BRIGHTENING UP THE MASTER RETREAT
It’s no secret that I’ve been talking about updating our master bedroom and that I’ve been working on a few new things in recent weeks. The time has finally come for the big reveal – and you wouldn’t believe the change. Even my husband and kids can’t believe it. Don’t get me wrong – we loved our bedroom before. It was sophisticated and curated, with an enveloping colour palette and warm, earthy elements. You can read all about it HERE. The layers of grey on grey were exactly what I wanted when I designed our space. The issue with it was the overall light quality. Lighting is the single most important element in any design. I often tell clients and friends that without the right lighting, your desired results may not be achievable. Our north-facing windows cast cold light into the room, and on a dark day, with this colour palette, walking into the space felt confining and a little heavy at times. We were in need of a change, so I set out to create a light and airy space by brightening up the master retreat with paint and lighting – basically the complete opposite of what we had – to help visually enlarge and to brighten up our small bedroom.
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Here it is – our new master retreat. I must say, the results are exactly what I had envisioned. I created this look with only a few changes, believe it or not, and it wasn’t a huge cost factor either: a new, fresh and light paint colour, new bedding (which I revealed to you last month, HERE), a few new accessories, new lamps, a new chandelier, and the real stars of this space, SYLVANIA LED lightbulbs, which I purchased at Canadian Tire (I’ll get to that shortly). That’s it. Small changes, HUGE impact. Take a look…
I wanted the palette to be cool and crisp, literally like a breath of fresh air – especially for the summer months. I plan on reverting back to our grey bedding in the winter to add the cozy factor back in here. The wall colour, Icicle White, by Benjamin Moore Origins for Canadian Tire, works fantastically with both palettes, so it’s a big win-win. This colour is so refreshing and calming at the same time; it’s the softest blue imaginable, with a hint of grey in certain light.
There were already a few brass accessories in the room and paired with the dark grey, it was quite glamorous. I loved it. I wanted even more of the brass with my new blue and white palette, and I fell hard when I found this gorgeous Canvas Harlowe Chandelier from Canadian Tire. The soft brass colour and brushed finish add the perfect modern element to the space. I’m thinking I may add some shades to it to create a more tailored look, but I am in love with this little gem and its linear quality just the way it is. It’s very different from our previous fixture, which was more feminine.
I’ve used SYLVANIA ULTRA LEDs in the chandelier, which are dimmable; it’s very important to me that the ceiling fixture has this feature because I love being able to have low, ambient light when I’m relaxing in the evening. There’s a small, initial investment, but the overall savings can be quite significant – with up to 85% in energy savings! That’s a big factor as far as the environment goes, and even better, they’re mercury free – I love this feature the most because it feels great knowing our home is that much safer for our family and the environment. There is no warm up time, and they turn on right away – no delays. You can view SYLVANIA’s full lighting collection HERE.
I used the gold-framed coral print artwork from our master bathroom and hung them in a simple row on the large wall. Keeping it minimal here allowed for the space to breathe and let the chandelier really set the tone for the room.
The existing bedside lamps moved over to this wall, atop our two Ikea dressers, and the regency style mirror was yet another metallic touch that reinforced the Palm Beach vibe I wanted for this vignette. It has been in a few different rooms around our home, and I think I’ve finally found its permanent spot.
The blue and white ginger jars from the living room have found a new home in here for the summer and provide the perfect balance for our new blue and white bedding. I have plans to glam up these dressers as well. I’m debating between brass drawer pulls, brass ring pulls, mirrored drawer fronts and sides, or a patterned overlay on the drawers only. Maybe mirrors and overlays…that would be gorgeous. There are so many options! I can’t decide which one – I may just keep it simple and go with new hardware.
As far as lightbulbs are concerned, I honestly did not know about the features of LEDs until I tried them in this space. I’ve always used basic incandescent bulbs, and since switching them out for LED lightbulbs in this room, I can’t believe how gorgeous the light quality is, day or night. Now I want them everywhere! It brings out the wall colour at night and enhances my metallic finishes – which are a very important element of this design – even more so than before. I absolutely love it all.
I have two different types of LED lightbulbs for the table lamps: SYLVANIA LED for the dresser lamps and SYLVANIA ULTRA LED for the nightstand lamps. Both are soft white with a cool colour temperature, which is ideal for interiors. It creates a bright, crisp and clean feeling in this space. SYLVANIA LED lightbulbs are less expensive than premium, SYLVANIA ULTRA LED bulbs, and they last up to 10 years! I’m using SYLVANIA ULTRA LED lightbulbs for the nightstand lamps because we use these lamps the most. I like to read at night and do work while sitting up in bed, and since they can last up to 22 years – yes, 22 years – I’ll definitely get a lot of work done!
