This is pretty exciting for me. I decided in August that I was going to be giving my dressing room a little bit of a makeover before we started on the work to the guest bedroom/office. The reason for this is because I knew I would need the now (mostly) empty guest bedroom to do some of the DIY work I had planned and I didn’t want the chaos of doing two projects at once – I also knew that with a bit of a push, it could be done relatively quickly.
And quickly done it was. The whole room was finished within 5 weeks. Now, for me, this is HUGE. I mean, we work pretty slowly on projects (let’s remind ourselves of the bathroom remodel, shall we?) but with the summer winding down and the cooler Autumn weather setting in, we still had the longer days to work without the heat or draw of outdoors that summer brings with it.
As you can see, Meisha has already made herself very much at home in the space.
One of my aims was to really tone down all the turquoise and pink that was originally in the space and give it a more grown-up palette of predominately mint, golds and browns… I know, ME using brown, it’s practically unheard of! But I truly think it works really well in here.
Now, you’ve already seen the new lighting, the painting of the chest of drawers and it’s new ‘faux marble’ top and the makeover my Billy Bookcases. Well, I’m excited to share the rest of the room now but I’ll be going into more detail in future posts so stay tuned for that. In the meantime, I’ve linked as many sources as I could so you can see where I got some of the new items.
But for now, here’s my newly grown-up eclectic, a bit boho and definitely glam dressing room…and I have to say, I freaking love it.
Welcome to Dressing Room 2.0…
My absolute favourite part of this makeover is the new vanity. From the beginning I wanted something with a fuller skirt but my first attempt didn’t use nearly enough material. I’m going to share how I made it really soon but for now, shall we just bask in it’s prettiness?
I also finally purchased a proper pretty vanity mirror. (I used to hide my old chrome one under the skirt of the vanity so trust me when I tell you it was pretty ugly.)
And of course, I couldn’t resist adding a Maidenhair fern in the space (thanks to a surprise gift card from my friends at Homebase) and I dressed up the pot with a little bit of washi tape. The new white wood clock is another addition, entirely necessary but subtle (the display turns off when I’m not in the room).
Of course, my other favourite change was seeing the Billy Bookcases completely transformed. It’s made such a difference to the room. Swapping out the inexpensive roman blind with white wood blinds and a DIY pelmet covered in the same fabric as the skirt really finishes things off.
The addition of the leopard print wallpaper to the backs really gives the shelves a bit of depth. The funny thing is I always felt that my darker shoes and accessories looked a bit strange against the original pale turquoise backs. Now those darker items seem to fit in just fine.
I added a couple of baskets as well to one of the shelves to house my flipflops, flat sandles and fuzzy slippers! And I purchased a clear acrylic bracelet display to keep them all in one place.
Of course, you’ve seen the new light fixture but here she is in all her gilded glory… And no, we still haven’t centred her properly because I keep forgetting. So embarrassing. Never mind.
You’ll also notice there’s a new rug in the room. I really wanted that boho look in here that I love. I know not everyone would choose a cow skin (and I’m not looking for a debate here) but I have a white one in my living room and I love it. If you want a hard-wearing rug, these things are practically indestructible. It’s part of the reason why I wanted another – because a quick vacuum and it looks like new.
I also finally treated myself to a really nice full length mirror. I’ve been wanting a new one in here since Day 1 and this one has a beautiful antique look without being too OTT.
I’d considered a leaning mirror but as you can see, the space is TIGHT in this room and so it made more sense to choose one I could hang.
I had an extra hook left over from the bathroom remodel so I decided to hang it along side the mirror. I have a scarf on there right now but I use it to hang the clothes I’ll be wearing the following day. Just keeps me more organised and anything to assist me in getting out the door on time is a winner in my book.
Obviously, you’ve already seen the chest of drawers makeover…
The one change I have made here is that pretty much all my jewellery is now in one area of the room. I used to have it spread out around all the shelving and the chest of drawers but now it’s all contained to the top of the dresser and the one shelf. It’s just so much more practical – I don’t know why I didn’t do it before!
