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Nautical Master Bedroom Makeover & How We Found Our Shared Style

Rustic Nautical Master Bedroom Makeover! A series of DIY tutorials from thinkingcloset.com!

There’s a famous story I tell from the first month Mark and I were married.

We were at Target, trying to pick up a few items to fill our very bare condo.  We hit the lamp aisle, where I thought of a fun little “getting to know you” game we could play.  I curiously asked Mark, “Okay, which three lamps are your favorite?”  Biting my lip, I eagerly awaited his response, guessing in my mind which of his favorites would intersect with mine.  And then, he dropped this bomb on me:

Um….  What if I don’t like lamps at all?

Now, this may not seem like a very big deal now, but at the time, as a new bride in a foreign land of Columbus, Ohio, it felt like a soccer ball to to the gut.  I am known to have a vivid imagination, so within seconds, all of our future homes flashed before my eyes: they were all dark and devoid of light; clinical environments without lamps, pillows, or curtains.  Like the Bat-Cave…but less sexy.

While we didn’t go home with any lamps that day, we did eventually find lamps we both liked.  And the lamp story has become my token example for how early on in a marriage, small conflicts can so quickly escalate to feeling like the end of the world.  Over time, we’ve gotten less easily offended.  More quick to bounce back.  More open to each other’s input when it comes to things like home decor.

You see, I married a man who has opinions about those sorts of things, which I love, because it means our house really does feel like our home.  But because we’re two different people with two different aesthetics, it means, we’ve had a bit of a journey to find our shared style.

And it gives me great joy to say that after 4.5 years of marriage, we’ve found it in our Master Bedroom Makeover.  Our Rustic Nautical Master Bedroom Makeover:

Rustic Nautical Master Bedroom Makeover: A Dramatic Before & After via thinkingcloset.com

Before I give you the grand tour, let’s start with some “before” photos, so you can get a true sense of what we were working with.  Annnnd, you might want to put on sunglasses for these next few photos.  (Sorry.)

Master Bedroom Makeover: "Before" via thinkingcloset.com

For 4.5 years, we’ve slept on a boxspring and mattress without a bed frame.  It’s not that we didn’t want a bed frame; but similar to the lamp story, we didn’t quite know what would work for us.  I’m a little bit more vintage and Mark is a little bit more modern.  So, until we could find our middle ground, we just decided to wait.

Master Bedroom Makeover: "Before" via thinkingcloset.com

We added some IKEA side tables and lamps along the way…a spring duvet cover to help us cope with the dark Ohio winters before we moved to Florida…but it was all with the understanding that they were place-holders.  Temporary solutions.  Until we had an ah-ha moment about what direction to take things in.

And do you remember the dreaded metal cubes?

Master Bedroom Makeover: "Before" via thinkingcloset.com

How could you forget them, right?  That hot mess was what triggered us to start this makeover over the summer with our IKEA Wardrobe Hack.  In fact, I see that wardrobe project as being the lynch pin in helping us find our shared style.  We both fell for the beachy whitewashed exterior…

IKEA Hack: Whitewashed Fjell Wardrobe with Pallet Shelves via thinkingcloset.com

…in conjunction with the rustic pallet shelves and back wall within.

IKEA Hack: Whitewashed Fjell Wardrobe with Pallet Shelves | The Thinking Closet

That’s when the snowball started rolling down the hill.

And on its way, it picked up a bed-frame, built by Mark

Before & After: Rustic Nautical Master Bedroom Makeover! via thinkingcloset.com

stained by yours truly…

Before & After: Rustic Nautical Master Bedroom Makeover! via thinkingcloset.com

a headboard we pieced together using reclaimed pallet wood…

DIY Pallet Headboard! Just one piece in the puzzle of this Rustic Nautical Master Bedroom Makeover! via thinkingcloset.com

DIY Pallet Headboard! Just one piece in the puzzle of this Rustic Nautical Master Bedroom Makeover! via thinkingcloset.com

new bedding to accentuate our love of all things nautical…

Rugby Stripes exude the nautical vibe! via thinkingcloset.com

Rustic Nautical Master Bedroom Makeover! A dramatic before and after via thinkingcloset.com

D.I.Y. pillows to match…

D.I.Y. Throw Pillows...just another piece of the puzzle in this dramatic Nautical Rustic Master Bedroom Makeover! via thinkingcloset.com

D.I.Y. Throw Pillows...just another piece of the puzzle in this dramatic Nautical Rustic Master Bedroom Makeover! via thinkingcloset.com

grommeted valences

Grommeted valences give off a nautical vibe! via thinkingcloset.com

…revamped side tables

IKEA Hacked Hol Side Tables, part of a Rustic Nautical Master Bedroom Makeover via thinkingcloset.com

IKEA Hacked Hol Side Tables, part of a Rustic Nautical Master Bedroom Makeover via thinkingcloset.com

…topped with reminders of the ocean and the sailors who ride its choppy waters…

Rustic Nautical Master Bedroom Makeover...accent pieces via thinkingcloset.com

Rustic Nautical Master Bedroom Makeover...accent pieces via thinkingcloset.com

…a gallery wall to showcase some of our favorite photos and art…

Unique Gallery Wall...part of a Rustic Nautical Master Bedroom Makeover via thinkingcloset.com

…with a treasure chest to boot…

Unique Gallery Wall...part of a Rustic Nautical Master Bedroom Makeover via thinkingcloset.com

…a mirror or perhaps a porthole…

Rustic Nautical Master Bedroom Makeover: A Dramatic Before & After via thinkingcloset.com

…signs of life…

Signs of life!

Rustic Nautical Master Bedroom Makeover: A Dramatic Before & After via thinkingcloset.com

…and soft spots for weary feet to find comfort.

We love our Rainbows! via thinkingcloset.com

Whenever I walk into our bedroom now, I can’t help but hear Etta James’ smooth, lustrous voice in my head, singing,”Aaaaaat laaaaaast!”

I’m not sure why it took us so long to get here.  To arrive at our shared “Rustic Nautical” style.  After all, it was a surf lesson in the Atlantic Ocean when Mark decided he would ask me to be his girl.  And it was in front of that same Atlantic Ocean that we were married one year later.

Surfers

Mark and Lauren, Long Branch, NJ, 7/18/09

The seaside has always been a place of clarity for us.

In the words of e. e. cummings,

For whatever we lose(like a you or a me)

it’s always ourselves we find in the sea

A Series

There are stories behind so many of the projects with this Master Bedroom Makeover…enough stories that I’ve decided to share them with you all through a series of posts over the next month or so.  The next post on the docket?  A tutorial, How to Build a Custom King Size Bed Frame, where you’ll hear from the handyman hubby himself!  So, stay tuned….

