Please excuse the mess, but I wanted to share a little “in progress” post for our master bedroom. I’m SO excited that it’s almost done, and I can’t wait to get back in there! (We’ve been sleeping in Lucy’s room during the transformation. 😉)
Note: I forgot to include a giveaway in yesterday’s post, so let’s do two today. To win one of TWO $50 prizes to shop the Preppy Girl’s Guide to Shopping the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, simply:
- Comment on this blog post. (You can say anything as long as it’s relatively nice and PG! Doesn’t have to be related to the sale at all.)
- Leave your e-mail in the following non-spammy format so we can get in touch with you if you win: Kelly [at] gmail [dot] com.
That’s it!
In case this is your first time visiting the blog, we’ve been having wainscoting, beadboard ceilings and wallpaper installed on the top two floors of our new home over the last few weeks with Kira David Design. (Emma’s room, Lucy’s room, my office and our master.) We’re at the very end of it, and while I obviously still have a lot to do in terms of decor, I can’t believe how “finished” the spaces look with the millwork and wallpaper alone. Each room feels homey, and I love that! And now that the big stuff has been taken care of, I’m looking forward to taking my time with the decor. :)
Btw:
Congratulations to Kira and her husband Tom, who just had their first child, Greta Mae. We love you three so much, and are so happy that we get to raise our girls in the city together, just as we used to dream of doing! Greta, welcome to the world!
Whenever I look at “finished” interiors on Pinterest and blogs, I tend to feel discouraged… and that I could never, ever create a space like that. Because of this, my goal with home content this year is to show you not just the pretty, stylized photos, but also the “start to finish,” my thought processes behind everything, and what I’m learning from Kira. (Because she’s truly making this so much less daunting for me. It should be fun, right?!) I’m just a normal girl without a design background on a quest to make her home feel warm, inviting and comfortable.
So let’s do this!
The “Before”
Design decisions
The beadboard ceilings:
I’ve always been drawn to paneled ceilings, and when we found our house, I knew I wanted to eventually install them on the top floor because the dormer design really lends itself to that. I’m the queen of saying “one day…” when it comes to home improvement projects because I get so darn overwhelmed by them, but Kira and Mitch convinced me that doing it immediately was the better route for a ton of reasons. While I wasn’t that keen on having a mini construction project going on in my home right after moving and having a baby, I’m VERY happy we went ahead and did it. It adds so much character to the room!
Picture frame wainscoting around the “hidden doors”:
You can’t see them in the above photos, but there are two closet doors in the master that are made to blend into the walls… though they don’t blend all that well. ;) Kira suggested “framing them out,” and now they’re GORGEOUS. I promise to show you before and after pics in my next post! The difference is amazing.
The wallpaper:
A few weeks ago, I polled you guys in this post about what Serena & Lily wallpaper we should go with for the room because I couldn’t decide. Surprisingly, it was pretty evenly split between the three options! (It was between single percentage points. Very weird, right?! I guess all the patterns are just THAT good!) But the best part was that a bunch of you had a genius idea: wallpaper the room in one print, and then the long hallway in another to both break up the space and include not one print but TWO. (Great for the indecisive!).
I was leaning toward these stripes for the bedroom, but several readers intelligently said that the vertical stripes wouldn’t look great in there because of the horizontal beadboard ceilings. So incredibly helpful! (Definitely hadn’t thought of that.) So we settled on the floral Fairfax Wallpaper for the room and the Acadia Stripe Wallpaper for the hallway. Again, we’re both thrilled with how it’s turning out, and we can’t thank you enough for weighing in! (And a big thank you to Serena & Lily for providing us with the wallpaper for this project!)
The bed:
This was the first thing I purchased when we moved into the new house. Yes, it was an investment, but I’d been longing for it forever and I knew it would be my splurge. :) No regrets! It’s even more beautiful in person.
The chandelier:
I found this on sale and went for it while Kira was in the hospital. ;) I was joking the other day with my friend Carly (who’s also working with Kira) that I’ve been making some “questionable design decisions” while she’s been out of office 😂, but I think she’s going to like this! It looks very much like the designer stuff, but since it’s from PB Teen, it’s priced far more reasonably. This is the other one I was considering, but I decided that it would look better in the office. Very happy with the decision!
The nightstands (also available here and here):
We’ve had these for years, and I was so happy that they worked in our new space, too. They might eventually end up in Lucy’s room since she currently has some of the furniture from this line. (The taller chest didn’t fit in the master because of the dormer ceilings.) But for now, I love the nightstands!
The dresser:
Love it. Now that Mitch doesn’t have a dresser, I’ve pretty much given free rein of mine to Mitch, and just use a couple of drawers for socks and underwear. We have a LOT of closet space so I’ve simply be hanging up everything that used to go in my dresser–including jeans!–and I’m honestly so much happier. No more wrinkles!
