How to Makeover a Coastal Bedroom in Blue and White

This post is bought to you by Sleepmaker

How to Makeover a Coastal Bedroom in Blue and White

As you can see, our bedroom was in dire need of a makeover.  Not being one to spend a shed load of money on my makeovers, I decided to change the accessories and art for a low cost, high impact result.  Clearly Beach Dwellers, something had to be done.  All the furniture remained the same, but for a few hundred dollars, or in this case probably less, because I shopped the house, you can have a bedroom which feels refreshed and inspiring. 

First, I always start with a mood board.  I lay everything out on the bed to decide what's in and what's out.

For a beachy colour scheme you can't go past blue and white.  The colour scheme I was going for was a Ralph Lauren Blue, a silvery pale blue and dark grey.  I thought the Summer Days art work would fly, but..........

When I got the art work onto the wall, it was clearly too small for the space and a little down market for the other pieces in the room.  In hindsight, I would prefer to see that art in a boys nautical bedroom, or a boat house.

I needed something bigger and at short notice.  You know I love to use what I have.  This collage was done by a friend some years back, when he wanted to practise his photography.  It hasn't had a run since we moved here, nine years ago and I thought it might remind Mr Beach house of the girl he married.  It fits the space and will be fine until I see something with wow factor. 

When the collage was put together, the idea was meant to be, the 'moods of Carolyn'.  Some of the shots are emotionally a little dark, but they are all honest.

Despite that, I think the collage ties in well with the plaster framed mirror, over the bed.  Not bad for a road side find, which I brought back to life with some silver paint.

As for the accessories , some time ago I covered an old lamp shade I already had and bought another lampshade the same size to cover.

The lamp stands were some I had from 25 years ago.  They are rather beachy and although they have been for sale on my vintage stand several times, they never sold, so I decided to use them. I think they have a classic American feel to them and of course, now I' m happy they have stayed with me.

Of course no coastal makeover is complete without some shells and coral.

Throw in some white roses in an enamel jug  and some greenery in a plant holder to add interest.  One hard and fast rule of decorating, is that every room should have something 'living' it.  Ironically, that includes faux plants, as is the case with the mini birds nest fern, in this scenario.

As for cushions, these are really the essential accessory for a makeover, because they tie the whole look together.  The two geometric ones at either end, are actually the same colour, although they don't look it here.  Cushions can be used as inspiration and a way to pull all the colours together.  The striped ones in the back, were really my inspiration for the colour scheme.

Over all I think the look is very fresh and calming.  Perfect for the relaxed feel of a Beach House.

Get the look:

White doona cover and pillow slips: Kmart

Metallic pale blue quilt: Sorry can't remember (It's 15 years old)

Blue and white geometric cushions: Plump Sunshine Coast

Striped cushions: Madras Link

Lamp shade uncovered: Freedom

Lamp Base: Laura Ashley

Fabric to cover lampshades: Burnt Street Fabrics Seaforth

Pot holder: Casa Noosa

Plastic birds nest fern and enamel jug: IKEA

Shell cross: The Pop Up Shop Avalon

Blue and White Ginger Jar:  Recollections

Silver Plaster Mirror: Roadside find painted with Rustoleum metallic silver paint

Summer Days and Sail Away Art: Kmart

If you want to select the best mattress for a bedroom, try the Sleepmaker mattress selector

Have you got a bedroom makeover in mind?

If you would like Desire Empire posts to come straight to your inbox every ten days or so, you can sign up here for my Newsletter.

Today I am linked up here
Domesblissity
With Some Grace
Be Inspired
Feathered Nest Friday
Tatertots and Jello
Weekend Rewind
Sunday Showcase
Metamorphosis Monday
Inspire Me Tuesday
Wow Us Wednesday
DIY By Design
Show and Tell Friday
Flaunt it Friday
Say G'Day Saturday
Live laugh Linky
Coastal Charm
Take a Look Tuesday
Monday Funday
Furniture Feature Friday