MY GUEST BEDROOM REFRESH WITH WEST ELM

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Well hello there 2019. I hope you all had a lovely break and are all feeling rested. Now let’s get back to business.

I’m kicking off the new year off with a new bedroom revamp in the form of our guest bedroom. This is also my third collaboration with the wonderful West Elm who have become my go to favourite furniture brand.

This room was my ‘monica cupboard’ for years. A dumping ground for tools and old clothes. But 8 months ago with the impending arrival of baby Otis and spurred on by crazy wild hormones, I decided to paint our spare room in 30 degree heat, while also 40 weeks pregnant. The result was a haven of green painted walls with accents of metallic brass pops. The only problem was it lacked a little bit of love in the soft accessory department and I had never given it the time or attention to treat it to new bedding, luscious lamps and cosy cushions. Until now. Well, with a little help from West Elm that is.

I’ve started by re using my gorgeous West Elm penelope bedside tables in here (you might have seen them in my master bedroom update), as we can finally use two bedside tables instead of the single one that would only fit on one side of the bed previously. This room isn’t that big. Its big enough for a double bed, small bedside tables, chest of drawers and a desk. But that’s kind of it at a squeeze.

So here’s how I gave it a fresh update for our forthcoming guests in 2019….

The bedding is the main talking point of this room, and is what I think now gives this room a wow factor. Previously it has plain white cotton bedding which was lack luster and dull. I chose the West Elm washed cotton duvet cover and matching pillow cases in Regal Blue. That old saying about not seeing Blue and green together is so old fashioned and goes against everything I stand for. These colours should very much be seen together, and by using colourful bedding that matches with your walls, adds drama and more depth to any bedroom.

I also used a crinkle velvet duvet cover in Golden oaks from West Elm to layer between the cover, to break up the bold regal blue. I also used a waffle throw in horseradish from West Elm to add more layers and to style the bedroom.

I was inspired by a lounge image I saw which had reverse colours. Teal walls with a green sofa, and I knew immediately that this was the look I wanted to achieve in here.

No bedroom styling is complete without an array of plump cushions. I’m into the eclectic look, so I deliberately chose different cushions which would compliment each other, but weren’t too matchy matchy. I chose a Mongolian lamb cushion to mix up with a round velvet cushion in Green gables.

I wanted to inject a new highlight colour into the room and decided on this gorgeous bright horseradish tone. i used it in the extra crinkle bedding in the golden oak tone, and also in the brighter waffle throw, and also in the West Elm alloy distressed rug which has hints of the golden tone with a neutral base.

I managed to even pick up a fake hydrangea in Homesense in a golden tone which also compliments these golden pops. You’ll spot him in one of the vases on the fireplace mantle.

Now let’s talk about lighting. I have a penchant for a good lamp, and when the evenings draw in I much prefer lamp lighting than main ceiling lights so it was important that this room also had bedside lights to cosy up the room for our guests.

I chose the the West Elm Green Metalized Glass table lamp which also has the handy feature of having a USB port in the back for those phone chargers, making the amount of leads less messy on their night stand. Gosh, I’m so considerate.

It also has a metallic brass base which is my metal colour of choice across my home.

My second lamp comes in the form of a Tala lamp. This little Obla oak touch lamp is a little piece of magic which has three different dimming settings. Now this isn’t from West Elm, but it was gifted to me by Tala who actually sell their beautiful bulbs on the West Elm UK site. I was lucky enough to visit the Tala head office this christmas with the West Elm team to see their efficial, super efficient workspace and learn about their recycled glass and how they’re doing everything they can to re plant trees each year for global conservation. Not only are they doing their bit for sustainability, but they’re also creating beautiful lamps.

And that’s it for my guest bedroom refresh. I’d love to know your thoughts on the pieces that I chose from West Elm. Do feel free to leave a comment below. Our guest room is now all ready for our first guests of 2019.

Product list - Crinkle Velvet Duvet Cover + Pillowcases - Golden Oaks £149 from West Elm; Washed Cotton Lustre Velvet Duvet Cover + Pillowcases - Regal Blue £149 from West Elm; Metalized Glass Table Lamp + USB - Small (Green) £99 from West Elm; Mongolian Lamb Cushion Covers in teal £69 from West Elm, Round Lush Velvet Cushions in Green gables £39 from West Elm; Penelope Bedside Table £349 from West Elm; Agate Bookends in green £24 (each) from West Elm; Alloy Distressed Rug £499 from West Elm; Bed (Old); Waffle Weave Throw in horseradish £39 from West Elm; Obla Oak touch lamp £155 from Tala; White chest of drawers from John lewis (Old).


This room makeover was generously gifted by West Elm. I was extremely lucky to choose the pieces that I love and I will cherish these for years to come. All words and opinions are 100% my own

MY MID CENTURY BEDROOM UPDATE

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There’s nothing I love more about travelling than staying in boutique hotels, and when it came to updating our master bedroom, this is exactly what I had in mind. So when West Elm asked if I wanted to collaborate I jumped at the chance to create our own boutique vibe, in our Victorian mid terrace. Plus this is West Elm we’re talking about and a collaboration with them, is a dream come true for an interior gal like me.

We decorated this room fairly recently in February this year after the loft extension was completed, and although I went for Farrow and Ball railings paint again, I felt like it was lacking a wow factor with the old white bedside tables and a gallery wall which looked more cartoony than classic luxury. Plus throw in the fact that Otis had up until recently slept in here in a snuzpod cot, it was time to reclaim our grown up bedroom and hide away the changing mat and wet wipes.

