Before & After: Kid's Bedrooms

Elizabeth Meyerson from Gambi Design sent over two child bedroom transformations.

The first bedroom is a shared bedroom by two children. Does this storage system look familiar to any of you?  Toys stacked on top of each other, filling every nook and cranny possible.

The transformation is amazing!  Don't you agree?  The toy storage is neatly tucked away behind closed doors, and most of the exposed elements are in organized baskets.  I love the color choices too.



This second bedroom was designed for a young boy.  I love what an impact a change in window treatments made.  I also love the new desk and storage system.





What do you think of these transformations?  Is there anything you would add?

Thanks for sharing, Elizabeth!  If you have any before and afters you'd like to share, please send them to admin AT freshnestdesign DOT com.

It's a Bird, No, it's a Plane!

Happy Monday, everyone! 

I've told you how out of control I am lately, right?  There is a sense of urgency lined in everything I do, it seems.  This weekend we had arranged to meet with some friends for a bbq.  I arrived at their door with a warm dish to share, and my lovely friend, Kristen greets me. 

Kristen: "Hey Deb!  You look great!"

Me: "Ah, thanks.  I feel like I'm going to explode."

After chatting for a little bit, Kristen says, "So I think you're a week early."

{Imagine the embarrassment on my face-- my face turns bright red}

Me: "Really?!  Could my prego brain get any worse?"

Seriously.  I feel like the biggest ditz walking the planet right now.  I can't remember a darn thing {obviously} and apparently my sense of urgency has taken over my social life too.  After visiting a short time with my friend, I asked my husband why he wasn't giving me a hard time.  Because we really, really like to make fun of each other.  It's what we do.  He said, "I'm going to give you a pass on this one."  I think he could tell how embarrassed I was because my face didn't turn back to a normal shade for about two hours.

On a decorating note, I am so, so close to having my son & baby's room all decorated.  Here's one of the fun things we've added to the room in the process, and let me just say that my son is ecstatic. He won't go to bed without saying goodnight to his plane about a million times.

If you're curious, we purchased the vinyl sticker here.  They made it a custom size to fit the wall- 96" x 77"- we wanted the plane to appear like it was coming out from the bed.

I promise, more pictures will be coming soon.

And no, I couldn't love my cute, cute son & husband any freakin' more.

Before and After: Master Bedroom

This bedroom redesign from Jan is simply fabulous!  This is her room before:



It's coordinated and looks nice, but no longer reflected her style so she did a redeisgn.

Isn't it amazing?  She did most of it herself.  I'm in LOVE with the large tree graphic on the wall.  Be sure to visit her site for lots more after pictures.

Monday Redesign: Bedroom

Happy Monday everyone!  Was your weekend as hot as mine?!  I about melted away with the humidity.  And keeping with the theme, I have a very personal and hot redesign today.  As you know, I've been working on our master bedroom.  Over the weekend I worked on some wall art.

And it was a big fail.   

So now I'm back to square one. 

When I feel like I'm at square one, I like to get ideas down on paper to see if I like where my vision is headed.  {Because sometimes things look better in my head than they do on paper}.  The paper never lies, I tell you. 

In our master bedroom, I'd like to incorporate a little yellow.  {Note: I haven't run this past the mister so we'll see how well this flies}.

Here's what I've envisioned for the room so far:

1. This is what is currently in the room:  {upper left corner clockwise} paint color, pillows, bedding, lamps, wood finishing on bedroom set.


2. I'd like to cover the white lamps with a print like this one.  I'm not sure if she sells it anymore as the color isn't available in her etsy shop. 


3. I have about a 2'x2' area between the wall and the dresser.  I would like to add a sidechair with some wall art hanging over it. 


4. This wall art might just do the trick, and it makes me happy. 


5. Above the end tables, I would add some simple wall art.  I would take these placemats and spray paint them white.  I think with the lamp shade covers, it would be a nice simple touch that would feel balanced.


6. I would like to accessorize the end tables too with lovely treasures like this birdie vase.  So sweet and cute. 

The one item that I keep going back and forth on is whether or not to paint the end tables white.  They are more of a cherry finish.  The mister says no --- mainly because I have an obsession with painting things white, and sometimes it backfires on me.  I'm just sure it would make everything look a million times better.  What do you think?  Should I paint them white, leave them, or do something else?