The chair:
This was a gift from my friends at Interior Define and The Everygirl. I adore it. Can’t decide whether it should go in the office or the master, though. HELP! ;)
The bedding:
Oh my goodness. It’s all from Serena & Lily and I nearly died when it arrived. It’s so pretty. We were very confused about how to style a bed–especially a king-sized bed, which we’d never owned before–but Taylor from S&L here in Lincoln Park helped us so much, and we totally ended up with stuff that we’re obsessed with. (While I was hesitant about going “matchy matchy” at first, I actually now think it’s going to look fantastic! Eeeee.) Here’s what we ended up choosing: Seersucker Duvet Cover / Seersucker Euros / Scalloped Sheets / Fairfax Quilt / Fairfax King Shams / Woven Accent Pillow
The lamps:
I found Ralph Lauren rattan lamps at HomeGoods about a month ago and I’m in love with them. They’re on the floor in the above photo. They JUST barely fit with the dormer ceilings, and I’m so grateful for that! If you’re looking for something similar, I like these. (I love a good chinoiserie lamp, but unfortunately I think the pattern would blend into the wallpaper. The dark brown works perfectly, though, and adds texture to the room!)
The rug:
This was a Danielle Moss find. She swears by it! It’s amazingly affordable and surprisingly soft. I wouldn’t put it in a high traffic area because the prospect of stains would stress me out, but we’ve had it in our master for several months now and it’s perfect! So happy with it.
The sconces:
Another questionable design decision I made while Kira was in the hospital, haha. Do you like them?! I think they’re really cute. These are the ones I put in the office, which are even cuter. Kind of have regret about not just getting four of them. And now they’re sold out in brass. BAH! Moving on…
The mirror:
I have an old gold mirror right now, but I LOVE this one, and I’ve seen it get down to as little as $300 during big sales. Would love to one day invest in it, but for now, my old one is great.
The faux plant:
Haven’t decided on which one yet, but would like to pull the trigger soon. I love Darby Home Co. for faux plants. That’s where our topiaries (on our front stoop) are from!
The art:
So I actually think we’re not going to have ANY art on the walls because there really isn’t any wall space to work with. I love this! One less thing to worry about (and pay for). Thank you, dormer ceilings.
The window treatments:
I bought these very simple curtains because they were a steal. Would, however, like to do woven shades and/or a valance on the three windows over the bed at some point. This, however, stresses me out because custom curtains are confusing. The good news is that Kira’s a pro and says she’ll handle the whole thing for me. So if you’re in Chicago and need help with curtains, Kira’s your girl, too!
One / Two / Three / Four / Five / Six / Seven / Eight / Nine / Ten (also available here) / Eleven (also available here and here.)/ Twelve / Thirteen / Fourteen / Fifteen / Sixteen / Seventeen / Eighteen / Nineteen / Twenty
I love the idea of hidden doors in the house. Its my dream to add those to my house
Samanthagriego (at) yahoo (dot) com
So many beautiful pieces. Really like the ceiling and the pillowcases. waytoomanycats (at) gmail (dot) com
I love the blue and white color scheme! My bedroom is the same, it’s so tranquil and classic. tjwinberg (at) gmail (dot) com
Those closets are amazing! Mine and my husbands stuff is scattered throughout 3 bedrooms.. one of which has become a closet in itself. Marie Kondo please help us lol! Khayes [dot] shop [at] gmail [dot] com
Blue and White for the bedroom is always right.
masperle (at) gmail (dot) com
I love the room designs. Always making me want to redecorate. :) abulliner [at] gmail [dot] com
love the blue and white palette- and your taste! jennrecord [at] gmail [dot] com
I like the wallpaper!
Louise [dot] elsass [at] gmail [dot] com
I love seeing the progress on your home! Everything looks so beautiful and goes so well with the character of the house.
randa116[at]msu[dot]edu.
Love how this is turning out! Mariellejfiorino [at] gmail [dot] com
I love the wallpaper in the bedroom, so pretty.
peggyjohnson421 [at] gmail [dot] com
All is looking great! Can’t wait for the final reveal. lin (dot) moen (at) yahoo (dot) com
I love love the wallpaper choice!! The way you did the poll on Instagram to help decide, reminded of a challenge called “My Instagram Followers Control My Life for a Day”! Hahahahaha you should totally do that for more design decisions! :)
easmauk [at] gmail [dot] com
xx Libby
I used to really hate wallpaper but now its growing on me! Especially in bathrooms – is that weird? kecbooth [at] gmail [dot] com
I love the wallpaper and how casual but elegant everything is turning out! elizabeth (dot) haase12 (at) gmail (dot) com
I love how your master bedroom is turning out! It is so timeless and beautiful. Carolineharkless [at] gmail [dot] com
Looove the wallpaper! I want to wallpaper every wall in our house, but we’re just renting (boo).
sammiefeyschmidt [at] Gmail [dot] com
I love the wallpaper!
