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Deuce Cities Henhouse

Slowly Figuring it Out

Vintage Modern Bedroom
Heya! Welcome to the post wherein I blabber about minute details of my bedroom for a very long period of time. Ready? Here goes.

I dunno about you, but when I put together spaces in my home, everything is extremely thought out. I find that it really helps to have a detailed plan from the jump, and every element should be as functional to the space as possible while looking super fly. I start with the big decisions and than whittle my way down. Basically one decision leads to the next, to the next, and so, on until everything falls into place. I nag my husband and my girlfriends constantly about my options and ideas to reassure myself I am on the right track. There is a lot of self doubt involved in this process, it’s how I roll.

I hope you don’t mind that I go back and forth in real time on the blog showing you guys my sometimes crazy detailed thought process. I still see this blog as a diary of some-sorts, so if things take a long time and I change my mind, then so be it. I’ll blog about it. I hope you guys don’t hate me for sharing all the mundane stuff too.

Remember, a few weeks ago I was gung-ho on a wrap around fauxdenza? Well now (after much thought) I have come to the conclusion that I need to start with the big design choices before I start figuring out the secondary stuff. I get overly eager to just do things sometimes, which on occasion is a benefit, but in this situation I need to take it slow. I now realize that sticking cabinets on my walls is not always the best decision. The bed needs to come first because, it’s just more important to the room, I mean it is a “bed”room after all. I’d hate to invest in semi-built-in-cabinets and then not have it jive (yeah what, I said that) in the space. After much consideration we made a decision and ordered a real-deal-grown-ass-person bed.

When Waff (aka Jeff Allen) and I began looking for a bed we wanted to find something upholstered in a light neutral fabric. Although I like platform beds we had decided we didn’t want something low to the ground, and narrowed our search to beds that included both a headboard and low footboards with clean modern lines. We felt squeezed financially on almost all the beds that fit our criteria though. Most of what we saw ranged from $1500 – $1800 bucks, and although I’m sure the price is totally worth it, we really didn’t want to shell out that kinda dough.

I had noticed the upholstered sleigh bed at West Elm a long time ago, way before I started the bedroom project. I had even pointed it out to Jeff, and he agreed he liked it, but we figured that there was no way his 6′ 4″ body would fit in it comfortably. The footboard is a little higher than most, and he wouldn’t be able to let his dogs dangle. So, I just stopped thinking about it. But now that we were actually in the market for a new bed it popped up on my radar once again. If only I could chop a few inches of his body everything would be perfect. Long story short, we could not chop up Jeff and the bed needed a closer look. We made a stop into West Elm and I made him lay down in the bed, in the store, in public. I’m pretty sure he hated me for it, but whatever. He almost fit in it! We were looking at the full sized model and figured that since we had a queen, which was 6″ longer than a full bed we might be in luck. The price was so good, we just had to see if it worked. We went ahead and ordered the bed directly from the store, we saved $100 on delivery and I signed up for the West Elm store card saving us another 10%. We basically got the bed for $825 before tax, which seemed like a pretty sweet price to us.

Vintage Modern Bedroom
Guys, we totally love this bed! We have been going to bed at like 8:30 because this bed is sweet and comfy. Our mattress is finally adequately supported, and the platinum grey upholstered headboard and footboard just make it feel like you are so tucked in. We are really happy with the choice we made, and it makes the room look god damn adult. I’m honestly a bit uncomfortable with how grownup we are getting.

Vintage Modern Bedroom
In case you’re new around here, this (above) is the position we have always had the bed in, perpendicular to the long wall. We never really considered anything else because we had the corner of the room eaten up with the angled wall that was hiding that tank, remember? Now that’s gone, and the corner is squared off so there are more possibilities for furniture layout in this room. More possibilities means more driving myself crazy, naturally.

Vintage Modern Bedroom
I’ve reached this phase of my bedroom project where I just have to pause for awhile and figure out how the space is going to function the best for us. I mentioned this in my last post about the floor plan, but I don’t think I emphasized how much we are really, really taking this slow. Right now things are stuck as we try and figure out what goes where. A few of you asked or suggested in the comments that I turn the bed on a 90º angle putting it centered on the newly wallpapered wall. This was also my first instinct, and it’s exactly what I did after wallpapering. That was a few weeks ago, my bed was just a mattress and box spring then, strategically placed on a broken frame and some books as to prevent it from sinking into itself. After sleeping with the bed on that wall for one night we decided that it just didn’t feel right. It puts the head of the bed in the darkest part of the room, and this makes waking up in the morning so difficult. Then there is the problem with the entire bedroom seeming like a bowling alley. When the bed runs parallel to the length of the room, everything else begins to seem really far away. We put the bed back in it’s original po-zish (aka position) the next morning agreeing that it just wasn’t for us.

