't so bad, actually. If you hate seeing it first thing in the morning, how about getting a small, ivory flokati rug to place right where you put your feet when you get out of bed? The color would be right, and so would the texture. Those fuzzy rugs also feel so good on your toes on chilly February mornings!

As for accesories, I'd try to find one perfect thing that has some shimmer. A seeded-glass cup or vase, for instance.

I think you are way less than a hundred bucks from making this room perfect. You are almost there, and any big moves would put you farther, not closer, to your "cure." Less is more... it reminds me of the saying, "Distrust any enterprise that requires new clothes." I think there is some sort of relevance to curing our homes in that saying!

Great room! Good luck.

It's a beautiful color on the walls, but yes, I think you’d give yourself a lot more of a feeling of space if you lightened up the wall color. In fact, I’d be tempted to do all white, including the brick. Some people would say it’s a crime to paint brick, but… And there are all sorts of great shades of white out there, so it doesn’t have to be boring.

And then lastly, if you have to keep the carpeting, have you considered buying FLOR carpet tiles (http://www.flor.com/ ) to temporarily cover the existing carpeting while you’re there? FLOR makes all sorts of great colors and textures, and the tiles are something you can take with you when you move. And although some of the styles are a little more expensive, I’d say the majority of the styles are pretty easy on the pocket book.

Use Ben Moore Decorators White matte on the walls. Then get some curvy base lamps in a great color, light green blue, green, orange red, something bright with a White lamp shade. Get a well porportioned lamp for the table. Bigger than the lamps that you have now. Very important get the dimmers from Ikea and attach them to the lamps. Get a white roman shade for the window from Ikea, or west elm. In front of the window shade put some kind of exotic plant or a row of smaller plants. The rug matches the headboard. Great headboard by the way. Put two small area rugs on either side of the bed if you want. Hang a good size painting, photograph, or canvas print thing over the bed. By good size, I mean something that is somewhere near the measurements for the width of the bed Do this and you will not regret it. I would spray paint the side tables white, but its not a necessity.

Start with the suggested match stick blinds the floaty white curtains class with the dark walls. Then some sort of art for above the headboard, a fabric panel or group of like framed images something with some mass. Re-evaluate at this point I think you'll be there. Good luck

for paint color, if you are looking for a grey with a hint of calming blue, I suggest Benjamin Moore Silvercrest (aka the color of my kitchen) or Swept Away (the color of my bedroom). both nice colors. Then get a wall-to-wall sisal to cover the floor, yikes! I also agree with the above post - get some much stronger colored lamps to flank the bed and pop against the brick and the grey...