I made a simple update in our bedroom that I thought would be worth sharing. It was a small change, but it made the room feel much lighter and brighter just in time for summer.
It isn’t necessarily a permanent change, but as you can see the above photo (from last year) I made a seasonal switch to lighter white linen drapery. Much as I liked the dark gray velvet (and I would agree they add polish to the room), I always felt like they were too oppressive in the hot days of summer.
You can see how this room looked last year during our summer bedroom tour with the dark velvet curtains. For this year, I ordered some inexpensive IKEA Ritva Drapes to use for the next few months. You’ll probably also notice the layered rug is missing, which isn’t intentional, and I especially miss it when I look at these photos. It is just temporarily in our living room until I select a new one then I’ll move it back up here.
The room feels so much lighter and brighter now. Since we have these amazing black out roman shades, I don’t have to worry about light control so the drapes are purely for looks. Compared to most other linen style drapes, the IKEA ones are super inexpensive, even if you grab them on Amazon, so I felt like I could justify making this change just for the season. Christy has a great trick for making these curtains look super upscale with special pleats, you can see that post HERE.
I would still like to complete the design plan I had for this space when we moved in, you can see it below. I did use a different chandelier and my daughter commandeered this bedding from the moodboard for her room but overall my plan is still similar. The full post is here.
The bed has been sold out in king size forever and I have been dragging my feet on the major painting job this room would call for. Our room has an adjacent sitting room which really isn’t photo-worthy. To be honest, I have never been sure what to do with it as it is too small to be very functional, but I still hope to paint both spaces my favorite color, rhinestone to bring in my pale blues.
As soon as I made the switch I felt like it was immediately lighter and brighter in here. In the winter, when we crave cozy and moody I’ll switch the drapes back to the velvet, but for now a little change is good.
You can see the sources for the room below~
XO,
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It looks amazing. I love the lighter drapes for summer. Perfect swap
Thank you so much Marty! You are so kind 🙂 Amy
What a joy it is for me to gain inspiration from all of the Magnolia Lane post. I started a makeover of my new home this past year but had to put it on hold to convalesce from a recent health emergency. I look forward to seeing your blog turn up in my email and I am chomping at the bit to put more of your ideas in place. This bedroom make over looks stunning.
Thank you so much for that very kind comment. It means so much that you took time to share it. I am sorry for your health issue and hope that you are back to doing home improvement soon. I know first hand how frustrating it can be to not have the energy to do the creative things that feed us. XO, Amy
Lighter is better in summer👍👍 PickleBall is a really fun game Try it. I’m 80 and play. With 4 makes it easier✅
Weight, you will do it You feel good about yourself that is your work and goal👍👍
Hi Amy! As usual your bedroom is stunning! Where did you get your monogrammed shams?
Hi Heidi–they came from Ballard Designs, I have had them for several years but I believe they are still available.
XO
It looks beautiful both ways!!!