Before and After: See This 1990s Bedroom Transform into a Much-Needed Retreat

Not everything from the 1990s has stood the test of time. At Melissa Braedley’s home (@melb_lifeandhome) that was no more apparent than in the master bedroom. “The ‘before’ space was done in the early ’90s and had laminate flooring that wasn’t installed properly, and various colors on the wall that didn’t suit our style,” Melissa says. Plus, the overall effect was more dim and dreary and refreshing—not ideal for parents of three young kids. “We wanted to create a calm space where we could retreat to,” Melissa says. “We wanted to create a space that felt like ‘us.’ A space that felt calm, relaxing, and spa-like.”

That was a tall order for the mismatched previous space, but Melissa and her husband, both self-taught DIYers, were able to do the whole redo themselves in about four weeks.

The couple started with the flooring, which took about a week for them to tackle. The new darker wood tone feels way more modern than the old mid-tone oaky coloring. (A gray Loloi rug on top keeps things light and bright.) Melissa also swapped out the old track lighting for a statement-making minimalist chandelier.

One low-cost, high-impact makeover? Painting the walls bright white and installing faux board and batten, which cost just $75. The feature wall puts the simple and stylish taupe-colored bed on display.

The new bedroom is a total dreamscape—exactly what Melissa had been striving for. A light, breezy color scheme helps tie everything together, making it a serene escape after hectic days. “My favorite parts are the board and batten wall and the new bed,” Melissa says. “It’s so cozy and fits the space perfectly.”

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