And pinners, if you hit the “Pin It” button on any photo in this post, it’ll serve as a home-base for the entire series, as I’ll keep it updated with clickable thumbnails for each post going forward.  It’ll be grand!  In fact, here it begins:

Other Posts in This Series:

I thank you, dear reader, for being a travel companion with me on this voyage.

And on that note, anchors aweigh!

Anchor's Aweigh! Rustic Nautical Bedroom Makeover! via thinkingcloset.com

Rustic Nautical Master Bedroom Makeover: A Dramatic Before & After! via thinkingcloset.com

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225 Comments

  1. Hi Lauren,
    I enjoyed reading about your bedroom decorating journey. Since most of the mattresses today are high and ready made queen sized quilts and comforters do not fit, I’ve bought king sized quilts and there is enough width to tuck the bedding in….giving a custom look. What I’ve done for my queen bed, is bought the king quilt for the bed, and the queen size quilt, and from it made two shams with flanged edges (much more custom looking too), and with the extra fabric, it makes a great ‘throw’ for the bottom of the bed!

    1. That’s a great solution, Susan! It has always bothered me how our king size duvet doesn’t quite fit our king size bed…so I might have to do a custom duvet my own using some of your ideas. Maybe even a California King size duvet…. Thanks for getting my creative juices flowing, and for taking the time to follow along with our bedroom decorating journey! We’re still very much enjoying our rustic nautical retreat years later.

  2. This is perfect. You two did a great job and you are waaay ahead of our curve. Will be married 24 years soon and we haven’t quite nailed it 🙂 Although most of the house pleases us both I think, just haven’t found the right fit in our bedroom. We do have beachy things in there, as the beach (Texas Gulf Coast) has been a very special place for us as well. Your post inspires me to keep trying!!! After seeing your pics, i think it is our furniture that doesn’t quite work. Something about the simplicity of the gromet drapes and the greenery really works. Makes me happy 🙂 Great job and thanks for the inspiration!

    1. Everyone’s path is different, that’s for sure. We recently went through a really helpful exercise of evaluating the decor and furniture pieces in our living room and kitchen areas. I called it a “decor date!” because we had so much fun with it. Anyway, it might be a useful exercise for you and your spouse to do with your bedroom. Here’s the post if you want to check it out! And don’t give up, Lisa. I believe you two can find your shared style at long last! Best of luck.

  3. Hi Lauren,

    Just stumbled across your blog…..awesome !!! Do I have to be on pintrest or twitter or whatever those sites are, or can I get your blog through old fashion e-mail ?

    Elizabeth

    1. Aw, you are TOO sweet! Thanks so much for asking, Elizabeth! Yes, I do have all the social media accounts in the WORLD it seems (ha ha). You can find me @thinkingcloset at pretty much all of them. You’ll see in my sidebar (if you’re on a desktop) that the little icons will take you to my individual pages. And if you’d like to subscribe to receive updates in your inbox of new posts, I’d be thrilled! Here’s the link to do that: http://eepurl.com/wQw0H And welcome to The Thinking Closet fam!

  4. Love your bedroom. I’ve been wanting the nautical feel in my room and have been working on the theme for a couple of years. I love love your ideas and wondered where you purchased the bedding?

  5. what color paint did you use in the bedroom? have the same bedding and cant seem to find the right wall color……but love your choice

  6. First, you and Mark are adorable. Congratulations on your beautiful, joint makeover. It is quite simply awesome! I am quite a fan of this completely themed, budget friendly space which still manages to be sophisticated and beautiful. It reminds me of a gorgeous,sea side designer room because…well…it’s a gorgeous, sea side designer room! Loveeeeeeeeeeeeeee it!

    P.S. I also love that you respond to so many of your comments.

    1. Aw, Candice – – this comment made my night! Seriously, my heart is swelling. Thank you for these encouraging words! I’m off to read them to Mark.

      P.S. I try! Though as you can tell by my delayed response, sometimes I’m a slowpoke, lol. Cheers!

  7. My husband served in the U S Navy in the late 60’s. We have a cabin on the Tennessee River which is decorated in a nautical theme in colors of navy, white and blue with grey walls. Love your room – some ideas I wish to copy of you don’t mind.

  8. I’ve been meaning to leave a comment on this post for awhile now. I just love this room everything about it is perfect. I’m doing my room in a more beach theme but my boys room I’m doing in a nautical theme. I see lots of inspiration in this room. I was super excited I was at Goodwill the other day and found a paddle for $6.00!! Total Score. Again you did an amazing job with everything, I don’t know which is my favorite.

  9. It’s gorgeous! I love every detail. I’m especially impressed by your patience and how waiting for the right thing paid off so beautifully. Sometimes with home decor I’m in such a rush to do something that I end up unhappy with the results. You and Mark were so right to wait until it was exactly what you wanted and so personal too. Can I hire you to make a trip a few states west and get some rooms done in my new home….nevermind, I don’t have enough patience!

  10. Hi! I just discovered your blog (through Everything Etsy) and was so happy to see how great Ikea bookshelves can look. My books runneth over! They’re stacked on the floor and every surface in every room and many of them have no choice but to live in boxes. (I have no idea how this happened by the way.) I love it that you and your husband work together to create such a beautiful livable space without spending a fortune. I’m looking forward to reading the other posts on your blog~~love your cheerful upbeat easy way of sharing with the world.

    1. So happy you stopped by, Joy! And thanks so much for the comment love. Yes, it has been a true joy for me and my hubby to find our groove in working together to make our house a home…and without spending a fortune. We really do both love the DIY aspects of it all! And that was something we didn’t really discover until recently. Go figure! Aw, and you totally made me smile with that last sentence, Joy. You are true to your name! Glad to have you along for the ride, new friend.

    1. Desiree, that feature TOTALLY made my week. You are one of my blogging heroes so a nod from you is all the confidence boost I need to feel like I can take on the worrrrrrrrld! 😉 Thanks again.

    1. Thanks, Kath! P.S. I SO have been swooning over your mini kitchen makeover. We have a breakfast nook in dire need of a D.I.Y. transformation…and seeing how bright and serene yours turned out has me itching to dive in to some MAJOR d.i.y.ing up in here. My hubby is going to “LOVE” me for that. {Wink.}

  11. I love it! My husband and I are going on 11 years of the neutral color we put on the walls until we decided what to do with the room….. I am determined to redo the room before school lets out this summer. I love your bedding, where did you get the navy and white striped bed spread? I think my hubby would actually like it too!

  12. Don’t even know where to start— holy sensory overload…. i think my 2 favorite areas are the gallery wall and the head bard….. the gallery wall is just perfect, right down to the gorgeous wedding pics – i always get stumped doing that kind of wall and you just nailed it. Love the whale and the cute M & L wall art….. just perfect.
    I just want to come over and hang out!!! =)

  13. You really knocked this one out of the park! It is so perfect in every way and I LOVE LOVE LOVE it! Kudos for an amazing job well done, and congrats on your features, I have seen a few! Awesome Lauren!

