Another Before & After

This project is a master suite for lovely clients that I have worked with for almost 7 years now. I decorated their master suite, for the first time, back in 2001. Back then, as you will see in the before picture, we used heavy, rich, colors that were so popular at the time. They were ready for a fresh new look and enlisted my help, as we have gradually been updating all of the rooms in their home since. I will show you their master suite in 2 parts because we are still waiting on some backordered fabric in the bedroom and so it is not complete yet.

Sneak peek...

My clients wanted to use as much of what they already owned as possible (doesn't everyone...unless you're just sick of something). They have beautiful furniture and so I was happy to give their existing furniture a crisp new look. Unfortunately you won't see this part until later :)

In the bathroom we made minimal changes that would give the most impact and update the space without breaking the bank.

Here is the before...

Shiny brass hardware was so popular in the 90's...ugh. This is something that I tell every client...change the hardware...it makes a huge difference! So that was one of the first things to go and we replaced it with supple oil rubbed bronze. Our main goal was to update the color scheme. In '02 we used eggplant, maroon, deep sage etc. which was the part of the "old world" look, that was so desirable back then. So we wanted to get the dark colors out and bring in some fresh grays and creams to brighten the space. We painted the walls a warm gray, Benjamin Moore's Bennington Gray. Next we painted the millwork several shades darker than the walls, Benjamin Moore's Ashley Gray. This removed the "builder standard painted cabinets" appearance. We also replaced the builder basic counter tops with a gorgeous slab of Calcutta marble (my absolute favorite).

This marble is ah-mazing! Check it out...

New light fixtures replaced the very dated shiny brass ones and a petite chandelier was hung over the vanity for something a little extra special. We hung a custom mirror on top of the "wall of mirrors" to break this space up and define the vanity. It truly makes the area feel custom and not so cookie-cutter.

*Fun extra - a flat screen tv was mounted behind the mirror, in the wall. Not only does the mirror glass disguise it but it is a space-saver too. (look right next to the orchid)

We brought the fabrics from the bedroom into the bathroom for continuity. The client had the vanity stool from the previous design, so a quick swipe of antique gold paint and a new cushion and the stool has new life :)

For the shower and bathtub area, we changed the dated shiny brass frame to a seamless one with oil rubbed bronze hardware. We changed the shower before I got my "before" pictures, but you get the idea.

We pulled the heavy chenille kingston drapery down and installed a custom faux roman shade mounted inside the box window for a cleaner and more tailored look.

New accessories. Not just decorative...bath salts, pretty soaps and natural sponges.

The right small changes can have a big impact.