Tuesday, August 20, 2013

75 A Bright Idea in the Bedroom

I love me some spray paint.  It is often times a super easy way to make a quick update to a space, whether big or small. 

Our master bedroom has always been the most soothing room in the home.  And I intend to keep it that way, however, it was almost too blah for my colorful taste.  So, we made a switch and put our beautiful blue dresser in the room to add color and storage.


So that end of the room was taken care of.  But the second I posted the other side of the room, I knew something had to be done. 


I love the molding and the bedding and the chandelier, but color and happiness was lacking a bit.  It was time to make a quickie update.  After scouring Joss & Main and HomeGoods for ideas, I realized I was in loooove with happy lamps.  By happy lamps, I mean lamps that boasted bold colors.  First, I pinned this one:



Every ceramic lamp in our home is cream.  It has been my way of playing it safe and ensuring they would be classic and versatile for years.  Classic and booooooring.  And now that years have come and gone, I decided that it was time to say goodbye to the cream, and hello to a new color.  I loved that pink is a major way!

I left the original lamps in our bedroom alone, they were pretty expensive, so I moved those to our family room and snagged my other, less expensive set from there to spray.  I started out by taping off the metal base and socket with painters tape, and giving the lamp a good coat of primer. 


The lamps were originally a high gloss finish, so the primer would ensure that the new glossy paint color would stick nicely without dripping and running.


Hellooooo pink!  Every room needs some pink I say!


I let the lamps cure, removed the tape and put them in our bedroom.  That night when my hubby went down to bed I heard a, "Jennifer!  What did you do!?!"  Haha.  Ooops.  I guess I just assumed he would be OK with bright pink lamps.  Not so much.  I didn't even get a chance to photograph the lamps in the room {I didn't mind the pink, but they were a little much I suppose}, before he took them back out and handed them to me, asking me oh-so-kindly to try again.

So, looking at the room, I knew the next best solution and compromise would be a pretty sea blue {Rustoleum Night Tide in Gloss}, to bring the dresser color to the opposite side of the room.  I also thought I would add some aged brass, just to play with the metal finishes a bit.


This time, I sprayed the bases the brass color, and let them cure for two days.  I was still a bit nervous to re-tape the bases and have the newly sprayed brass color remove when I pulled the tape, so this time I just wrapped a plastic bag around the base and pulled it nice and tight while spraying the blue color.  This was much quicker and easier than taping it all off.

And here they are now, all subtle yet bold in our master bedroom.


OK, so this picture doesn't show their awesomeness as much as I would like, since the natural light is so much stronger on the left side of the room.  Here is a closer look.


I can't even begin to spout how much I adore the sweet little update.  They are gorgeous!


The aged brass is super lovely, I love that it isn't a bold gold, that it is a little more subtle.


And that blue.  Oh so pretty and glossy! 

Oh, hi there!

I did forget to mention above that I did add another coat of primer between the pink and blue. You can see that the primer ensured the glossy paint went on nice and smooth and prevented those scary spray paint drips.


I still needed a way to sneak in a little bit of pink on this side of the room.  Those little pom poms on the pillow were much more tolerable to the Mr.


And the pillow and the lamps play together like best playground friends.


Anyway.  Totally a superfan of the sweet difference a little spray paint made to the lamps and that entire end of the room.  Even if I didn't get the pink lamps, I love where we ultimately landed, and love even more that my hubby is now happy.  Lesson learned.  Never assume because it makes a.... well, you know the rest.


And speaking of experimenting in design, I was really wanting to paint the nightstand drawer fronts white.  The hubby didn't agree, so we decided to temporarily slap some white vinyl on the fronts and live with it for a bit.


It took looking at the room through my camera lens to determine that I actually like the nightstands better with their rich, walnut finish and no busy white contrast.  So, the vinyl came off, and they will stay "as is" for now.  {You can image the "I was right" happy dance B did}.  But I still thought I would share as it was one more way we played with the space and ultimately landed where we did.