  14. I have NO clue how I’m so late to this nautical loving party but WOW Lauren, I LOVE IT! I don’t even think I could pick a favorite part since it’s all stunning but those pillows are darling and that headboard is show stopping. You both did an amazing job!

  15. Kudos to having the patience to wait until you found your shared style! I love it! It’s beautiful and pulled together – quite lovely. How nice to have a husband who will voice his preferences! Mine has slowly gotten to where he will say although in his defense he doesn’t care too much as long as it’s not too girly! Looking forward to seeing more….now following.

  16. What an awesome bedroom makeover! It has such a fresh look, just beautiful! Love the nautical theme, and all the little touches you used to create the theme! Beautiful!

  17. Hi Lauren,

    I love every single detail of your room!!!!!!! The headboard that your husband made is fabulous! I love the whitewashed wardrobe! Love, love, love the gallery wall and that whale is great. Love all the details, especially the pillows, the shells, the “porthole” mirror & the mis-matched rugs. Everything is PERFECT!!!!! I think I already told you in a comment once before that I would have the best dreams if I had a bedroom like this!!! Ahhh, dreams of living by the sea.

    In one of your replies to a comment you said, “I’m ALWAYS looking for fabulous covers of fabulous songs by fabulous people.” Well here’s a fabulous cover for you, my beautiful fabulous daughter, Angie Fisher, singing “At Last” at a New Year’s Eve party this year: http://youtu.be/DHwnU_dxIUw

    Peace, Love and Joy,
    Joyce

    1. Aw, thanks for taking time to specifically comment on so many aspects of our makeover (and so many of my personal favorites!). You’re such a sweetheart, Joyce! And gave me the biggest smile tonight.

      And I’m elated to receive the cover song recommendation, especially since it comes from one of your offspring! She is SO talented! Wow. And she has such a rich and powerful voice, too. Does she get her pipes from her, Mama? Thank you for sharing!

    1. Tee hee. Well, it depends on where you live. Hawaii? We’ll be there tomorrow morning. Lol. Joking aside, thanks for the kind words! (Also, love your site design, Chelsea; watercolor is my jam.)

    1. Aw, thanks so much, Melissa! Yeah, it’s funny, I didn’t expect this post to go the personal route much at all…but sometimes, you just have to follow where your typing fingers lead you. So glad you enjoyed it!

  18. Awesome job! Hubby and I had the same issue in the beginning of our relationship trying to find “our” style. We live in south florida and have totally embraced the rustic nautical look 🙂

    FiRefinishBlog.com

    1. Thank you, Rayana. And I love imagining another kindred Floridian couple embracing the rustic nautical look!

    1. Tee hee. Thank you, Claire! We are just so delighted to have a bedroom we can add to the house tour when we have guests over. Before, it was always, “Yeah, and um, that’s the bedroom. Nothing special.” Now, it’s actually worth making the bed! 😉

    1. Aw, that means so much! Thank you, Selene. The pallet headboard exceeded both of our expectations; and I’m delighted to hear your positive response to it!

    1. Knowing I have the sailors’ votes makes me feel confident we were on the right track. Thank you so much, Mindie!

    1. Heather, you are too kind! And I’m working on Monday’s post right now…which is ALL about that pallet headboard you heart. Eeek! Can’t wait to share it with you all.

  19. Literally obsessed with this. Amazing before and after. I am anticipating the same battle of finding a common ground soon. My boyfriend’s place is currently filled with signed and framed “James Bond” movie posters…no thank you. 🙂

    1. Ha ha. Now I’m imagining a design scheme developed around James Bond memorabilia. I feel like you’ve got such a fab sense of style, you could find a way to make it work, Marisa! #yesthisisachallenge!

    1. Aw, now you’re making me blush! Thanks, Genevieve! And I totally believe in you and your makeover abilities. You can do it, girl!

  20. So many comments and not enough time to read them all. Does it say in there somewhere where you bought your nautical bedding? We have retired on a lake and I would love to decorate a nautical themed room

    1. Congrats on your retirement, Toni! That’s awesome. I’m planning to devote an entire post to sourcing the decor elements of our room, including the bedroom, but I’ll divulge that the duvet cover and shams were (believe it or not) Target! Really reasonable, too ($34.99). The fabric is fairly thin, so you’ll want to make sure you’re duvet is all white, and I’m a bit nervous about washing it (will definitely wash on cold), but so far, we’re LOVING it.

  21. This is lovely! I think master bedrooms always get the short end of the stick…ours is half-done – and it’s been that way for over a year. I absolutely LOVE that duvet!

    1. It’s so true, Sarah. It was high time we paid some attention to our Master Bedroom. I mean, we spend at least 8 hours a day in it, right?! And thanks for the kind words about the duvet. Can you believe we got it at Target? For a song, too. Hope you get the chance to finish up your master soon!

    1. Aw, thanks, Valerie! I was starting to doubt myself…. 😉 But y’all have boosted my confidence through the roof!

  22. Oh my what an amazing tranformation, I simply love all the cool details and making into a whole.
    Yeah it does take time to agree on a look, the guy here is always making things difficult by saying NO.but not bringing anything to the table so its a lot of try and error here and he is usually not happy with anything that isnt what his mom would have done. I basicly tell him he can go live with mom hahaha

    Anyway Ive decided IF IM HAPPY its all that matters as he will never be satisfied:)

    1. Yeah, I can see how that would be frustrating. Hopefully, your man can start to offer some actual suggestions so you have things to work with. Maybe make a date to hop around on Pinterest and build a board of some of his favorite looks. And see what intersects with yours. Who knows, it might be one small thing…like a color…or a texture…but you might be surprised at what you build from one small thing. For us it was a wardrobe. I have a faith you’ll find a point where your styles intersect someday! Best of luck on the journey, Lin.

  23. This is really amazing. So glad you found your common ground. My husband has opinions about these things…but doesn’t care to offer them and tells me I can do whatever…with conditions. Lol.

    So what did you end up doing with the hot mess of metal crates? That’s exactly what I used to make my crafty shelf that I keep my paper and vinyl on that everyone in our FB group oohed and ahhed over.

    1. It has been a long time coming, believe me, Heather. Our house was pretty much bare of decor until the past year or so as we’ve been slowly adding more and more. And there’s still more yet to be done. One project at a time, right?

      Ahhhh! The metal crates! Actually, while they’re NOT great for clothes in the Master, we love them for keeping us organized in the garage and in hall closets! We have a bunch of them set up. And I can see how they’d be perfect for organizing crafts. Your crafty shelf is definitely worth ooohing and ahhhhing over, girl.