Fast forward to a few weeks later and here we are with a new bed. The new bed frame adds a few inches to the length of the bed and elongates it (dur), and we decided to give the wallpapered wall layout another whirl. I have to admit, it all makes a lot more sense with the new bed. I like that everything is nice, orderly, and centered when you enter the room. From the doorway you see the entire bed instead of just the side of it. There is still bad stuff though. The bed is still positioned on the darker side of the room. We don’t like that much. Also, if we were to keep the bed in this new position we would encounter some new design hurdles. I’d have to find a piece of furniture to put at the end of the bed, without something there the bed doesn’t feel long enough for the space. That old dresser pictured above is just there to illustrate furniture placement. We’d also have to come up with a creative solution for our TV because we are TV addicts! I am 100% certain that there is a way to include our beloved TV in this layout, it just needs to be discovered. Please note that the yellow lamp or the side tables won’t be staying in the room. I’d like to have wall sconces for both sides of the bed and matching night stands. I’ve got more on all that stuff coming in another post.

We like having the bed positioned to the perpendicular wall too (the orig way). If we were to do this I think it would be best to get some narrow piece of furniture on the wallpapered wall whether it be the fauxdenza or some other sort of credenza/buffety/dressery type thing. When positioned on this wall the bed faces east and we can see the sun come up right out through the sunroom windows. This really helps us get up and moving in the morning. I know it’s not the most inviting thing to walk into a bedroom and only see the side of a bed, and it’s not fun having to walk around the bed in the middle of the night when I you have to use the restroom, ya know? Seeing daylight out the windows in the morning is really nice though. What are we to do?

Obviously, I’m undecided on this issue. I think we’ll literally sleep on it for a few days and see how the room feels to us with the bed on the other wall. I’m also going to be nagging my friends for input and advice. I’m a huge believer in designing a space slowly so that you can see how it functions best for you. Sometimes living with something (or a certain layout) for years makes it really hard to see it in a new way without feeling strange. Wish us luck!

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  • SAm October 7, 2014

    Hi! Who makes your cute sheets? Love the update!

    • Scoops October 8, 2014

      Hey Sam! Thanks! The sheets are from West Elm and they are on sale – maybe I should get a back up set. Here’s the link!

      • sam October 8, 2014

        Ugh was so hoping you wouldn’t confirm that suspicion…they have only had the pillowcases for months now :( oh well enjoy them they look great!!

        • Scoops October 10, 2014

          Oh no, Sam! I just realized that too. Darn. When items I want our discontinued I immediately start a saved ebay search – then you will get notifications when new items are listed.

  • Rachel October 7, 2014

    Would it maybe be possible to add a large mirror to the wall opposite the sunroom to capture some of the morning light so you can see it from bed? Just an idea. The room is looking great so far and I like the new layout! :-)

    I’m currently working on designing my bedroom, too (well, I was until a few weeks ago, but now I can’t even get to it because I just broke 22 bones and it’s upstairs in my house, so just on paper now), but I sympathize with your design process. I work in a similar way, but our floorplan is even more limited so that means fewer choices. In some ways I blame the internet and design blogs–there are just too many good, accessible ideas out there! I’m curious how much input your husband has in the process. Does he just have veto power, or does he come up with ideas or suggestions on his own?

    • Scoops October 8, 2014

      Rachel! That is such a great idea, I didn’t even think of that. I’m gonna try it out to see how it bounces light around. Thanks for the suggestion.

      I am so sorry to hear about all of your broken bones, I’m sending good vibes your way and hoping for a quick recovery for you so you can get back to designing your bedroom. I agree with you on being overwhelmed by the internet. I’ve recently found myself limiting my time to just the blogs I really enjoy and staying away from things like pinterest more and more.