So there is a story of how a little spray paint, went a long way in our bedroom.  Anyone else have any bright ideas in the bedroom or anywhere else around the abode?

75 comments:

  1. I love the way the lamps turned out! I, too, am a pink girl, but the blue and brass is oh-so-classy! Great little makeover, Miss Jen!

    ~Abby =)

    ReplyDelete
  2. I agree with you, I like the nightstands with their dark finish as I think they anchor the room. I just LOVE the subtle change the lamps and the pillow made!

    ReplyDelete
  3. What paint color did you use on your walls? Its so peaceful and beachy!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Marissa! It is Behr's Frozen Pond and I agree, it is very peaceful.

      xo!
      Jen

      Delete
  4. I love the lamps and never would have thought of the brass colour on the metal. THey look spectacular. I use tinfoil when I am afraid painters tape may take paint off. The aluminum foil conforms to the shape of whatever I am painting and it keeps the paint from leaking through!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for the tinfoil tip! Love that idea, so great!

      xo,
      Jen

      Delete
  5. Too funny about the white drawer fronts and the reaction to the pink lamps...trial and error and husband approval all equal a great design...especially in the master bedroom. :-)

    ~Sarah

    ReplyDelete
  6. Love, love the lamps! I love your style. You have such a great eye!

    ReplyDelete
  7. I guess you'll never know if pink will work in the bedroom unless you try :) The blue is gorgeous! Especially with that brass detail. Definitely a happy update!

    ReplyDelete
  8. I love the lamps. I thought you originally had the dresser in there, and had moved it to your studio?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Melissa!

      It was actually the opposite. We moved the dresser from the studio into the master bedroom since we needed another workspace more than we needed the dresser storage in the studio. Now the dresser holds our bed linens, so it was a really great move.

      xo!
      Jen

      Delete
    2. Ahhh...ok. My confusion! Either way, I live your color choices! I have some walnut stained end tables in our den. I am giving the den a facelift, as it was sort of leftovers when we moved. I am considering navy! Love it with so many different colors! My home is very "Pottery Barn-esq", and I saw someone use Heirloom White from Rustoleum. So haven't decided yet.. But nice thing about spray paint...if you don't like it, it's quick and easy and cheap to change!

      Delete
  9. Haha...loved this post - it made me laugh. Lamps look amazing! Love that blue color - very classy!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Looks awesome as usual! :) I really like the pink, but my hubby would do the same thing! Can I ask you a personal, unrelated question? Do you every get in a cleaning rut, where you just don't feel like keeping it spotless? I find I go in spurts, from being super clean freak, to awe who cares....let it slide for a few days. I do the bare minimum (the kitchen), and clutter builds up...and then I freak out about it and do another cleaning frenzy! I copied your chore chart idea...did it for 3 weeks than got in a rut and haven't gone back to it! How do you do it all, plus run around with your head cut off to all the sporting events??? I have 3 little ones as well, but my oldest is only 5, so I'm sure I'm not as busy after school as you are now! :) Any tips would be GREATLY appreciated! :) You seriously are my cleaning/organizing idol!
    xo,
    Amber

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am glad you asked, Amber, as I was wondering the same thing. You sound like me. I too do the same thing where it is clean and I am on top of it and then get fed up (frustrated) and let it go a bit. I don't know how Jen does it. I get frustrated when I spend all that time cleaning, organizing, etc and everyone undoes what I have done. This mama gets really irritated with that one.

      Oh Jen, I am chuckling over here at Brian's reaction to the pink lamps. :) They do look great blue and I like the brass contrasts. Your room is very serene and pretty. I like the nightstands all natural too. Good idea to try the vinyl!! :)

      Delete
    2. I have the same problem, it never fails I clear off a counter or side table and 5 minutes later hubby piles his crap there! Any tips on how to break that habit would be great!!!

      Lanell

      Delete
    3. Hi Gals!

      First, please know our home is not always perfect. Or spotless. We totally have our messes, we have three little guys after all. Oh, and two furry pups too!

