A few random things that just popped into my head before I show you the bedroom progress:
1. I missed you last week. Truly. I was traveling around the country visiting different Kirkland’s for the new book and internet was super spotty and I couldn’t blog.
And I didn’t realize how much I would miss blogging.
And you.
2. My leopard shoes and I arrived home and did nothing yesterday but watch the Hallmark channel.
3. I’m in the middle of working on a product line created from my words. It is seriously the CUTEST on the planet. I’ll keep you posted, but hopefully it will be coming to a store near you soon.
4. I bought a pair of pom pom earrings. According to Westleigh and Whitney they are a thing.
5. If I met you on my Kirkland’s book tour and this is your first time to read the blog, I’m so happy you are here.
And now?
Let’s take a look at what one of the upstairs rooms has been doing.
Remember when I was talking about painting a room SW Naval (seriously best navy on the PLANET)?
This is that room.
It already has one navy wall, but I’m going all in.
All navy. All the walls.
Let’s take a 360 degree tour of the space.
This is the view when you walk in the door.
There’s a tiny little hallway where I hung these vintage license plates.
The color on the walls is pretty?
But picture navy right here.
To the left when you walk into the space there’s a closet and a built-in bookcase.
The dresser is the one that I found last week when I was yard sale shopping.
I found this super narrow table at a thrift store.
It fits into the space perfectly.
The gatelegs pull out and the table top extends if a guest needs to use this as a desk.
I love the color of the original wood against the floor.
Here’s the view from the dresser.
I bought the two metal beds at Wayfair and the bookcase on the wall used to be in the dining room at the farmhouse.
The chalkboard on the wall used to be in our family room.
The doors and hardware are original to the house which was built in 1908.
Happy 110 year old birthday.
The moldings in this room are also dark wood.
The bookcase used to be an old fabric holder.
I found it at a junk store a while back.
It used to hold dishes at the farmhouse.
You can see that here.
If you continue around the room, you can see the door from the hallway.
This view gives you a better idea of the table in the space.
And now?
Are you ready?
Here are my plans for the room.
1. Paint the entire room navy.
2. Fake out the window with curtains so the window looks centered. I’m thinking about going a dark gold/khaki linen with the curtains.
3. I’m going to make my own curtain rods with dowel rods and fence post finials and hang the curtains from wood rings.
4. I’m going to get a tailored bedskirt for each of the beds.
5. I need to find vintage luggage racks or something else to go at the foot of the bed.
6. Introduce a little more plaid and a little more vintage into the space.
7. Find a lamp for this dresser (there are AWESOME lighting tips on page 85 in the planner to help with stuff like this).
8. Decide what to do with the back of the bookcase? Should I stripe it? Too much?
9. Find a larger rug for the space. It might be hard to tell from the pictures, but it’s a little small for the room.
10. Convince my brother to make me a few custom wood pieces for the room.
He gave me this box one year for Christmas that’s sitting on the table between the two beds.
It still makes me smile.
Whew.
I think that’s it.
If you have any suggestions for the space, feel free to chime in.
It takes a village to decorate a navy bedroom.
PS What about the ceiling fan? Leave it? Replace it with a cuter one? Take it out and at a vintage fixture?
PPS Did I mention I missed you? 🙂
KariAnne! How awesome! There's just something about navy blue that speaks to me. It's a dark color, yes, but with white trim it looks light and airy and welcoming. I'd say this room is shaping up just fine. Your instincts are so very spot-on! I will say that I think a ceiling fan would be a good thing to keep in this upper-floor room. Maybe just swap the light kit for one that suits your style a bit more? SO proud of you and your book. Did I tell you that I gave a copy of your book to a bride at a shower I hosted? She was thrilled! And her mom said, "Hey, I want one of those!" :)
What a great idea, Richella!! It would make a great housewarming gift for those purchasing their first house, too.
You had me at crisp white, navy, ticking stripes and plaid! Can't wait to see the end result!! You were missed very much!!! xoxo
I loved your leopard shoes! Did you notice that my leopard shoes on Saturday were flat? It’s called “getting old!” The navy bedroom is stunning! Carol and I just painted an old buffet navy for her kitchen eating area. We used Southern Honey Chawk Paint in Maurice. My friend Kim owns Southern Honey Workshop here in Nashville and makes her own paint!