The side of the room where the clothes rail is didn’t get so much a makeover as a clearing out. I donated 2 very large bags of clothing, handbags and shoes I just didn’t wear any more. Even though I have more room in here than I would with just a small wardrobe, I think a clear out is always good for the soul and entirely necessary at least once a year.
Finally, I used a very very cheap wide angle lens to capture a bit more than what I can with my normal lens. It’s not a great shot mind you but it gives you a better idea of the new look.
As you can see, it’s got Meisha’s full approval. Since I’ve made the room over, she hangs out in here more and more. And as she matches the space, I’m allowing it. For now. ;) I reckon she thinks I did all this for her. Typical diva cat.
I’ll be sharing a little more about this room including the DIY vanity skirt and pelmet, and those stunning new bamboo-style frames I got for my Leigh Viner prints that you can see now on the top of each shelving unit so stay tuned for more.
In the meantime, what do you think of the new look?
(If you need a reminder of what the room used to look like, you can see Dressing Room 1.0 here, here and here.)
Oh and don’t forget, there’s still time to vote for my little splodge on the interwebs in Amara’s Interior Blog Awards 2014! Thank you to everyone who’s already voted, it truly does mean so much to me!
Beautiful! I have to share mine with a boy :(
Thank you Jeska! Haha that just reminded me of when Monica moves in with Chandler ("and I have to live with a boy!!") https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_xxDChWTDgs<br /><br />Yes I watch too many Friends reruns clearly ;) xxx
It looks stunning. I love every bit of it. <br />(weirdly, our WI is holding a swishing event and one of our members chose a picture of your dressing room, one with the beautiful wallpaper, dressers and the clothes rail, as the title image – hope you don't mind) xx
Thanks Em!! Ha how random!! If they are using it internally, it's fine but if they are using it for advertising, then they would just need to credit my blog as the source of the image. If you have questions, just shoot me an email :) xxx
Wow Kimberley! I totally LOVE it! I could already tell from the sneak peeks it was going to be amazing, but it all comes together so well. And I am also in love with Meisha (what a beauty) and your shoe collection. It reminds me I have some gorgeous pairs too, but they're hidden in boxes under my bed – I'm thinking some 'shoe shelves' might be in order…!
Aww thank you Anna! I think Meisha knows she's beautiful, certainly acts that way ;) And yes, pretty shoes should be seen even if they aren't on your feet ;) xxx
Gorgeous! I'm glad Meisha likes the leopard pillow. I mean, it was for her, right? Do you have to sit on the corner of the chair because she's taking up the rest if it? <br /><br />I never would have expected the solid brown, but it's a nice sophisticated touch. It helps the wallpaper shine. Plus you have the more subtle patterns of the leopard and the hide, which add interest, but
Thanks hun! Ahh yes, the leopard pillow has always been for Meisha, clearly! lol And now I'm going to have to order another from you because I stole this one from the bedroom ;) When I'm sat in the chair, she's generally sat on my lap so we both get to enjoy it!! hehehe<br /><br />The fabric looks like a solid brown but it's actually a shimmery golden brown and it has a texture
Absolutely LOVE IT Kimberly :) Wish I had room for a Dressing Room but need my Study more…maybe when my youngest moves out :) x
You could always gently persuade them to move out by putting on their stuff in the driveway? ;) (joking!!) Thank you!! xxx
It's beautiful! I'm sure you've mentioned it in a previous post, but what is the wallpaper? It is stunning!
Thanks Jenny! The wallpaper is Cole & Son's Grove Garden :) xxx
WOW where do I start, its beautiful, really beautiful. I'm not a brown kinda girl, but the way you've framed the window with the brown material, on the pelmet and the skirt for the dressing table looks fantastic I love it. Your new mirrors are just great, everything gels so well. It looks the same but totally different, lol I'm gushing I've never done that before, xxx Kimberly
Haha! Aww bless you, Pauline! Thank you! xxx
Uh-mazing. And Meisha is the prettiest little thing. She looks right at home in that chair!
