I feel like I need to show you the before first, so you can see the problem I was fixing. Well you need to see two before photos. I love the look of the dresses, but I did not like the black frames. Well I liked the black frames, just not next to the white headboards. Yes they are very easy to see, but they felt disjointed from the white bed frames.
Meanwhile I tried several different looks that you can see HERE. Below you see that I added shutters behind the beds, changed out the ottomans at the foot of the beds, and changed out the bedding. I felt the room looked too boxy.
So here is where we are now. I am not going to pronounce the room ‘done’ because I will probably always be changing things up. It looks fresh and clean to me, and not boxy. I have my special dresses back on the wall, but without the dark frames. I think the dark frames could work in a room, but looked odd next to our white headboards.
I’m actually very happy with the current look. I loved those dresses and am thrilled they are back. It is not as traditional French as it was, but I am enjoying the happy fabrics. I still have the gingham lavender fabric and will probably use it again.
I might change out the rugs in-between the beds as well. They don’t go very well with the new bedding. Someone suggested I change the wall paint color. Although I would love to see it a different color, I don’t want to spend money on that right now, so we are going to keep the current paint color for a bit longer. That’s life, right?
What are my take-aways?
- You are never done decorating!
- Be careful not to overdo an element in a room. I felt the new benches and the shutters behind the beds were two boxy elements that when added to the boxy beds were too much.
- Repeating a color in a room is good design!
- White always looks fresh.
- Don’t be afraid to move things around and try something new.
So now I have some extra shutters, so I need to figure out how I am going to use those, or sell them. Hmmmm..
I love the gingham draped over the shutters.
I have always loved those little dresses above the beds. . .so charming, glad to see them back!
Anita,
Love how you have decorated this room. The dresses are adorable and make me remember I may have on of my own around the house!
Have a beautiful day!
Just found your blog yesterday and am so happy to find a fellow Texan! Love the crisp, clean feel of the room, along with being able to see a hint of the headboard and the gorgeous ottomans.
So happy you joined us Angie!!
I didn’t think I would like the frames painted but they do look better in white with your headboards! I noticed the placement of the rug under the beds, clever! I would not have thought to do that. Ideas like that are why read blogs!
Ok, I think that did the trick! Now the wall color isn’t an issue at all. I can see beige and white ticking to go with the lavender checks also. Love that the little dresses are back!!!
Ginger
Yes! I love seeing the dresses there again, and I thinks it’s beautiful now. The color change is just what it needed. Thanks for sharing.
Your creative solutions inspire me!
I agree, the dresses in the white frames is a wonderful look. Also, WOW, those benches! Can you tell us where you got them from?
I have a link for purchase here. (affiliate) http://rstyle.me/~9rHxO
The dresses are such a personal touch. I love it.
Those dresses were one of the first things that drew me to your blog, so I ‘m happy that they’re back! Love this room!
I love all the white!
Voila! I think it is perfect!
I love it! Painting the frames was the perfect solution. I agree that the little carpets aren’t quite right with new bedding. It is never-ending, isn’t it? I told my husband I need a warehouse for all of my decorating items. I like to switch things out but don’t have the room to store everything!
I love the frames painted white. I wish the headboards were up higher to be seen better. I think the room looks beautiful and inviting though. Well done.
Love the little dresses there and the painted frames look great. Thanks for sharing.
Spray paint to the rescue again!
Think the white frames were the answer!
Each look is great!
I can imagine myself and sister loving this room. Soooo pretty.
Deb
I think all look good however, the little dresses look so cute.
I just love those little dresses and the frames that set them off. The white is nice, but there is something about the black that I really like. I think I would have played up the black with bedding such as a black and white toile or check (or both)! But I am really into that right now, so that’s probably why! I like your current choice of bedding, too. It’s fresh and sweet!
Me too, I loved the frames black. I don’t care for the floral bedding, it’s too puffy and the pattern is too busy (just my opinion). Black and white toile would look gorgeous. Perhaps a floral chintz with a more subtle pattern to incorporate the wall color also….
Love those little dresses too!
I love using spray paint .
Yes, spray painting was a quick and good idea. The dresses looks so much better in the white frames.
The power of spray paint! The dresses are darling, and are such a sweet display. I love the new look.
I love all of these changes…just so beautiful and creative! Blessings
I love the gingham on the beds as an additional layer of texture and interest. I am a sucker for beautiful, complicated, layered bedding! Beautiful room…do the dresses have some significance?
I adore the little dress frames. Such a pretty shape! and white is better! and the comforters are gorgeous in the room! Wow! You do inspire me!
The white frames did the trick….
I love the bulleted list of “take aways”! Especially #1. I get stuck thinking I have to find the perfect something so that I will be done decorating.
Very cute, The white frames look great and the dresses are adorable. I personally liked the gingham better but still a beautiful room. And you’re right we’re never done decorating.
I love those sweet little dresses, they are so sweet so glad you decided to hang them back up…and the frames look great in white….if I might ask where did you purchase the benches at the foot of each bed???
Wishing you a great weekend~~
Maritza
I liked the dresses framed in black better but it still looks fine with the white frames. I would have painted the headboards black to match the dress frames. Black and white bedding with an accent color of your choice. But I get that spending money right now isn’t possible so this looks fine! The little dresses are so perfect for a decorative idea. I might consider something like this in my guest room.
No matter what, your guest room is fresh and inviting!
I like the white frames with the dresses; just a more serene feeling. I absolutely adore the ottomans! But, I have to say, although the florals are pretty, I love the gingham spread best, along with the mixture of pillows. But either way, it’s all beautiful, and I’m sure your guests are thrilled with the room.