Monday Redesign: Master Bedroom

Hello Monday!  I hope you all had a great weekend, and a Happy Mother's Day!!  I have to say, this was the most relaxing weekend I've had in some time.  Mostly due in thanks to my husband-- thank Mr. Casey.  He is seriously the best father and rolls up his sleeves whenever I need an extra hand.

We spent our weekend working on our bedroom.  Boy, has it needed it!  Look at this before picture.  A simple design, and a blank slate complete with a touch lamp on the end table from the 80s.  Love it!



After a delivery of our new bed set and dresser, a flip of the comforter, and some new lamps for the end tables, this was our progress.  Still not complete, but it's getting there.



I found this great bedding at Target, and thought it might help add some texture to the room.  Me likey!



And after sleeping in it last night, I can say that it was dreamy all night.  Fluffy goodness to the max.

Now, I need to concentrate on the walls, add some more pillows, and this room should be done!  Stay tuned for updates.

Monday Redesign- Children's Bedroom

Today's room redesign was inspired by the new Renate Bloom bedding from IKEA!  It's such a fun happy print with a great color palette.  I've added to it the gorgeous modern sleigh bed for a playful, yet stylish child's room.



1. Modern Childrens' Sleigh Bed from Spacify.

2. Renate Bloom Bedding from IKEA.

3. Renate Pillow from IKEA.

4. Glorious print from CrimsonPeachArt.

5. Lamp from Heathfield & Co.

6. Manning Side Table from Target.

Monday Redesign: Bedroom

Happy Monday everyone!! How was your Daylight Savings weekend? Even though I lost an hour, I am feeling refreshed after a great weekend with family and friends.  I wanted to kick off this week with a natural/modern bedroom. 

1. I've been looking for great DIY headboards for a client and came across this.  Using two closet doors to create a affordable headboard is genius!  And this became the inspiration for the room. 


2. Since I was going for a more natural look, I found this bedding by Amenity that fits room quite nicely, I think. 


3. This end table is a perfect look for this room as well, and it has such a modern feel to it too!  And I love this lamp from Walmart, and it's only $25!


4. I love the color seafoam and wanted to incorporate it into this space.  This rug fits the room perfectly, and gives the room a serene feel.


5. In keeping with the seafoam color, I wanted a chair in the bedroom, and this tweed chair is perfect!  I love the texture and simplicity of it. 


6. I really, really like these wallflowers and I think they fit perfectly in this space.  The wallflowers were on a textured wall, and I liked that as well.  Adding a little texture to the room is never a bad thing!

I hope you have enjoyed this modern and natural bedroom redesign.  I just look at it and it makes me feel serene-- and ready to relax! 

So what are you up to this week?  Have any big St. Patty Day plans? 

DIY Platform Beds

I had a question from a reader last week.  They were looking for some plans so that they could build (or have their friend build) a platform bed for their new condo.  I came across some pretty nifty plans that I thought I'd share here.   Both look like they'd cost you under $100 for materials!  What a steal!

Plans from Workbench magazine.

This one from Instructables.

Monday Redesign: Cozy & Modern Bedroom

Happy Monday everyone!  Snow is falling on the ground here.  It's beautiful!  {And cold}.  I want nothing more than to snuggle with my little one curled on the couch today.  So here is a bedroom redesign with modern and cozy tones.

And now for a break down of the goodies:

1. This is one of my favorite color palettes.  It's very neutral and timeless.  And I love green.  Green is refreshing and easy on the eyes.  It promotes an energy comfort, peace and balance in a room... which is so perfect for the bedroom.  I suggest painting the walls this olive green color from Diamond Vogel.  It's called Sandalwood Tan (8479).  If you don't have a Diamond Vogel near you and would like the color specifics, just give me a shout.


2. This bed from Crate and Barrel is simple and perfect and fits the bill too.  Isn't it lovely?


3. And the bedding on top from 2 Modern fits with the color palette perfectly.


4. I love this chair from Room & Board.  It fits perfectly in this bedroom.  It adds texture and is visually stimulating.


5. This framed sea fan would be a great compliment to the room above the chair, nestled in a corner of the bedroom.


6. A set of these lamps on matching end tables on each side of the bed would help balance the room and also give extra lighting when you need it.


