Master Bedroom Makeover Reveal: Our One Room Challenge Transformation (Before & After!)
Here it is! The culmination of six weeks of dedicated effort, creative problem-solving, and a touch of last-minute scrambling. We’ve reached the grand finale of the One Room Challenge, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to share our master bedroom transformation with you. A special, heartfelt thank you goes out to Linda of Calling it Home for orchestrating this inspiring event. This challenge provided the perfect catalyst, pushing me to finally tackle those long-held ideas and visions I’ve had for our sanctuary. Ready or not… well, I’m a delightful mix of both, but predominantly ready to unveil the refreshed space!

My primary objective when embarking on this One Room Challenge journey was to address those persistent “to-do” items that had been nagging me for far too long. High on that list was finally hanging a beautiful floor mirror that had been patiently leaning against a wall, awaiting its rightful place. Beyond that, I yearned to infuse our master bedroom with a much-needed pop of color. This was successfully achieved through the strategic addition of vibrant coral pillows, a cozy poof, and a few carefully selected accessories, instantly lifting the room’s mood and aesthetic.
A Look Back: The Master Bedroom Before the Makeover
To truly appreciate the transformation, let’s take a moment to recall where we started six weeks ago. The “before” state of our master bedroom wasn’t inherently bad; it was functional and comfortable, but it distinctly lacked character and visual interest. It felt a bit stagnant, missing that personal touch and vibrancy that truly makes a space feel like home.

As you can see, the space was clean and tidy, but it was craving a “pick-me-up.” The color palette was subdued, and while there was potential, it simply wasn’t living up to its full design potential. It was an environment ripe for a thoughtful refresh, a place waiting to truly reflect our evolving style and desire for a more inspiring personal retreat.
The Grand Reveal: Our Master Bedroom Now
And now, for the exciting part – behold our master bedroom today! The difference is subtle yet profound, creating a cohesive and inviting atmosphere that feels truly “finished.”

The core elements of this transformation include the introduction of fresh, inviting pillows that inject both comfort and color, along with subtle yet impactful wall treatments that add depth and texture. The existing lamps received a much-needed update with new shades, elevating their style and improving the overall ambient lighting. Each detail, carefully chosen, contributes to a more polished and harmonious aesthetic. The room no longer just exists; it thrives with intention and a renewed sense of style, making it a truly welcoming haven.
Corner by Corner: A Detailed Transformation
Let’s move to the other side of the room, which also presented opportunities for improvement. Before the challenge, this area, much like the rest of the bedroom, was functional but somewhat uninspired. It had a few elements that consistently bothered me, contributing to a generally unexciting visual.

The space was simply begging for a touch of personalization and a more defined purpose. While it offered a place to sit, it lacked the warmth and style that could truly make it a desirable corner for relaxation or contemplation. Our goal was to transform it from merely “a corner with a chair” into a thoughtfully curated and appealing part of the bedroom design.
Refining the Cozy Nook and Dresser Area
This corner has undergone a remarkable evolution, now boasting a captivating blend of comfort and style. I’m absolutely still enamored with the chair, beautifully accented by a bright coral pillow and a matching poof. These additions not only introduce a vibrant splash of color but also enhance the area’s inviting and cozy appeal. This designated spot now feels like a genuine reading nook or a comfortable perch for quiet moments.

Furthermore, the dresser top, once a magnet for clutter, now exemplifies a more streamlined and purposeful arrangement. Through careful editing and styling, we’ve created a calm and visually appealing surface that complements the overall serene ambiance of the room, replacing any previous sense of disarray with a refreshing order.
The Evolving Plate Wall and Lamp Makeover

One of the more dynamic elements of this master bedroom refresh was the plate wall situated above the bed. Initially, I envisioned a more expansive display, but through the process, I realized that a simplified approach would yield a more harmonious result. By thoughtfully curating and minimizing the plate arrangement, it now perfectly complements the thrifted art wall on the right, allowing both distinctive design features to coexist beautifully without competing for attention. While perhaps not as bold as a larger installation, this refined plate wall feels absolutely right for the space, offering a touch of personalized charm and artistic flair.
Following my post about redoing the lamp bases, many thoughtful readers suggested exploring Amazon for coral spray paint – a brilliant “duh!” moment for me. I can’t quite explain why I hadn’t considered that before driving all over town in search of the perfect coral hue. While I’m quite pleased with how the creamy bases look, offering a soft contrast to the room’s palette, the idea of coral bases is certainly intriguing. It might introduce an even bolder pop of color! Only time will tell if a second lamp makeover is in this room’s future.
The Long-Awaited Mirror and a Peaceful Vignette

And there it is – visible progress! The previously languishing floor mirror is finally gracing the door, fulfilling a long-overdue task. This seemingly small change has a significant impact, making the room feel more complete and expansive. Adjacent to it, the cabinet now hosts a delightful, calm vignette. This arrangement is a refreshing departure from the wild, old dried flowers that once occupied the space, offering a serene and curated display that contributes to the peaceful ambiance of our refreshed master bedroom.