  24. LAUREN, this bedroom is so good. It looks like it was styled by a total pro, so what I mean is: you’re a friggin’ styling PRO. Your lamp story made me laugh, hah. AND, I totally identify. My boyfriend and I have a whole series of similar stories. Suffice to say, our styles are on such extreme opposite ends of the spectrum, when we go shopping together, if one asks the other “Oo, do you like this?” the response is usually laughter… Because it’s assumed to be a joke… Hopefully someday we can find a shared style, too! You have given me hope! 😉

    1. Wow, and I am a total amateur so thank you for the kind words! Ha ha, and I love that you and your boyfriend can now laugh about your styles being so opposite. It took us a while to get to the laughter stage, but keeping it light is definitely the way to go. So, you’re on to something there!

  25. I’m so late to the bedroom makeover party… but I HAD to stop by and say that this transformation so so beautiful, it belongs in a magazine. I’m so incredibly impressed by the work you both did and I can’t wait to follow along with all of the other projects now!

  26. The headboard! The bedframe! The whale! The bedding! I cannot decide which I like the best. This is so so super fab. I am a SUCKER for nautical, and this is just right- not too overdone. Well done, well done. And I too find clarity at the beach. Awww…. landlocked Atlanta, how I love thee but the sea is calling! 🙂

    1. Aw, thanks, Heather! That means a lot coming from you as I have SO much respect for you and your room makeovers. Um, can we just pause and recall your epic dining room to office makeover? Yeah, that seriously is in the forefront of my mind whenever we tour a house with a formal dining room (we’re house-hunting). I think, “Heather turned hers into an amazing office space, so why couldn’t we?” You’ve opened up my mind to all that is possible when it comes to room layout! So, thank YOU.

  27. Lauren!! This is freakin amazing, girl! Wow! What a before & after. I love nautical and you’ve done a fabulous job with it. Love the stories too 😉 Pinning & sharing on my FB page 😉
    Hugs,
    Jamie

    1. Yay! If Jamie approves, then all is right with the world. I seriously feel that way. Thanks for the cheers and for the share on your FB page! You rock, sistah!

  28. Oh, I love this! I feel a bit the same way. I’m in my first year of marriage and it can be a struggle to find furniture we both like. We too have dreaded metal cubes for clothes… Also, we never know how long we will stay in one house, so we are a bit afraid to buy too much… I can’t wait for the day when we own our own place and are allowed to paint the walls! Your master bedroom is just perfect.

    http://howtomakehome.blogspot.com

    1. I immediately feel bonded to you, Lauren, not only because of our shared first names, but because you understand what it is to live with the metal cubes! Lol. Don’t get me wrong, they’re great for organizing (we still use them), but it was high time we got them out of the bedroom. I can understand not wanting to invest in furniture until you know you’re ready to settle. We actually renters ourselves, but figure we’ll take this furniture with us wherever we go next! Blessings on you and your hubby in your first year of marriage and as you build your lives together!

  29. This renovation is impressive! I would love to have something like this in my house as a guest room. I’m loving the headboard and wardrobe!

    1. Thanks so much, Ele! My hubby is really the brains and sweat equity behind the wardrobe and headboard. He reads these comments, so I know he’ll be touched by your remarks!

  30. Ahhh!!! This is the post I’ve been waiting for!!!!!! It’s amazing to see everything all together, looking so inviting, beachy, fresh, peaceful, and comfy! I don’t know, girl….this room now may be rivaling your front room with all the windows. The front room has the view, but I’m loving this vibe of your bedroom! I love how every piece has a story attached; I remember being with Mark, Mom, and Dad when he got that treasure chest in OH. And thanks for sharing the lamp story. I remember you mentioning it once before, and it’s such a good example of how our fearful hearts are quick to jump to worst-case scenario (my heart is especially fast)…and how encouraging it is to see how that fear melted away in time, and you two worked together to make your room a place that belongs to BOTH of you. It’s lovely how your strengths and Mark’s strengths complement one another to create such a beautiful space. Great job, you two!!

    1. Ha ha. I know, I actually think it will make sense to have the roll-top desk in the bedroom now; I actually want to work in there now! 😉 It was so much fun to be able to set up the bed when you were here before the Cathey family reunion. Thanks for celebrating with us then AND now. And yes, you were there for the treasure chest find back in Ohio! I think that was during one of my matinee shows (Godspell or Mattress? I can’t remember…). And I love how you put it: “how that fear melted away in time…” by God’s grace! Because it’s true, the default of my heart is to jump to the worst-case scenario. That’s no way to live! In the words of Switchfoot, “We were meant to live for so much more.” 😉 Thanks for the cheers, sister!

  31. Y’all did a fabulous job on your master bedroom retreat!! It looks like you had a team of decorators in!

    The pallet headboard is amazing. And I love the art grouping…both for content and how it’s arranged. Want to come makeover our master bedroom?;)lol

    1. Ha ha. Thanks, Cindy! And if by a team of decorators you mean a few dozen late nights of Mark in the workshop and a few dozen trips to HomeGoods for me to find matching rugs and just giving in to buy two different ones that I’ll try to pass off an “intentionally eclectic,” well then, you hit the nail on the head! Lol. But seriously, thanks so much, friend! And I’m so glad you like the Gallery. It took a while to figure out in terms of configuration…and we had to leave out a few pieces that we were bummed to let go of, but I think it all worked out for the best in the end! 😉 Now, after we wake up from a month’s worth of sleep just recovering, it’s onto your house! Ha ha.

  32. You, my friend, did an amazing job. Lauren, it is SO beautiful. Anyone can see that you and Mark put your hearts into this space. I love the nautical theme, of course, because it has navy everywhere. But wow, just wow – you both just did such an amazing job. Every little detail was thought of. LOVE!

    1. This line in particular hit me: “anyone can see that you and Mark put your hearts in this space.” Wow. I think I can retire from DIY blogging right here and now! 😉 But then I wouldn’t get to interact with the amazing Jenna on a regular basis. Hmmmm…. Okay, I’m back in biz! 😉 Ha ha. Thanks for being such a fab friend and for your support of this project! It means the world to me, Jenna.

  33. So lovely! One day… one day I will have a bedroom bigger than our bed. And on that day, we will style it. Oh yes, we will style it. Who knows how yet, but it will be done!

    Your bedroom is amazing, and I LOVE all the natural light. Your style reminds me of Mystic Connecticut. 😀

    1. Oh girl, I believe in you and your styling ways! (And as I said in another comment to someone else, I really do believe that there is a season for everything. And styling wasn’t even in the realm of possibility for us until. So, your day will come! But I love that you and Earl are livin’ it up together in your current season. And I love all the ways you guys collaborate together on projects. It’s inspiring to me!)

      Also, thanks for the Mystic Connecticut comment. I’ve never been there, but I’ve heard it’s beautiful. I mean, any place called “Mystic” has to be! So of course, I feel VERY complimented!