7. And these sheer white drapes help the room feel cozy, light and airy.

I hope you've enjoyed this bedroom redesign and have found it inspiring and helpful.  If you need a little extra help with your space, we have good news!  We are wishing you a happy holiday season......We are running a holiday special here at Fresh Nest Design!  $50 off our mood board redesigns.  We have appreciated all of our readers so much and would like to thank you for coming back day after day.  There is no way we could do it without you!  Purchase a redesign for yourself, a loved one, or a friend!  Our goal here is to help anyone and everyone love the space they are in. Click here to get purchase a redesign for $200.

TV in your Bedroom?

{photo credit here}

Do you have a tv in your bedroom?  My husband and I are discussing getting a new tv this holiday season.  We have had a tv in our room ever since I have known.  We don't watch a lot of tv, but for about an hour when we go to sleep.  It is our wind down each night and our routine.  I know there are studies out there that say it's bad on the marriage.  That tv's take out all the romance in a relationship.  But I don't think so.  We have been doing this for nearly 10 years, and it hasn't caused a single problem.

I'm curious, though.  Do you have a tv in your bedroom?  Why or why not?

Monday Redesign: Bedroom

Happy Monday everyone!

Today's redesign was inspired and started with this chair from Target.  I love the pops of color and have been dying to use it in a design.  A common discussion at our house is mixing both my husband's and my style.  That's what I tried to do in this redesign.  I like a little more modern/anthropologie look, and he likes neutral and a more masculine feel.


Here is the breakdown of the rest of the goodies in this bedroom redesign:

1.  I love, love, LOVE this steel bed frame found on etsy.  It's one of a kind and adds a great element to the room.

2.  Again, the inspiration for this bedroom redesign, this wonderful chair.  And such a bargain at $160 with free shipping!

3.  A wonderful accent rug from West Elm fits the style and feel of this bedroom redesign.

4.  I like the slight contrast this white end table provides and I love the postage lamp that plays off the design of the chair and gives and extra pop of color.

I would use an olive green paint in this room {Sherwin Williams Rural Green SW6418} and keep the bedding somewhat neutral.

So what do you think?  Would you and your husband be able to agree on this design?  Or do you and your husband agree on design styles?  Or do you have free reign?  Do tell.



Would you like us to help you redesign your space?  Click here to get started!

Tips for Small Spaces

Small spaces can seem challenging to design so I'd like to give a few general tips today that might help you expand your small space.

General tips:

• Make your rooms comfortable, yet functional.  Everything should serve a purpose in a small space.


• In addition to functional, make sure everything has a spot.  You may need to focus on the items you really need, and pitch things that you sort of need, or love.  A clean and non-cluttered space will always seem larger and open.


• Use color to your advantage.  The use of white and cool colors can make a space feel larger than it actually is.

{via Apartment Therapy}

Kitchen:

• If you have a lot of party serving platters, consider using these as artwork somewhere in the home so you aren't taking up valuable cupboard space.


• Be creative- Use spices as decor, hang your knives on a magnetic wall rack.


• If you have soffits, make sure your cupboards go all the way to the top- as high as possible and make sure they are the same width as the soffit so they blend in and don't stick out.  You may have to get out a step stool to get all the way to the top if you have tall ceilings, but it will be nice storage.

{via Apartment Therapy}

Bedroom:

• If you live in a studio/efficiency, try to separate your bedroom area from the main living area.  We promise you will be so much happier.  {See the picture above- the bookshelf serves as a divider - and storage!}


• Hopefully you have a closet close by, but if not, you can purchase one.  The Hosle from IKEA is a reasonable solution at $79.99.  If you have the room for something a little bigger, try the Kullen for $149.00.


• An easy storage solution is found under the bed.  The Container Store has great products that will fit right under your bed and make things easily accessible.

Do you live in a small space?  If so, how are you using your space to your advantage?

Room Redesign-Boy's Room

Tammie needed a new design for her boy's room.  On Friday she let us know what her goals were with the space.  Here's her new floor plan and furnishings!

1. White Bunk Bed.  This is a steal at $689 and includes free shipping!  This one has great style and will work well in your space.  Later as the boys are older you can separate them and they will be fine in two separate rooms.  These would also look more like a teenage boys' room if you repaint them later in a nice blue or green.  These should last you the entire span that your boys live at home!  :)

2. The Ikea Tullsta Chair with round pillows made from Fabric Worn fabric:  Dottie Porch. Super durable chair and very reasonably priced.