      You can snag all the details on our cleaning plan here: http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2013/05/may-mini-challenge-you-asked-we-heart.html

      It really is a balance. I personally am not as happy or productive when my home is cluttered or messy, so that drives a lot of it for me. Also, I am fortunate enough that my boys are at ages where they can pitch in a bit.

      It is also important to be able to let things go from time to time, and just enjoy your home and life. I have learned to let a lot go in order to just leave and enjoy a day with the kids.

      The biggest thing that helps us is doing a quick pick-up at the end of each night, and keeping main surfaces clutter free.

      Love ya ladies!
      xo,
      Jen

      Delete
    4. Ok thanks!!! I'm going to try and make a nightly family pick up, a habit! I bet that will help a lot. Some nights....like last, I was busy cleaning up vomit out of the carpet, and by the time that was done and I got the kiddies into bed, I was too tired to do anything else! :) But I think I will start this now, even though my kids are little. I'm sure it will pay off later! Thanks for making my life so much easier with all your great ideas! PS...I am getting so excited for Christmas this year! I'm going to copy your cute idea of doing something with the family every day in December! Can't even wait!
      xo,
      Amber

      Delete
  11. As the only girl in a house full of boys - you are due some pink! But they look great in Navy too!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Amanda! I always find ways to sprinkle little bits around the house, whether a pillow or a frame. Those smaller accessories are OK, I guess the lamps were just a bit much. :D

      xo,
      Jen

      Delete
  12. That would be my husband's reaction too. Nothing "girly" allowed! That's alright with me though I'm not a huge pink girl.
    Thanks for the inspiration though. Have you ever painted a ceiling fan? I stare at it and want to change it. It's a necessary evil in our room, we would be way too hot without it.
    Loved reading today's post!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Stephanie!

      I personally have not painted a ceiling fan, but I have seen quite a few on Pinterest. I am guessing it would just be as simple as removing the blades and giving them some love. :)

      xo!
      Jen

      Delete
  13. The transformation of power of spray paint never ceases to amaze me. Love that shade of blue!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Looks fabulous! I love it when little, inexpensive updates can transform a room....great idea with the spray paint! One simple update I did in my bedroom recently was just changing the curtains. I had some solid, neutral-green ones that were a little too matchy-matchy with the walls and I switched to a brighter green with a bold pattern. And the best part--- they are fabric *shower* curtains from Target! Since I couldn't find what I wanted in the regular curtain aisle, I thought why not? And it totally works! Target always comes to the rescue! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Love Target shower curtains! Such a great idea!

      xo,
      Jen

      Delete
  15. Hubbys reaction made me laugh too as when you were talking about painting it pink I thought of him and his reaction. My husband would totally be the same.
    I agree with you that the drawers look better without the white. Sometimes its better to leave well enough alone.

    ReplyDelete
  16. That sounds just like something I would do. I'm always "surprising" the hubs with new updates here and there... and sometimes they don't last long for the same reason. Even though the pink was fun, the blue/gold looks great, too!!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Right when I saw the girly pink lamp, I thought, "My husband would not go for that." It cracked me up that your husband took them out of your room before you could get a photo. It was a great compromise because the blue and brass look perfect! Also, I totally agree that the walnut looks the best. It's so cool when a project gets nixed because we realize that what we have is the best option.

    ReplyDelete
  18. That is too funny! I'm sure I would have gotten the same reaction. The blue lamps are beautiful! And yep, I also like the wood tables better with no white. Gorgeous space!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Hilarious! I was thinking... oh no, hot pink lamps... but your husband saved the day! You ended up with a better solution--the lamps look fantastic.

    I actually recently did the opposite... I needed a soothing small white lamp in my office and spray painted an old Pottery Barn purple beaded lampshade I've had since I was a teenager. I wasn't going to use the lamp unless it fit into my decor, so now it does and it was almost free with some old paint. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Isn't it great when we can give new life to items we already have? Way to keep it and make it work for you! <3

      xo,
      Jen

      Delete
  20. What was the original pink color you used? Do you think it would look good with the gold as well?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Laura!

