Decorating Ideas

Kim’s Bedroom Inspiration

Since I started my blog I’ve become the resident decorating expert among my friends and I’m often called on for advice. My friend Kim recently moved into a fabulous loft in Soho and asked me to help her with ideas for her bedroom, which she wants to decorate on a budget. Below is an inspiration board along with some ideas I put together for her.

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Kim’s loft is a rental with ridiculously high ceilings so painting her bedroom would be too costly and isn’t an option she wants to consider. I recommended a black and white scheme with pops of color added through accessories and artwork. Above are some inspiration photos which will guide the design.

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Kim loves yellows and blues so I thought a goldenrod yellow would be a fun, cheery dominant accent color with a deep blue turquoise added in for additional interest. Since the bed will be the focal point of the room, this is where I suggest she spend money…nice bedding, a plush upholstered headboard and fun pillows and accessories to add color and texture. Everything chosen here with the exception of the lamps from Pieces is relatively inexpensive and she shouldn’t have  a problem finding similar lamps on ebay or at one of the many flea markets in and around NYC. I’m a fan of  crisp white bedding and Laytner’s Linen and Home here in NYC has a great deal on classic striped bedding sets. The black and white DwellStudio for Target bedskirt is a modern contrast to the classic bedding and the ikat pillows add color and pattern while the Jonathan Adler needlepoint pillow adds a touch of kitch. The teal blue rug from Ikea could ground the space nicely.

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Kim already has an amazing vintage desk and dresser. I suggested painting them both a glossy black and changing out the knobs on her dresser. The two chairs here are both great options to fit her desk, with the fab Craigslist find being the more economical choice. And can you believe those insanely fabulous nightstands I found via Craig’s for just $70! She should snap these up quickly before someone else does!

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Here are some accessories that would be great additions to her room. Currently Kim has a world map on her wall above her desk but it’s very colorful and kindergarten classroom-ish so I thought the vintage one above is a more sophisticated alternative. I would probably place it on the blank wall adjacent to her bed as opposed to right above her desk. I also love that little blanc de chine inspired bird lamp from Urban Outfitters. Would look super chic with a nice glossy lampshade…in a turquoise that mimics the color of the rug from Ikea. I wish I had a floorplan to help you visualize the layout but this should give you a sense of the overall design direction I recommended. What do you think?

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5 Comments

  1. Style&Grace

    I think your ideas are amazing!!! Great post.

  4. maureen

    Gray & yellow combination is so chic! I love the chippendale chair (ballard designs calls it differently though—macau chair is that right?) & anything tufted.

  5. Tracy

    Really great post. I just came across your blog today and am super impressed. I can’t wait to continue going through the older posts!