Ummmmm... before I forget my idea... lolol... remove the ceiling fan...put in a super cute amazing vintage light fixture ...and then, for guests ... have a vintage table fan sitting somewhere in the room!! the old school look... they are back in !! Ok... so that is just my little ole input !!! lololol... This room is going to be incredible!!! AND .... I cannot wait to see how you FAKE OUT those windows!!!! :) ..... sure do wish I had found that table !!!!! :) Oh ... and I saw your book at our local Kirklands here in my neck of the woods... showed it to a friend... told her about the blog and ... well you know the rest of the story!! She went home and signed up !! You have a new follower !!! lololololol (Great Big Blessings sent your way today KariAnne!!!
Leave the ceiling fan. The guests that use that room in July and August will thank you!
I love it just the way it is. It just doesn't seem like you would be happy with a totally navy room knowing that you love white. Won't it be so dark with dark walls and floors? Either way I'll be looking forward to seeing what you do in this room. BTW your book is sitting right here next to me for my lunch time reading :-)
I'm with Amy K. I think the ONE navy wall is stunning. And all your furniture is just popping off those white walls. Perhaps a compromise would be TWO navy walls, only. No matter what...you are TOP DRAWER and GOLD STANDARD in your design sense...so go for what makes you happy. (It's only paint and can be changed.)
I've been waiting to see the fabric holder - where it would end up in your new home. I wouldn't stripe it...but everything you do is great, so do what you want to do! LOVE the navy walls, I have a LOT of color on my walls, so this is refreshing to me! Love all the wood in the room as well. Thanks for sharing!
KariAnne, love, love navy and ticking and white woodwork. That being said I love the dark wood bookcase and the floor in this room just the way it is. You will find just the right combo of dark, light and navy.
Hi Karianne, I love seeing all of the wonderful things you are doing to your house. It is so beautiful. I have your book and it is so helpful and filled with great information. I am in the process of remodeling my new house and I have found some great tips to help me make decisions. What about a removable wallpaper for the back of the book case? There are so many options available now and it could add interest and you can change it out when you want to. Just a thought. Have a blessed day!
Nautical Map wallpaper for the back of those bookshelves!!! Navy makes me think of ships, and oceans, and of course, your most handsome sailor in the history of handsome sailors!!! If a map is too busy, maybe randomly stamped anchors or outline of ships/sails in gold / khaki / navy on the back of the bookcase???
Carrie and KariAnne, I love Carrie's ideas of a nautical map! Judith
Well, I missed you too!! I knew you were probably busy but my inbox felt lonesome not having you pop in. 😢You certainly have big plans!! You wore me out just by your list of what you were planning on doing. I love the nautical touch to the room -- is it because of a certain sailor????❤️ And I love fans in bedrooms -- purely for practical reasons. At my age, I need those blades to cool me off. And I can't wait to see how you fake out the window -- I never did do anything with two of our bedooms' windows. From the outside the windows are symmetrical. In the rooms themselves they are stuck in a corner and I can't figure a way to make them work. Welcome home!! I'm glad you're back and so is my inbox. 🤗
Definitely go vintage with the fan. The room reminds me of an old lighthouse keepers bedroom, it's so cute, need to keep as much vintage in there as you can. Can't wait to see it in all navy.
Missed you too but am sure you had a great time at all the Kirklands. Maybe paint only one more wall navy blue and not the whole room (might be too dark)? I have a table just like yours. It was my grandparents kitchen table that was used everyday. It's old!!! I'm 70!! Have fun with everything.
I am so excited to see this because I am painting my dining room (above the chair rail) navy in a few weeks! Your room looks gorgeous and I cannot wait to see it finished. Love your ideas! Shelley
Love the all navy. Whoa awesome high ceilings. Not a fan of those fans (hee) but liked the comment of the old light fixture and the old table fan. Saying no to gold curtains, would like it to stay clean with any version of white or ticking or blue and white etc. or even white wood blinds or woven blinds. I am biased though, just not a fan of big curtains, they always seem messy to me. Most people like them though.