Deidra[dot]hofer[at]gmail[dot]com
Oh my goodness! It is looking so good – love the wallpaper :]
Meaghan [dot] Phillip [at] gmail [dot] com
Love the wallpaper. So glamorous! Allie.diamond[at]gmail[dot]com.
I JUST got the new S&L catalogue yesterday, and feel like a kid circling everything we need for our new house! That wallpaper is a dream!
Gibson [dot] tiffanyann [at] gmail [dot] com
I LOVE the wallpaper so much!! Can’t wait to see the finished product. carolinedodd1997 [at] gmail [dot] com
I absolutely LOVE how the entire room is coming out! The wallpaper, chandelier and bed headboard I think are my faves. You have the best style!!!
Email: Beth (dot) Rainsberger (at) gmail (dot) com
Huge fan of your chandelier! Makes every day special! Would love to shop the Preppy Girl’s Guide! ggallagher71 [at] yahoo [dot] com
I love the wallpaper! Blue and white for the win! Everything looks fabulous :). kagibney [at] gmail [dot] com
Taking major design inspiration from you guys before I move into my new apartment & have to redecorate!
brennajoconnor [at] gmail [dot] com
Love how this is turning out! So fresh and relaxing!
brooklyn [dot] contreras [at] hotmail [dot] com
I am loving the wallpaper in the Master bedroom. After removing a LOT of wallpaper, I vowed never to put up any…now you have me re-thinking that decision! jdcollet (at) gmail (dot) com
Absolutely love the blue and white combo! So elegant and timeless. acolorfulgray (at) gmail (dot) com
Gah it’s all so stinkin’ perfect! I want my home to have a cohesive style and it’s so overwhelming. Y’all are doing such a great job. desireelynnscales (at) gmail (dot) com
I’m so excited to see the final results of the master bedroom, I’m loving the colour scheme.
katie.wamsley (at) hotmail (dot )ca
We are redoing our bedroom right now too, and finding nightstands that fit in the space we have for them (and that we like/that match the feel of the room) is proving to be very difficult. Glad you could still use your current night stands in your new room.
mckiek [at] aol [dot] com
I’m dying to add wallpaper in our half bathroom, and this post is giving me the kick to get it started!
allisonkeathley (at) yahoo (dot) com
I’ve been loving all of your progress pictures here and on Instagram of this space!! It’s coming together beautifully!! I love how you and Julia from Chris Loves Julia are really getting into this whole “showing progress” thing because it definitely instills more confidence in me that my process in decorating my house is the same/similar as my favorite bloggers!!
lauren [dot] carrano [at] gmail [dot] com
I love the wallpaper! caitlin(at)themilestraveled(dot)com
Can’t wait to see how the wallpaper comes together! kajjjj176 [at] gmail [dot] com
It’s going to look amazing! boehib (at) yahoo (dot) com
Love seeing your home come together! I voted for the floral wallpaper, and love it in that space! tanner [dot] marylancaster [at] gmail [dot] com
i am LOVING the lighting fixture – gorgeous
lindseyrlynch (at) gmail (dot) com
I always thought of wallpaper as being super outdated, but you are making me fall in love with it!
gracehoffman96 [at] gmail [dot] com
This looks so beautiful! ealeo [at] buffalo [dot] edu
I love the blue and white and the jute rug!!! Blue and white is always nice! Can’t wait to see the final product! Kate.hwang (at) gmail (dot) com
Love all of this! In the process of trying to re-do our master too and it gives me such good inspiration. :) kerryecheney [at] gmail [dot] com
It looks so beautiful! Excited to see the finished product :) kmccarthy [at] gmail [dot] com
I love what the simple millwork additions have done — don’t need a lot of “decor” when it’s done like that. Inspiring me to get my situation together :) Allie [dot] beck [at] gmail [dot] com
The natural light in your new bedroom looks amazing (actually just the natural light all over the house)! Love all your pics of Emma and Lucy living their best summer time lives these past few months :)
samrussell328 [at] gmail [dot] com
That chandelier is a DREAM! Love the progress!
meg [dot] berger616 [at] gmail [dot] com
Love following along on your entire decorating journey!
megan [dot] mishra [at] gmail [dot] com
It’s looking great! Steph (dot) cto (at) Gmail (dot) Com
This is so so adorable brianacberg [at] gmail [dot] com.
