So yesterday was fun.
We talked about comments and the amazing people who make them and inspire others with their incredible decorating ideas.
All of you.
Taking a moment to pay it forward.
So I thought it might be fun to go all same song second verse.
A little tour through the master bedroom.
And few farmhouse decorating ideas and updates I’ve made based on a little help from all of you.
Are you ready?
Oh, good.
Me, too.
Here’s a quick before shot for reference.
This is what the bedroom looked like when we moved into the house around Thanksgiving.
See that mantel?
What until you see where it is now.
Here are a couple of quick facts about the room:
1. It’s a great size, but AWK to the WORD layout. Hence the reason for removing the mantel.
2. It has a couple of no-changers in the space. The giant beam running through the middle of the room that’s load bearing and the kind of half-wall with a cut-out on the side that’s also load bearing.
3. Just between us that wall with the random cut out is my achilles heel. I’ve tried everything to make it look cute.
And cuteness eludes us.
4. The carpet in here is about to be replaced with stained pine planks (like the rest of the upstairs).
Here’s the room right after we repainted it.
Here’s another view closer to the bed that with plates on the wall.
And here’s the exact same space with a few changes based on some amazing commenters.
Someone mentioned a mirror.
It was such brilliant insight that I wondered EXACTLY. SELF—YOU WRITE DECORATING BOOKS—WHY DIDN’T YOU THINK OF THAT?
This beautiful amazing vintage mirror is actually the top part of a dresser.
My husband just inherited it from his grandfather.
The dresser is amazing.
See it there in the hallway?
I love the dresser and I love the mirror.
Just not together.
It’s actually a super low dresser better suited as an entry table.
So I put it in the hallway.
So we removed the frame and the mirror from the back of the dresser.
I took down the plates and hung the mirror on the wall—frame and all.
I love the depth that it adds to the space.
Someone else suggested greenery.
So I added baskets full of fresh magnolia.
I also am going to get a couple of trees and potted plants for the corner to the right of the dresser.
Here’s the before from the other side of the room.
And here’s what it looks like now.
It’s not exactly the same angle, but you can get the idea.
Thanks to your comments—I removed the rug and added an ottoman.
When the pine floors are finished, I’m going to add an area rug.
Here’s a close-up of the ottoman.
I love the buffalo checks and the tiny nails.
It’s perfect for the chairs.
I also took away the smaller table and put it in the twins room and added a higher table and a lamp.
SO MUCH BETTER.
Thank you for all the commenters who suggested this (and there were many).
The changes are small.
A minor tweak here a minor addition there.
Another room got a little cuter.
Thank you my friends.
Thank you for coming along on this journey.
Thank you for your heart and your willingness to share.
I know I say it every day—but I can never, ever, EVER say it enough.
You. Are. Amazing.
Thank you to YOU for sharing this ever-changing, ever-wonderful journey with us!! xoxo
Can you encase the beam in wood? Or perhaps add moulding to make it look like it has panels? I can see how it would be awkward to decorate around. The room is getting Very cute. ;)
It looks beautiful. I love old dressers and mirrors. But the funniest thing to me is when you typed out AWK to the WORD! I did that yesterday and didn't know anyone but me said that - LOL. Have y'all thought of hanging (like by little chains or something) an antique rectangular all clear piece of stained glass in that little cut out? Framed out in white or something? We did that in my MIL's house and it looked amazing.
Yes! I came here just to suggest that, or an old cathedral style window.
You must have immaculate family members to be able to maintain a WHITE house! Bravo to that! I would however, hope that you start adding more color in all your rooms - especially in the fall and winter months, but that's just my personal opinion. All looks great!
The room is adorable! The opening in the wall is a little strange for sure, not seeing the purpose of why it was put in. I would have it sheetrocked and then you could decorate above the chairs with pictures, architectural items, etc.
Love your whole room! I thought it was perfect before, and it still is after.
The mirror is perfect above the chest and gives you the dimension that you needed and the view of the bookcases in the mirror would be awesome! The room is amazing! I was in Kirkland's yesterday and all I could think of was you when I looked at the items. LOL
I just want to comment that I obviously missed a post somewhere ....................... The baskets on top of the bookcases / entertainment center are AMAZING... GORGEOUS.... How did I miss that ??? The whole room is so pretty... but now Im stuck looking at the cut out !!! lololol........