The lighting enhances all of the beautiful accessories on my dressers and nightstands as well. Everything sparkles and shines so much more…who doesn’t love extra sparkle?!
HERE’S A CLOSE UP LOOK :
I love how it brings out the details of the decor and colours even more at night.
My husband and kids have all said it looks and feels like a hotel suite in here, and they can’t believe the difference in the before and after. Hearing that coming from my family is the icing on the cake for me; I could not be happier with how this turned out and how much the lighting affects the overall feeling in here. I can tell you that I’d have to agree with them on the hotel thing. It’s like my own little retreat. Not only at the end of the day (when it’s time to wind down) but even in the middle of the day, I’ll come in sometimes just for a few minutes, look around and get that breath of fresh air to recharge. I hope you like this as much as we do! Thanks for reading, I’d love to hear what you think. xo
GET THE LOOK OF OUR MASTER BEDROOM :
Hey! Love the design and the colours you used. Do you happen to know the colour and brand of paint? I want to use this colour in my living room!
Hi there! Did you have issues ordering or delivery with this bed from Structube? I have read many bad reviews for their customer service and delivery.
Hi , what is the name of the website you ordered the bedding?
Thank you! This bed is from Strutube, we love ours! :)
I love the headboard! Where can I find it?
Hi Ashley, I apologize that the bedding is sold out! I’ve updated the sources and linked some similar bedding options in my post :) I hope that helps! Good luck!
Can you PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE try and find me this bedding in a queen. I NEED it, lol!
I use the Nikon d3300 camera – and thank you so much! I’m still learning how to use it!
What do you use to take your pictures? They always look amazing!
Thank you! They’re some of my favorites!
Love the dresser lamps.
Thank you very much for stopping by – I’m really happy when new friends start to follow along, I’m thrilled you like what you see! I’ve had that piece for so many years and it’s from HomeSense (HomeGoods here in Canada). You can achieve a similar look with other coral pieces you may find. This one is great because it’s tall and long pieces hang hang from it. If you find something smaller you can use it for smaller items, if that’s your intention, of course! I hope that helps! Thanks again for visiting! Feel free to join my newsletter for regular updates! Tamara xo
I love your style. Discovered you on Pinterest, and now will be following your blog. I’m not tech savvy, but love good decor. I screen shot an idea you had, in your bedroom. I have been scouring home goods looking for the piece. It looks like a sea coral form and you hung jewelry on it. If at all possible, could you tell me the designer or company name of the piece. Would enclose the picture but don’t know how to attach it. Happy designing!
Thank you! It’s such a great feature – I’m a huge fan of dimmers to create mood in a space. Thanks for visiting!
Thank you Theresa! I’m happy you like it! It’s so much brighter than before and the lights really are a key factor! Thanks for stopping by!
Wow! I can’t believe the difference with the new light bulbs!! Love the colours you chose for your bedroom.
Very nice! I love that the Sylvania LED bulbs are dimmable!
Bree, thank you! It really is like a completely different space and it’s amazing how such small things can have such a big impact! So happy you like it! You’ll love these lights too if you try them – everything feels so crisp, I love them! Thanks for stopping by! xoxo
Tamara!! I absolutely love the transformation!!! That fixture and wow! Those bulbs! They do seem to make a huge difference and I can see why you love them so much!! I’ll definitely have to give them a try very soon:)). All of the other changes are fabulous as well, like you said…it’s like a hotel suite!! ?
Randi, you are so sweet! Thank you for saying that, it means so much! Isn’t the lighting great? It makes a really big difference in here and the wall color is so serene and relaxing., it enhances it that much more. Thanks for your kind words my friend!! xoxo
Tam the transformation is simply stunning! I love the lighting. What an incredible difference. You have such an amazing talent for giving a room such a pull together, yet curated feel. Fabulous job my friend!!!
Monica, thank you so much for the amazing feedback! It really is a complete transformation – and the updates were so simple! I’m thrilled you like it, thank you so much for stopping by and leaving a comment! xoxo
Thank you so much! They are called Trondheim but aren’t available anymore…it’s too bad because they are great pieces!