  34. LOVE IT!
    I am feeling those early marriage spats already. Our wedding is three months away so we were looking at things we would like to registered for. We were at Bed, Bath and Beyond and talking about what types of plates we liked and apparently my man is super opinionated about his plates! Which I both appreciate and am incredibly annoyed by. 🙂 It is neat to see how you and Mark have found a style you both love. Also, a style that is BEAUTIFUL! I love that head board, girl. So nice!

    1. Oh yes! We have a whole BB&B registry story, too. It was like quibble after quibble…and over silly things, too. But at the time they felt SO monumental! So hang in there, girl. It gets easier and better, and one day, you’ll look back and laugh at these stories. Though I remember well, it’s hard to laugh in the moment.

      And thanks for the enthusiastic remarks about our style and the headboard in particular! We’re so stoked with how it all turned out.

  35. Love it Lauren- it looks absolutely incredible and it is even better that it is such a combined effort between your husband and yourself. Exactly what a master bedroom should be…. though I have a feeling ours is a little more of an expression of my taste (or perhaps a lot….:).

    1. Ha ha. There are definitely areas in our house that are definitely more ME than HIM, as well. This Christmas, for instance, he totally let me embrace metallics, which I know are not his favorite. Marriage is give and take, too, right? So don’t feel too guilty about that master bedroom of yours!

      And thanks for the comment love, Krista!

    1. Thanks, Jacqueline! That was one of the things I totally didn’t expect to come out when I wrote the post…but sometimes, the pen knows more than our conscious mind is aware of. I always love to see what spills out when I just let go and spill! 😉 Thanks for receiving my musings and for your super kind words.

  36. Lauren, what an amazing transformation! You two have great decorating sense. My hubby and I have been married 24 years and have spend all that time (and extra funds) building his business. Your post has really inspired me to get hopping on my house! 😀

    1. What a labor of love, though, that you’ve worked so hard to help your hubby and his business. I think there are seasons for everything…and for the first 3 years of our married life, we were both too busy with our jobs to even begin to think about decorating or style. It has really only been the last 1.5 years where we had the time or space in our lives to consider it…and that’s exciting to think that perhaps you might be entering into that season, too, Marilyn! I’m here for ya, girl, if you need a sounding board. Though I’m sure if you follow your instincts, you’re going to knock it out of the park! Hugs!

  37. It is lovely, so fresh!
    And you are so lucky to find the style that suits both of you 🙂
    We have been married 34 years, and haven’t found it yet!
    You know: we slept on the floor for two years, because our old bed broke, and we couldn’t find the one that was pleasing both of us…
    Finally we made agreement: we put highest price we would pay for bed and take home the very first one that fit in that.
    Our house is full of that kind of compromises, but I believe some day HE will understand that I am right…LOL

    1. Ha ha. Your last line made me chuckle, Eeva…and I love the story about how you found your bed. Sometimes, you need structure like that to help make difficult decisions. And who knows, maybe your “shared style” is an eclectic blending of the two of yours…different though they may be. After 34 years, I dare say you’ve been doing a lot of things right! Congrats!

  38. Love your room and the wonderful ideas you implemented. What fun changes! It’s almost hard to believe it’s the same space. You are amazing and your decorating style is spot on.
    The pillows are darling. I just may have to borrow a few ideas from you! : )

    1. Deb, it’s so easy to doubt yourself when it comes to interior decorating…especially since this is so new to me! So of course, you can imagine how encouraged I am by the outpouring of support in this comment thread, especially from you! And please, borrow away! That would make my day.

  39. This room is beyond stunning, Lauren! But… it’s your STORY that I can’t get enough of! I love how you’ve shown that decor isn’t just stuff, it’s truly a reflection of your life, your relationship, all the memories you’ve made together, and all the dreams you have for your future. I hope you and Mark are loving what you’ve built together! It’s beautiful!

    1. Emily, it’s comments like these that remind me of what a gifted writer you are…through and through. Thank you for your words, dear friend; they read like poetry. I am so touched! And I can’t wait to read your first book!

    1. Aw, that means so much coming from you, Stacy! You are a makeover queeeeen in my eyes. And thanks for the pin today; you sent me a slew of fabulous traffic, my dear! Mwah.

  40. Beautiful! And even more stunning in real life girls!! I just don’t think you can beat a nautical theme! Glad we got to preview it yesterday Lauren! You and Mark have truly show what team effort can accomplish – congrats to both of you!! God has put you two together to complement each other in so many ways and this is so much of a congrats to Him for the beautiful way he has molded your two lives together, just like this room! Love you both to pieces!

    1. So glad we got to give the grand tour to you all in person yesterday; and thanks for being my point-person when it came to figuring out how to best make the bed! You seriously are an expert in such things…and your input was even better than Pottery Barn’s! Lol.

      And you’re right – – so much thanks be to God for bringing us together! This room really is a symbol for how He has molded our lives together into something way better than we were on our own. Thanks for a reminder of the bigger picture. Love back atcha!

    1. That’s so sweet of you to say, Pam! I’ve always been one to want to stay in bed all day, so it’s true, this isn’t helping! Lol.

    1. Ahhhhh! Kim, you have no idea how happy it makes me to see your comment here. You are such an inspiration to me, and I absolutely DIG your style. (I mean, how could I not when your blog title is Sand & Sisal?) I actually had it on my Wish List to reach out to you to guest post sometime this year…so you might be getting a gushy email from me in the weeks ahead. 😉 Thank you so much for the pin and FB share! This seriously made my day.

  41. Wow! Looks like it could be on the cover of a magazine! Love the gallery wall and the vintage chest. The wardrobe hack is pretty good too. I like the pallet headboard but just about everyone in blog land is doing it. But hey, if you guys love it that what matters, right?

    1. That’s very generous of you to say, Sandy! And the vintage chest has a fun story behind it…will be sure to share it in my “Coastal Decor” post to come! (Would share it now, but I need to get my facts straight from Mark first…lol.) And it’s true, pallets are everywhere these days, and there is such a part of me that resists trends because I want to be original and unique; but then I figure, we both LOVE all things pallet, so I’m just going to get over my pride issues and just embrace the pallet headboard, “trendy” though they may be. As you said, what’s important is that we love it! Which we do. 😉

      1. Lauren, The wood you used on the headboard is gorgeous and it does add some great texture. Love how it ties in with your wedding photo under the rustic pier. Seriously, This room is eye candy. I hope you put it on Houzz. It’s difficult to be original or not to follow trends these days because of the thousands of blogs out there but we can put our personal stamp on something trendy. You truly have the gift of interior design to add to your many other talents.

        1. Love that connection you made between the texture of the wood on the headboard and that of the pier; hadn’t realized that before, but you’re totally right! And thanks for the tip on Houzz. Can you believe I’ve never used it before? Ha ha. Adding it to my TO DO list!

