Before I post my 1990s bedroom pics, I feel that I must first offer a gentle disclaimer in order to explain myself a little better.
Embarassing Pictures Decorating Philosophy Disclaimer:
1. I really, really dislike change
2. I don't always notice when things are outdated, or need changing
Once you see these pics, #1 and #2 will be painfully obvious. I just needed you to know that I know I'm way past needing a professional decorator. You, gentle reader, need to understand that the shoestring budget part probably doesn't include a professional decorator.
Oh--which reminds me--I need to add a #3.
3. I am very picky when shopping. However, when I find something I like, I LOVE it and use it for a very, very long time. (See also #1 above.)
Before I post the BEFORE pictures, I want to offer a BEFORE BEFORE picture (do you like how I'm stalling???) Have I mentioned that I love to read? I mean, I read constantly. When one reads constantly, one has large, embarrassing stacks of books beside her nightstand. (Oh! Only slobby housekeepers have these kind of embarrassing stacks of things??) You see, I don't keep books. I can't--it would be just too many to store. Especially since I rarely want to re-read anything. So, I pass on books, donate them to libraries, or my husband sells them on Half.com. In the meantime, they stack up beside my bed and gather dust.
Okay, enough stalling. Here is the embarrassing, slobby stack of books in the BEFORE BEFORE picture.
After sorting and gathering 3 boxes full of giveaways, the keepers are tucked neatly into the nightstand.
See that digital clock there? I bought that baby in 1988. Wonder how I remember that? I bought it for my first college dorm room. That's one reliable clock, it is. And oops! I see there is a little peek of my amazing 1990s bedding! I guess I've stalled long enough...I am closing my eyes as I insert these next pictures. Here goes!!
Here is the entrance to our room. Note that the room is not especially large, but the furniture is! We have some really beautiful family antiques. My goal for this bedroom is to help it become more light and airy--so the furniture doesn't feel so overpowering. (Any suggestions are welcome, by the way!!) I feel like the 2 wood nightstands either need to be painted creamy white, or replaced with something lighter. I also want to buy bedside lamps that are much larger in scale.
Bye Bye pheasant picture over the bed. Any suggestions?
Also note the wicker headboard. When we up-sized to a queen bed, we just used a headboard we had... I want either to paint it creamy white, or make an upholstered headboard--and cover it with a yellow quilt. (Just saw one yesterday at T.J. Maxx!!)
Oh, how I LOVE that dresser! It was my grandmother's (that's her B&W picture on the right), and I think about the jewelry she kept on a glass tray on top of it, along with an 8-track player that she would sing along with Nat King Cole, "Ramblin' Rose...Ramblin' Rose...Why I want you, heaven knows!" I can still her her voice in my head, even though I haven't heard her sing for probably 25 years.)
So, I'm smiling and reminiscing, and all you can think about is the old school t.v. with VCR PLAYER??? and my dippy little window treatments. Hey--watch it, those were custom made back in the day. (Thank you, Ginny!) In case you can't tell--it's navy blue gingham and a red and blue plaid. Oh, how I loved mixing plaids that decade! Ah, but I have purchased some creamy white linen floor length curtain panels. We'll see how they look!
That's another piece of (large!) furniture I love. The wardrobe is part of a set of 3 from my other grandmother. When I was in high school, she had them shipped to me from Florida. Here, I'll show you the dresser that goes with it--it's on the wall facing the foot of the bed (where I'm typing right now, come to think of it!)
What do you do with your poster-size wedding portrait? You hide it in the master bedroom, that's what! That picture collage there on the bottom right is a collage of my sister and me--that she gave the day I moved away to college. That picture is STAYING. It makes me smile every time I look at it. (Love you, Sissy!)
Oh, and there is the matching dresser. (The other piece is in our dining room.) Can you see the the little notecard stuck in the bottom of the mirror? That is one of those Pass it On scripture cards that I got in high school. It has always been stuck in that mirror, and it makes me smile, too. Remember how I don't like change? That little card is living proof. I don't even remember who gave it to me, or its significance. I just hate to throw it away now--since it's been there for at least 25 years.
Okay, I've bored you with enough pictures. I'm sure you noticed the WHITE WHITE walls. We painted all the walls of the house when we moved in. I have no idea we didn't add color then...I think the choices were too overwhelming at the time. This room is the way last room to receive any loving care. But, now, after 10 years--it's time!
Look what I get to do tomorrow!!!!!!!
Don't worry--it's not WHITE!!! I'll make you wait to find out what color... But, if you know me, you already know it's nothing daring. It's pale, and it's traditional. Hey--just like ME!!
In closing, I want to give a little shout out to my mom, who made me an AMAZING birthday dinner tonight. She makes the best lasagna!!! And look at the yummy lemon cream cake she ordered!!
And, on that sweet note, I'll let you go see if you have anything in your cupboards to satisfy your sweet tooth craving...while I go sneak a teensy tiny bite of frosting!
Your suggestions are WELCOMED on the bedroom makeover. Just keep in mind the shoestring budget part!!