Master Bedroom Makeover Reveal: Our Sustainable Sanctuary

The journey culminates here – the finish line of an exhilarating weekend-long project! After meticulously sharing our process step-by-step, we are absolutely thrilled to unveil the stunning transformation of our master bedroom. From selecting eco-friendly paints to the precise installation of custom molding, and from new doors to luxurious organic bedding, every detail has been thoughtfully updated. What began as a vision of creating a serene retreat has now become a reality, achieved through two intense days (and nights!) of dedicated work, and just a few (okay, perhaps a dozen!) trips to Lowe’s. The result is a bedroom we genuinely adore, a true sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Join us for a detailed tour of our newly transformed master bedroom!

For those who prefer a written walkthrough over my “nerdy videos,” we’re excited to guide you through each thoughtful update. At the very outset of this renovation, our core philosophy revolved around sustainability. We made a conscious decision to utilize organic, environmentally friendly, and non-toxic materials wherever possible. This commitment was central to our goal of crafting not just a beautiful room, but a healthy, peaceful haven that truly offers respite from our busy lives.

Transforming the Canvas: Walls and Trim with Eco-Conscious Choices

You might recall the vibrant, almost shocking lime green walls that originally defined this space. While certainly a statement, they didn’t align with the tranquil atmosphere we envisioned. They have now been replaced with a serene and sophisticated shade of gray: Benjamin Moore’s Cotswald. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, this choice was profoundly influenced by our commitment to health and the environment. We opted for Benjamin Moore’s no-VOC Natura paint, a truly non-toxic solution that eliminated the need for opening windows or enduring unpleasant fumes during the painting process. This meant we could breathe easy, both during and after the makeover, ensuring a truly healthy living space.

Complementing the fresh wall color, we dedicated considerable effort to installing over 145 linear feet of trim. This involved a meticulous process of cutting, painting, installing, and touching up each piece. While adding trim might seem like a minor detail, the impact it had on the room’s overall aesthetic was nothing short of dramatic. It instantly elevated the space, providing a polished and “finished” feel that was previously lacking. Further enhancing the ambiance, we carefully selected and hung new artwork and introduced subtle details like a soft throw rug, all of which Chloe (our beloved pet) enthusiastically approved of, making the space feel truly complete and inviting.

Elevating the Bed: A Statement of Comfort and Style

Our magnificent four-poster king-sized bed has always been, and will remain, the undisputed focal point of the room. It wasn’t going anywhere, so our mission was to dress it up appropriately, transforming it into the luxurious centerpiece it deserved to be. We recall its previous incarnation with a rather haphazard quilt, an exposed box spring, and uninspired sheets. It was functional, but far from the inviting oasis we yearned for.

Fortunately, Dwell Studio emerged as our savior for bedding. Their exquisite organic cotton collection, featuring the stunning Ikat pattern known as Batavia, was absolute perfection. The soft textures and sophisticated design instantly elevated the bed’s presence. To complete the “tszujing” — the art of making something look effortlessly styled — we layered it with an array of carefully chosen throw pillows from Dwell Studio and West Elm. This curated mix of patterns and textures transformed our once lackluster bed into an inviting, plush oasis, promising comfort and style.

Personalizing the Space: Cherished Memories and Art

With our first wedding anniversary approaching, I seized the opportunity to surprise Chris by finally framing cherished images from our special day. However, instead of simply plastering the walls with portraits of ourselves, I wanted to focus on the breathtaking scenery – particularly since we exchanged vows on a magnificent beach in Mexico. This approach felt more personal, intimate, and unique, almost like an inside joke meant just for us. It allows the beauty of the moment and the location to shine through, evoking a sense of calm and nostalgic joy.

For this crucial task, I turned to PictureFrames.com, entrusting them to print, mat, and frame three of our favorite images captured by the phenomenal wedding photographer, Jose Villa. These exquisite pieces now grace the wall directly above our bed, serving as a constant, beautiful reminder of that very special moment in our lives. PictureFrames.com truly exceeded our expectations, producing high-gloss images complemented by perfect off-white and sand-colored mats. The quality and craftsmanship are impeccable, making these photographs not just decor, but daily affirmations of our shared journey.

Illuminating and Expanding: Lighting and Clever Design Tricks

To ensure all our hard work was showcased in the best possible light, literally, we intentionally drenched the room in energy-efficient illumination. Our choice was Sylvania’s ULTRA LED collection, incorporated into both our ceiling lights and two stylish, adjustable pharmacy lamps, courtesy of Lamps Plus. These LEDs not only provide superior, natural-feeling light but also significantly reduce our energy consumption, aligning perfectly with our sustainable design ethos.

For a brilliant space-enhancing trick, we replaced the standard closet doors with sleek mirrored doors from Reliabilt, sourced conveniently from Lowe’s. This strategic decision created a double whammy of benefits: not only do they provide full-length mirrors, which are incredibly practical, but they also magically make the room appear to double in size! The reflection of light and the expanded visual field contribute significantly to a more open, airy, and inviting atmosphere.

The Art of the Details: Final DIY Touches

The personality of a room often resides in its smallest details. Final DIY touches, such as my custom jewelry frame, added a layer of bespoke charm that made the space truly ours. Quick, impactful solutions, like simply switching out the generic hardware on our bedside tables for elegant Anthropologie knobs, continued to personalize the space even further. These seemingly minor alterations collectively contribute to a cohesive and deeply personal aesthetic, reflecting our style in every corner.

Beyond the Finish Line: An Ongoing Journey

All in all, we couldn’t be more thrilled with the results of our master bedroom makeover. The transformation is profound, creating a space that perfectly aligns with our vision of a comfortable, stylish, and sustainable sanctuary. However, this is also just the beginning of our home design journey. Designing a room, and more importantly, transforming a house into a truly cherished home, is an ever-evolving work in progress. I am constantly on the lookout for that one special piece, that added layer of dimension – right now, the hunt for the perfect sheepskin or faux-fur rug to place in front of my closet is ongoing! But with this amazing foundation firmly in place, we are confident in our ability to continue building and refining our dream home.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who supported us in making this makeover dream a reality, and to Curbly.com for hosting me on this exciting journey. It was a truly enjoyable and rewarding experience!

Be sure to explore all the incredible SYLVANIA blogger room makeovers showcased on the SYLVANIA Facebook page. If you “like” their page, you can enter the daily sweeps for a chance to win your own SYLVANIA lighting products and Lowe’s gift cards, empowering you to embark on your very own room makeover adventure!

Erin Hiemstra is the style-maven behind Apartment 34, a daily blog that beautifully reflects her passion for all things aesthetic. Recently married, Erin and her husband Chris have dedicated themselves to applying her design and decor expertise to their Seattle, WA home. We are delighted that they shared this inspiring DIY master bedroom makeover journey with Curbly readers.