Even though Mother's Day is still a month away, I wanted to get you inspired early to surprise mom this year with a bedroom makeover.
Moms do so much for everyone else that they rarely pamper themselves. A fresh, relaxing bedroom retreat is a great gift for anyone who needs a place to rejuvenate.
This lovely Benjamin Moore bedroom boasts calming violet hues that are lovely and relaxing. This is just the kind of room busy moms need.
In order to create a relaxing space, you should begin with a soothing colour. The wall colour in our feature room is a Benjamin Moore colour called Violetta. Colours in the purple family are often used in places like spas because of their soothing qualities. It makes sense to use similar colours in the bedroom. Other restful colours you can use include soft green, light to medium blue and pink.
Try to get a hint from mom as to where her preference lies. You might be able to ascertain this from her current bedroom colours and co-ordinates. Sometimes though, a complete change is warranted. In this case, remember that soothing colours are the way to go. You may find a bedding set, draperies or wallpaper pattern that you can use as a jumping-off point for colour.
New linens
If mom isn't the type to pamper herself, then she probably needs new linens. Purchase new bedding and pillows for her new space. The bed is the main focus of the room, so creating a comfy place to rest is paramount. High-thread-count sheets will ensure a good night's sleep. Some bed sets will come with window treatments but if not, you can purchase fairly inexpensive window coverings from places like JYSK or Winners.
The headboard
A dated headboard will definitely detract from your project, so this must be addressed at the outset. Luckily, there are many inexpensive and creative ways to rectify this issue. The headboard in our photo is luxurious and obviously covered with fabric to match the decor. You may not have enough time or enough funds to purchase an item like this or to have the current headboard professionally reupholstered. You can, however, re-cover an existing headboard (or simple plywood panels) to create a fresh, new look. Purchase additional curtain panels or flat sheets when buying new bedding. You can use this co-ordinating fabric to re-cover an existing headboard.
Co-ordinating the look by purchasing matching bedding fabric is an easy fix. Purchase new foam padding and batting in order to create a soft finish. Cover the headboard with the foam, then batting and then the fabric. If there is no headboard, then create one using plywood panels that can be upholstered and will simply sit on the floor between the head of the bed and the wall. I did this in our bedroom and it turned out quite well. A good hot-glue gun was all it took. Depending upon the type of headboard mom has, you might be able to paint it or even wallpaper it. Keep your options open.
Focal wall
Our feature bedroom boasts a lovely focal wall of botanicals in co-ordinating colours. You can create a focal wall with wallpaper, stenciling, a great piece of artwork over the bed or a floating shelf display on which to feature family photographs. Use what you have on hand to keep the budget on target. Have family photos enlarged and printed in black and white to create a focal wall or to hang throughout the room. Use a stronger paint colour to create drama on the focal wall. You'll note in our feature room that this technique was used on the ceiling with great success.
The furniture
Dated furniture can be painted a soft white to give it a fresh look. The bedside furniture in our feature bedroom could easily have once been dark brown. With a fresh coat of paint, they are transformed into an elegant set with a French Provincial flavour. Talk to your paint supplier about which product would be right for a job like this. Be sure that mom would be OK with you painting her furniture. If she has antique pieces, you won't want to change them, but if the furniture is a mishmash of hand-me-downs, then go to town. You know mom the best, so use your judgment.
Planning ahead
You'll have to get mom out of the house for a few days if you want this to be a surprise. Treat her to a spa weekend or a fun getaway so you can get the room ready for the big reveal. Before the actual working weekend, you can purchase the bedding, wallpaper/paint and even create a new headboard using the plywood project mentioned above. Wash the new linens ahead of time so they are ready to go. The black and white family photos can be prepared and framed ahead of time as well. Then when the time comes, all you have to do is paint (or wallpaper) the walls, paint the furniture, replace the headboard, incorporate the new linens and draperies and arrange everything in a pleasing manner. Many hands make light work, so get others involved.
While you're at it, clean the light fixtures and light bulbs, clean the windows and purchase additional lamps if needed. You don't want mom's new space to be dark and gloomy.
Finishing touches
Throw in a few indulgences like mom's favourite magazines in a bedside basket, new slippers and robe, scented candles and a big bouquet of spring flowers.
Whether you want to treat your mom, grandmother, sister, friend or even yourself, a new bedroom decor will be a welcome gift. Do what you can with the time and budget you have to work with. You can still surprise her with new bedding and draperies if that's all you can manage. In the end, you just want to say thanks for all that she does. Giving her personal space a new look will definitely be appreciated.
connieoliver@shaw.ca