I think the whole room Navy will be AWESOME!!! Please don't paint the bookcase it is so wonderful as it is. Truly beautiful. Love the yard sale dresser, what an fantastic score. Missed you lots!!!
I have a Hale Navy powder bath! Love it! You could paint the fan white to blend into ceiling! I imagine fans are good in Texas! I need to get to our Kirkland’s!
Welcome home Karianne! I missed you! Hope your book signing was wonderful and you'll have a bit of time to rest your feet. This is such a sweet space. I bought those same bedframes for our cabin and love them! Your ideas sound cozy. I love the thought of adding more plaid and vintage items. I'm thinking the goldish khaki drapes would make it feel cozy with all the navy. My thought is, you may have to see if it looks too dark with all the walls navy. You may have to hold up some lighter neutral curtains maybe with a bit of texture or pattern. It will call for some "head tilting" moments....at least that's what I do.. when I'm trying to decide.😉. I can see a vintage typewriter in here with a cute phrase or something stuck in there. If you need the fan for keeping things cool, you could always paint it and or change out the glass covers for vintage inspired cages and Edison bulbs. I did this at my cabin and it was a cute, easy peasy and inexpensive fix. What about a desk under those shelves where the cubby is? I think one would look super cute maybe with a metal vintage plaid lunchbox for holding stationery, a plant, or some sweet posies. Oh, the ideas are endless! Have fun with it!
Oops...my bad. Your new little table pulls out to a desk! Perfect. 😊
Missed you, but thought of you while watching reruns of Trading Spaces they ran this weekend. Hello 2004 and toile valances! This room is cozy already. Love the blue and white. Wonder how vintage cars, train, or a collection of yellow bulldozer trucks lined up on one of the shelves would look. I was thinking about my son's old hand carved wooden cub scout derby cars and regatta ships.
Love the room and can't wait to see it all navy. So glad you plan to FAKE OUT the windows. That was my thought when I saw the second picture. My OCD I guess. Please keep us posted.
LOVE that shade of navy too!! I think your room is off to a fabulous start! Hmmm.... all navy? I'm not sure. That fabulous fabric holder antique shelf thingy... I'm not sure that it would be as dramatic on a dark wall unless it was filled with light things... but even then... don't know if it would be as amazing as it is now. However... it's YOUR vision and you have 20/20 vision when it comes to decor... so go for it. I would never want to be the wet blanket in a spectacular guest room. P.S. TX is a LONG way from MI... but.... ;) Glad you're back!! xoxo
I love the freshness of Navy. Traditional, but with your special touch the vintage vibe we all love makes it a room to look forward to seeing after you FAKE OUT the windows....so smart! I missed coming to see you in Buford, GA...work emergency, but hope to stop by Kirkland's this week to see if I can still capture some residual Karianne vibes! Will also buy your book (of course)!!! Missed you blogging, too.
I have the same table as the one you found at a thrift store. Mine is lighter in color but the finish has never been changed. I used to use it with one side up beside my bed but new Ethan Allen furniture won out a few years ago. I just took the table to my daughter's house. It was my mother-in-laws then mine and now hers. Small world!
I love the freshness of Navy. Traditional, but with your special touch the vintage vibe we all love makes it a room to look forward to seeing after you FAKE OUT the windows....so smart! I missed coming to see you in Buford, GA...work emergency, but hope to stop by Kirkland's this week to see if I can still capture some residual KariAnneness! Will also buy your book (of course)!!! Missed you blogging, too.
What about trunks at the end of the beds? Love the idea of navy ticking for curtains. You do what you want and it will be just the thing!!!
Just a quick add to my previous comment. What about instead of playing it safe with a vintage light fixture...add a bit of industrial with a modern chandelier. As a designer, I often like to add that 1 piece of unexpected. Take a look at the ALL MODERN site...Burkley 10 light Sputnik chandelier with Edison bulbs. It could really be fun!
Such fun and beautiful plans, KariAnne! LOVE that drop-leaf table... SO stinkin' perfect! I would def change out the fan. If you need the fan (like My Wee Abode definitely does), I would change out for more vintage... totally! If you don't need it (cooling isn't an issue), I would put in some type of schoolhouse or black metal farmhouse pendant look... you know what I mean, I'm sure! All the navy... WOW! I'm excited to see what it looks like!