Oh my!!! I am just seeing your prior room and the difference is amazing! You made excellent, excellent choices, from the wall color to the bedding and accessories. It is impeccably designed. I love lan inviting space. This is it!!!!! Great job!
Kate!! Thank you! I’m thrilled you like it! It really is amazing what you can achieve with so little!! Thank you, sweets! So happy to hear from you! xoxo
Tamara!!! This is a stunning makeover and I can’t believe the transformation! The best part is that you only changed a few key components to achieve an entirely new look!!! High-five, my friend!!!!!
Annie, you are so sweet, I’m so happy you like it! Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment! xoxo
Jen, thank you so much! I’m so happy you like it and that I’ve inspired you! You’ll love these bulbs, they make huge difference :) Thank you for stopping in! xoxo
Oh my goodness Tamara! It looks so amazing! Lighter and brighter for certain! I love your new light fixture! Perfect choice! You have talked me into it…I’ll be in each of those ultra LED bulb asap!!! Great post sweet friend!
Your bedroom is a stunning retreat Tamara! I loved each and every detail and that light is gorgeous!
Love! Which ikea dressers are they?
Thank you so much, Maria :) It really is a retreat! It makes me so happy to spending time in here and I’m thrilled you love it! Thanks for stopping by to say hello! xoxo
Wow Tamara! I love your retreat!! It’s so fresh and bright. Definitely a space you’ll want to spend lots of time in. You did a great job! xo
Thank you so much Patricia!! I’m thrilled you like it – truly, I’m so grateful!! Thanks for visiting and leaving a comment! xoxo
Tam! This is such a beautiful space!! Every detail is perfection. xo
Hi Danielle, yes, they’re from Walmart! Thanks so much for stopping by, I’m glad you like it!
Beautiful room. Can you tell me where the sheets are from?
Haha get over here! I love it so much, we all do! It’s like being on vacation, seriously!! Aren’t the lights amazing? That chandelier is my fav! Love you! xoxo
Terry, I love that you love it! Thank you!! I can’t wait for you to see it in person – and it’s so true – having our own space to sneak off to is so important! Love you! xoxo
Tam- Everything is pulled together beautifully… and the light fixture is stunning.. Important to have our own special space at any time of day!!! I would not expect any less from you..Great job xoxoxo
Tam…the ambience that the
Lighting/chandelier, gives is beautiful. And it IS like a retreat…so beautiful with the walls, new pattern for the bed and those incredible lights!! Can’t wait to get over there to relax…xxxxx!!!
Izab, the fact that I’ve inspired you to try something in your home is over the top exciting to me! Thank you for your support – I can’t tell you enough what it means to me! I’m so happy you like it! I can’t wait to see pics of that new retreat of yours…it will be gorgeous! Love you! xoxo
Kelley!! Thank you, thank you!! The difference in here is tremendous, literally like night and day. I feel like I’m away when I’m in here! You need to try these bulbs, you will love them, trust me! worth every penny! I’m so happy you stopped by to visit! Love you! xo
Shauna, you have no idea how much it means to me that you love it – isn’t the light fantastic? I got so excited when I saw it – and I could see this in your beach cottage!! Thank you for your sweet words, my friend!! xoxo
Kris, I am so thrilled that you like it! You are welcome to visit any time! You will love these bulbs, they make a huge difference in the space and at night it’s magical in in our room…I love it! And 22 years – isn’t that crazy?! Thanks for stopping by! xoxo
Wow Tamara, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it!!!! It definitely looks lighter and brighter and the perfect little retreat – when can I visit?! :) I need to get some of those ultra LED bulbs – I have a few bulbs in spots that are a huge pain in the neck to change out so it would be pretty awesome to only have to do it every 22 years!
That light is GORGEOUS!!! Love the room makeover and so sophisticated and beautiful! Great job my friend!
Xoxo
Oh my goodness! Your transformation is stunning! I can’t believe how much lighter and brighter everything looks! Confession- I can’t find bulbs that I like beyond the old school that I stocked up on at the dollar store because you can’t find them any more. I need to give these a try; our home is currently filled with a mix left by the builder and ones that I have switched. Thank you for sharing!!
Oh Tamara, i am in love with your retreat!! LOVE! LOVE! LOVE! I can’t wait to turn my bedroom into my own retreat! thanks for the shopping tips and design tricks, you make our lives much easier. i love cutting corners when i can!! Thanks to you xox