guest room in the works…

by | Mar 7, 2014 | Guest Room, Miss Mustard Seed's Milk Paint, My House | 63 comments

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After finishing the hand painted “Bavarian” guest bed last week, I could hardly wait to get it up in the space.  Swapping out the beds is a job I needed help with, though, so I had to be a little patient.  Well, I did carry up the bed myself and started swapping them out, but I ended up balancing the footboard on my hip while holding a rail on my foot.  Then I called for help.  Anyway, we got the bed in place and I took a few minutes to make the bed, try some different bedding options, and play with some fabric I had in my stash.  I love how it’s coming together.

I found a vintage crystal chandelier on Etsy (the crystals were removed for shipping and I haven’t put them back on, yet.)

I’m going to replace the builder-grade light that’s been in there for years with this.  The ceiling is really low…I can touch it with my fingertips when my arm is extended (without going on my toes) and I’m 5’5.  So, I don’t have a lot of options unless the fixture skims the ceiling.  I think I would even hit my head on this chandelier if it was hung in the middle of the room, so I’m going to swag it over the middle-to-end of the bed and see how that works out.  Fingers crossed!  

I also decided to move around the furniture.  With sloped ceilings, a long, skinny dormer and two small doors to attic eaves, it is a very awkward room.  So, I was having one of my “sitting & staring” sessions where I rearrange furniture in my head.  It occurred to me that I don’t have a clue what’s in the guest room closet.  It’s a very small 1940’s closet without a door and it’s very impractical to get things in and out of.  I tell you.  Closets have come a long way over the past 70 years.  Why not cover this almost useless closet up and give myself more options?  I cleaned out the closet, getting rid of 90% of the stuff that was in there and relocated the rest and I moved the dresser in front of it.

It opened the room a lot more.  I shopped the house and put a framed chalkboard over the dresser (the old door that covered the opening of the closet is still there, but I’m going to take that out.)  I’m going to replace the chalkboard with a mirror, though, to reflect light and open the room visually even more, but moving things into place gave me a good idea of how it will all come together.  The dresser and soon-to-be-mirror cover the closet perfectly.  So, it’s still there, but hidden for now.

With the new brass chandelier, I wanted to replace the sconces.  I like them a lot, but they’re not working as well with this bed and the chandelier.  They were a great bargain at less than $10/each at Ikea.

I found a pair of sconces on the Pottery Barn website that I loved, but they were only available in nickel and bronze.  Drat!  I figured I had missed my chance at them.  I looked all over the internet and continued to stalk the Pottery Barn site and yesterday, they were available in brass again!  Yes!  I didn’t hesitate this time.  After looking around at brass sconces, I realize this pair was relatively inexpensive.  Lighting…ouch!

I still have some things to bring together, but it’s starting to take shape.

One thing I’m looking for is a great “German” looking fabric for a duvet cover.  I have been carrying this remnant of fabric around with me for about 12 years and have used pieces of it here and there for pillows, etc.  I’m trying to find it, but I’m not having any luck.  Does any recognize it and know who the maker is or the pattern name?  It also came in a dusty pink color, if that helps.  I’m pretty sure I’ve seen a swatch of it in the custom fabrics at JoAnn’s, but I haven’t looked for it in years, so it may be discontinued.  Anyway, my readers are always so helpful, so I thought I would ask!

**Update!  I found the name of the fabric – it’s Lucia Lisere in Bluebell by Waverly.  It seems to be discontinued, though, but please let me know if anyone sees it listed somewhere…or if you have a stash of a few yards in a closet!

 More on the guest room in the weeks to come!

If you’re interested in the bed, here’s PART ONE and PART TWO on the process.

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    63 Comments

    1. Jane Hunter

      Hello! I absolutely love the bed! Amazing job. Jane

    2. Lin

      I can only imagine how wonderful the room will look when you are done. Every time I see that bed I just love it even more. The chandelier is so pretty and I hope it will work for you. The fabric is just perfect with the coloring of the bed so maybe you will find yours or someone knows where to find more. But whatever you end up putting on the bed will be fabulous I know.

      I received my potato masher and letter m and love them so much! When I see the m I remember it being in your office. I was so happy to finally be able to purchase something from your shop. Thank you for these items and for getting them here so quickly.

    3. Tara

      Ah ha ha! I envisioned you sitting there trying to figure things out! And your lack of patience sounds just like me! I swear when I decide I want to do something it is do it or die!

    4. Yuko @ northfield gate

      Wow, the antique bed you hand painted is amazing! I can tell you’re having fun putting the room together. Looking forward to seeing the progress!