The Unfinished Business: The Duvet Dilemma
Alright, so what was I *not* ready with? That would be the duvet cover. As you see in the photos, the bed is currently styled with just the white down insert. Despite considerable searching, I never managed to find a duvet cover that truly resonated with my desired color scheme and was within my budget. My ambitious plan to craft one myself using various white and cream fabric remnants that I’ve lovingly hoarded for years also proved to be a far larger undertaking than anticipated. Wow… do you realize just how many 8×12-inch rectangles are required for a queen-sized duvet? And the sheer amount of time it takes simply to cut them all out? Sheesh, I didn’t even get a chance to start sewing last weekend!
Now that I’m reviewing these final reveal pictures, I’m starting to think the stark white of the insert might be a little *too* white, creating a slight visual disconnect. Ha! Are you all completely giving up on my indecisive design choices? Don’t worry – I promise to keep you updated on the duvet saga as it unfolds!
One Room Challenge Master Bedroom Checklist: Tallying the Successes (and Remaining Tasks!)
Here’s the final tally of what was accomplished over the intensive last six weeks of the One Room Challenge – and what, despite best intentions, still awaits attention:
Add a fun plate wall over the bed in shades of white, green, and coral.*The plate wall was simplified to better integrate with the existing art, creating a balanced and personal display.*Repaint lamp bases.*The lamps received a fresh coat of cream paint, instantly upgrading their look and feel.*Add interesting texture to lamp shades or stencil them.*New lamp shades were selected to complement the updated bases and overall room aesthetic.*Make a decorative pillow with a graphic coral fabric for the bed.*A vibrant coral pillow was added to the bed, introducing that essential pop of color.*Create an art wall with the original art we’ve collected through the years at thrift stores.(Remember when Brian made this funny video about his thrifted ‘bad art’ collection?) *Our cherished collection of thrifted art now proudly graces one wall, adding character and history.*- Make or buy a new duvet. This is the one that got away! I’ll be sure to figure this out in the next six weeks and will share the progress.
Find a basket to fit under the antique sewing machine/nightstand.*A perfectly sized basket was sourced, offering discreet storage and a touch of warmth.*Add a coral pillow to the chair.*The chair now boasts a lively coral pillow, enhancing its comfort and visual appeal.*Edit the dresser to be less cluttery.*The dresser top was meticulously decluttered and styled, achieving a clean and organized look.*- Purchase bamboo blinds? Or attempt to
clean roman shades? Due to non-standard window sizes, custom blinds proved too expensive. The existing roman shades were thoroughly cleaned instead, brightening the window area. Paint or just remove lamp in corner {I don’t really use it}.*The corner lamp, being largely unused, was thoughtfully removed, simplifying the space and reducing visual noise.*Rehang the mirror on our door.*Finally, the long-awaited mirror found its home on the door, completing a key element of the makeover.*Replace the dusty, years-old dried flowers from the backyard with something –anything– else.*The old dried flowers were replaced with a fresh, calm vignette, bringing new life to the cabinet top.*Add 10/17: Replace thrifted art wall with family photos…maybe.Nope: Instead of replacing the art wall, we opted to refine and simplify the plate wall, creating a more cohesive balance in the room.
Reflecting on the Journey & What’s Next
Participating in the One Room Challenge has been an incredible journey, filled with creative breakthroughs, minor setbacks, and immense satisfaction. I’ve truly appreciated each and every one of your comments, helpful suggestions, and unwavering encouragement over these past six weeks – it’s been absolutely awesome having you all in my corner! Your engagement and insights have been invaluable, making this experience even more rewarding.
Now, the moment of truth: what do you really think of our master bedroom’s transformation? I’m eager to hear your honest feedback!
For more inspiration and to see other amazing room reveals, don’t forget to visit the One Room Challenge Linky!
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