I just want to say thank you Kari Anne for your wonderful blog. If I'm having a bad day, just reading your blog and gazing at all the beautiful photos really lifts my spirits. Your style is so relaxing! I just feel a little more at peace each time I read your words of wisdom and see your beautiful home. Thanks for all your inspiration!
Same here, Lori.
I love this space now! GREAT JOB! I want to tell you something. Your manner of writing and choice of words enable us to respond openly and honestly to you. I think I speak for a lot of people when we say we WANT to leave a comment or suggestion because we are allowed to just be us and not worry about being offensive or in some other way insulting you or the rest of your audience. I have left comments in the past that were made from the heart with good intentions only to be reprimanded or get my feelings really hurt. This is the first comment I have left on a blog in over a year. I just don't do it. But, you know what? You are so worth the chance! You allow us to be a part of your personal and blog life. We love it! Because of who you are and how you approach your profession, you have created an arena for total success and that success is certainly earned. OK. I'm done. Thank you. Thank you very much.
I could not agree with you more! It is like talking with a very good friend who is not going to be offended if we offer out opinion!
I totally agree with you Linda C. Johnston!!
Amen! I read very few blogs. Like this one and my daughter’s! Your voice AND your style are a delicious treat I splurge on in a busy day. 😊
Thanks for sharing your process. What a great size for a bedroom.
It looks so relaxing!!! love all of your changes. What did you do with that cutout? Have you seen the glass designs that use clear glass with different textures (similar to stained glass)? I am sure you want to keep the light (hence the cutout)- something suspended with clear glass would work or clear glass shelves with various clear glass pieces. We have similar issues in our old house! You are amazing!!!!!
Would it be worth a try to add a window box filled with a topiary and other greenery of various shades of green and texture to the awkward ledge? Wicker box to match the other one filled with greens. Such a peaceful room you have created for rest.
It is gob-smackingly stunning, and omg, soooooo big, beautiful and that mirror.....wowsers..
Where did you get the framed saying over the bed??
How about hanging some type of stain glass in the window cutout, adding a rustic window, or having a piece of wavy or textured glass that lets light through but adds a little more bling? I too have an awkward cutout window in a wall and am searching for the right piece to hang in that space. Loving your style girlfriend!
I love it! IT looks great and the reader suggestions added to your already fabulous room make it look as you say, a little cuter!
Love the room & the “after”. Think it has already been suggested.....hang with tiny chains a piece of stained glass or iron work.....I did that with the exact same situation...
I Iove your room but would like it even more if the plates you removed would come back and dance around the mirror! Thanks for the inspiration and your friendly voice.
That mirror is perfect!
I think you should fill in that awkward opening. make it a solid wall. Everything is so beautiful, love all the changes!
That was my first thought! Why is the cutout there? What is it’s purpose? I would rather see a solid wall.
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE what you are doing in this room. Your imagination never stops giving and is an inspiration. The way you allow us to follow the process makes your decorating not only lovely to look at and delightful to see, but also reminds us that beauty is organic, always evolving, just like each of your rooms do. There is beauty in every stage and always more to come. Karianne, you demonstrate so well an important lesson for us all to remember: Creating a beautiful space is a journey, not an end result, so there is no need to fret over little snags (like funny wall openings or a piece of furniture that isn't just perfect or a too empty space). The answers will come, changes will forever be made, God himself set this pattern in His creation, designers thrive on it and today's retailers love it! I thoroughly enjoy trekking along on your journey of beauty and am inspired by each post. Suggestion: I would personally close up the open space in the wall, unless it serves a purpose we cannot see from the angle of the picture, Request: Can you share your source for the wall art above your bed "Could I have this dance..."? Thank you so much for speaking into my life nearly every day.