I know, I always ensure my pets are well coordinated with my home! (joke!) ;) Thanks chick! xxx
Kimberly.. love it! Everything has its place and it all just goes together. Think I need a vanity now too! :-) And Meisha…what a beautiful cat! <br />amandatonar@yahoo.com<br />
Aww thank you! She's gorgeous but SHE KNOWS!! lol xxx
it is beautiful!!!! such a dreamy space! i love the colors, pattern mix, and that fixture! :)
Thank you Cassie! xxx
I love the updates – it was totally worth waiting for the reveal. I am also totally jealous that my tiny house doesn't have the space for a formal dressing room, but this project is inspiring me to finish glamming up the second closet in my bedroom (and by finish, I mean start), so thanks!
Yes glam up whatever space you've got! Go for it ;) xxx
So, so pretty! I love the subtle shimmering brown silk fabric — it really lets the wallpaper and the leopard print stand out. And I love the curve on the vanity — just stunning!!
Thank you Cheryl! I just posted the tutorial for the vanity! I love it, so much better than my previous one ;) xxx
Love it- your new wall mirror is gorgeous and I've got some serious pretty dress envy going on after fawning over your clothes rail xxx
Haha! I do wear a ridiculous amount of floaty dresses!! ;) Thank you! xxx
You and Wayne did a great Job!
Thank you, we make a pretty good team I reckon! ;) xxx
Such a pretty space. I always love all your mirrors. I have always been obsessed with mirrors. <br />I'm working on my closet right now too, sluggishly slow actually.
Such a pretty yet practical area with so many attractive design details such as the lovely wallpaper , the touch of animal print and the way you have displayed your jewellery.
Kimberley the room looks great! I love the modern chandelier, especially with the mint green medallion around it. And I'm still on a wallpaper obsession, so the paper's design is beautiful!
Love the mint and leopard combo!<br />Completely agree on the wardrobe clear out every so often. I sent four bags off to the charity shop recently and felt very proud of myself. <br />Looking forward to hearing about the bamboo frames.
fit for a funky fresh queen! love the addition of meisha to it, and the marble…ahhhhh mais oui! long may she reign! *as i sit, my tush is upon a ghosty chair as well…KINDRED*
Your cat looks so comfy in this chair :) I really like your vanity miror, I have mine on a wishlist but cannot find one that I truly like!<br /><br /><a href="http://msbubuandhergirlyness.blogspot.ca" rel="nofollow">MsBubu</a>
Oh wow, it looks gorgeous – what an amazing room! I bet you never want to leave!! What a fantastic job. If it was mine, I'd spend hours just standing gazing adoringly at everything!<br />Oh, and what is the print in pinky colours with a bird, behind the bracelets? It was in your sneak peak the other day too. I must find it – I need it in my life!<br />Maria x<br />
Oooh thanks, I will search! xx
Found it, ordered it!! Nothing like a bit of impulsive buying…<br />Thanks :) x
It was a card from a friend! I will try to dig up the artist for you ;) xxx
Oooh I found it! http://firstsense.wordpress.com/2011/09/12/artist-love-gavin-harrison/<br /><br />Not sure if you can find his stuff online but maybe worth a google? ;) xxx
Yay for impulse purchases! :D xxx
Bravo my dear!!! You kept the same great style you started with, but just took everything up a notch and it turned out magnificent. The difference in the bookshelves is huge. Top to bottom awesome!
I was already in awe of your dressing room, but wow-o-wowieeee.. that looks fab.. it's definitely swoonworthy. I love the leopard backing for the bookshelf.. Everything is simply gorgeous<br />
Fab job – i'm very envious, I would love a space like that. You must be thrilled :O)
I could look at these pictures for hours – and I probably will!!! I never used to like leopard print, but the last year or so I'm finding myself really drawn to it. Fabulous job!
I love it! The revamp of the bookcases if fantastic, it makes such a difference!
This is every chicks dream! I love it so so much and I’m a tad bit jealous.