I’m melting, I’m melting…It was 92 degrees here today in the suburban Philadelphia area. HOT HOT HOT. 3 HOT strikes for me today , but I am not going to let it stop me from decorating my bedroom.
1. The temperature 2. My camera is burning up, it is getting old and overheated when I took these photos which it has never done before. 3. My car’s cooling fan would not shut off. My hubby and his buddy tried to figure out why – they finally had to un-plug a fuse just so it would not run all night. HOT HOT HOT.
If you are a follower of my blog you know that since my husband lost his job when the economy tanked went downhill, that we are trying not to spend too much and save where we can – that includes not putting the AC on. I don’t mind it hot, but I usually cave in to closing the house up and cooling it down when the thermometer hits 90. So, when I got home from work today and went up to my bedroom to change into something cool, it was HOT. I decided I needed to do a little” tweaking” to summerize the bed since I am sure it is going to be HOT sleeping tonight.
Here is my inspiration photo: I think what I love most about this room is the view.
Image: Coastal Living
After
Before
This photo was taken a long time ago. It was the only one I could find that showed how the furniture looked.
After
This is what I did to make mine sort of resemble my inspiration photo. Lightweight curtains to have an airy effect so I can pretend I can see the ocean out my window. A neutral color palate with a barely-there feeling.
I cut up a white sheet set and stapled it onto the wall behind the bed and under the wood crown molding valance. I had two twin Matelasse coverlets from when my daughter’s room had twin beds and used them on either side to frame the bed. I bought the Matalesse spread on the bed and the pillows at TJ Maxx. The sand colored lampshades are from Walmart. The hotel style cover was a clearance purchase at the store where I work.
I used a staple gun and hand pleated as I stapled the white cotton sheet under the wood valance. I made the valance a few years ago when I painted the furniture. It is simply a box mounted to the ceiling with crown molding added.
I then covered the staples with white grosgrain ribbon. 
To hang the two twin spreads I made loops from the ribbon and sewed about 8 loops on one short end of each spread. I figure this way if I ever want to re-use them for bedspreads I can just take the loops off- and the spreads are as good as new.
I work in display and our motto is – what you can’t see can easily be faked. This isn’t pretty, but it is functional. I screwed some nails to the underside of the valance to hang the loops on. I also stapled the front fabric valance to the underside of the wood. I ran out of sheet, so I am going to re-do the fabric along the front of the valance to make it fuller.
This is the furniture in the “before” photo after I painted it. The pieces were all hand me downs from my in-laws and were very, very, dark. I painted all the pieces a light green/beige with a white-wash finish a few years ago.
Now, I just need an ocean. Tonight, I am just hoping for a breeze.
To see how I made the window treatments for this room you can click, here – Making a Window Treatment Using a Tablecloth.
Many readers have asked me how I painted the furniture in this room. Here is what I did:
I painted the furniture a long time ago using Sears Easy Living Paint in Latex Semi Gloss. I can no longer read the color on the can, but the closest match I can find is Benjamin Moore – Camouflage. The color is a khaki green. I mixed it with clear glaze – I used craft paint glaze that you can get in little bottles at the craft store.
Here is how to paint and distress furniture the easy way
1. Sand your piece to rough it up a bit. You don’t have to sand it to the bare wood, but just scratch it up.
2. Apply two light coats of Sherwin Williams Antique White and let dry.
3. Mix glaze and the paint in a container – I use the plastic Glad containers that packaged lunch meat comes in. I used about 75% paint – 25% glaze. Mix it well.
4. Apply the mixture over the piece with a paint brush. Let dry for about 8 minutes and then lightly drag a dry bristle paint brush over all the painted surfaces to expose the antique white paint in spots. Let dry.
5. When piece is thoroughly dry, take a piece of medium grit sandpaper and rough up the edges to expose the wood. Use a tack cloth to wipe off all the sanding grit.
Diane! I thought I wanted to slipcover our headboard to update the master bedroom but now you have given me something entirely different to think about! You may have had an inspiration picture but you truly exceeded it with your curtain panel and crown molding! Fabulous! It is sort of shabby chic but really sophisticated. I love it! You made such an impact on the whole room. And the bedspreads! Wow! I’m sorry things are hard for your family right now and Hope things improve soon! I live outside of Philly too and it was mighty unpleasant around here this summer. So hot and humid and just wouldn’t change! Phew! So glad that’s over. I love All your ideas! So glad I found your site.
Funny, I had just asked about your reference to Upstate NY. This post certainly does answer my question. Day late, dollar short was pretty much the theme of my last comment. Oh well! I’m enjoying your site. Hope you’ve gotten to the ocean and taken a break. Tough being a DYI, everything begets another project and so on. No rest for the weary!