If this room is on the second floor without any rooms above it and you can get above it, you could move the load bearing beams into the attic space above the ceiling and get rid of that awk-Word area. It does require ability to be able to get to that area of the ceiling and someone who knows how to do it. You would have still have 2 beams but they would be above the ceiling and you could get rid of that 1/2 wall. In fact, my daughter’s husband and my husband just did that very thing when she wanted to tear down walls and open up her dining, kitchen, and den area. I don’t know how costly that is because we already had the large beams. Just depends on how far you want to go to rid yourself of that Achilles heel.
What a great room! So much space! I would add greenery and/or color to the bookcases. For the cutout wall, you could really play it up with a small table (or shelf) centered beneath the cutout and placing either a lamp, plant, vase of flowers or a cool tall object on the table that’s framed by the cutout. Instead of awkward, it would be an interesting focal point. You know you’ll make it cute. 😉
I love the room now just as it is. Everything is calm and nothing makes my eye go directly to it and thereby taking away from the calm. In fact the beam and half wall since you painted the room just kind of disappears, This room would be a blessing to sleep in.
I need your vitamins! You have done so much in a few months! What about pretty wood shutters and a “window box” with some greenery in your window of awkwardness? Thanks for providing a place to stop for fun and refreshment!
How about glass shelves in the awkward opening on that wall??? Then you can fill it with your trademark white milk glass or change it out seasonally??? Love the progress! You go girl!!!
love this idea of milkglass on glass shelves
Love what you did with the dresser and the mirror...ssssoooo classy!!Now,I think I’m gonna need to look for one myself..👍😁
Love the fresh Magnolia leaves in the baskets, charming look on the dresser! Your creative style is so refreshing. Your house is something else, simply amazing!
I think your room is beautiful ! All of it ! As for the opening in the wall, could you not sheet rock it and make it part of the existing wall? Your bedroom decorating is not hindered by it at all ... if that matters! Love, love, love what you do. Thanks for inspiring me!
So what is on the other side of the wall with the opening.i like several of the ideas expressed for decorating the opening. Glass shelves with milk glass collection among my favorites.
Beautiful bedroom and the wood floor will be amazing. The cut out (these remind me of drive through windows), what about some chunky wood shelves and drywall backing? Not sure what’s behind there or if it needs to stay open. The white, green and wood tones, so zen!
absolutely love your home and reading your wonderful stories! what about grids or "muntins"(?) from an old window that would fit the opening? some are very interesting..
Yes, we do enjoy commenting! You make us feel as though you’re just waiting for our words! I love this now ~ the mirror is perfectly placed. I have stashed one from a dresser ~ it’s style is seen on a lot of oak dressers, but I haven’t found just the right place for it yet! I also missed any earlier shots of the wall w/bookcases, but I feel they add just the right “weight” to the room. It seemed pretty one-sided when I was assuming a blank wall might be there. Love it all ... I know there’s a reason for that window/opening, or you’d have closed it before now! If you do anything, I’d prefer the clear stained glass piece that’s been mentioned several times.😘
The addition of the greenery is lovely! Where are the family photos?
Pretty room-very inviting. Have you considered hanging a macrame plant holder with a fern or possibly baby tears in the wall opening? It appears there is plenty of daylight in that spot to support a plant. Or maybe have a horizontal metal frame welded to hang blankets-similar to a blanket ladder? Just brainstorming here...
Just a thought, I have not read any of the other comments, but maybe just close the opening and have a solid wall, then use the area on the other side of the wall for a small office or storage, or whatever comes to mind..
Go all Jo Jo and Chip and have those beams moved up into the attic if possible. Expensive? Probably. Worth it? Definitely. Or wrap the large one in salvaged wood if the angles aren't weird . I love that you actually read the comments and don't present yourself in your blog as a this-is-what I'm-doing-and-I-don't-give-a-hoot-about -your-opinion-because-I-know-better. I learn from everyone and at my age it's wonderful to know I still can. Learn. Enjoy. and did I say, learn? long ago and a couple of houses ago a friend took a wonderful vintage window and had it framed to fit one of those awk WORD spaces. It was a beautiful focal point. Another friend had two knee walls and columns that separated his living and dining. He had glass shelves installed and filled them with greenery and vases that looked good from any viewpoint. And it's always surprising, isn't it? When small changes make such a big impact. Love what you are doing and thank you for the continued inspiration.