I can’t eait to see your navy room. I tried it in our bedroom a few years ago, but it was to dark for me. As much as I love a vintage light I say stick with a ceiling fan. I’ve been a house guest in a FL home that didn’t have one, just a little table top fan, and was so warm I wasn’t able to sleep for the two nights we were visiting.
Since you asked for suggestions, I thought I'd chime in. First, I think this room is pretty close to perfect as is, but I would suggest the following: 1. Keep the wall with the closet white to balance out and bounce back the light. 2. Speaking of light, I'd keep the windows light with sheer, floaty white panels 3. And finally, I see this room with one of those caged ceiling fans in black to match the bed frames. Combined with the other dark walls and the addition of some more plaids like you plan and I would want to be your guest...forever.
Love your ideas!!! Have a guest room in those exact colors!!!
I love the room with one navy wall, but you are the Queen of Decorating. I am interested to see how you will make the window appear centered .... I also have an uncentered window (what were they thinking when they built the house????) and unfortunately it's in my dining area for all to see. Quite the challenge, especially since it butts up to my kitchen cabinetry on one side. I ended up making a cornice out of foam board which I think turned out pretty well. Way cheaper than having the window moved!
Karianne, have you ever watched Showtime's Homeland? The house they are using this season looks like yours on the outside and looks like the same layout in the inside including your gorgeous stairway.
I have missed you too! I was hoping you were just busy. I am happy to hear the that you are going all in with the navy on the walls. It will be stunning! A couple of things came to mind for this already wonderful room. I love your floors and the contrast with the white trim. For that reason, I would skip the bedskirts and just cover your box springs with a fitted sheet in maybe pillow ticking? I actually permanently covered 2 twin bed boxsprings by stapling the fabric onto them. You could do this if you fell in love with a plaid. I just think the skirts would be too fussy... From the photos, it doesn't seem like the rug is too small. Again, love seeing those floors!
What a darling room.
I'm sure whatever you do will be amazing, as for me...well I kinda love it as is, but thats just me....Oh yes, the new book....FABULOUS.......I am so in love and guess what, my Grandaughter wants the little extra pictures framed....love it..xx
Such a great room! The high ceilings makes it easier for you to go all navy walls.. I am crushing on the gate leg table and the fabric holder bookcase! If you wanted yo add some visual interest to one wall, how about a pattern in the nook with the table? The bookcase is so pretty, I would not paint it' I would add lights - small backlights would look nice highlighting a string of toy trains or a child’s tea set. If you centered the bookcase, sconce should on either side would look nice too, especially if they coordinated with the ceiling fixture. Can’t wait to see what you come up with!
This is Texas girl. Leave the fan.
The trend to consistently take out all ceiling fans is goofy. Especially if one lives in a hot state. It's cute, just the way it is - but an all white one - especially in an enclosed very dark room may give a sense of light there - but then again the metallic shines, so it does work. That table in - what, an old closet taken out? - is perfect - fits like it was made for the space....and such a smart way for a guest to get a work station, then when done all nicely put back - genius. Smaller (width wise) benches could work nicely at the bottom of the beds, too - works double duty as a place to put luggage OR an easy place to sit whilst putting on one's shoes. : - ) Keep up the good work, your old/new 1908 home is the best thing on the planet. (wink..)
I love the idea of going all navy on the walls. The room’s large enough to handle it. Not sure I’d go with a patterned back on the large shelving unit if you will be using patterns elsewhere, it might also compete with what you place on the shelves. While I don’t love ceiling fans, they do bring much needed air movement. Have you considered using one of the fans that have their blades enclosed so they look like a hanging light? I just discovered they exist!!! Question- I noticed some of the original floor trim has been painted white yet behind the large shelving unit it has been left in its original state as is the doors. Is that for effect of tying the doors to the floor trim? Our home has the same trim and doors (also built in 1908), and I’m debating on which way to deal with the trim. I adore the “peepers” box your brother made. What whimsy!!! I’m sure whatever you decide to do, you always do it beautifully.