    5. Martha

      An absolutely amazing fabric website for you to check out is lotsofabric.com. I’m lucky enough to live near the actual store, which is a fabric-holic’s dream! If you have something in mind, they will have it! I’m sure you’ll find something beautiful & Bavarian!

      • phyllis henry

        Martha- Could you post the address of the Lots of Fabric store? I just tried the website listing, but no such link by that name exists. Will keep trying it and guessing at others names that are similar.
        thanks.

        • phyllis henry

          Oops- may have misspelled it, but still want address. thanks.

            • phyllis henry

              Yes, that was my mistake. Thanks for giving me a reason to take a “road trip” once the snow is gone and the potholes are fixed!

    6. ivena dehl

      I am not positive, but that fabric sort of looks like a bolt they keep by the French ticking in my Joann’s. What people used to use for backs of quilts? That is if it isn’t upholstery weight. I have seen it in a pink too. Hope I’m right and hope that helps.

    7. Tina

      Love the bed! I am inspired to paint my daughters bed with similar colors now! As far as the fabric, sorry I don’t know the name but I once had a similar problem and here’s what did and liked it better in the end because the bedding was easier to keep and not as busy. Not sure how big you piece of fabric is but I had 2 pieces about 2 yards each. I had a sort of throw made for the end of the bed. It looked like a comforter folded but in reality it was barely throw size. Then I had 2 European sized pillow covers and I small decorative rectangle shape made all with the special fabric on only one side. It worked out nice because I could totally change the room just by flipping the pillows and fake throw over! I used a plain white duvet which was really nice because I could just throw it in the wash and didnt have to worry about fading. Just one of many ideas I am sure you’ll get;)

    8. Harriett

      So happy for you that the room is coming together. It will be fabulous for your guests. Hope you (or someone) finds the fabric. Please dear Marian keep the chest as is ~ that burled wood is beautiful. If you ever decide to sell it at Lucketts or in your shop, please let me know.

    9. Jules

      That bed is absolutely stunning! I have a 6-panel wooden door to my basement that I’ve been wanting to paint. Your bed gives me some ideas. Hmmmm!! Thanks for the inspiration.

    10. Lynn

      What a magical guest room this will be when all the finishing touches are in place! The bed is beyond charming…I am still in awe that you could look at that old bedstead and envision your fabulous creation!! Looking forward to seeing more.

    11. Talitha

      Can’t wait to see the end result! In a magazine? A book? 🙂 It might not be a color combination I’d choose, but I admire the creativity and courage in it and I know the completed room will be stunning!

    12. Lori

      MMS,
      If you aren’t able to find the fabric, I love the look just the way it is. You could make a “runner” for the foot of the bed.
      I was thinking the same thing Tina commented on. It looks great now with the white bedding-just enough color to make the bed pop. Any more than that, it may take away from the beauty of the bed.
      Looks great!

    13. Kristine Price

      We are living parallel lives right now! Hauled the new bed in myself because I had no patience to wait for help. Predictably, got pinned under a heavy box spring. Except when I called for help hubby didn’t exactly come running! Said who can tell with me? I’m like the boy who cries wolf apparently.

      Next I too bought a chandy (yours looks amazing) and have been looking for sconces. I checked yours out on PB and they look great but one thing I was worried about – do you think they project too far off the wall? My room is petite and I have to watch the scale. What do you think? Did you notice that at all or is it just the way they’re photographed?

      • Miss Mustard Seed

        So funny! Yeah, I almost got squished by a box spring, too. I’m a little worried they might stick out too far, but I’m hoping it’ll work. My room is small, too.

    14. Frankie Livingston

      Love the bed! May have found the fabric! Not sure! Holly Mathis is an interior designer in the
      Houston,Texas area. She has pics of the home that is featured on the cover of the March
      Issue of Southern Living on her website,HollyMathisinteriors.com. Go to her blog and
      Scroll almost to last pic. In a small corner to right is an arrow of a chair she is recovering
      With sister Parish design? Looks so much like your fabric! Hope this helps!

    15. Mel

      I found something similar in a pink colorway that can be made in other colorways at Spoonflower. http://www.spoonflower.com/fabric/1400841

      It states that it is a Dauphine fabric. Hope that leads you to something that you love.

    16. Marilyn

      Does the design on the headboard have a meaning? Just curious.

      • Karen

        I have been wanting to ask the same question 😉 curiosity kills me! lol!

    17. Siggie

      The bed turned out great! It’s whimsical, and the white bedding give’s it a light and airy look. I could imagine this room in Barton Cottage. I would use the fabric you are looking for as an accent and not an entire duvet cover though, I think that would overpower the look, but that is just my opinion. You could upholster a side chair in that fabric, what do you think? Anyway, just thought I’d throw in my two cents for what it’s worth. I can’t wait to see the room finished, it looks beautiful so far!

