master bedroom problems and solutions...

Given the speedy move from the loft to the house the week of the wedding, our bedroom received one essential piece of furniture for sleeping. My queen size bed from the loft was dubbed as the bed we would use for our bedroom now that we consolidated households.

Interestingly enough, this bed had gone through quite the creative transformation. It was once a four poster bed that helped create a secluded bedroom space in my open concept loft. One day, I decided to open up the space after reading a post on YoungHouseLove.com since they had success with the exact same bed. Brett helped me saw off the posts, and wah-lah! The new sans post bed made the space seem so much bigger. It was a change I am glad we made before I moved anywhere since they are a pain to move and the ceiling in the house isn't quite as high at my 14 foot exposed beams in the loft.

So, here we have it...newlyweds with a bedroom that looks a little like Oscar the Grouch's lair. The ultra tiny closet and lack of any type of dresser really adds to the look; I believe it would classified as junk pile chic? To add to the oddity of this room, the only source of light we have at the moment is the closet pull string light. Hmm...leaves for an interesting morning when it is total darkness.

Actual Set of inside Oscar's garbage can...

This was not the oasis I wanted to retire to each night and Brett also referred to my bed as a 'pretty pretty princess bed' {his own words} with all my pillows and soft pink floral prints. Mount Crumpit is the name he gave the pile of pillows that I like to sleep surrounded by.  Luckily we have similar taste in design, so we have been brainstorming ideas for what this space should encompass. Here is the list of problems we needed to solve:

A} Create a space that reflects Brett's masculinity, but a space that Dar feels is light and airy. {This could be the toughest challenge.}

B} Replace the bed frame/headboard. We will use my 'modified' frame for the spare queen size mattress we have in the guest room and showcase that for another project.

C} Let there be light! Come up with some type of lighting either attached to the ceiling fan, replaces the fan, or bedside lamps.

D} Find something to store both Brett's clothes and mine, okay maybe two units for mine...

E} Not sure if this can be added, but also solve the problem for my perpetual snoozing of  my alarm since I end up waking up Brett about 45 minutes before he needs to rise.

Where is one place that I could solve 90% of these issues? Ikea! My favorite place on earth for home solutions and creative space organization. {If you have never read a creative Ikea hack article, I suggest you do!} So after a trip to visit my East side friend and hitting up the Canton Ikea, here are the solutions to the aforementioned list:

Solution A} Brett and I both love grey in all shades. We decided that was a nice neutral palette to work with, We also paired some neutral colors in woods to add warmth and {masculinity points here} antlers from my hunter's existing collection. It came from some inspiration in the Ikea 'bookbook' catalog. The addition of new pieces should help it transition from 'my' space to 'our' space. Here are some fabric swatches, colors and textures we will be utilizing...

Solution B} A wrought iron bed made the perfect replacement for the modified post bed. The industrial look is something we both like, and the metal works perfect in contrast to the light walls.

Solution C} Bedside lamps that looked like ones we registered for at Pottery Barn {at a fraction of the price} served great for the lighting solution. A small pendant light for less than $20 also might serve as a solution for hooking up to the fan and the light switch.

Solution D} The Hemnes collection has some great lines, and in the new stained white finish it shows the grain of the Southern Pine that Brett really likes. Perfect, a large dresser and chest of drawers will be ideal for fitting our folded clothes in.

Solution E} Believe it or not, even the snoozing problem has been solved at Ikea. What is the one type of alarm clock that you cannot snooze? An old fashioned one with a bell. Where do they still sell them? At Ikea! They also prove difficult to shut off in your sleep. After a few days of testing, I will report back with if this was a plausible solution.

Now that I have found all of the solutions, expect posts to keep coming with updates for how things are coming together!

What are some creative solutions you have had to use in a shared living space?