master bedroom | fabric, color & furniture

by | Dec 19, 2017 | Master Bedroom, My House | 68 comments

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We knew, even before we moved, that we might be switching some things around when it came to the bed/sleeping situation in our house.  We wanted to get through the move and some projects that were a priority before we made any decisions on it, though.

Now that we have some of those priorities behind us, like paint and climate control for the studio, kitchen appliances, etc., we are ready to do some furniture shuffling and make decisions about the master bedroom.

I’m going to share more about this in a couple of days, but Jeff and I have been talking about getting a new mattress for a while.  We have a very nice mattress, but it’s too soft for Jeff and too hard for me, so this compromise results in neither of sleeping as comfortably as we’d like.  So, we have found a solution for that and, while we have the space, we decided to upsize to a king bed.  This bedroom is huge and a king will be much better suited size-wise for it.

The moment we started talking about a king bed, though, I knew that meant my beloved Vienne bed frame from Restoration Hardware (it isn’t available any longer) would be sent to the guest room.

I will admit that I am a bed frame snob.  I believe that, if at all possible, once you pass 30, you should have a proper bed frame.  Not just a metal frame, but an actual bed frame that declares to the world that you are no longer living in a dorm and can have a piece of furniture as the centerpiece of your bedroom.  Just my opinion.

So, I reminded Jeff of this opinion.  He gave me the green light to do some window shopping, so we knew what we’d be getting into.

First, I checked my credit card points.  If you’ve read my blog for a while, you know that I buy most of my furniture second-hand, but when we do buy a new piece, we use our credit card points for that splurge.  We don’t use credit cards personally, since we work on a cash-only basis, but I do use one for my big business purchases for the specific reason of redeeming the points for cash for special purchases, like this one.

I had enough points to cover most of a bed frame, so I started browsing.  I checked right away to see if the Vienne bed was still available, but it wasn’t.  I wanted a similar, French-style bed with a wood frame and upholstered headboard that was less than $1,500.  A tall order, I came to discover.  Most beds that fit that description were in the $3,000-4,000 range, which was way over my set budget.

I thought I would check out Arhaus.  I had worked with them as a sponsor a couple of months ago and was pleased with the quality of everything I ordered through them.  As it would work out, they had exactly what I was looking for and it was marked down from $4,000 to $1,200 on final clearance.  It ended up being $1,450 with taxes and white glove delivery.

As a bonus, there is a curved footboard!  I’ve always wanted one!!

The bed is the Genevieve, but the king-size is now sold out.  Here’s the link to the queen bed, though.

The new frame will be delivered tomorrow, so we had to shuffle things around.

We moved our bed frame to the basement guest room.  The frame that was in the basement guest room was in Calvin’s room in our last house (and it really is more boy-ish than guest-room-ish), so we moved that back to his room.  We moved his twin bed into Marshall’s room and bunked it on his twin.  Calvin will get our mattress when our new one arrives.  Are you following me?  What all of this bed-shuffling means is that we can have several family members visiting at the same time, which is important, since we live at least a 16 hour drive from all of our family.  We can host family holidays without having to break out the sleeping bags.

So, we’re sleeping on our mattress on the floor until the new frame and mattress arrive.  The boys are having a “sleepover” in the bunkbeds, which they are stoked about.

And, because decorating is like dominoes, I realized I should probably at least paint the wall behind the bed, so we don’t have to move a big, heavy, king bed out of the way to paint.

This meant I needed to quit delaying and pick a color for the walls.

I already have the fabric selected and purchased for the room, Aviary Toile by French General, so I had a starting point.  Painting the walls an off-white, would be an easy choice, but the room is large and gets lots of sunlight, since it’s south-facing, so I feel like it needs a color.  Also, this house needs more color!  It’s a beautiful home, but it feels very vanilla right now with all of the beige carpeting, beige tiles, and beige and peachy off-white walls and trim.  It doesn’t need big, bold, color, but it needs some color and contrast.

So, I scoured my paint decks for the perfect bluish gray to match the fabric.  I thought Yarmouth Blue was it.  The one.

I bought a sample, but as soon as I brushed it on, it was too green and way too bright for the fabric.

I hit the paint decks again, went back to the paint store again, and came back with a more varied selection.

I got Brittany Blue, Santorini Blue (mixed at 50% strength), and Kentucky Haze (also mixed at 50% strength.)  I also brushed on a sample I already had, Stonington Gray.

(From left to right: Stonington Gray, Brittany Blue, Santorini 50%, Kentucky Haze 50%, Yarmouth Blue.)

I painted swatches everywhere, so I could see how the colors looked on different walls and against different key pieces in the room.