That bedding/duvet covers are GORJUSSSS! Love the watercolor-y appeal they have. The room is absolutely beautiful; I think he changes you’ve made make the room appear larger, brighter. The changes you made are soft & feminine, perfect for a girl’s room. It’s always such a pleasure to read your posts, thank you ! 🙂
You’re a courageous decorator and that is always encouraging and enlightening.
Miss the gingham though.
They all look great but I guess I like the first picture the best. I saw that bench at World Market and wanted it so badly….
Love that the dresses are back, and I do not think painting them ruined their appeal! Inspires me to go through by boys’ memory boxes and frame one of their most beloved clothing item when they were tiny (before sport jerseys). Makes me nostalgic. I think the duvet covers are divine. The whole room is fresh, updated and appears open and airy. Fabulous ideas here on your site. Thank you for the inspirations!
I am in love with the beautiful quilts for the beds. They are so refreshing. I really like florals. Thank you for the giveaway.
xoxo Jo
I had one of those dark metal pieces and sold it in a garage sale a couple of years ago… why didn’t I think of painting it???? Love them painted. Love the little dresses.
You are absolutely correct for painting the dress frames white. The bedroom must be very large to accommodate three twin beds. While I love the splash of color the poufy comforters seems too crowded between beds, maybe if they laid flat showing the rugs between the bed make look more balanced. Great design!
Anita, the bedroom is beautiful! Don’t change a thing! I really love those little dresses hung on the frame above each bed — so very pretty!
I bought one of your frames and just love it! I thought of painting it white but when I hung the little dress up, I decided to keep it black as the “old” dress is ivory and just looked better in the black frame. It is hung in our guest room and all our guests comment on it! The little dress is ivory satin with a smocked top, ruffled satin collar and sleeves and have satin bows on the sleeves! It’s so pretty — and my Grannie made it for me to come home from the hospital in — 60+ years ago! Up until I saw your idea with the frame and the dress, my little dress was kept in my cedar chest! It is just so pretty hanging in the frame!
Have a nice week-end!
Blessings!
Glad to know I am not the only one that has to stretch out the decorating plan. Great design and an inspiration for me.
I adore the little dresses. Makes me think back to when I dressed my baby girl in lace and frills…and spent my free time ironing the garments. How times have changed.
Absolutely LOVE THE DRESSES and the colors in the bedding.
I think the white frames and the little dresses are perfect!
I love those little dresses and am so glad they’re back! While I liked the architectural element that the black added, it was a a little jarring when combined with the white headboards.
Beautiful room. Maybe my idea is too matchy-matchy, but the next time you paint, consider some sort of blue on the walls. I definitely like the white frames better than the black – very nice setting for your cute little dresses. The benches are absolutely lovely and I love the cheerful bedding.
Love, love, love! Fresh and beautiful and it didn’t cost a thing!
Hi Anita,
I do like the fabrics and the dresses above the beds. Only being able to see the room in photos is a real disadvantage for me. That said, I might take the benches and the baskets away from the ends of the beds. And I agree about changing the rug color. I do like all of the things you do so please don’t hate me for offering my take on the darling bedroom.
Linda
They look so much better painted white .They shutters I thing were too much [bulky] the dress frames fit right in with the whole look. Beautifully done.
LOVE it! The little dresses add so much character. I think it looks great. I agree with you on changing the rugs out between the beds. But is seriously is absolutely a beautiful room.
Painting the frames was a great idea. They look airy and ready for Spring. Love the bedding too.
I absolutely LOVE this room and the dresses are my favorite element, then those beautiful floral duvets, that do not show a repeat, the eyelet bed skirts, the pompoms on the long pillows, the lacy iron beds and the blue benches. It is just so airy and light and feminine. I appreciate and learn when you share your process. For my suggestions, a pastel on the walls and perhaps the rugs. Thanks again, Anita.
The dresses are my favorite thing in that room! I agree, changing the rugs to a different color would make the room flow better. Still a great room though!!
I really like the frames painted white and the little dresses are so cute.
I love the room with the 3 beds, so beautiful, gave me great idea for guest room. Is this a guest room? Looks so much prettier with new design. Thank you for inspiration! Love your blog always look forward to getting it!
Thank you.
No it’s my girls’ bedroom with one bed for a friend.
I love the room! The little dresses are similar to how I used two of my baby dresses. The only thing I would change is the fabric on the duvets. Somehow it just seems to take precedence over the rest of the room….I think I would like the gingham for the duvet covers. But the room is lovely overall!!!
Perfect Anita! ?
I also love the dresses and white frames!!
Is the following idea too much? I would love to see a small hint of color on the dresses….pulled from the colors on the bedding. Like maybe a small flower i.e. rosebud or ribbon by each collar, off to side, not centered. I think it would pull everything together, be super cohesive and super sweet!
Always enjoy the decorating posts.
Thank you.
Great idea Kim! I’ll have to think on that one.
Love the white painted frames but then it is a little harder to see the beautiful “lattice” work within the frame. Also, as I don’t know the size of the shutters, maybe you could use them as room dividers just as they are or put a few together. I know it will be lovely whatever you decide to do.
Love the dresses above the beds. A neck roll pillow of lavender gingham might be cute on the bed or on the bench. I love pillows.
I really like the little dresses hanging inside the white frames. That room looks very comfortable.
I have painted frames so many times. It can change everything! Spray paint is my best friend!
LOVE the benches and baskets at the end of each bed. Genius!