What seems like forever ago, I finally said enough. Enough of the pink track lighting from the nineties, enough of the old stained carpeting, enough of the off beige-y green color of the walls, enough of the full-sized box spring and mattress on the floor serving as our bed. Enough!
Convincing Andrew was not easy. He is a guy who cares nothing of luxury, and would be content with the cleared-out room below and a sleeping bag:
But somehow, some way, I convinced him that maybe it was time we had a relaxing space just for the two of us; in particular, a queen-sized bed that we would both fit comfortably in. There up on the third floor, with two nice walk-in closets and a full bathroom. There with the skylights and beautiful natural lighting all day that the jungle of plants I have accumulated appreciate. I had in my mind the clean, simple space. It just took a while to get there.
The first step was clearing it all out for painting. Since we would be ripping up the carpeting and replacing it, it made sense to paint first.
And of course, as soon as the furniture was moved out, the boys saw the potential!
After I painted while the boys were in school (it took 3 coats!), I ripped up the outer edges to paint the trim. Next, Andrew replaced the light fixture with a simple white flush mount. Finally, we had new carpet installed (we thought about refinished the wood floors underneath, but quickly realized that it would be much too noisy to walk around up there if we didn’t have the sound barrier of carpet — plus, it’s so cozy!). After that, we finally bit the bullet on a new bed!
Are you ready to see it?
I used Benjamin Moore’s Simply White on the walls and ceiling. The dresser is an antique hand-me-down from my mom, and the bed is from Crate & Barrel.
I love how it turned out! 
I scored the vintage art deco lamps from Little Shop Around the Corner, a shop near the Missouri Botanical Garden which takes donations and resells them to support the Garden’s research. My lovely friend Ingrid let me use her membership for a nice discount, too! The bunny vase is from Anthropologie and the side tables are old, from Target. The hand mold to hold rings is from one of my favorite stores (which I will feature tomorrow) here in St. Louis, K Hall Designs.
I love that the footboard that comes with the bed has storage — we are keeping books and a few other little things there for now, but it would also be a great storage spot for extra blankets.
And that’s all! I’m so happy that we have a nice space now that finally feels finished!
Your room is amazing. It looks so wonderful and serene.
It’s funny. I just posted about the fact that my bedroom is in need of a serious make-over. I love what you did with yours. Everything about it.
I really love your side tables. I’m going to keep my eyes open for something similar. It really looks great.
Gorgeous! After 7 years of sleepless nights you two deserve such an oasis. My favorite shot is through the jungle of plants, likely a pretty good hiding place for a smallish individual. Does Montessori teach the boys to make breakfast in bed?
Ha, ha! Annie, there is a strict “no food” rule up there!
Beautiful, Lauren! We are adding on to our house in the next year or so and will finally have a master suite. I’m really excited for our oasis away from the kids!
Growing up, my parents were on the third floor (they were never able to get a bed frame up the stairs, so it was always a mattress on the floor). I have very fond memories of piling into that bed on weekend morning with all the extra light from being up at the top of the house. They also had very cool semi-finished hobbit holes behind short doors that we would play in. Looks like you might have one, too? Lovely refresh just in time for snuggling season.
wow! it looks gorgeous!
Great job, Lauren. I love it!
it looks amazing! love white walls with lots of greenery.
I love how airy and comfortable it looks! May I ask about the carpet? I want to get new carpet in our bedroom and I was overwhelmed by options. I want a good quality neutral color that’s nice and soft underfoot and will wear well since bedrooms tend to have those paths we walk over and over. Do I go to a big box home improvement store? A flooring store? I’m clueless (and local–so you can be specific if you don’t mind sharing!).
Brooke, no problem! We used a carpet and flooring store that came recommended — in Kirkwood, called Advance Carpet One:
http://www.advancecarpetonesaintlouis.com
The type of carpet we chose is Berber, and the color is Burlap. Hope that helps!
Oh what a treat to get back on the old internet and be greeted with a room make-over! My very favoritest of things… and it looks wonderful. So relaxing and peaceful. The master bedroom is always the least considered room, I think. It is nice to treat yourself well. (And you guys were in a full bed?! I thought we were bad with our ancient lumpy queen mattress, but you guys might have been even worse 😉 )
I love house tours! Thank you so much for sharing! Your bedroom looks great! Does your mom sell antiques to your friends? 🙂 you have scored some amazing pieces from her!
Lauren, this looks so lovely. What a nice change, I’m sure. I love the light, and I’m pretty partial to third floor getaways!