    18. Melanie

      I absolutely love the bed, and the whole room for that matter! It is truly amazing. I am so envious, a guest room was always the place where I got to play and have lots of fun with the furnishings and decor. When #3 came along, I lost our guest room . . . 🙁 Maybe one day I’ll have one again. Thanks for sharing!

    19. Maybee's Mom

      Just a thought . getting a mirror cut is very cheap at a window replace place…pop out the chalkboard and replace with mirror- will make room see much bigger and give the guest a mirror..unless they want to doodle on the chalkboard…I like the bed. MM

    20. Vicki

      I have those same Ikea sconces and I just painted them with copper craft paint. They’ve held up fine. I don’t remember what I used, but it was thick enough that it didn’t leave brush marks like acrylic. Your bed is beautiful- just like a storybook bed!

    21. Emma Walton

      You might try the Etsy shop, Vintage Touch Too. They have similar floral striped ticking.

    22. Ginger

      Great job!!!

    23. Kellene Ellexson

      Pretty! So much sweet personality.

    24. Mary Jane Miller

      wonderful plan! I think i have the exact chandelier! i love it. I agree with the woman that said the french ticking at Joann’s is very close to the fabric. It comes is blue and pink. But it seems yours is maybe a bit vintage. looks more quality:) I am sure you can just picture it all pulled together…..we will all look forward to seeing the vision!

    25. Jody

      I love how the room is coming together and can’t wait to see it finished!

    26. Jelena

      The bed looks beautiful, Marian, and I think the chandelier will fit the style of the bed perfectly. Love all the details/texture on the metal parts of the chandelier!

    27. Marlene

      Love the light and the room is coming along beautifully.

    28. Jeine C.

      “Shopping the house,” that’s the best kind of shopping to do because you get a new look for free 🙂

      Enjoy the process!

    29. Lee

      The room is coming together wonderfully, that bed is such a show piece. Your Image no. 5 looks like it has just come out of House and Garden you are getting really clever with your photography and styling.

      I am turning a small bedroom in our house into an office at the moment, it too has a very small little cupboard which to be honest is hopeless as a wardrobe. If I can clear it all out and get rid of some of the things in a yard sale (I hope to have) then I could put a piece of furniture in front of it too. I want to put a chair in my office and I was thinking I could put one of my shutters I am removing from my bedroom, in front of the wardrobe and the chair in front of that…a thought anyway.

      Love this post, want to look at the images again. The bed reminds me of a carousel.

      Lee

    30. Olive Reed

      Hi Marian,
      Love your ideas in all the rooms. Love the bed. I have the exact material you are looking for in my living room. I made pillows for my couches.
      I bought the material from Calico Corners here in the Los Angeles area. I’m sure you can find it on line. Looking forward to seeing the finished room.

    31. colette Johnston

      Hi Marian. I used to work for a local fabric store here in VA and I swear I’ve seen that fabric in there, although it may have been the pink color way. I’ll go in on Monday and see what I can find out for you. Colette

    32. Lori Riggs

      I have a throw pillow out of that fabric. I may still have a second throw pillow too. It is a Waverly fabric. Waverly is the trademark for the F. Schumacher company in New York. Hope that helps.

    33. Jo @ To a Pretty Life

      Ooh, you have a secret room! If I was 9-years-old and lived in your house, I’m sure I would hide myself away in that now empty closet for hours! And probably have the mirror and/or chalkboard fall on my head at least once. The room is coming together beautifully! The bed looks amazing.

    34. Barbara Reames

      I was in the JoAnn’s here in Richmond, Virginia in the last few days and they have a
      dusty rose color wave that looks just like the one you just featured. I noticed it because
      my mother would have loved it!

    35. Wendy

      I have used that fabric also. I got it at Calico Corners.

    36. Peggy Watson

      So pretty!!

    37. Wendy

      Oh and I think the fabric was called “Lisere” or “Lisette” or something along those lines.

    38. Audrey

      Try missingfabrics.com I believe you can post a picture of your fabric and people may be able to identify it and let you know where you can find it. It is a free service and they claim 70% success rate.

    39. Carole

      Love the bed! I’m sure the room will turn out just as you envision. Re the fabric……I think I would try Calico Corners or Joann’s first. Many mill-end fabric places have that type of fabric. I think you’ve already received many suggestions, so you should do well.

    40. Sue McGuire

      I also have used that fabric. I purchased it from Calico Corners in Dallas, TX back in 2005. It was in their French Country fabric collection. I tried to get additional fabric in 2009 from Calico Corners and it was no longer available.