In the end, I think the winner is the sample I already had, Stonington Gray.  It has the least amount of blue of any of the colors, but it reads as a pale blue in the light in my room.  It really is a gorgeous color and one I’ve already use on my kitchen island and was planning to use on all of my interior doors (although I might go with the darker Coventry Gray for those now).

Here is an inspiration picture for Stonington Gray from House Beautiful.

It’s definitely a chameleon color, in that sometimes it looks more blue and other times more gray, but it seems to lean blue in my house, like it does in the photo above.

I am going to wait to pull the trigger until the bed is delivered tomorrow, though.  While I can always paint and upholster the bed, so it matches, I’d rather not have to do that!  Since the bed frame is gray, I want to make sure it plays nicely with Stonington.  If all goes well, I’ll be painting on Thursday to get ready for the mattress delivery on Friday.

Getting paint on the wall and the bed in place will be a huge step towards getting this room together.

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    68 Comments

    1. Lauren

      Oh! I think you need Quiet Moments by BM. It is a beautiful color and I think that it might be what you are looking for.

      • Marian Parsons

        I looked at that one, but it was a bit too green for the fabric. It’s a lovely color, though!

    2. Laura L

      The color is just lovely, as are your swatches! I agree that your beautiful house needs COLOR to help with the beigeness and bring out the beauty of your furnishings. Let me just prepare you…you are going to LOVE that king sized bed! Best Christmas present you could possibly give to yourselves!

      • Marian Parsons

        Ha! I am prepared!!

    3. Dianne

      Love your choice. Big project so close to Christmas!

      • Marian Parsons

        Yeah, that’s sort of how it worked out! 🙂 At least I’m not refinishing floors, like I was a few years ago!

        • beverlee

          there will be a bit of shock at the difference in price for king size vs. queen size sheets! Lots more $$ .

    4. PC

      I agree- the color you already have is the best – I intend to paint my next bedroom a blue-gray with some Waverly blue buffalo check fabric I have hoarded for years.

    5. Amy K

      So glad you picked that color as it was the one I thought would look the best too! It’s going to be beautiful and I can’t wait to see it!

    6. Heidi

      I paint on small canvas and then I only have to paint one for each colour and can move them around the room to different locations. This leaves me with quite a bit of the Sample paint left for my stash

    7. Susie

      My daughter and I have used Stonington Gray in bedrooms, bathrooms and living dining rooms and it always works! It can be a cool neutral color or more blue and I love it. I wonder if you could slightly darken it if you need more color against the bed, which is beautiful!

    8. Missy

      I have Stonington Gray in my Living, dining and foyer. I too, had no less than 5 samples on the walls before choosing. I love this color. It is not too gray, too blue too anything. Hope you find it is the right choice for your bedroom. I think you will be pleasantly surprised. I have lots of mahogany (corner china cabinets, crown molding, baseboards) . It plays well with wood tones-they just sing!

    9. Kim

      Paint can be SUCH a dilemma. You really have to test it in the room in order to know for sure. A color that is beautiful can look awful if the lighting isn’t right! And vice versa. Better to spend a little extra and test it first. We picked a color for a room in our house before it was built, and once we moved in, knew it was ALL WRONG. So I spent this past summer “erasing” it back to white and what a big relief.

    10. Marsha Kern

      Can’t wait to see it completed!

    11. Susie

      Also, check out the color Grey Screen, Pottery Barn kids color from 2015 line. It looks quite gray on the sample but on the wall, is a beautiful blue gray color. Not too bright, not greenish.

    12. Jennifer C.

      We painted our master bedroom in our new home Stonington Gray. I agree, it’s very chameleon. Our last house, our bedroom was SW Mineral Deposit, which I loved. But I wanted to go lighter on the color in this house. I do love how it turned out! I am sure you’ll keep us posted!!

    13. Lynn-ri

      I’ve not seen Stonington Gray in person but it is lovely in HB picture you posted. Horizon by Benjamin Moore is another “gray paint with a hint of blue” option.

    14. Dolores

      I’m so glad to see that you are adding some color to your house, I agree- this house needs color, and I bet it will be beautiful, as is everything you do.
      Maybe it’s just me, or the season, but I crave color..wonderful, riotous color to make me happy! 🙂

      • Marian Parsons

        It really does!

    15. Susan

      What a good idea!

    16. Suzanne Zingg

      I’m anxious to hear your experience with Arhaus. I’ve bought lots from them over the past year and I don’t think I’ve ever received anything without a problem. I hope you can give us an honest review.

      Your home is gorgeous and your new wall color will add so much to your master.

      • Marian Parsons

        Oh, sorry to hear that! All of the stuff I ordered w\hen I worked with them as a sponsor came well packed and in good condition. I’ll let you know about the bed, though! Fingers are crossed.