Totally stealing this look for my new master bedroom!
Jenhays[at] hotmail [dot] com
Swoon-worthy for a lover of blue and white! Kristingrindley (at) gmail (dot) com
It already looks so different! I always hate the process of remodeling but the end results can totally be worth it
– Ana Luiza | NorthwestBlonde.com
thenorthwestblnode [at] gmail [dot] com
I love seeing how you mix in your S&L Westport shams with other bedding and have added pattern to your walls as well! I just purchased the same shams and have been trying to brainstorm ideas of how to tie my bedroom together. Thank you for the inspiration, Kelly!
Maureen [dot] Jamie [dot] Lindsay [at] gmail [dot] com
Obsessed with your master!! Can’t wait to see the little girls’ bedrooms!
fairchild [dot] tara [at] gmail [dot] com
That wallpaper! I’m in love! shellymccormick621 [at] gmail [dot] com
Your master bedroom already looks so dreamy! I love blue and white decor. Thank you for all the inspiration for my own home!
juliaday19 [at] gmail [dot] com
Absolutely love all of this! Bookmarking this page for inspiration for my future home…aka not a rental! ;) Congrats on it all coming together!
kellyldaviscpa [at] gmail [dot] com
I loveeeeee that the stripes still made the cut yayyy haha!!! The floral is SO cozy and beautiful!!! klynn(dot)obrien(at)outlook(dot)com
It looks beautiful! Thank you for sharing the progress photos – so fun to see how you are making your new house a home!
lmmills0819 [at] gmail [dot] com
Loveee the new bedroom it’s gorgeous! Emilynoord (at) gmail (dot) com
Just beautiful. In a way that the blue never gets old.
beckypowellmt[at]gmail[dot]com
Blue is my favorite!!! I love the wall paper, definitely flows well with your decor theme!
Love many of these suggestions! I definitely need to do some updates! Lululu22 [at] yahoo [dot] com
You bedroom looks beautiful so far and I love the wall paper!
Kpearsondct [at] Gmail [dot] com
I especially love the lamp, #8, and the design as a whole reminds me of fine china, very nice!
pryfamily5 [at] gmail [dot] com
Omg! I could just be a stowaway in this master bedroom ….. like the troll that hides under the bridge while the 3 billy goats walk across! That’s me… the troll under the bed! Ha! That’s a kinda creepy comment… ha! Didn’t mean it to be.
laurenkerry77 [at] hotmail [dot] com
LOVE how it’s coming together! Thank you for sharing your progress along the way Kelly, definitely getting inspiration for my new apartment!
mbrolinson [at] gmail [dot] com
So glad you sent with the floral!! So beautiful!
Katelyn.tzavelis [at] gmail [dot] com
So beautiful! I love all things preppy!
That bed is dreamy! Katie_oski [at] yahoo [dot] com
Thank you for sharing all the home content, it’s great to see it start to finish. And I have never been drawn to “preppy” style but your blog is making me reconsider :) keep up the great work!
Everything looks great; so bright and fresh! (if that makes sense. :) ) You’ve managed to get quite a bit done in a short time.
annek2152 [at] gmail [dot]
Love the redesign progress so far! I’m actually moving to NYC in 3 weeks to start grad school for interior design!
aprilepod [at] gmail [dot] com
Congratulations Kira!!! I love the wallpaper choices throughout your house. You’re so incredibly creative and brave!!!
smschnitzler (at) gmail (dot) com
Love this! It’s so nice to see a room in progress. I too get intimidated when I see finished rooms, and it takes me forever to get mine to look even semi-finished. Glad yours is coming together, and can’t wait to see what you and Kira pulled off!
Shubble804 (at) gmail (dot) com
Been looking forever for nude heels and think the Yovani pumps could be it! Help make this 5’2 gal look like she’s got mike long legs. Adriennehong [at] gmail [dot] com
The blue and white color combination is so tranquil.
ocbeachescaluxury8 [at] sbcglobal [dot] net
Love all the blues! Thanks for sharing! amandaleighbrown8 [at] gmail [dot] com
I love seeing the progress and updates of your new home!
delaneypnichols (at) gmail (dot) com
I love the idea of wainscoting and I am loving all the pieces you have chosen! cmanzo8 (at) gmail (dot) com
That wall paper is amazing!
jphamous03 [at] gmail [dot] com
Love seeing your home buying process thank you for sharing. Real estate is so fascinating and I love Chicago. Rlandon12(at)yahoo(dot)com
Congratulations on your new home! That’s so exciting!! :)
igc.kause [at] gmail [dot] com
Obsessed!!
I love your style!! This gives me so much inspiration. Your color scheme combines all of my favorites! cinderachel [at] gmail [dot] com