Hey KariAnne, Maybe add a little chair near that sweet table for when it's used as a desk? I can't wait to see it all finished up! I love all the changes and updates you're making to your new/old house! Definitely inspiring me to get moving on changes I want to make in my own! K
LOVE-LOVE-LOVE the navy paint, but.....for me, all the walls navy would be a little much....just sayin! ;) That said, navy and white can't be beat!!!! The fan is a necessity! Maybe switch out the fan blades for something with caning and a more vintage light fixture? I'm in agreement with the others....leave the beautiful wood shelves as they are....perfect!!!! I do like the idea someone had about using a vintage design removable paper on the back. Love the beds, and so anxious to see what you do to change the window??? So excited to see it when all complete. Regardless of all of the ideas being thrown at you.....the end result will be all Karianne and all gorgeous! Happy decorating.
I did a cobalt blue and white bedroom and love it. All the walls are blur ceiling and trim white. Made a blue and white quilt with a white bed skirt. All the furniture (old and very used ) and bookcases painted white. Hung all blue and white plates ( too many 47 ) and totally love it. Started in 1996 have repainted once same colors to freshen up. This room is like a favorite blanket warm inviting and so welcoming . Your room is much bigger but I love it. The warm wood tones are great. I would leave the Windows alone. Part of the character of the room is that everything does not balance or match. Enjoy your blog my sister in Arkansas turned on to you and here in Indiana love you.
Does anyone in your family have an old train or metal car collection? That is what I see on your fabric shelves. Tie in with the license plates! I Love your happy blog and am enjoying your book
Please don't paint the rest of the walls Navy. It will make the room too dark. Just the one accent wall is perfect. I'd find another light kit for the ceiling fan.
I agree with Cindy. It's Texas, leave the fan (or change it for a different one ;) !) You got this!
Please, please, PLEASE don't paint the bookcase/old fabric holder!!!! Some things are meant to stay original and this piece is so unique, it already makes a statement. How about painting the closet end in navy as opposed to all four walls. The shelving and closet will really stand out with the white. I also think you should wait on the curtains until you find the right rug which will be such a large focal point. It might make all the difference in how you decide to treat the windows.
NOOOOOOOOOO!!!!! Do not paint the fabric holder/ bookcase! You know I have always coveted that piece!
Yes to fan, but diff style. NO to painting the fabric holder (I saw distressed red, but then thought differently). I personally like the open space under the beds. Keeps it light and easy feeling in there--but I guess you'll have to see if it balances with the fabric above on the windows.. I might like the ceiling painted in a powder blue like the sky. Will add more paint (so no to more navy walls), but in a very light way ... just my thoughts. Old brass anywhere? Rug is great in the natural fiber. HEART THE PLAID!
I was so excited to meet you at the Kirkland’s in Buford, GA! I have been reading your blog for a while and I love it!
I'm seriously loving all the blues out there. My girls just did an ombre blue wall in their bedroom and I cannot imagine the room without it now. Your room will look great when it is all painted and I really want to see how you are going to center that window. Btw, we missed you too but we are happy you are out there meeting us!!
I just did my guest bedroom with navy and white. Love it. Painted the walls repose grey thanks to you. Love your ideas. Wish you could see my room!
It looks wonderful. Can't wait to see it all blue---love the color. Where did you find the blue and white bedding?
Folded quilts at the end of each bed would be darling. I would say lone star quilts since you live in TX, but I don’t think you would get much of the pattern when the quilts are folded. Red scrappy log cabin quilts would be awesome. I love to make log cabin quilts....so many different options! Navy walls will be wonderful. Missed you last week, assumed you must be on spring break with your family.
Love the room. I’d be hesitant to paint all four wall street navy, perhaps just the alcove where the shelves and table are. I like the idea of a black metal cage fan. I also like the idea of no bed skirts. I received your book in the mail today. Can’t wait for time to sit and read. Whatever you do it will be great!
I think every bedroom in the south needs a ceiling fan. Vintage fixtures and chandeliers are pretty, but pretty does not keep you cool on a hot summer night. Leave the fan. And the navy is gorgeous!
I just picked up your book at our Austin Kirklands on Saturday. I am buying a new home and it will be perfect to use for room by room decorating. I usually just get a plain notebook for my other homes but this is so nice for inspiration and organization. I already have been filling the pockets with magazine clippings. Thanks so much for your blog always being such a joy to read!!!