Love your blog but your getting me into trouble. I’m now on the hunt for a discount white Matelasse coverlet for our bed. We have a fall colored set I have loved all winter but lightening up for our hot summers sounds good. I plan to take down my tapestry-like valances and leave up my shiny golden coppery drapes. I’ll pull them back so we can see the white blinds. I’ll use the coverlet, one golden pillow I have plus a beach view picture I already have. Thank you for the inspiration.
You, my dear, are an amazingly talented woman. The kind of person everyone would love to have as a neighbor. Your blogs have consistently brilliant ideas and, I have a sneeking suspicion that you can get into quite a bit of mischief if given the opportunity. Keep up the great work/play.
Ana Ortega
I am so glad i am searching for for a headboard….I have so much to do and so many things to update and I would like to thank this site for giving me the ways to be able to do things that are not expensive and are not hard to do. Will let ya know how things turn out!
I stumbled upon your website and I am in LOVE with all your diy projects thanks soooo much!!! I’m eating tuna tomorrow to get a can one of many sooo excited to try to make this. Thanks, Jamie :)
I love your blog! And this post might be my favorite. I have hand me down wood furniture in my bedroom that I was going to get rid of. Trying to accomplish a similar feel as yours. If I send you pics of the pieces, would you give me your opinion. Thanks, Megan
I love every single thing on your site! So inspiring! Love, love , love it.
Can’t wait to try some of your ideas.
I love it. I have the same colors in our bedroom. Love the sheet treatment. You should monogram the circle on your secretary with your martha stewart paint.
I love all your DIY projects. We have also done a lot of DIY’s, now to get them posted on the blog. THANK YOU for the info about no miter molding. I so need that! I love the painted white furniture look also and make my own cottage inspired furniture appliques, please stop by and take a look, it seems like they’d fit in wonderfully with your home:)
Keep up the great work…..have you ever done a DIY ceiling?
~Renee
CreatingCottage
Hi Renee-
Thanks. To me No Miter molding is the best DIY invention ever – it is so easy to use and looks like a pro did it. You are going to be hooked.
I hope your husband has been able to find work. We personally know how hard that is. You have done something very clever with your bed. Wow!! I want that!
Hi Katehrine-
It has been hard with my husband unemployed. He works so hard everyday connecting and looking for oppurtunities. He was told it could take up to 2 years to find another position like the one he had. We will celebrate bigtime when we don’t have the unemployment issue hanging over us anymore.
Thanks for the comment.
Diane
Diane, wow sorry to hear that. What industry is he in? My husband is a graphic designer and drives 60 miles (thru Los Angeles) to get to work. He took this job after his company closed. Now he is told he is over paid for his position. Yikes!! That isn’t good! I can accept he can’t get a raise, but…….
I’ll keep you and your family in my prayers.
Katharine
What a difference! I like your inspiration picture too and think you hit your target dead center. It’s beautiful and peaceful, and hey, you even added the ocean view. Love it!
Fabulous!!! And I’ll bet you slept better afterwards as well. Love everything you did.
Love this! You did a great job. My favorite transformation is the furniture. It’s amazing what a little paint can do! Beautiful. Nice work.
What a beautiful room! I am wanting to redo my bedroom so I am glad for all the awesome ideas! It is perfect for summer – and so easy to switch up for the other seasons!!
AHHH-MAZING! I LOVE your new room! I’m in love with the hanging fabric and the colors! Fabulous job!!
This is a truly wonderful transformation. So creative and clever!
Wow, simply stunning! I love the coastal, breezy feel and all the layers of cool fabrics. The light pastel airy tones are so sublime.
Kristine
xx
PS. I’m in Australia so wasn’t too sure how hot 92 degrees farenheit was so looked it up as 33 celcius. Sorry to say though that’s quite mild for Australian summers and springs. We peak at around 44 celcius here (which is 112 farenheit!).
Yikes – that is hot. Do you get the humidity, too? – that is worse than the heat. Here in Philadelphia- a Hot 90 never comes with out the the other two H’s -Humid and Hazy. A triple whammy that is the east coast.
I love it! It looks like a magazine photo. So beautiful!
Absolutely inspiring! I’m in the middle of lightening my space and my room is on the agenda. I am still looking for my inspiration photo, but after seeing your post and metamorphosis I am anxious to get moving on my room!
Good Rule= Keep Cool!
~Rainey~
Being inspired is the best feeling. I look for it all the time. It really is motivating. Good Luck with your redo.
Diane
lavoro stupendo!amo questi lavori!!!
un saluto da Roma!
I’ve mentioned this project, with a link, in my latest blog post!
http://sallyleebythesea.blogspot.com/2010/06/its-all-about-bedroom.html
Have a beachy week…
Marie
This is absolutley wonderful! I’m so glad I found your blog today…I’ll be back soon.
Have a great week
It’s gorgeous! Love the transformation!!