          And thanks again for the affirming words! They’ve bolstered my spirits.

  42. Beautiful!! You two did such a great job!! My favourite parts are the reclaimed headboard, the duvet cover, and the handmade pillows. Oh, and all the seashells too. The whole room comes together so nicely!

    1. Thanks for sharing some of your favorite things, Robyn! Verbal affirmation is one of my love languages, in particular, specific feedback – – so you are speaking my language, lady! 😉 And filling me up!

    1. Love that you picked up on the stories theme, Emily…and maybe it’s the English major slash theatre minor in me that just loves a good story, but I’m excited to dive deeper into that side of things once we start sharing tutorials!

      And yes, there is hope for you and your hubby – – I really do believe it! It just may take some time and some compromise…but as Meredith said in the very first comment in this thread, “compromise can be even better than two individual tastes by themselves!” Isn’t that a great quote?

  43. Oh my goodness, I am speechless.

    Your bedroom re-do is absolutely breathtaking. Even without seeing the before pictures, all the little details that seamless work together. It looks like you ripped a page from a magazine. ( pause for a standing ovation). I cannot wait to read the follow up posts!! I think I am most anxious to hear from your hubby about that headboard.. we may not have one either (gasp.. but I am glad to hear I am not the only adult that is lacking one!)

    1. Wow, Dee! Way to make me grin from ear to ear with your out-of-this-world response! Ha ha. The standing ovation definitely spoke to the theatre geek in me…and it’s a secret dream for one of my projects to end up in a magazine someday (though I’ve been too fearful to really proclaim that…shhhhh), so seriously, thank you.

      And no, you’re FAR from alone in still lacking a headboard. Hoping our tutorial inspires y’all to find one that really works for you both. Hugs to you, friend!

    1. Thanks so much, Whitney! While I helped a wee bit organizing the pallets on the headboard, all the credit for the hard work goes to my hubby. So, I’ll be sure he reads your sweet comment!

  44. I loved your line, “That’s when the snowball started rolling down the hill.” 🙂 especially since we’ve been having so much snow in NY.

    Your Master BR turned out SO beautifully! And the most important part was how you have worked together to compromise and find your common ground.

    Well done in the vision for it, creation of it, photography, description, and entire post. Can’t wait to hear more details about the process!

    1. Ha ha. Yes, I think snow is on the brain just from seeing all your Instagram photos! Stay cozy up there.

      And thanks for your words of affirmation, Mama, about the room itself and how we went about it. Yeah, it was funny, sitting down to write this post, I thought it was about the room…only to realize it was less about that and more about us and our journey as a couple. Neat how those realizations sometimes strike us only in the writing process. (Might be why I love it so.)

      1. We are staying warm…but will try to dig out now and get to work…even if a bit late. Writing is a gift and a way to collect thoughts and see the big picture or hidden, underlying issues, themes, etc. A blessing and so grateful you are doing it along with other creative ventures!

  45. YAY! We get to finally see the room!! Wow!! I am a nautical girl at heart and your room is absolutely gorgeous! I love that the two of you built it together. That headboard is stunning!! Well done! I can’t wait to read more. 🙂

    1. I remember us bonding over our shared loved of all things nautical when you shared your anchor onesie last year! (Remember that?) Anyway, I love that we share such similar interests and tastes, although it just makes me wish we lived closer! Still selfishly pulling for y’all to end up in Florida someday…. And thanks for the encouraging feedback on the bedroom, friend!

    1. Thank you so much, DeDe! I wasn’t quite sure how the duvet would work with the headboard, but it’s almost like they were MFEO! 😉 Love it when that happens…. Thanks for checking it out, friend, and have a wonderful week.

  46. Girl, I saw this on Pinterest this morning and was like, “WOW, that is a GORGEOUS room!” I quickly clicked on it and was so delighted {and not at all surprised} to find out that you were the owner and creator of this absolutely stunning space!!! LOVE it so much! I will be glued to my computer awaiting the rest of the series! Beautiful, beautiful job, my friend!

    ~Abby =)

    1. Aw, this comment warms my heart! (As do ALL your comments I might add.) Thanks for all of your cheers from the sideline as I approached this point of sharing our bedroom makeover…seriously, it still blows my mind I have friends out there in blogland who really do care about the things I share and are so gosh darned supportive and yet I haven’t even met them face to face yet. You’re just a gem, Abby, that’s what you are. Also, it gets me reallllly excited about the potential of Haven this summer! Ahhhhh!

  47. Aww! What a great post. How fabulous that you guys waited until you found a style you can both enjoy. The bed is a triumph and a tribute to your team work. My good friends who have been married 18 yrs and still going strong had a similar incident involving cushions rather than lamps. She realized he had no opinion on house decor what so ever and looked quite odd when asked his opinion on cushions. They too laugh about it now too and they live in a fabulous Victorian type house with a very Victorian feel to it. I love that rustic nautical look and my friends family were instrumental in getting the Polly Woodside done up and on show for visitors. ps my hair is REALLY red and I know I must update my photo but I am not ready yet. 🙂
    http://www.pollywoodside.com.au/

    1. Sharon! Thanks for the kind words and fun cushion story! Makes me feel like every couple has that “thing” that one person is passionate about and the other indifferent toward. It’s like a rite of passage! 😉

      And thanks for the link to the Polly Woodside. What a beautiful vessel! I’ll have to show Mark tomorrow….

      Eeeeek! I cannot wait to see a photo of your REALLY red hair, Sharon! I’m sure it’s gorgeous. Even if you don’t post one publicly, I might have to beg you to email it to me. Solidarity in red-haired-ness!

  48. Dear Bloggie Soulmate-
    I really love this. I also really really love that we both have wedding photos taken under piers. I mean, FOR REAL?! Parallel lives. Beautiful bedroom! Can’t wait until ours is [FINALLY] done! 🙂

    1. Oh my goodness…the connections we share are seriously getting out of control! (And piers are the bestest place ever to take wedding photos, aren’t they? Natural light streaming in, gorgeous background, but shielded from the harsh sun. Oh, plus the sand under your toes. Can’t beat that!)

      Yes, I cannot wait to see you knock that bedroom project out of the park! Step by step…and you’ll be there so soon, girl.

  49. I am in love with your master bedroom! I’m a big fan of beachy nautical decor. The details are stunning! Love the whale and the anchor pillow and the headboard! Thanks for the inspiration! I am going to show this to my husband when he gets home!

    1. Sarah, you’re the sweetest! So neat to know we share not only a love of Ron Swanson, but also beachy nautical decor! Great minds, right? 😉

    1. Thank you so much, Kelly! For the kind words and the chuckle. Oh, and for your pin that sent me a TON of visitors today. You’re the best!

