Since the Chicagoland fixer upper we renovated was a total gut job, it was pure pleasure tackling our Arizona vacation home since it was all about cosmetic upgrades and easier DIY projects. How to Create a Low Cost Serene Bedroom Design shares tips from our project!
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How to Create a Low Cost Serene Bedroom Design
We wanted to stay within a budget of about $4,000 for the total bedroom makeover, and we did it! Here’s how.
Before Photos
Here’s where we started with the master bedroom when we bought the place. Orange accent wall, beautiful Southern exposure with desert wash and mountain views, and that’s about it. While it had an attached bath, there was no door separating the spaces so unless you love watching/listening your partner brush their teeth, that was the deal.
Serene Paint Color for Bedroom
For creamy white walls in the bedroom, I decided on VALSPAR Salute. This color is similar to Sherwin Williams Alabaster. It has grey-green undertones, and it worked well with the strong Southern light streaming in.
Board & Batten Accent Wall
While we could have painted over the orange wall and called it a day, the room needed some architectural interest. Because of the budget and the fact we’re control freak DIYers, we chose to design a board and batten paneled wall.
My husband somehow created this wall without his power tools at home in Chicagoland! I felt so bad since the project was more time consuming with just a hammer and would have been easy and quick with the proper tools.
On a positive note though, the materials only cost around $60! You’ll note the recessed panels were formed by nailing strips right into the drywall.
My dad helped me with the painting and more importantly, all that caulking which goes along with such a project!
Not only was this a low cost project that created a big statement, it also doubled as a dramatic headboard.
Belgian Linen Curtain Panels
To save money, we left the existing inexpensive blinds in place since they were functional and we knew we could upgrade later. Belgian linen made sense for our tone on tone color palette and for a beachy, breezy look.
Custom Industrial Style Curtain Rods
My husband made custom industrial style curtain rods from plumbing supplies at Home Depot including: galvanized steel pipes, iron flanges, and iron elbows. There are plenty of ready-made options in the same spirit:
We used these curtain clips:
Roman Numeral Accent Above Bedroom Window
I loved this Roman Numeral wood accent idea which I saw on Jenna Sue’s blog so I used it in each bedroom. The Roman numerals represent a special number like an anniversary year or birth year. I painted the wood letters with BENJAMIN MOORE Revere Pewter.
White & Light Grey Quilted Bedding
The quilts, pillows, and coverlets I found for the master bedroom were a mix of PiuBelle and from Pottery Barn.
Mattress
White Side Tables & Table Lamps
Simple white textured porcelain table lamps went on inexpensive Lindved white side tables from Ikea.
Here’s the actual table, and following it is something similar.
Semi-Custom Union Jack Pillow
My aunt sewed semi-custom pillows for the bedrooms and living room. We started with white linen pillow covers and customized them with some of my favorite Shabby Chic Couture linen fabrics designed by Rachel Ashwell.
Here’s a beautiful option:
Here’s a pillow where I hand-sewed bits and pieces of fabric scraps leftover from a dining room chair upholstery project.
Accent Chairs & Table
The barrel style white slipcovered chairs in front of the window are Ikea Tullsta chairs, and the table has an accordion style base and antique silver finish.
Here’s a similar table with a different finish – you could always customize the color.
Sliding Barn Door
This was my favorite addition! A door to the bathroom where there was none. Don’t forget it is sometimes possible to replace an ordinary closet door with a sliding barn door.
We found this modern sliding barn door at Home Depot and installed it ourselves (of course!).
Succulents are certainly at home in this getaway, and here’s a gorgeous one that will work anywhere:
Embroidered Accent Pillow
Here are a few pillows in the same spirit:
Feel like you are only seeing half of the room? Ha! You are! The other half was waiting for its dresser and featured a farmhouse style bench with an unlovely flat screen TV.
Just a reminder: you can easily contact me any time with questions, to chat or to leave a private comment simply by subscribing to my posts in your inbox and then hitting reply to the email!
More Bedroom Decor Ideas Curated by Me
See THIS for cost conscious bedroom decor!
Thanks for peeking at this simple bedroom. For truly inspiring bedroom design, see:
Coastal Cottage Bedroom Inspiration
Simple White Cottage Bedroom Decor Inspiration
I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.
Peace to you right where you are.
-michele
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I love it all especially the board and batten wall!
Author
Thanks so much! Happy Tuesday, friend. 🙂
What a beautiful and calming space. Can you tell me what kind of trim boards you used on the wall? Did you caulk the edges?
Thank you so much for the wonderful ideas you share.
Author
It’s pine from Home Depot. Yes! Lots of caulking – I’ll add that to the post. If you need more specific info about the type of wood, let me know and I’ll get the particulars from my husband and link to it.
Hi Michele!
The board and batten wall makes the perfect backdrop for this beautiful relaxing space! Such a lovely transformation! I would love for you to share this at Homestyle Gathering via Serving Up Southern!
>>> Kim
Author
Thanks so much, Kim. Looking forward to gathering with you lovely bloggers this week!
Very calming and beautiful. I saw that piu belle coverlet at homegoods.
Author
Thanks, Carol. I love Homegoods!
Stunning transformation. You will enjoy relaxing in this spa like space while on vacation.
Happy weekend, Kippi
Author
You’re right – we did enjoy it – and then sold the place. Waiting for the next project that needs to be made lovely! 🙂 Thanks so much for reading.
Michele,Michele,
I have mixed emotions, I loved that house, but I will get used to this one. Thanks for your kind words, I really appreciate it. I love your bedroom, it looks so relaxing. I too love Barry. 🙂
Have a lovely weekend.
Hugs,
Bev
Author
He’s timeless! 🙂
This is absolutely lovely, Michele! I did a similar accent wall at My Wee Abode… super affordable! And, I used plumbing pipes, etc. for the hardware for my open shelving in my kitchen. All your decor is perfect for the room, and I especially love your linens and pillows! So blessed to have you at Tuesday Turn About!
Author
We must be kindred. Thank you for inviting to the Turn About, friend. Don’t you love how impactful these paneled projects can be for little cash??? I’m a frugal girl so I get a kick out of that.
Yes, I agree! Mine cost less than $20! I may add a bit more to mine… similar to yours. We’ll see! 😉
Author
Have been wanting to try a board and batten wall where you just use the long vertical pieces of trim! Such a vintage look.
There are so many beautiful features in this bedroom but I must say the accent wall is gorgeous! Thanks so much for linking up with Tuesday Turn About!
Author
Glad you like it – it was truly a wonderful project, and we sold that home last year so I miss it so much! I try not to get too attached, but when you are a DIYer doing all the work, it’s tough! Thanks for having me, Michelle.
This is really lovely and serene, Michele! I love your picks for curtains, throws and pillows. The accent wall looks amazing, and I can only imagine how tough it was to pull off without all of your hubby’s tools. Thanks for sharing at Tuesday Turn About! I hope you’ll join us again.
Author
I’m ready for him to create another wall like that with his tools in hand…it’ll be a breeze relative to that last one! Looking forward to joining Tuesday Turn About and appreciate your support and encouragement. 🙂