      Regarding the mister: That’s a good question. He has a good sense of style, and pays a lot of attention to graphic design and has a lot of opinions about that, but when it comes to interiors he defaults to me. If he was a bachelor I would be afraid for his house. He would never pick up a catalog in a million years and see something that he liked or if he did, decide to spend money on it. That being said he does have opinions when I offer suggestions to him, but that’s about it. He does get veto power, so I have to do a lot of convincing to do if I don’t want to have the hammer come down. Feel Better!

      • Rachel October 8, 2014

        I’ll be really interested to hear if the mirror does the trick! I bet this one could be awesome in your room: http://www.westelm.com/products/faceted-mirror-large-w1173/?pkey=e%7Cmirror%7C63%7Cbest%7C0%7Cviewall%7C24%7C%7C35&cm_src=PRODUCTSEARCH||NoFacet-_-NoFacet-_-Featured%20Mirror

        Thanks so much for the kind well-wishes. Reading your blog (and many others) is definitely helping to make my recovery better. If I can’t actually make progress on my room, I can be inspired by your progress! You’ve already made me wonder how I could add some fabulous wallpaper to the room. Great job with your room so far!

        That’s interesting about how you and your husband work together. It sounds like you have a lot of freedom to do what you like. Though my husband has veto power, too, and it can be frustrating to find something you love and then for him to dislike it. Context sometimes helps a lot–I’ve found that if he can’t picture something in the space, photos where someone else used it, or mock-ups can make a big difference.

        • Scoops October 10, 2014

          Rachel! That mirror is so pretty. I will def add it to the list of potential mirrors. I need to figure out what I am going to do on that big wall now, and how to incorporate any mirror.

          Totally, I have to really spell it out for my husband in order for him to get the big picture. He trusts me a lot too when it comes to that stuff too.

      • Rachel October 8, 2014

        Hey, so I was thinking about what you said about your design process more (yeah, I really am homebound and unable to do very much), and it occurred to me that you might find this post interesting, about how design blogs helped demystify the decorating process for me a bit: http://transientexpression.com/bedroom-mood/ I also realized how helpful moodboards can be when you’re trying to put together a room.

  • Tina Batori October 7, 2014

    Just sayin’, it took my breath away when I saw the pic of the new bed against the wallpapered wall. Liked the idea of the big mirror mentioned above, too.

    I LOVE your blog, especially the posts about your thought process. Keep it up!

    • Scoops October 8, 2014

      Thanks so much Tina, totally makes my day!

  • Michelle October 8, 2014

    I like that you share your process, I mean, I think that’s how it works for most normal people, right? I would get such envy (back when we had cable) watching Candance Olsen’s show where she would sit at a desk and poof! a room would come together in her basket, it seemed so thought out, very little trail and error, which just doesn’t make sense to me. I always figured it was because she’s a trained expert and I’m just a girl with particular tastes… Either way, I find that I need to have something in my house and “feel” it in the space before I know for sure. Online shopping is my nemesis.
    For what it’s worth, without being in the room to “feel it out”, I like the photos of the bed against the wall papered wall and second others’ suggestion of putting up a large mirror to bounce more light. It looks more visually interesting and focused. Also, I love your bed. I have a dream of getting a grown up upholstered bed but I’m waiting for my little one to get older. He sleeps with us and our bed is basically a trampoline/rocket ship/snack table. I also want a (gasp!) white bed cover but that ain’t happening. So I live vicariously through design blogs where I don’t have to worry about stains or broken things :-)

    • Scoops October 8, 2014

      Yeah, Michelle! I remember watching shows like the one Candice Olson hosted and feeling the same way. Sometimes I feel like a few bloggers work just as quickly and I’m always like, woah, how did that happen? How do they know? How do they do it?

      I happen to love online shopping, but not because I am addicted to it or anything, just because it’s easiest. If there is something online that I want I usually keep it on my radar a few months before going ahead and ordering it, that way I know it’s something that would really work well for us. I am too spontaneous of a shopper when I go into physical stores. Thanks for your input about the bed layout, it’s good to hear what you guys think. This room is our largest bedroom, but the most difficult to describe in photos. I appreciate all of your feedback.

      This is my first time with white bedding too, and our kids are still dirty and covered in sticky stuff. I invested in a clorox pen for just in case. We’ve been pretty successful with our almost white chair – I’ve got some good fabric cleaner that works really well on stains if you can get to them right away. I guess the white bedding is an experiment, we will see. I hope we can manage.