Welcome home! I have always loved that bookcase and I vote for a ceiling fan. As a guest I sometimes feel stuffy and air circulation helps!
Oh my gosh... You were gone for a week and I was like, WHERE IS SHE?!!!! Thank goodness you are back. I love your blog!
The navy and white is stunning, but I vote keep it light and airy with just the accent wall... trade out the ceiling fan for a white one with vintage-look light kit, don't paint the beautiful bookcase and yes to the tailored bedskirts. The room already looks inviting just as it is. You're a marvel!
Wow that will be beautiful. Navy will really make things pop. The ceiling fan? Maybe a different light kit? It definitely could be cuter (I have a ceiling fan that needs replacement so I'm all into cuter fans) 😉Love all your ideas. Missed you too!
KariAnne, We missed you SO much! At the risk of getting into trouble, everywhere I look for "Decorating Ideas" - it's Aqua! I absolutely love the Navy & White! It's so refreshing and timeless. And I need that FABULOUS Dresser! I never find amazing things like that at Yard Sales, Thrift Stores, on the Curb, or by the side of the road! I vote for a Ceiling Fan simply because it makes a room more comfortable. It gets hot here in Alabama but I can only imagine the extreme heat of a Texas Summer ;-P You can also reverse the settings for the cooler months. Perhaps a fan with a Vintage and/or Farmhouse style would be a great way to add a beautiful design feature without spending a fortune. Maybe an old Baseball Glove somewhere, or a jar of Marbles, and some Vintage Trunks at the foot of the beds? I'm not sure how much space you have. Love the classic beds!
LOVE the idea of a navy room!! With the right accents, it’ll feel cozy and perfect, and I know you can pull it off! I wouldn’t paint the shelves - it’s great the way it is. Can’t wait to see the finished product!!
You’re in Texas, I’m in FLorida. We need our ceiling fans! This isn’t Trading Spaces where you Must ditch the fan. It’s real (hot) life. But that room would be so cute with the ceiling fan that has the vintage looking electric fan(s) on it. Lamps plus has a easonably priced one in the Casa Vieja Turbina, but there’s some $700 models with two spinning cage fans that are fabulous (but too rich for my blood), like the Minka air fans.
What a great room! But one or two navy walls would be enough for me....even if it was for a brief visit. The white and wood really set it off beautifully. The ceiling fan will be appreciated by summer guests ; there is something comforting about their gentle breeze and the low hum that is like the lull of white noise. Besides it looks nice with your other furnishings. You can always change it out later if it doesn’t suit.
What bed is that from Wayfair? Exactly what I'm looking for!
Wow. There is absolutely nothing I don't love about this room. Can't wait to see what it looks like after all the walls are that gorgeous Navy!
Oh, I LOVE this so much!! The navy is so fresh and pops against all the whites!! I'm a HUUUGGE fan of SW Naval, having just used it in the midst of bright white cabinets for the island and a message center in my kitchen remodel. (If you're bored and would like to take a peek, you can find me on IG as "lovethebluewaters.") I've wanted to put it "somewhere else" in the house on a wall, and this convinces me I should go for it!!
Love the room but, there isn't anywhere to sit down to read or take off your socks. So, a cozy, nubbly, linen covered cozy chair would be nice to have! Also, possibly a vintage kitchen chair, painted white, to use at the table/desk. Possibly plaid pillows, that can sit on the chairs and//or plaid throws? Maybe with a little red or green in the mix of plaid to bring a little more colors into the mix?
I like it the way it is except maybe an old school light kit on the ceiling fan but, you have more vision than I do ....so go for whatever you want. What is the story on the chalkboard? Did I miss it? I look forward to seeing what you do.
I think it looks nice the way it is but can't wait to see your finished project. Sometimes I am amazed when I think something looks nice and then I am blown away at how great it is when it changes. I think I may feel that way when you finish this. I always think a ceiling fan is nice to have but you might consider changing our the paddles to something else. They have many different kinds now.
I agree. Naval is the best navy on the planet. We had it in our last house, and it will be interspersed throughout our new house.