Master Bedroom Makeover: Blending Eclectic Style with Mid-Century Charm

Is your master bedroom functional but lacking personality? Does it fail to reflect your unique style and taste? Erin from Suburban Bitches faced the same dilemma and decided to transform her boring bedroom into a stylish and personalized sanctuary – all while sticking to a budget. Discover the secrets behind this incredible master bedroom makeover and get inspired to revamp your own space.

A master bedroom with a warm and inviting atmosphere, showcasing the 'before' state.

This master bedroom, before the makeover, was perfectly functional but lacked any defining character. It was a blank canvas, waiting to be infused with the personality of its homeowners. Erin, one half of the blogging duo behind Suburban Bitches, felt that the room simply didn’t match her taste. She craved a space that was both stylish and reflective of her personality. With a budget of $1500 and a vision to create a unique and inviting retreat, Erin embarked on a master bedroom makeover that would completely transform the space.

Meet the Designer: Erin from Suburban Bitches

Name: Erin of Suburban Bitches

About: Erin is one half of the dynamic blogging duo known as Suburban Bitches. Their blog offers a humorous and relatable account of transforming their suburban homes from cookie-cutter to fabulous, all while juggling the demands of raising six children and maintaining their social lives. At Suburban Bitches, you’ll find a wealth of DIY projects, decor inspiration, total room makeovers, delicious cocktail recipes, and creative party projects. They share all the things that keep them going and inspire their lives in the suburbs!

Project: Master Bedroom Makeover

Budget: $1500

A beautifully styled bed with white and black linens, set against a vibrant blue rug and surrounded by natural light.

The Inspiration Behind the Transformation

Tell us a bit about this space and what inspired you to tackle a makeover!

Erin explains that her master bedroom had good bones to start with. It boasted high (10 ft) and curved ceilings, giving the space an open and airy feel. The room also benefited from an abundance of natural light, making it a pleasant place to relax. However, when they first moved in, the room was furnished with whatever they had on hand, resulting in a neutral gray palette that lacked personality. While it was functional, it didn’t feel like “them.” The Oh Joy Petal Pusher wallpaper served as the primary inspiration, sparking the desire to introduce luxurious elements and captivating patterns into the space.

A stylish bedroom corner featuring a bed adorned with decorative cushions, a cozy bench, and a chic nightstand with a lamp.

A Design That Evolved Over Time

Did you start with a clear vision or did the design evolve over time? What elements did you simply have to have?

The design process wasn’t a linear one. Erin admits that there wasn’t a clear vision from the outset, and the room was completed in stages. She knew that the wallpaper would be the focal point of the room, creating a statement wall. An upholstered bed was also a must-have, serving as a more traditional anchor in the space. With these elements in place, Erin planned to layer in Mid-Century furniture to create a balanced and eclectic aesthetic.

Drawing Inspiration from Design Icons

What were your main sources for design inspiration?

Erin credits Emily Henderson as her design icon. She admires Henderson’s ability to create stunning and inspiring rooms and constantly draws inspiration from her work.

A modern bedroom setup with a flat screen TV mounted above a wooden dresser, complemented by a sleek black chair.

Overcoming Design Challenges: The Nightstand Saga

Any setbacks, hiccups, or unexpected design dilemmas? How did you solve them? Tell us the dirty secrets!

One of the biggest challenges Erin faced was finding the perfect nightstands. She loves Mid-Century furniture and wanted to incorporate nightstands in that style, appreciating their clean lines and potential for customization with paint. However, she discovered that the scale of Mid-Century nightstands often clashed with the size of modern beds. While she found many appealing options on Craigslist and Chairish, the height always seemed wrong.

Finally, she stumbled upon an entire bedroom set of campaign-style furniture on Craigslist for an unbeatable price of $200. The seller was unaware of the value of campaign furniture! Erin seized the opportunity and purchased the set, even though she wasn’t sure if the nightstands would be tall enough. As expected, they were too short. She spent weeks contemplating whether to add legs to the nightstands, fearing it might look awkward.

Inspiration struck when she saw how Emily Henderson (and the master bedroom featured on Curbly) successfully paired short nightstands with modern beds by using tall lamps to flank the bed. Erin followed suit, ordering taller gold lamps, and her nightstand problem was solved!

A close-up of a decorative tray displaying a gold bust of a smiling lady, surrounded by greenery and other elegant gold accents.

Favorite Features of the Transformed Space

What is your favorite new feature of this space?

The wallpaper remains Erin’s favorite feature of the room. She also loves the vintage lamp on her tallboy dresser. This lamp belonged to her great-grandmother and holds cherished memories from her childhood. When she asked her mother if she could have it, her mother was surprised but happy to pass it on. Erin loves everything about the lamp and believes it perfectly complements the room’s design.

A detailed view showcasing the nightstands, each adorned with a stylish lamp and carefully curated decorations.

DIY Pride: Refinishing Furniture Finds

Your proudest DIY moment?

Erin takes pride in the fact that all the dressers and nightstands in the room were refinished for the space. She purchased them inexpensively from Craigslist and either painted the pieces or stripped the wood and re-stained it to achieve the desired look. However, her proudest DIY moment is yet to come. She plans to recover the yellow bench at the end of the bed with a hair-on cowhide rug, and she is excited to see how this project turns out!

A beautifully arranged bed with white linens, accented by black, white, and yellow pillows, flanked by elegant gold lamps.

Advice for Aspiring Home Decorators

Any advice for others about to start on their own master bedroom makeover?

Erin’s advice is twofold: First, don’t skimp on your mattress. Investing in a good night’s rest is crucial for your health and well-being. Second, if you’re sharing the space with a partner, ensure that the design strikes a balance between masculine and feminine elements, creating a space that both of you can enjoy.

A cozy reading nook with stylish decor elements, including a comfortable wooden sofa and carefully selected accessories.

What’s Next for Suburban Bitches?

What’s next for you? Any other makeovers or exciting DIY projects on your list?

Erin is constantly working on redecorating rooms in her house. After living in their home for a little over two years, she and her partner are continuously finding ways to make the space more reflective of their style. They are slowly tackling projects such as replacing lighting and tile throughout the house. Erin is currently working on redoing her laundry room in a six-week time frame as part of the One Room Challenge. Once that is finished, her next project will likely be painting the kitchen cabinets and replacing the granite countertop on the kitchen island.

Thank you, Erin!

See more of Erin’s home projects and DIY adventures on www.suburbanbitches.com. You can also find Suburban Bitches on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, and Instagram!

Do you have a Makeover Tour you’d love to share?