  • I love that you share so much of the process and your thoughts with us. It feels like I’m apart of it. I like going on this journey with. It sounds like you are doing all the right things. Keep experimenting and listening to your gut. Your room is already so gorgeous. I took an in breath when I clicked through! The bed and the wallpaper is true lay beautiful together. It can only get better. Good luck and have fun! xS

    • Scoops October 8, 2014

      Thanks Sarah! I know, I gotta always remember that gut, it’s done be good in the past. Thank you so much for your input, I really appreciate it. It’s so good to hear what you guys think about things.

  • stephiez October 8, 2014

    You’re bedroom is looking great and that bed is lovely. I really like the bed against the wallpaper. It just looks better to me. That being said If you love seeing the sunrise then keep it at the same spot.

    • stephiez October 8, 2014

      *your. Hit post before I fully read through.

    • Scoops October 10, 2014

      Thanks for your feed back Stephie! All of this input really helps. It’s so dark in the morning now anyways it doesn’t really make that much of a difference. I’m curious to see what the light is like on the weekend where we get an extra hour or so to sleep in.

  • Stacey October 8, 2014

    Oh oh! Are you going to do Ranarp lamps by the bed?!
    I love that you post your thought process as well. If I wanted just before and afters, I wouldn’t bother reading blogs. The process inspires me with my own home.
    The bed up against the papered wall looks amazing! There’s a lot you could do for TV watching (how about one of those TV stands where the screen hides inside and raises up when you want to watch? Only partially kidding), and keeping the room in general from feeling like a bowling alley.

    • Scoops October 10, 2014

      Hey Stacey! Thanks so much for the input, this all helps so much. I am going to keep the Ranarp in the room, but I think I’ll set it on top of the dresser. We’ll be installing some white and brass sconces instead. I have a kind of crazy plan for the TV – if it works it will be awesome. If it doesn’t, oh well. It involves repurposing an old buffet at the end of the bed. Cross your fingers for me.

  • Hanna October 8, 2014

    I love the bed against the wallpaper too! It’s funny, my first thought when I saw the picture was “perfect, their heads are out of the window light!” It’s all about preferences! Our bedroom is painted navy blue with blackout curtains…

    • Scoops October 10, 2014

      Totally, Hanna! When my crazy kids learn how to sleep in I will be all for black out curtains! ;)

  • shavonda@Homefullofcolor October 8, 2014

    soooo this totally reminds me of our bedroom layout process. I gotta day I LOOOVE the placement of the bed on the wallpaper wall. Im totally anti TV’s in the bedroom so I have no solution ideas for you theres, but I just know you’ll come up with something that will work for you guys. Loving seeing this room come together

    • Scoops October 10, 2014

      I totally understand the no tv in the bedroom thing, but we just like watching shows and movies in bed so much. Maybe things would be different if we had a really comfortable family room. Hopefully that will come with the basement reno this spring. Your house is looking so cute, love that you went with the teal in the living room :)

  • Sara October 9, 2014

    Talk to me about that navy quilt! Is it as soft as it looks? We just upgraded to a king and I can’t find a quilt that make us both happy…

    • Scoops October 10, 2014

      Sara! It is totally the best quilt ever. It is soft and heavy, but it is not bulky. It’s seriously wonderful, more than I could imagine loving a quilt. I got a few pieces from the Eileen Fisher collection for Garnet Hill, all of it has been unbelievably cozy. Here’s the link too, in case you have any trouble finding it. Oh also, if you sign up with a new e-mail you’ll get 10% off, so you should do that.

      • sara October 10, 2014

        I’m ordering one right now. I’ve already returned two scratchy quilts and I’m so over playing tug of war with our old tiny blanket. Can’t wait!

        • Scoops October 11, 2014

          You are going to love it. Let me know what you think. It also seems huge to me, I ordered a queen, but it’s very large. I love it. Excited for you!

  • erik January 8, 2015

    Hi, I’m curious, do you use the box spring with that bed? It kinda looks like you do, if so any issues with it?

    • Scoops January 8, 2015

      Hey Erik, No box spring just the mattress. It sits on slats, we’ve had the bed for 3 or 4 months and we are still loving it.

  • Sarah January 10, 2018

    Are you still happy with the sleigh bed? Has it held up over time?

    • Kat June 23, 2020

      I was wondering the same thing! Could you give us an update on the bed, Sam?

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