When Braelin from Denver saw Jane from Michigan's Beachy Vegan Mood, she enlisted my help to take her guest room coastal. Here's a part of her note:
I like bright (but also white), beachy, fun, and nothing too trendy. I also really like stripes (was thinking of doing a subtle striped tone on tone wall for one wall in the room, but too overwhelmed by not just one but two paint colors then!!!). Because it is the basement, the light/breezy thing is practically a must (i.e. no dark wall colors, the darks will be best for accents). For colors I was initially thinking navy and white with pops of something bright (orange or yellow???), but then fell in love with turquoise/coral combination that Jane's room has. Either way, I also like natural fibers (jute, wicker, etc.). I was worried that the navy/white with natural fibers might look over-the-top nautical or something (I'm not at all 'themey').
I gathered she definitely wanted a breezy beach feeling without it getting theme-y. And this room definitely wasn't feeling light and bright at all:
1. Paint color is going to make a huge difference down here. I went with a color that was a light greige to allow things to feel airy and light, which is essential in a basement. Check out Benjamin Moore's Seapearl.
2. This number starts the transformation of that tiny window above the bed. It just looks out into a window well, but we are still going to play it up as much as we can. Consider adding trim around the window first, but definitely go for a warm, bamboo roman shade. Hang it high, so a little window shows through the bottom. Shade found here.
3. On either side of the blind, hang these white, sheer curtains (cheap! cheap! cheap!). Remember, these should be hung on the outside of the windows to make them appear larger.
4. The last step in the "making the window larger" installment are these fabulous tapestries you'll use as curtains. (I find myself recommending these tapestries all the time now since we used them in our studio) I'd order one for each side. Make sure you get an extra long curtain rod (you can find them at Ikea for around $5) so that it can extend along the entire wall behind the bed. I love the navy and blue print and although it isn't "beachy," it definitely has an elegant coastal feel.
5. Flank your bed with table lamps that have a punch of coral to them. These ones pictured are gorgeous, but a bit pricey. If they are out of budget's reach, all you need to do is find two matching table lamps with a similar shape (scout Ross, Target, Homegoods, etc) and spray paint them and the shade the same color. Check out Krylon's Coral Isle spray paint for a similar effect. (If you are having trouble finding that spray paint can, they don't sell it everywhere, Sherwin Williams will be able to get it for you.)
6. Let's unify the bedside tables. I love these grayish-brown ones from Ikea. They feel coastal and they are inexpensive!
7. This point refers to this simple and cost-effective DIY Headboard project. I'd make the headboard large enough so that it almost meets the window. It will be such a beautiful addition to the room.
8. Swap out the current bedding for a simple white ribbed duvet. I actually have this exact one and love it!
9. For pillows, spring for these striped yarn-dyed shams (they're on sale!!). The Ivory and mushroom is a beautiful, neutral combination and they have a beach-vibe to them without screaming it.
10. Changing out a standard light fixture in a bedroom is a great way to make everything feel special and thought out. For this room, I'm thinking a capiz chandelier would be just right. You can splurge on this one pictured, or make your own for around $10!
11. I found this vintage, framed oil painting on Etsy that reflects the colors and vibe of the room perfectly.
12. Look around the classifieds or the thrift store for a small dresser. Painting it a deep navy, like this inspiration dresser, to match the darkest color in the tapestries will make it chic in a heartbeat.
13. Hanging (or leaning) a mirror over the dresser will open up the space and allow guests to ready themselves before being seen. I love this white one pictured, but check out Homegoods first. They may have great options for less.
14. In addition to the mirror, candles will make things more cozy. I love these cool, spiraled wooden sticks!
15. Lastly, to add another pop of coral, add some coral-toned flowers to the dresser (only go for the fake ones if they look amazing). Who doesn't love peonies?
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This is great. I love your tips for making a small window appear larger
So dreamy! I love that navy and coral combo.
I've been searching for a coral spray paint, so thanks so much for the heads up on the Krylon paint. I'll have to check out a Sherwin Williams!
How embarrassing. Where were you with that correction 5 hours ago?! ;) All fixed.
edition?...
Ahhh-- this is my place! How cool to see my space on here when I dropped by to check out the blog. I'm still working on it. I've painted (with Julia's suggested Ben Moore Seapearl- great color choice!), changed the light fixture (though I didn't go capiz, I went with a different 'elegant coastal' thing... it is an outdoor light fixture actually, and we love it), and I've purchased (a) bamboo blinds, (b) extra long curtain rod, (c) suggested IKEA light weight white curtains, (d) suggested IKEA linens, (e) West Elm shams. I also go the UO tapestries.... which i LOVED on the mood board, but unfortunately didn't love in person. However, I'm going with the wall to wall curtain concept and sticking with the color theme... but am going to switch it up a bit. I'll send Julia my 'after' shots when I have them (may still be another month or so.. we are slow going around here). Still scouring Craig's List for the right (smaller) dresser. Oh- and by the way, Julia was GREAT to work with for this--- her ideas were beautiful and creative, but most of all, she got me rejuvenated about the space which translates to motivation to get 'er done!