This “Boring, Bland” Bedroom Transforms Into an Elegant Retreat (Such a Bold Color!)

Written by

Collette ReitzSpecial Projects Editor
Collette ReitzSpecial Projects Editor
Working across AT Media brands, I see through the completion of large-scale editorial projects from their inception. I've worked as an editor in digital media for nearly seven years, covering food and trending news at Elite Daily before coming to ATM. I love using em dashes and running along the Chicago lakefront.
published Dec 26, 2024
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
About this before & after
Home Type
Project Type
Cost
Skill Level
Rental Friendly

Creating a bedroom you love to be in is not always an easy task. “This room was very boring, bland, and blue,” says homeowner Jen Crutcher (@crutcherhouse). Still, she knew the primary bedroom in her new home had potential. “It needed some design and DIY,” Jen says. 

Not everything about this room was a negative for Jen. “I loved the size, layout, and the cove ceiling, but everything else had to go,” she says. 

When Jen and her husband, Damon, moved to Kansas for Damon to start law school, she knew she wanted to create an oasis. “I wanted our bedroom to be one of the first projects,” Jen says. “I knew we needed a space to relax at the night’s end as I’m DIYing the rest of the house,” she adds.

Credit: Jen Crutcher
Credit: Jen Crutcher
Credit: Jen Crutcher

Make a big difference with a wall treatment.

“I started this project by adding picture frame molding, which immediately enhanced the room,” Jen says. “[It’s] a budget-friendly DIY that makes a huge impact,” she says.

Jen also ripped out her old baseboards and installed Hewn Floor Stoneform flooring in the color Bare from the Becki Owens’ collection, which was gifted from the brand. “I was able to float the new floors over the existing flooring,” she says. Jen added new baseboards, and then it was time to paint.

“[I] color-drenched the entire room in Sherwin-Williams’ Clove,” Jen says. Rather than brushes or rollers, Jen used a new tool for the paint. “This was my first time using a paint sprayer rather than rolling it, and it was a game-changer!” she says. With the help of her friend Chris, Jen applied the paint on the wall molding and ceiling.

“Painting with the sprayer was definitely way easier than I thought it would be,” she says. And Jen loves the result. “The picture frame molding and dark chocolate brown make it feel so warm and luxurious,” she says. 

Credit: Jen Crutcher
Credit: Jen Crutcher
Credit: Jen Crutcher

Pivoting to a great new design.

“The biggest setback for this project was the ceiling treatment,” Jen says. She originally planned to create a tongue-and-groove wood ceiling, but she had to shift gears when she unexpectedly couldn’t transport the supplies she needed. 

“I tried to shift gears by buying peel-and-stick flooring and applying that as a ceiling treatment,” Jen says. However, that didn’t really work out. “It was ugly, did not stick, and just a complete fail,” she says.

But she got it right on the third try. “I regrouped and borrowed a friend’s truck to get some shiplap,” Jen says. “It was the perfect finishing touch to the room, and I’m so happy with how it turned out,” she adds.

Jen contrasted the black ceiling with a white Hunter fan that was gifted to her from the company.

Credit: Jen Crutcher
Credit: Jen Crutcher

Add the perfect finishing touches.

“I installed gorgeous hardware from Emtek Products,” Jen says (the door hardware was a gift from the brand). She also chose natural wood furniture pieces — a Voyage Natural 3-Drawer Dresser By Nate Berkus + Jeremiah Brent and Keane Weathered Natural Wood 9-Drawer Dresser from Crate & Barrel — that complement the dark walls and ceilings. 

“I love absolutely everything about the after!” she says. “This room is a moody and relaxing retreat, and I feel comforted when walking in it,” Jen explains.

She also achieved her goal to create a relaxing space. “I’m so proud of how this room turned out, and I’m so happy I have a nice escape from the rest of my DIY projects,” Jen says.