Lookin' beautiful, KariAnne! I have a similar awkward beam in MWA, and I have thought about doing the exact thing that Crystal (above) suggested... Wrapping it in reclaimed wood or the like! Sound like I need a sponsor for that! LOL!
I love the direction you are taking in this room. It looks so peaceful and relaxing. I love the addition of the mirror! You are amazing! The little cut out. I love it. What an opportunity. I would trim it out with some great molding and insert a leaded glass antique window. You know the kind with lots of cuts and design. It could be a real show stopper. Nancy
I think the room looks A - MAZING!! It's so pretty. When the floor is added and all that white in there. will just stand out and you have a winner. The mirror looks great!! Please don't paint that beauty... I think you have a winner, my friend!
Quick thought - how about a custom stained glass window that fits right into your "achilles heel".
I agree with another commentator- I’m surprised to not see any family photos! You’ve go to be hiding them somewhere!?!!
Your bedroom is so cozy and inviting! For your nemesis, I think a big, beautiful Boston Fern would look great in that opening.
Sheetrock the hole.
I don't have a suggestion for the awkward space that hasn't already been suggested. I love that you found a way to use that mirror. So often I see orphaned mirrors at thrift stores and wonder what in the world could be done with them. They're beautiful and they don't make them like that any more.
Please find a beautiful soft moody painting of a place you wish you could sleep in, (like a field of ferns, wildflowers , Texas blue bonnets,.... so glad you took the plates down
I love the look of this room! I have the same dresser. My mom bought it from an antique store when I was about 10 years old. I have had it ever since (I am in my mid 50's). I never thought of separating the two pieces. I love it! You have such a way with design that to me is perfect. Where did the "Could I Have this Dance" sign come from? I would love to have one. Thanks for all the inspiration! Lynn
If you are really asking for advice/help here goes. Everyone is different and likes different things. It is a beautiful room but much too cool in looks for my taste. I would like to see a big punch of color! The pine floors will warm up the room so much. Covering the hole would give you more space for art; which I believe you can never have too much of. The flow would be better too. You can't really see your art because it blends into the wall. Maybe darker frames? Good luck. Remember what you like today you won't necessarily like tomorrow. Trust me on that one!
KariAnne, like so many others indicated, your blog is an oasis and I always love looking at your photos and reading your posts. Thank you for sharing your life with us. I LOVE this room and all the great tweaks you have made. Someone else mentioned, and I would like to ask as well... with so much white, how does it stay so clean? Any tips? (Is it an illusion....?) I have always dreamed of a white loveseat and sofa set but... it seems unsustainable with a family! And I can't even blame the kids... I'd probably be the first one to spill a bowl of something on it! LOVE to you, and thanks again.
Karianne, The changes are perfect! I am like another commenter and like the idea of hanging a leaded glass piece in the cutout. It could also be a nice place to put shelving for displays of small interesting artifacts. Since it looks like there is plenty of natural lighting in the room, you also could cover the beam with a thin veneer of wood and make it look like an old wood beam, add bead board to the ceiling or do something like one of the ceilings in this one: https://thistlewoodfarms.com/the-tour-of-the-house-that-photographed-itself/
I think the best thing to do with the cut out is ignore it. I like it with nothing there. It adds light to the space with the tv and chairs which is probably why it is there. Putting anything in it or over it would only draw attention to it. It is sort of like a window. And some of the best windows are the ones that simply do their job- let in light.
What about a piece of white filigreed wrought iron for that cut-out.? Really like the entire room. Glad the carpeting is going. Wood is much easier to maintain.
Hi Kari Ann, I have an awkward opening like that but I hung a hanging pothos from a c hook on the top and the lush green foliage from the plant does a twofold sort of thang!! 1... it’s cute 2 .. it’s an organic element which also happens to be an all natural air purifier/ removes toxins.
That room is stunning! If the cutout bothers you, how about a chippy old shutter with soul?