3. Downloadable Illustration:  Download it or make your own at a larger scale for a little DIY project.

4. Large Round Floor Pillows made with this Joel Dewberry fabric.  Stack these by your chairs so there's plenty of fun seating options for both you and your children!

5. Table Lamp from Target on top of end table, also from Target.

6. Rotating Bookcase and Storage Unit.  Love this piece!  It takes up a minimal amount of floor space and provides lots of places to store books for bedtime as well as special toys and a board for special messages to your boys!

7. Keep your closet wall painted the Benjamin Moore Grecian Green, but paint the rest of the room a warm blue, Benjamin Moore  704 Del Mar Blue.

Thanks for letting us assist you with designing your space!

Monday Redesign: Mike's Bedroom

Remember Mike's bedroom? I absolutely love the new paint- it gives a fresh and clean feel to the space already. I added some finishing touches to rock this bedroom out of this world. 

Here's the breakdown of the goods:

1. I am replacing the picture hanging above the bed with a headboard.  This is an inexpensive and creative headboard-- an old solid panel door.  This gives the bed something to be grounded on.  Although I liked the painting hanging above the bed, it's was too small to be the main focal point above the bed.  To create this custom headboard, go to an antique store or flea market and find an old solid wood door.  Once you have found the right door, strip, prime and paint it with a darker blue color and hang it above the bed.  For further instructions, go here.


2. I have found simple and fun bedding from 2modern.  I love white sheets with a color pop.  It makes the room look fresh and clean.  


3. I kept your matching end tables in the room, but have found matching lamps from Ikea.  Having matching lamps on top of the end tables maintains the balance of the room.


4. Since both of you spend time quite a bit of time in the bedroom working and hanging out, I found this great desk from Target.  It's simple, yet functional.  Adding this to the other side, across from the bed will work perfectly.  I also think it will help you focus more when you need to and give you a change of scenery once and a while.  I would hang the migration wall art that you already have above this desk.


5. The Jules desk chair from Ikea is the perfect match for your new desk.  It's clean, modern and simple.


6. I am adding a new chair to the other side of the room from Urban Outfitters.  I love the colors of this chair and I thought some extra seating would be nice since you hang out in your bedroom so often.  I would place this between the window and the closet, giving enough walking distance to the closet, and the bed.  I would hang the long mirror behind the chair (between the chair and closet) and I would hang the picture you have above the bed currently and move this above the chair.


7. I used your owl pillow on top of the bed and added a couple aqua pillows to tie in the wall color and pull everything together.

To give you a better idea of the layout, here is a drawing of placement for everything.

I hope you like the new layout of your bedroom, Mike.  I love this color combination and had such a great time putting it together.

Do you need design advice or a space makeover?  Tell us about it here.

Before Redesign: Mike's Bedroom

Mike just painted an accent wall in his bedroom.  He is off to a great start with a redesign, don't you think?  It's just amazing what paint alone can do.  We will now help him put on the finishing touches to his bedroom.

Here are Mike's answers to our design questions.  Feel free to leave any design ideas in the comments.

What are your favorite design store/home décor stores?  They can be brick and mortar stores or online stores.

We love bringing in elements from our travels -- such as Latin American folk art, Italian and Spanish market finds. But as for the more conventional shopping destinations: Target, Urban Outfitters, IKEA (although we have a love/hate relationship with them), flea markets and thrift/second-hand stores.

What 3 words would you use to describe yourself and the feeling of the space you'd like?

Tranquil, artsy, cozy

What is the most important thing you’d like done with the space?

There's a lot of empty space in the bedroom. The new paint and decorative elements bring a lot of character to the room, but we still have a lot of available floor space. Since we have adequate storage (walk-in closets), we didn't really see the need for bedroom furniture. There's no point in getting a chest of drawers and dresser if they are going to be empty. But now we feel folded clothes would be stored in drawers. the space just seems unfinished.

What are two of your favorite and least favorite colors?

Favorite colors: blue and green
Least favorite: gray and fuchsia

What are the overall dimensions, including ceiling height (if applicable) of your space?