      I used Rustoleum's Berry Pink. I still love the color, and have since used it on some innocent animal figurines and vases in order to get that small pop of pink I adore!

      xo,
      Jen

      Delete
  21. Very lovely. I love the addition of blues.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Hahah, that is exactly a kind of reaction my hubby would give. We sometimes forget that they have their own. Well, at least I do that a lot.

    The blue is much better for the room and the lambs by the way.

    ReplyDelete
  23. I needed pops of color in my master, so I picked up a china cabinet at Goodwill. Since my bedroom set is also dark wood, and my bedset is beiges, with hints of dark brown and robin egg blue... I am painting the cabinet glossy robin egg blue, to stand in the corner and hold all of my jewelry and girlie stuff. Spray painted my lamps to match. Completely updated the room.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LOVE the idea of adding a china cabinet to the bedroom. I bet it brought in so much character. And the Robin's Egg blue sounds amazing!

      xo,
      Jen

      Delete
  24. I just knew that you were going to show them blue, then I was shocked at the Pink...:) I think B was right on that one. I love the Blue. Please check out my blog, simplebutfabulous.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  25. I love the lamps! And it is funny that your husband was just like "nope" to the pink ha

    ReplyDelete
  26. Ha! My hubby would say the same thing if I brought in hot pink lamps, although they were adorbs! I am a huge fan of spray paint, great results, it all ties together really well.

    ReplyDelete
  27. I'm inspired! My roommate and I got some inexpensive lamps in a 7 piece living room set from American Freight. They're alright but I'm definitely not in love with them. They are cream colored with gold accents. They just don't match the feel of the room. So now it's time to grab the spray paint and make them work for the space!! Once they're done I'll post them to my blog! Thanks for the inspiration :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. In my best chanting voice: Do it! Do it! Do it! It will give life to your set, I am certain! :)

      xo,
      Jen

      Delete
  28. I am so glad I don't have the only husband who vetoes decorating decisions! HA! Don't tell him I said this, but I think the blue is perfect!

    ReplyDelete
  29. The pink lamps are so something I would do! I've learned to swing the design idea by the Mr. before committing. It's amazing how much they do actually care about how things in the house look! I love the blue, it looks so great with your blue dresser.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I swing majority of things by him, but some things I would just assume that he could care less about. I was chuckling when he handed them over. And impressed that he cared! :D

      xo,
      Jen

      Delete
  30. I love the look of the aged bronze spray paint! I think I might have a little project in mind for that...Love your lamps and you had me crackin' up with you pink lamp story!

    ReplyDelete
  31. That looks so lovely now! What a great story of compromise in the DIY world haha!

    ReplyDelete
  32. Just lovely, a great pop of color :)

    ReplyDelete
  33. You know, you're kind of lucky your husband called you out for it! I mean, I'm not a fan of associating colors and patterns with gender, but it is what it is. My husband? He's all, "looks good to me!" Next thing I know, I have floral curtains and pillows and I'm about to paint the walls purple before I realize the slippery slope I'm on. Sigh.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hahaha! Never thought of it that way! :D Love it!

      xo,
      Jen

      Delete
  34. "Jennifer! What did you do?!!!" HILARIOUS.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Aw! I would have loved the pink! I have a pink lamp in our living room and a pink chandelier in our dining room - so I'm partial. Love the blue too though!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I loved the pink also, but I also love the new blue. I have been finding smaller ways to sprinkle that pink around. :D

      xo,
      Jen

      Delete
  36. I love it, but gotta say I would have adored the pink. Darn husbands and their opinions! LOL. I love bold lamps too...I have the yellow base ones from Target and love them soooo much in our living room. Really brighten up the space!
    -Morgan
    www.styleoyster.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  37. May I ask where you got those lamp that you spray painted? They're lovely.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Stephanie!