    17. Sandra Boff

      Things are looking up. I was really glad to hear you felt things were looking vanilla. I have been holding back being negative. Can’t wait to see the finished result.

    18. Anne

      Haha–when I saw the swatches I was already rooting for Stonington Gray, and the immediate thought that popped into my mind was, “I’m sure I’ll be seeing pictures of Marian’s room for years, and I hope it will be that color!” Your book and blog bring me a lot of enjoyment (and help). Thank you for sharing with us.

    19. Vickie White

      I love it when I agree with your choices. The stonington gray is just perfect! You continue to amaze and astound me with your vision and energy. Sending you the Happiest of Christmas wishes all the way from Texas!

    20. Sherri

      Love your choice. I like BM Misty Gray but may be too light for you. Also Sterling at 50% is great. I like a hint of color and darker ones I get tired of. I looked at many colors trying to get a light color more gray than blue, and it’s tricky!

    21. B. Folk

      The wall lamp sconces look like they are the perfect width for your current queen bed. Will you need to move them further apart, to accommodate the king?
      Stonington Gray looks like a winner!

      • Marian Parsons

        Yes, we will move the sconces. 🙂

    22. tracie

      I immediately was drawn to the “Stonington Gray” it is so soft and pretty. I’m really into greys right now which surprises me. My house is more on the softer tuscan side of colors. Ya never know! 😀 Can’t wait to see the finished product.

    23. Carolyn

      I used stonington gray in my dining room a few years ago. It pulled a lot of green out, maybe cause the floor is a gray green marble… I think its a lovely neutral color.

    24. Mary S

      Yay!! Stonington Gray was my choice. Can’t wait to see it on the walls.
      Glad you won’t be doing fabric wallpaper. I thought that was a little too busy.
      Mary

    25. JC at the uncommon pearl

      Great choice. The bed is beautiful along with the fabric. You have a big project for a big week!

    26. Norma Rolader

      Oh my beautiful and thank you for sharing God bless and Merry Christmas to you and your family

    27. Nancy Johnson

      I’m in the process of attempting to reupholster my first chair–from the frame out, complete with new eight-way hand tied springs. When I discovered that we are both using Aviary Toile, I grabbed my laptop and ran downstairs to show my husband–who is now much more impressed with my design choices. I fell in love with the fabric at first sight, and have used it as the starting point for the entire room redo.

    28. Karen

      A bed frame snob 😀 I’m always saying, “We need a proper bed frame.” Our uncomfortable mattress just sits on a metal frame. Your room will be gorgeous!

    29. mary m.

      If you ever have a chance please visit Stonington, Ct. as it is a stones throw from Mystic Seaport. You
      won’t be disappointed. It is a quaint vlg. that is on a point of land and reeks of history.

    30. MaryLisa Noyes

      I am so excited for you..I can’t even imagine taking this on right before Christmas but you are a creative trooper…The bed frame is lovely as the wall color you chose. I miss having a king bed but my room now won’t allow for one..all the best…

      • Marian Parsons

        Yeah, we’ve never had room for a king bed, so I am excited!

    31. Kerry Stevens

      Can’t wait to see it all come together…. I have no doubts that it will look absolutely beautiful. Good luck with getting it all done before the holiday season! and whilst we are on that subject….Have a very Merry Christmas, and an awesome 2018!

    32. Caroline

      How come you didn’t try Glass slipper, the color rom your old family room – that’s what in my master!

    33. Ramona

      Yes, you’re going to love that larger bed! My husband and I have been sleeping on a king for about 45 years. Color on the walls will make your master complete. I have a MS color called salt glaze that I just love. I found it on a ceiling while I was flipping through a Southern Living several years ago. Before this week gets any busier, I want to wish you and your family a Merry Christmas. I hope the good Lord will continue to bless all of you in the upcoming New Year. Thank you for your inspiration every time I read one of your posts.

    34. Brenda

      The new bed is gorgeous! And I love the fabric! They will be so pretty together. Merry Christmas!

    35. Martha

      I love your style! I’m interested in what mattress you are getting? My husband and I have similar issues with the firmness of the mattress and I’m currently researching some of the sleep number options but $$?

    36. Lesley

      Kudos on moving up to KING size! It’s something I luxuriate in nightly. My husband and I often sigh when we snuggle down, especially with freshly laundered sheets. It’s truly one of my most favorite things. Sometimes I even give it a personal name and tell it how much I love it (as in “Bed, I love you!”) 🙂

      What does the 50% paint color mean?

      • Marian Parsons

        I am a lover of freshly washed sheets, too! I have loved it since I was a child.

        Mixing a paint color at 50% means that only put 50% of the pigment into the base, so the color isn’t as intense. You can have any color mixed at any percentage. Sometimes that’s easier when picking out a lighter color, so you can see the undertones.

