Once again, we see a demonstration of Matt’s many skills applied to the project, along with his astute willingness, and ability to execute and finesse Kerry’s creative vision. This time, the young couple has tackled the Master/Principle Bedroom, and they are pleased to share the splendid, end result.
If you’ve been following their story through these articles, you may recall that this house had been a rental for a number of years and needed a great deal of work. We began their reno/décor story by featuring their black and white, French themed bathroom. This project was soon followed by the upstairs landing.
The bedroom project began as two, small rooms which required removing the wall that separated them. Matt filled in one of the entrances to create the additional wall that now holds the sparkling, mirrored dressing table Kerry bought at a greatly reduced price from The Bombay Co., several years ago. It had remained packed inside the original box, so she wasn’t even sure it had survived the interim moves, intact.
They now had the bones of the Master Bedroom, so the transformation could begin. Matt worked with assistance from Kerry’s father, tearing out the existing closets, and building two, updated versions at the other end of the long room. Double, frosted glass, Ikea cabinets and open shelving between, were modified and attached to a nearby wall. Matt added crown molding to them for a ‘built-in’ effect. To finish, they added bead board to the clad wall behind the shelves and painted them in RL “Exposed,’ from the Urban Loft Collection.
They re-wired, dry walled, insulated and even papered the ceiling in Anaglyptic (replicates the look of an antique tin ceiling) wallpaper and painted it with Ralph Lauren, ‘Wash Basin’ in satin. For continuity purposes (and good taste) they removed the dated, brown shag carpeting and screwed down a sub floor, covering it with the same laminate hardwood used throughout the house. The same 6” ‘Colonial’ style molding, was added to the perimeter of the room, that was used for the bathroom and landing.
They ‘colour blocked’ the feature (headboard) wall using Ralph Lauren, ‘Ambassador Sterling,’ from the Regent Metallic Collection. This is a technique using 2-3 colours to create visual interest on one wall – replacing the need for art work. This gave the room a depth and richness, that’s reflected in the mirrored dressing table that sits to one side of the bed, and the chandelier above. The remaining walls are finished in “Loft’ (soft blue/gray) from the RL Urban Loft Collection. All of the trim is RL “Writers Parchment.’
It was Matt who found the perfect little antique chair for Kerry’s, mirrored dressing table. He happened upon it at a yard sale, and was immediately drawn to its classical style, which happens to be his favourite. However, Matt worried that Kerry might not agree. But, she loved it too, and decided to leave it ‘as is’ with its’ ‘chippy” white paint and Wedgwood blue, velvet seat… pushing it lovingly into place at a jaunty angle. Perfect.
Kerry began to apply her décor magic, by transforming the pink wall sconces from pink to cream and hanging chandeliers at each end of the room. The bed had been purchase from Bombay Company but in spite of the incredible bargain price, she could not live with the black & hideous gold finish. She intended to paint it cream, but when left to dry outdoors, an unexpected rainfall had its way with the paint. Matt had an idea he could salvage it, and began to covert over the cream, paint residue with a RL glaze called ‘Tobacco.’ As he did a final sanding, they decided the resulting effect was a lovely rustic patina they could live with. Happy.
The bed is dressed in hotel style bedding of white with pale blue trim (Winners/Barrie). A carefully placed quilt lies on the antique blanket box that sits at the end of the ornate foot board. The overall décor is a nice juxtaposition of urban touches, combined with antique and vintage pieces. The basic blue, white and cream palette is calming. And the punctuations of black – the lampshade (Kerry added the black, grosgrain ribbon trim) pillow shams, and a tall chest of drawers, helps to ground the room. Comfort.
One of Kerry’s favourite finds is the day bed that began life as an antique crib. She knew immediately what it should be, and proceeded to paint the metal frame white. Kerry had the double-thick foam, base cushion upholstered in blue, cotton/velvet damask, and then generously piled the decorator pillows against the back. The two windows that flank the day bed hold 2” wooden slat, Venetian blinds in ‘Antique White’ (white twill tape along the sides) from Blinds to Go/Barrie. This cozy area seems to be a favourite destination for their tabby cat Aldrin, (as in Buzz Aldrin, Matt’s favourite aviator). Matt and Kerry say Aldrin loves to snuggle into the decorator pillows. But, I think he may just have a crush on Audrey Hepburn, whose larger than life, likeness hangs on the wall above. Aldrin purrs contentedly whatever his motivation. A quirky touch is always a good thing in décor, and who wants to be predictable anyway?
Kerry is delighted with some of her finds and in particular, the round aluminum pedestal table that she scored from an unexpected wholesale source in Toronto. She found the perfect spot to place it after realizing that the chandelier at that end of the room was hanging a little bit low. The table now sits beneath the low chandelier as though that was always the intention. Another of Matt’s special finds has been placed on the wall above the tall chest by their bed. The framed, vintage 1959, Ballerina print at from the Aberfoyle Flea Market seemed like the perfect addition. Score!
Kelly said that the only thing missing was the full length, Trumeau style mirror she wanted. Trumeau is a French design that harkens back to the 1800’s and is usually about 5’ tall and gilded in gold. The cost of an original is prohibitive to the young couple’s budget, so Matt is going to build one from an old, narrow door. He’s so handy that way. Bonus.
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September-October
To Sleep, Perchance To Dream… of a New Master Bedroom
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