      And how cool that we share the east coast / Columbus, OH connection. New Jersey is near and dear to us as our family has vacationed in Ocean Grove for as long as I remember and Mark and I were married in Long Branch. We heart Jersey beaches!

  50. OMG! STUNNING! I have been wanting to makeover my master bedroom for quite some time now, and you have completely inspired me to actually get the ball rolling. My biggest roadblock has been that my hubby and I also don’t always see eye to eye on decorating choices, and it’s nice to hear that you were able to overcome that obstacle and create something so fabulous. Hands down, my favorite part of the room is the “gallery wall”, with the headboard as a close second. Bravo!

    1. Harrah! So happy to hear that you’re feeling inspired, Michelle! That was my high hope when hitting publish on this post. Yes, you and your hubby can totally overcome the roadblock of having completely different decorating styles. It might take a little bit of time to get there, but I have faith that you will. Who knows, maybe returning to some of your favorite places and spaces (if even just in your minds) from when you first got together could help conjure up some ideas…. You’ll have to keep me posted!

      And thanks for the specific feedback on the room. You chose my two favorite elements, too!

    1. That means so much to me, Bethany! Thanks, friend. Cannot WAIT until you share your living room revamp. Super duper excited after getting the sneak peek….

    1. Thanks so much, Katherine! And it makes me giddy with glee that you picked up on the mirror photo; I had WAY too much fun capturing that one. It’s my fave of the bunch! Ha ha, I never wanted to go into interior design as a kid…in fact, I feel way out of my element here (much more “safe” in my craft closet), but after accomplishing all we did, I think this may be the first of several room revamps! After we catch up on sleep, of course. Thanks for stopping by, K!

  51. Lauren it looks amazing! Everything is stunning and that pallet whale… I LOVE!!! So bright and airy and I’m sure you feel like your master bedroom is now more of a master retreat! Congrats on compromising and DIYing your bedroom!

    1. It doesn’t surprise me at all that you honed in on the pallet whale! 😉 (Though I wish we could say we made it…HomeGoods did!) And yes, we do very much feel like at last, the Master Bedroom is a place of calm and serenity. No longer an after-thought.

      Thanks for checking it out, Katie, and for your enthusiasm! I feel the love.

  52. Oh my Lauren, this is so gorgeous. I am not a nautical girl usually but I could seriously feel fabulous in this bedroom. Love those navy stripes and that headboard!!!!!!!! Yes, that’s a lot of exclamation points.

    1. Wow, I take that as high praise, Terry! And every single one of those exclamation marks made me smile. You’re the best!

    1. Thank you so much, Rebecca! It was a long time coming, and it feels so wonderful to finally be able to share it with you all!

  53. Wow, wow, wow, Lauren! It looks AMAZING! I cannot wait for that tutorial for the headboard. I love it! Well done, you and Mark. Such a gorgeous space!

    1. Aw. Thanks, Tara! And we’re really excited to share the headboard post, as well! Mark will be co-writing that one with me, so it should be a good’n! If only I could get him to do that on ALL my blog posts….. Hmmmm….. (Clasps hands together maniacally as she ponders the possibility.)

  54. Being a fan of nautical themes, myself, I give you a hearty 2 thumbs up! The Brit and I have the same issue with tastes- he’s minimal and modern, while I am very Victorian. Our box-spring and mattress are also still on the floor after 2 years for the same reason as yours was. What a fun journey to your current space, and how funny that it was staring you in the face all along! Really gorgeous and comfy, Lauren. And Mark gets a big YAY! for the bed- lovely and well done.

    1. Thanks a heap, Raven! And I’m glad to know we weren’t the only ones sleeping with the box spring and mattress on the floor. We had gotten so used to it, that the first few nights we slept on the bed with the new bed frame, it felt SO high up. It was almost like we needed a ladder to climb in! Lol. But how quickly we adapt. Now, we don’t give it a second thought!

      Yes, so often the solutions to problems are staring at me in the face…I think I need to pay attention more to what’s right in front of me more often! 😉

      Thanks again, and I’ll pass your sweet YAY onto the hubs!

  55. Woah, this is amazeballs, Lauren! I’m totally blown away. Haha, I totally relate to your first decor related stories with Mark. I like stuff, my husband like no stuff. Did you get your blue and white striped covers from Target by any chance? Was thinking about getting those for my son’s room.

    1. Thanks so much, Jennifer! “Amazeballs” is seriously some of the highest praise in my book (no exaggeration.) And YES! We totally went the Target route on the duvet, and I was worried about the quality because they were so inexpensive, but so far, we’ve been really pleased (we had the duvet on for almost 2 months). I think it’d be great for your son’s room! The only hitch is that the shams that came with our set were the weirdest size. No normal king sized pillow would fit them, so I had to do some sewing to “edit” them slightly, but again, for the price, totally worth it!

  56. WOW, WOW and WOW!!!! You two never cease to amaze me! What a beautiful bedroom, a lovely shared style, and a glorious haven to rest and connect! I know you can’t stop walking in there to see what it looks like! You guys are a great pair and did a fabulous job putting the bedroom together. Just gorgeous!!!!

    1. Thank you for your enthusiastic response, dear friend, and on your birthday no less! I hope it was an extra special day for you…and we have high hopes to get to show you and Raj our home in person someday. We’ll even make-over our guest bedroom in your honor when that day comes! (A little bribery never hurt anyone, right? Lol.) Love you!

  57. OMG! Just seeing it makes me feel like home! It looks so warm and homey. I can’r believe how sweet and lovely I can feel those photos. You made an awesome job. Every little detail has LOVE written on it. You are so inspiring Lauren, I want to do a makeover now LOL.

    XOXO and Love!
    Cami

    1. Aw, Camila! Way to make me smile so wide with this comment. I’m really working hard to get to know my new camera and new photo editing software, so that’s why your comment bears extra weight! Plus, knowing you see our love shining through the details, well, that’s the icing on the cake. Thank you so much, friend!

  58. “Like the bat-cave… but less sexy.” Lol! I love reading your stuff, Lauren. Also, your room looks amazing! I’m ready for a revamp to our Master too. It seems like it is an often neglected part of the house for some reason.

    1. Ha ha. Glad you appreciated that line! I think it’s the first time I’ve ever used the word “sexy” on my blog, but I’m sure it won’t be the last. Lol. And thanks for the kind words about our room makeover! I’m excited for your potential Master Bedroom revamp. Yes, it is so often the lowest thing on the priority list, but you figure, it’s oh so important to have a serene sleeping environment, it probably should be #1, right?! 😉

  59. Great job!! It’s so hard to combine your tastes, but you did an amazing job! The headboard is perfect, and we may have to copy the IKEA wardrobe…I love it!

    And, I love the Rainbows. There’s nothing that says summer to me like my 5 pairs of Rainbows (I refuse to throw any of them away!)