    37. Karen L Chaudoin

      I thought the Stonington Gray fit better with your style as although you use color it is subdued and refined and soothing. So I hope it goes with the beautiful bed you picked out. I would love to have an upholstered bed with a canopy frame but with two cats and two dogs vomit happens as they age. So excited for you! I love your style! I hope you make it to Raleigh again and do a show so I can meet you. I did want to ask does your Milk Paint work on walls. Sorry for not researching into your blog and I will do that. Your European colors are so lovely!

    38. Betsy in NC

      I love your style and everything you do – enjoy all that new room you’ll have in your king bed! My husband and I have the same problem with every mattress we’ve ever had – too hard for me, too soft for him. We are seriously considering a sleep number bed, but just a little afraid to spend all that money to find it might not be the answer. Curious as to the solution you and your husband came up with?

      • Marian Parsons

        Yes! That’s what we’re getting. We’ve been considering it for a while, but wanted to wait until we moved to pull the trigger. I’ll be posting about it soon.

    39. beanie

      is the stonington gray by Benjamin moore? I love it. I need a color for my library-to-be!

      • Marian Parsons

        Yes!

    40. Beth

      I love your “bed frame snob” comment. I love antiques and good quality furniture and have called myself a furniture snob for many years. Your paint and fabric choices are beautiful & I can’t wait to see the room come together.

    41. Angela

      Thank you for reminding me how much I love the French General fabrics. I had gotten a few swatches a while back…if I am able to do some rooms in my little lake house, I will definitely re-look at those lovely, yummy fabrics. I love your choices.

    42. Sarah

      I agree about a proper bed frame. The difficulty in our old home (can trace to 1888; think it’s older) is that the upstairs master is under the eaves. No height room for a tall headboard. If we place the bed at the gable end it will cover the window and we would miss the light. I’m pretty creative but this one has me stumped.
      Love your chosen paint. Shoot you’ll knock out that one wall in a blink. The only hard part will be stopping you once you’ve started!

    43. Becky

      Blues are hard! You may want to try Pale Smoke, by Benjamin Moore.

    44. KathyPK

      We have a sleep number King bed. LOVE it. Husband has his side on really firm and I have mine much softer. We both love our mattress.

    45. Joanne

      I was hoping you would choose the stonington, it doesn’t overpower your gorgeous fabric. I also love horizon by Ben Moore as a another commenter posted, it’s a great alternative for white. Can’t wait to see your new master “miss mustard ized!”

    46. Michelle

      I love your sconces! Will you share where you got them? Merry Christmas to you and your family!

    47. Cindy Redman

      Oh damn, this is exciting.! I could die over the bed. It’s wonderful! I was thinking the Stonington Gray too. It’s more subtle, but def curious to see it with the bed frame. Oh my lord picking wall colors is the bane of my existence … It will be so fun to see how everything ends up.

      Cindy

    48. Alana Powers

      Can you tell me where you got those sconces??

      Looking forward to seeing the progression.

    49. Kelly

      So exciting. Right before Christmas! If the Stonington Gray doesn’t work try Woodlawn Blue from that first paint chip you showed. It’s one of those beautiful chameleon colours as well. It’s my go-to colour when all else fails?

    50. Teresa

      I must admit your queen bed (although lovely) seemed a little lost looking in your new larger master bedroom. Once you go to a king bed you will wonder why you didn’t do it sooner and you will never look back. You mentioned your old mattress was too soft for your husband and too hard for you. So I am already guessing you might be going to a dual control mattress.

      I also cant wait to see you get rid of all that beige.. The new colors are exciting!

    51. Inez

      The legs on that table!!!?? And that hand broom … I’m just dying to know it’s history. Looks like I need to travel to Minnesota.

    52. Rebecca Neustel

      You will love your king bed, especially if you have to have shoulder surgery. I needed room for my wedge pillow. I can’t wait to see this room finished. The paint color on the walls presently is really not you!!

    53. Donnie

      I love your style, choice, and everything in your new room, your paint and material choices are wonderful.

    54. Jessica | Petal + Ply

      What a gorgeous bed and how perfect that it was right in your budget being on sale!!

    55. kristen

      What started out as blogs of people repurposing has become more and more like Christmas with all the commercialism. It’s sad. New beds not repurposed. New couches not repurposed. New homes not old ones being renovated. Folks selling their souls. Almost everyone given enough money can do.

    56. Marianne

      Could you tell me where you purchased the lovely matching quilt and shams (I think they are pick stitch)? Thank you

    57. IL Piccolo

      When we planning for home decor then we have firstly think about furniture includes living room furniture and bathroom furniture. Furniture is important part of renovation or home decor. Your blog provides wonderful information. I really like your describing process in part by part.

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