13W x 14L x 8H

Is there anything else you’d like us to include or consider in designing your space?

We spend about 50% of our non-bedtime in the bedroom either reading, surfing the internet, grading papers, or watching TV. We have a lot of space in the house, but spend the majority of our time in this one room. It's important to us to maintain this retreat.

Stop back on Monday to see the redesign of Mike's space!

P.S.  Today's the last day to vote for your favorite outdoor redesign.  We will be announcing the winner on Monday.

Room Redesign-Melanie's Master Bedroom

Do you remember Melanie's design dilemma?  She's got a small master bedroom in an apartment.  There's no overhead lighting, the bathroom is directly off of the bedroom with no doorway and we can't add color by painting the walls!  Sounds challenging, right?  Here's your design board Melanie!

1. Storage Ottoman Nightstands in a fun lime green!  Lift off the top for extra storage, or move to different parts of your room for a small seat.  By hanging the lamp above the nightstand instead of putting it on the nightstand we'll keep it free to move around.

2. Hanging Lamps from Ikea.  Use these shades with this cord.  They don't need to be wired into your house.  Just plug and hang!  Try using a larger one in the center of the room for even more general light!

3. Hang a few yards of a large scale fabric from the ceiling behind your bed.  This is a great way to add color to your room with out doing anything permanent since you're in an apartment.  This fabric is from Marimekko.

4. Go for all white bedding from Target.  Usually I don't do all white but in this case it will make the room seem bigger by allowing the bedding to be more light and airy while letting your accent colors show through even more!

5. Accent Pillows in tangerine and lime from Target.  Add some color to your all white bedding with these great silk screened pillows!

6. Replace the fabric curtains with a darker bamboo shade.  We've got a lot of fabric in the room already and the dark shades will be a nice contrast to help the other dark wood in the room be emphasized.

7. Use these sheer panels and hanging system from Ikea to cover up your bathroom entrance.  By using white sheer material we keep the bed and the fabric behind the bed as the focal point of the room.  The white will blend in with the walls and the sheer will let some of the light from the bathroom vanity into the bedroom for the additional light you need.

Thanks Melanie for letting me help you out!

Don't forget to enter our current design challenge!

Before Redesign-Melanie's Master Bedroom

Melanie has a Master Bedroom that we'll be redesigning and featuring on Monday.

Here's what she's shared with us about her goals for the space and her style:

What are your favorite home decor/design stores?

• As recent college graduates, we frequent Target, IKEA, and Pier 1 Imports.  We love budget-friendly stores of any kind.

What 3 words would you use to describe yourself?

• Busy, Creative, Cheerful.

What 3 words would you use to describe the feeling you'd like in the space?

• Clean, Modern, Bright.

What is the most important thing you'd like in the space?

• Versatility!  In a small space, it is really important for everything to have multiple functions, even if one of its functions is just to make the space look dang good!

What are your two favorite colors?

• Kiwi green, or those cheery, modern green we see all the time nowadays, and bright, punchy colors like orange and hot pink.  I'm not sure the husband agrees with me on the hot pink, but he didn't win this giveaway!

What are two of your least favorite colors?

• (I had a purple room throughout High School... I'm purpled out.)  and Navy Blue.  Ahoy.

What are the overall dimensions of your space?

• 10x12, with an obnoxious uncovered entry to our bathroom.

Is there anything else you'd like us to consider?

• If possible, a place to sit with a newborn.  Also, our apartment has NO overhead lighting (what were they THINKING???) so our room is really dim and my husband can't stand it.  We are in a rental, so painting isn't possible but I am not opposed to other ways to put color on walls.

So, do you guys have any suggestions for Melanie?  Check back Monday to see what the designer thinks!

Don't forget to submit your own space!  We'd love to help!

Already done a project of your own?  See if it qualifies to enter our design challenge!

Our Next Design Challenge

It's time already for our next design challenge!

The winner will receive an Anna Toddler Bed from Five Star Source!!  This bed comes in 4 different finishes, any of which will be yours if you win the design challenge!

Note: Mattress not included.

Use the form below to submit your space!  Good luck!



and    

Simple is Better

I love this duvet set!  It's so simple but bold and graphic all at the same time!  It would be a great addition if you're looking to spruce up your bedroom for summer!

Evie Duvet from designer Linda Barker.