I’ve attached a couple of previous photos to refresh your memory…

So the first thing I wanted to change up was the bedside tables. I chose for the Penelope bedside tables from West Elm as they’re part of their signature mid century range which has been inspired by 1960’s G-plan/esk furniture, but modernised with marble tops and metal handles. Personally I think these look much better against the dark walls, as the previous white ones stood out too much and looked cheap even though they weren’t cheap bedside tables.

Penelope bedside tables £349, West Elm, Staggered glass table lamp £99, West Elm. Ombre Reactive glaze mug £10 from West Elm, Agate blue/ gold coasters - pack of 4 £54

Penelope bedside tables £349, West Elm, Staggered glass table lamp £99, West Elm. Ombre Reactive glaze mug £10 from West Elm, Agate blue/ gold coasters - pack of 4 £54

I then chose the gorgeous staggered glass table lamps to accessorise the bedside tables, giving us more light for bedtime reading and nappy changing. One of my favourite hotel chains to stay in is the Soho house group, and what I love about their bedroom styling, is how they mix wall and table lights, so this was something which I wanted to do as well. There doesn’t have to be set rules when it comes to lighting and accessories make a room, so my theory is always more is more.

Sunset lake rug £499 from West Elm.

Sunset lake rug £499 from West Elm.

Another stand out piece in here is the gorgeous West Elm sunset lake rug. I originally thought this would look good in our kitchen, but once it arrived it was far too lovely to have baby puree chucked on it, so it moved straight up into our grown up bedroom and I think it looks gorgeous in here. My husband has been crying out for more rugs around the house, as our house has all wooden floors and can seem drafty, and this rug is not only super soft and comfortable to hop out of bed onto, but its really bloody pretty. Do you think it’s possible to be in love with a rug? Because I love this one. My only annoyance was I should have gone for the bigger size as this room could of taken the next size up. But thats my own mistake.

Box frame bench £499 from West Elm.

Box frame bench £499 from West Elm.

One of the most important factors of this makeover for me, was choosing materials which felt and looked comfortable but luxurious. I fell in love with the metal box frame upholstered bench from West Elm for its gorgeous brass frame and navy velvet upholstered seat. I also loved the dusty blush pink velvet luster deco bedspread from West Elm which I’ve used with an older blue velvet bedspread to get a layered look. These colours were so easy to mix together as they replicate the colours in the gorgeous sunset lake rug.

Penelope 3 drawer dresser £599, West Elm. Nova table lamp £129 from West elm

Penelope 3 drawer dresser £599, West Elm. Nova table lamp £129 from West elm

Then for a more practical approach, I chose the Penelope 3 drawer Dresser as our bedroom lacks storage as we’re in the loft and it fits perfectly under our sloping roof at the front of the house. Don’t feel too sorry for me though, we do have a dressing room for our clothes, but you always need more storage for those keepsakes/nicknacks, right? So I chose this dresser as it compliments the penelope bedside tables so well and even has the same marble top and curved wooden veneer.

Modern Brass Candle holders from £29, West Elm. Brass tray from H&M (old), Purple jewel glass vase by Louise Roe at Heals.

Modern Brass Candle holders from £29, West Elm. Brass tray from H&M (old), Purple jewel glass vase by Louise Roe at Heals.

my mid century bedroom update from West Elm
Penelope 3 drawer Dresser, £599 from West Elm. Nova table lamp £129, from West Elm

Penelope 3 drawer Dresser, £599 from West Elm. Nova table lamp £129, from West Elm

And then for the finishing touches I chose 3 round velvet cushions to dress the bed, two in Regal blue and one in blush pink to match the velvet quilt, two modern candle sticks in medium and large and the staggered glass floor light to match the side table lights. And for the real statement piece I chose the West Elm striking gilded wall art to go up on the wall bedsides the bed to finish off the boutique hotel vibe.

Disclaimer. I would have put this artwork above our bed, but we don’t have the ceiling height as we’re in the loft, but I still think it looks lovely to the side of the bed.

Curva mirror from Select mirrors £99, Cat limited edition print from Divine Savages £45, cast iron radiators from the Cast iron radiator company, Staggered floor lamp £199, from West Elm.

Curva mirror from Select mirrors £99, Cat limited edition print from Divine Savages £45, cast iron radiators from the Cast iron radiator company, Staggered floor lamp £199, from West Elm.

And that’s it for my mid century bedroom makeover tour. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the pieces that I chose and how I styled them. I’m off to go have a lie down in my own boutique hotel bedroom.

Gilded wall art £299, from West Elm. Box upholstered bench in navy and gold, £499 from West Elm.

Gilded wall art £299, from West Elm. Box upholstered bench in navy and gold, £499 from West Elm.

Source list - Penelope Bedside Tables £349, West Elm; Penelope 3 drawer dresser £599, West elm; Nova Table Lamp £129, West Elm; Staggered glass table lamp £99, West Elm; Luster Velvet bedspread £129, West Elm; Round lush velvet cushion in Blush £39, West Elm; Round lush velvet cushion in Regal blue £39, West Elm; Agate coasters £64, West Elm; Modern Brass Candle holder £39, West Elm; Modern brass candle holder in medium £32, West Elm; Gilded wall art £299, West Elm; Box Frame upholstered bench £499, West Elm, Sunset rug £499, West Elm; Blue Velvet throw £140, Christy; Sateen white bedding from £50 , Christy; Curva long mirror £99, Select mirrors; Skye kingsize bed £699, Made.com;

This room makeover was generously gifted by West Elm. I was extremely lucky to choose the pieces that I love and I will cherish these for years to come. All words and opinions are 100% my own.

MY MID CENTURY BEDROOM UPDATE
MY MID CENTURY BEDROOM UPDATE