A Primary Bedroom Makeover: From Blank Canvas to Curated Retreat

Oct 17

This primary bedroom makeover began with a simple goal: to transform a plain white room into a space layered with depth, personality, and warmth. The vision was to create a retreat that felt both grounding and elevated, where every detail worked together to bring a sense of richness, texture, and character.

Before

Mood Board

Grounding the Space with Flooring

We started by installing a light, subtly textured floor from Shaw. The lighter tones helped brighten the room while providing a natural foundation that balanced the deeper, moodier colors we layered in later.

Color Drenching for Impact

To envelop the space in a cocoon of color, we used a technique called color drenching, which involves painting the trim, walls, ceiling, and doors in a single shade. The chosen color, Pewter by Benjamin Moore, instantly gave the room a dramatic, all-encompassing effect. This approach unified the surfaces, creating an atmosphere that feels luxurious, embracing, and refined.

Soft Foundations: Rug & Textiles

The rug, sourced from Loloi, anchors the space with its creamy, light tones while weaving in accents of blue that harmonize with the Pewter paint. Layered atop are linen curtain panels, chosen for their softness, airiness, and natural texture. These allow the sunlight from the large picture windows to flood in, balancing the darker walls with warmth and glow.

large glass windows framed by linen curtains. in front of the windows are a few houseplants and a white rocking chair draped with a cozy knitted blanket.

Architectural Accents: Subtle Texture & Craftsmanship

Behind the bed, we introduced an accent wall crafted with half-inch half-rounds by Thomassen Fine Woodworking. Painted the same color as the walls, the detail creates a subtle pinstripe effect, adding dimension, rhythm, and tactile interest without overwhelming the eye.

custom trim pinstriping on pewter-colored wall behind a large, white bed with several accent pillows

On the adjacent wall, a custom walnut bookcase, also by Thomassen Fine Woodworking, adds both storage and sculptural beauty. The natural walnut brings an earthy richness to the palette, and its design details—like the floating drawer that echoes the pinstripe wall, and the arched top that introduces organic curves—give the space balance, sophistication, and artisanal charm.

Elevating with Pattern & Height

The tray ceiling was treated with wallpaper by Sandberg in blues and greens, drawing the eye upward and adding a new layer of pattern, energy, and visual texture. This small but powerful touch reinforces the connection between the grounded walnut and the airy, nature-inspired tones.

A Touch of Old-World Warmth

The fireplace received a limewash finish, softening its lines and giving it a subtle, weathered texture. It feels both modern and timeless, a perfect counterpoint to the rich tones throughout the room.

Final Reflections

What began as a stark white box is now a curated retreat, a bedroom that feels layered, intentional, and deeply personal. With its enveloping paint color, handcrafted details, and thoughtful interplay of textures, this space proves how transformative design can be when every element works in harmony.