I have an idea for the half wall /beam window like opening 😀 What if you hung a cute little barn door (kind of like the ones you did in your laundry room on the lower shelves by the floor) that could slide over to cover the opening or left onto the wall beside it and look like a shutter beside it? I've seen a really cute house with interior "window" like openings that they put shutters next to and decorated like windows and they are adorable😉
My idea for that unique cut-out is heavy eye hooks hanging a custom-made or vintage-if-you-can-find-it colorless clear with texture leaded glass vertical rectangle ornate glass piece - for interest - yet still letting the awesome light to shine through, Or not - your bedroom room looks pretty fantabulous, KA. Well done, ma'am!
KariAnne, your Master Bedroom is beautiful! You have done such a wonderful job -- as usual -- with your décor. Just love to read your posts! Thanks for always sharing your gorgeous home with us. You are truly amazing at everything you do! You have been given a real gift in your decorating and we all benefit from all you do! With your open space, I would suggest an old window frame -- with or without the glass -- suspended. Then, you could make a wreath for it from your magnolia leaves! This is what I would do! However, whatever you decide to do, your decision will be "the best"! Blessings!
Maybe Sheetrock for the small cutout? Then you don’t see it 🙂
Your room is beautiful, light and airy. Can’t wait to meet you in person in a few weeks at Haven.
Karrianne, my husband and I will be married 50 years later this year. As I read your blog, I saw the picture over your bed. That was "our song" through the years. You inspired me for what I wanted to give him as an anniversary gift. I am putting the words to the song on a background of wood and candles and framing it to give to him on the day of our 50th! Thank you for your inspiration. Your room is beautiful and I know when you are finished, it will be even more lovely. I so enjoy reading your blog!
Your master is beautiful!!! LOVE the small BIG changes!!! So pretty & very big! I'm sure you've posted in a previous post, but where did you get the word art above your bed or did you DIY it?
Glad I'm not the only one constantly "tweaking" rooms! The greenery and mirror really do help add depth and life to the room and I think will look great when the new floors are done. As for the awkward space where cuteness is eluding you, I feel your pain. My dream house since I was a little girl is at least 100 years old with wood floors and thick moulding everywhere (basically your house!) Unfortunately, I live in a 25 yr old economy townhouse (i.e. completely lacking in character). When I saw your awkward cutout, the first thing I thought was it looked like it belonged more in my house than yours. And I think that's a big part of the problem, it doesn't fit with the rest of your room. What if you treated it like a window of your house and put similiar moulding around it.? Or treat it more like a built in bookshelf with moulding from floor to ceiling, like your kitchen windows in your last house that had faux transoms above them, and even add shelves in the open cut out. Just some thoughts to get your decorating juices flowing :)
I look forward to reading your blog! I have followed you for several years. You are so down to earth and I love your style!! Glad to know that I'm not the only one always tweaking my rooms!
I love the changes you've made and agree with the comments about hanging a stained glass piece or better yet, if you wanted to stay neutral, an old, white window frame from your nemesis. When you get an area rug after putting down the pine planks, I would suggest going with a larger size than you had so it can go under the front legs of the chairs.
KariAnne, Re-read our post, and maybe someone else has already asked you this question and I did not see the reply...where is the fire place ? I like the opening in the wall where the 2 chairs sit, although what do you see in that opening ? Lots of wonderful decorating going on in this room, you are having too much fun.
For your nemesis, may I suggest 2" x 4"s and some drywall? Maybe you're ready to consider just closing that puppy up ... All the changes - throughout the house - are AMAZING! I stop by every couple of weeks so I can get soaked in "Karianne-ness."
That mirror is lovely and it has a story. Pieces with stories are the very best. I have cutouts (3) between my living room and dining room and will be watching to see what you decide to do with yours. For now, mine are filled with plants, but I like the idea of hanging an old window frame or stained glass window. KariAnne, it is so fun to see your home evolve. Thank you for sharing!
I'm enjoying the gentle transformation of your house but I mostly love your ability to tell a story. I haven't read all the comments so someone may have already mentioned this solution to the awkward "butting-up-to-the-beam" hole. What if you filled in half of it - as though it never even happened?The remaining narrow sliver of a window could be filled with a custom leaded glass piece and become part of a feature wall full of art. Does that make sense? Love from Pat
what a lovely room !