    1. Copy away, Jess! We’d seriously be so flattered.

      And harrah for Rainbows! Before Mark and I got married, he gifted me with a pair that I quickly broke in and I STILL rock 5 years later. Oh annnd I got a second pair (with some rhinestone bling for fancier flip flop days). Before ya know it, I’m sure I’ll be at 5 pairs, too! They rock!

    1. Amy! Thanks so much, girlfriend. It was a mad rush to get all those details in place these past few weeks (I was determined to do the reveal THIS week), but I’m so glad it came together when it did. Annnnd just when the sun came out, too! Even though we’re in sunny Florida, the winter can be gray at times, but Monday, the clouds parted, and I seized the opportunity to snap up a storm. Also, I’m learning how to really maximize the features in Adobe Lightroom (my new photo editing software), so that helped where there were shadows! Thanks again for the super encouraging feedback.

  60. Lauren,
    Your Master bedroom is so welcoming. The touches that both of you made are absolutely amazing. Love the team work, that is the only way to work a marriage. Sorry, we have been married almost 28 years and you have to work together. LOVE the whole room, it was worth the wait.

    1. Sarah, you’re 100% right that a marriage takes WORK. I know that from watching my own parents…and from our 4.5 years together. If you work at it together, you will grow together, as will your love. Thanks for that reminder today! And for your generous praise. I’m so touched.

      And congrats on almost 28 years of marriage! That’s no small potatoes.

  61. Lauren, this is absolutely stunning. Wow. Well done, you two! I love every little detail about it, from the seashells in the jar on the nightstand to the duvet cover and the pallet headboard…it’s perfect. I have been anxiously waiting for your big reveal of this room and it was well worth the wait!!! So, so beautiful 🙂

    1. Kirsten, this comment gave me the warm fuzzies when I read it this morning and then all over again re-reading it tonight. Thanks for caring enough to notice the details and for sharing it with our FB friends today. You’re zeeeee best! Truly.

  62. I love that make over and I love when we give our husbands input and or dont go overboard with the ruffles etc- after all- they have to sleep there too! looks like a great mash up Lauren!

    1. It’s true, Kelly! And I totally have a ruffly white shower curtain in our guest bathroom, but it really felt important for the Master to really be OURS. And I’m so glad we both landed on something we both love! It felt like a victory beyond even the home decor level…but on the relationship level, ya know?

      Also, love that you called it a mash up! Now, I’m thinking of all the other creative post titles I could have come up with using that concept. (Basically, you’re a creative genius.)

      Hugs to you, Kelly!

  63. I AM SO EXCITED TO FINALLY SEE IT AAAAAAH! It looks AMAZING. Like, you guys should just buy a hotel somewhere and make it look like this, and I’m sure it would always be fully booked. I love all the little touches like the seashells & the knotted rope, and that whale is so dang cute!
    Very excited for you that you get to sleep in this 🙂
    Also, you should check out Scott Hoying’s version of “At Last” – that’s the one always stuck in my head (with no offence to Etta, of course). That boy’s voice makes me melt a little.
    Can’t wait for the series!

    1. I hear your screams from across the pond, my friend! Thank you! Ha ha, and I totally appreciate the hotel compliment, although this took us 6 months to finish, so I have a feeling we would never even get to open our hotel doors. Lol.

      Okay, and I’m ALWAYS looking for fabulous covers of fabulous songs by fabulous people. And Scott Hoying’s rendition of “At Last” was nothing short of that! (I love how epically awesome he is even when singing softly in his room so as not to wake his roommate. That’s skill.) Thanks for sharing. Annnnnd for the most amazing postcard that made my life this weekend! Eeeek!

      You. Rock.

  64. Lauren, it is gorgeous. And inspiring, seriously. My hubby and I have had the same problem… most every time we have had to buy furniture or bedding or anything. We often end up with simple, or neutral, or boring because we just can’t agree. I always want light, bright and modern (and change my mind a lot), and he is drawn to a rich, dark, “smoking jacket” style. Reading your post gives me hope that we will be able to really work together to make a space truly “ours” someday (rather than hoping to someday have separate rooms to express ourselves in – which is a totally unrealistic dream).

    1. Laura, not unrealistic at all! A common thing in much older days, matter of fact. I have my own room which I use for my crafts and as a place to have ME stuff (Victorian FTW in here!), and a bed for when I feel like sleeping alone. I think it is healthy for couples to have their own spaces; they don’t even have to be big ones. It was easier for me to do the public spaces of our home to lean more toward his style because I could go all out in my own room. 🙂

      1. I think you can have your cake and eat it, too, so to speak. Raven is right in that having a space of your own can be liberating, especially from a creative expression standpoint. Mark has his workshop and I hope to one day have a craft room…and I bet your bottom dollar they will look very different. And I also believe that there’s hope for you and your hubby yet, Laura, in terms of finding your shared style for your living spaces. Maybe start paying close to attention to any decor items you both really love…even if it’s something outside of BOTH of your typical inclinations. If your story is anything like ours, that one piece of inspiration can grow into a whole new shared style!

    1. Look at all those exclamation marks! Thanks so much, Holly! And ya know, if we hadn’t gone the pallet route, I was toying with the idea of an upholstered headboard. I think they can look so lush and cozy! And like you said, if you tire of it, you just change out the fabric. (The grass is always greener, right?)

  65. Oooooh! It’s so beautiful!
    I could move in there… 🙂
    I think my favorite is the gallery wall – the photos combined with the other treasures are looking great. (And I also have a paddle on my wall, so I just have to love that!). But the headboard is equally exciting … and of course, still the wardrobe …

    Love, Midsommarflicka

    1. Ha ha. Pack your bags, Mid! 😉

      Yeah, the gallery wall is one of my favorite elements, too. The room is very long, which makes it hard to lay out in some ways, but it’s PERFECT for a gallery wall. I think there’s even room still for ours to grow as we find and gather new objects and inspiration.

      Thanks for your unceasing support of me and my blog projects. You’re a treasured friend!

  66. Oh my gosh, I LOVE it!!! It’s just beautiful, down to every last detail! I think my favorite is the gallery wall – I love the combination of neat stuff and photos! Also, can I tell you how jealous I am?? Our bedroom is last on the list for a makeover, it probably won’t happen for YEARS…and I have a husband that has no idea what he likes, just what he doesn’t like, haha. Your room seems like the perfect blend of two people, and proof that compromise can be even better than two individual tastes by themselves!

    1. The master bedroom always gets the short end of the stick, doesn’t it? It always feel like an after-thought because it’s not one of the main living spaces; so many other projects take precedence. But I have faith that you and your hubby will get there one day, Meredith…when the timing is right. I love how you put it, “compromise can be even better than two individual tastes by themselves.” So true! Reminds me of the wedding song my Dad wrote based on Ecclesiastes 4:12. “Two are better off than one….”

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