      I found them at Pier 1 about 8 years ago. :D You can find similar shapes and styles at HomeGoods, TJ Maxx and Marshalls for great prices as well.

      xo!
      Jen

      Delete
    2. I found similar ones here ��

      https://www.jossandmain.com/Allyson-Table-Lamp-MNQ-2171-YA33489.html

      Delete
  38. Blue lamps look great....but I also agree the night stands look better as they are.

    ReplyDelete
  39. I love how the blue lamps turned out. And you were still able to keep a little pink in the pillow. Nice touch.

    ReplyDelete
  40. Love!! Night tide is one of my favorites and the brass accents are perfect! I think the pink lamps could of looked great too, but the pom pom trim is a great compromise! xo sarah

    ReplyDelete
  41. GREAT story!! Super hilarious! Although I didn't see them in pink, I think the blue/gold is the perfect choice:)

    ReplyDelete
  42. BWAHAHAHA! Can totally relate with a hubby not liking PINK in the room and the no painting wood. Currently trying to get the hubster to repaint our dressing table, our first DIY project together when we started dating (love ever after. BWAHAH!)He's very against it since it took us a REALLY long time to seal the thing. (6 coats with a whole week between each coat, my dad said, nope not good enough, sanded off ALL six layers and more then redid another 6 layers, with a whole week between). Any suggestions? :P

    ReplyDelete
  43. It's amazing how different your bedroom looks now you've painted the lamps. I really think it's a big improvement.

    ReplyDelete
  44. Your room looks amazing!! I LOVE that dark blue dresser, and I think the blue and gold lamps were a solid choice (even though bright pink lamps are totally good too! Ha!)

    In the first picture, I see green lettering on the wall and was wondering what it spells? Toys? Today? I need to know! :D

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Steph! Yep, spells TOYS in the playroom. :) You can check out the post here: http://iheartorganizing.blogspot.com/2012/04/ha-i-labeled-wall-now-too.html

      xo,
      Jen

      Delete
  45. LOL! Love your husband's reaction to the pink lamps...totally made me laugh.

    My hubby doesn't really care how I decorate the house...there's pros & cons to that as well. I'm considering putting in pink/coral curtains in the master bedroom...but am trying to find a sophisticated/romantic pattern that doesn't look like a 12 year old girls room, lol.
    (I've run it by him, and he doesn't care if I put "pink" curtains in the room, but I still don't want it to look too girly)

    I recently bought this beautiful duvet cover from Ralph Lauren: http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/lauren-ralph-lauren-bedding-romantic-traveler-collection?ID=533374
    Any suggestions of a fabric I can use for the curtains?

    ReplyDelete
  46. I've been looking for a gold spray paint and love that Aged Brass! Did you get it at Lowes or Home Depot? Or someone else? :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Alyssa!

      Found it at Home Depot. :)

      Happy Spray Painting!
      Jen

      Delete
  47. Of course they don't have that same kind here...lol. Guess I'll go with the more expensive version. I just love that metallic, satin gold! :)

    ReplyDelete
  48. Love the lamps. I find great shaped lamps at Goodwill- usually for a few bucks. They transform great with spray paint and a fresh shade. Those dated porcelain lamps with floral accents painted on them become fresh and modern when sprayed. I am in the camp of liking the white drawer fronts. They lightened up the darker side and made the lamps pop. Dark finish is lovely too.

    ReplyDelete
  49. Do you have curtains in the bedroom? I live the patterns and colors you have in the room but wondering how you would tie curtains into that. Solid? Patterned? Color? Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Right now we do not have any curtains, just thick white blinds. I will be sure to share when we do add a little something, but it will most likely be something simple like a roman shade in a subtle pattern. xoxo!

      Delete
  50. I love it !! I was just thinking of finding a way to upgrade my boring white Ikea lamps, so thank you so much for the inspiration !

    ReplyDelete

Thank you so much for taking a moment to join in on the conversation! I read and appreciate each and every comment, however, I will remove any comment that I believe to be inappropriate, malicious, or spam-like. I would love for this comment section to be used as a place to engage in purposeful dialogue, I only ask that everyone remains constructive and considerate.

All comments will be moderated and may take a moment to appear.