    41. Kate

      When I have one of those “sit and stare” sessions, my family looks at each other and says, “Uh,oh. Mama has that look in her eye.” It was great when my boys became teenagers and could start moving furniture for me!

    42. Laura Strack

      Hi Marian, Your guest bedroom is looking so beautiful. I want that bed!! Lol. I was wondering if you gave any thought as to tearing out the closet and making it larger or maybe making a built in area, such as an alcove, where you could tuck a mirror and a dresser into the wall? Good luck locating your lovely fabric. From the previous post, it looks like you have received much help already. Big Hugs, Laura

    43. RoseMary Knight

      Would it be possible to remove one section of your light for the guest bedroom.? That way it wouldn’t be so long and you could still use most of the crystals..

    44. MISHELLE

      I laughed when I read your “sit and stare “part. I do the same thing ,all the time. what a neat bed:)

    45. Becky

      I love the room, as always, but rather than replace sconces with one so similar, why not use a metallic spray paint? Since the originals were so cheap, might be worth a try:)

    46. Mary

      Love ! Love how the bed is looking, what a great job, I would love to see it with Raspberry bedding. xx Another job well done !

    47. Marie @ The Interior Frugalista

      Oh my Marian, this is the first time I’ve seen your bed makeover and I’m in awe with your talent! How lucky are your guests to stay in such a beautifully pulled together room. Gorgeous!

    48. Doré ..'BurlapLuxe

      Oh how pretty the colours are. I love folklore and this bed says it all right down to the fabric choice. What a cozy place of rest.

      So beautifully inspiring, now I need a cottage out back to inspire this kind of European feel to a cottage life.

      Keep inspiring your beauty.

      Xx
      Doré

    49. Libby

      Years ago I bought that fabric, or one very similar to it, in gold at Mary Jo’s Fabric Store in Gastonia, NC. They carry a huge selection of home decor fabrics, so you might contact them to see if they carry the one you are looking for!

    50. margaret

      I have two websites that have similar fabrics that
      have that same look, not quite that bright blue.
      onlinefabricstore.com has Covington Brodie Chambray
      and warehousefabrics.com has Rosanita Stripe Sky
      and Victoria Vine Red.

    51. Marianne in Mo.

      Reading this late, but I see you have found out the name of your fabric. I have two small scraps of the same fabric, one is gold, the other red (where yours is blue). I used to work at a fabric store that sold remnants and current fabrics. My pieces came from our sister store that made custom window treatments and bedding. We would get “scrap bags” from them and sell the scraps for 50¢ to $1. apiece. I planned to attach mine to plain fabric to widen it, and cover a chair or pillow, but it STILL sits in my totes of fabric! 😉

    52. Colette J.

      Hi Marian. I was just about to send you the deets on that fabric, but I see you beat me to it. It was in the Waverly Bella Tuscany Wovens collection, which has been discontinued. However, a lot of fabrics are also made by other manufacturers, so I have the girls at my fabric store looking for it in the hope that someone still makes it. I will be in touch. Colette

    53. Melody

      Oh Marian, your room is looking lovlier each day!! I love your little chandelier, I have one thats looks almost identical to yours, except mine has only 5 arms, and it hangs over my kitchen breakfast bar. I love to watch what you do, for inspire me in so many ways. Never change sweetheart, never change!
      Happy days, Melody

    54. Suzanne Davis

      Hi Marian, Hooray!! I found your fabric. I have just moved from California to Franklin, Tenn.
      I had dining room drapes made from the fabric. I knew I had some fabric left, I just did not know where it was or how much I had. (the moving process is hard!) I ran on to it today.
      Do you still need it? and How much? I love your hand painted head and foot board.
      I enjoy reading your facebook blog since I also love antiques, textiles, and I am a confessed dish addict. Enjoy this beauty of a day!!
      Suzanne

    55. Janice Williams

      I have a room with sloped a ceiling that is similar to yours. It’s really hard to figure out what furniture to get and how to arrange it! I’m anxious to see what you do with it!

    56. kelli gustafson

      I am wondering where you found the Pottery Barn sconces in brass? I don’t see them on the Pottery Barn website – only nickel and bronze. Thanks for your help.

      Kelli

    57. Pam

      The room is looking lovely! Do you have a source for your red and white buffalo checked fabric you’re using for your draperies? If you’ve mentioned it somewhere, I missed it. Thanks!

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    Marian Parsons - Miss Mustard Seed

    I’m Marian, aka Miss Mustard Seed, a wife, mother, paint enthusiast, lover of all things home and an entrepreneur, author, artist, designer, freelance writer & photographer.  READ MORE to learn more about me, my blog and my business…

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