Wow! What a change! The room looks so much lighter and more sophistcated. I love the half canopy over the bed. Gorgeous job!
By the way, I live near Gettysburg in PA, we’re not too far away!. :)
It’s awesome!Definitely summery and cool, i love your beds,pretty nice and looks so inviting!Great post! thank you for sharing.
Your bedroom is SO beautiful! I especially like the fabric valance behind the bed.
Thank you so much for linking up to the party. :-)
I just wanted to let you know that I featured you here:
http://firefliesandjellybeans.blogspot.com/2010/05/sunday-spotlight-favorites-from-soys-29.html
Looks outstanding! Luv those white sheets…that look is soooo awesome!
Blessings,
Linda
SOOO pretty and relaxing! I want to cuddle in that bed right now! -shaunna :)
Hi Diane,
I couldn’t resist… You’re room has been featured on my blog (with a link back to your post). I’ve posted about changing up rooms for the season before and you’ve executed it perfectly. Congratulations on such a beautiful room.
http://sheetboutique.blogspot.com/2010/05/different-season-in-your-bedroom.html
Just beautiful, Diane. What a nice room to come home to after a long, hot day. Enjoy the long weekend!
Absolutely beautiful. What a great redo, it’s so fresh and pretty. Great job!
Such a beautiful room…. following from FF
How luxe and elegant this looks, so fresh! I agree with the display “motto.” And who would ever snoop up in there to check out your details? Your bedroom already looks like an oceanfront room.
It’s beautiful! Definitely summery and cool.
I wish it were hot here. We haven’t even had one day where we’ve hit 80 yet.
It is 72 today. Our weather changes everyday, hot one day, chilly the next. 80 sounds like a nice middle ground. I hope you have an enjoyable weekend.
Wow! An incredible transformation and spot on.
What a beautiful and awesome makeover. Wish I was that talented, but I guess it’s like your blog name “In my own style”, mine will soon be pink vintage and frilly. You do amazing work. Hugs, Pat
Wow, what a transformation! I love the curtains over the bed, it’s such a neat effect. Your room looks magazine-worthy! =)
Thanks for the nice comment. It really is quite easy – sheets and a staple gun. The wood valance took a bit more effort, but gives the wall a bit of drama.
Beautiful job! And I love the purple flowers, but can’t quite tell what they are. Hope it cools off for you there. It’s cool and rainy in Southern California tonight!
Hi -the flowers are hydrangeas. They are my absolute favorite flower and I have them everywhere in and outside of my house, real and fake. I hope the sun shines soon out on your side of the country.
Diane
Great job! It definitely looks cool. Now all you need is an oscillating fan to stir the air & you could have you a “sea” breeze.
Wish I was so creative.
Smiles~
Marilyn
That is beautiful! It looks so peaceful and relaxing, really well done. Your view of the ocean is a perfect addition! Theresa
Holy smokes this is awesome! I’ve been thinking of adding a valance and curtains to our bedroom … yours looks fabulous! Thank you for adding such a easy to follow tutorial. Now I need to decide on a color and get shopping for supplies. Stop over and check out my bedroom and let me know what you think. I’m trying to go with chocolate, sage, and creams but your ideas are openly welcome. PS – I’m so following you!
Wow.. that room is GORGEOUS!!! Seriously a great room. I love it.
Oh and Im in S. nj.. hi Neighbor lol love oyur blog!!
~Tana
Hi neighbor in South Jersey . Are you going to the beach this Memorial Day weekend since you live so close or staying home, away from the crowds?
Diane
This turned out great! I love the “backdrop” behind the bed! I hope you are able to cool off! :)
Lovely! I think you did a great job, not just on a budget but in giving your room a cooler feel. I love the furniture painted the lighter colors. We had a pretty hot day yesterday and my upstairs was like a sauna. To save money we choose between the in-ground pool or the central AC. Since the kids are older now {and rarely use the pool} we usually vote for the central AC. I’d rather have a good night’s sleep, so I can get up for the day job in the morning, than an open pool that no one is using!
You so smartly captured the essence of your inspiration room! Bravo! The colors are terrific. I so adore that little desk…Mmmmm. Thanks for sharing your tricks of the trade, makes me feel better about how some of my behind” the scenes come together.
Oh. my. word. It’s fantastic!! And you make it look so easy! You did a beautiful job. Thank you for sharing!
you did a fantastic job! it is beautiful…..it is hard to recognize the previous furniture.
it totally feel like a room at the beach….good luck with the breeze
I went to bed pretty late. It had cooled off a bit so it wasn’t too bad. Now we are going to have a thunder storm. There is a delicious breeze blowing through the house. It feels great.
Diane
Wow. I’m speechless. That has turned out so beautiful. I love all the combinations of neutrals and textures. Amazing!