MAKEOVER: MASTER BEDROOM PLANS

We’ve made some good progress on the house this year, but the big one is still to come. I’m talking about our bedroom renovation, of course! Here’s a little peek at what the room looks like now. We’ll be changing pretty much everything. That overbearing wallpaper? It’s definitely on its way out. For a long time, I wasn’t quite sure what direction to take with this space. But now that I finally have a clear vision, I’m ready to get started — and I can’t wait to bring it to life!

THE GROUNDWORK

Before we get to the fun part, we have to tackle some of the boring but necessary tasks first. First, we’ll address a few lingering issues, such as damp on the walls, relocating a radiator, and updating the electrics behind the TV. We had some minor external cracks near the windows, which allowed moisture to seep into the internal walls, and as a result, the old wallpaper started peeling. That’s now been repaired, but we want to double-check there are no new cracks before putting up any fresh wallpaper, just to avoid it happening again. Then we’re planning to handle all the electrical work at once, including hiding the TV wires properly. The radiator is also likely to be relocated to a different wall to make the space work better. I’ll be honest, I’m not a big fan of having a TV in the bedroom, but my husband loves it, so we’ve compromised on a Samsung Frame TV, which looks just like artwork when it’s off. We already have one in our fireplace room, and we’ve fooled so many guests with it! If you missed that makeover, you can see the full transformation here.

NEW FLOORING

Once all the essential work is out of the way, we can finally focus on the exciting part. I’m talking about new flooring, of course! Right now, the room is carpeted, but because of my dust mite allergies, I’m keen to switch to something more allergy-friendly, like wooden flooring that doesn’t trap dust. I’m currently leaning towards a parquet-style engineered wood floor — it’s not only visually timeless but also a practical option for everyday living. We have parquet downstairs, and it’s absolutely beautiful! I’ve ordered a few oak samples in search of the perfect tone — something with a natural, slightly aged look that complements the period feel of the space. I haven’t found the perfect one yet, but I’m getting closer. Since our wooden bed and side tables are staying, it’s really important that the new flooring works well with those existing pieces and ties the whole room together seamlessly.

WALLPAPER

Now this is something I’m really excited about! I’ve been searching for the perfect wallpaper for what feels like forever, and I’ve finally found the one. I knew I wanted something nature-inspired, ideally with a tree or botanical theme, but I was still unsure about the colour palette. That all changed a few weeks ago when I attended the launch of Sian Zeng’s new Bamboo wall mural collection at the Argile showroom on King’s Road. I’ve long admired her work, and you might remember we have her Hua Trees mural in our dining room, which I still admire every day. All of her murals are hand-drawn and made using sustainable materials, and the quality has truly stood the test of time. What makes this even more exciting is that this time, I’m going all in — no more just a feature wall. I’m planning to wallpaper every single wall in the bedroom! It’s a bit of a bold move, but I think the result will be beautiful, cosy and timeless. The bamboo mural is not only visually stunning but also incredibly durable, which makes it perfect for a space like the bedroom. I honestly can’t wait to see how it all comes together… although, let’s be honest, there’s still quite a bit to do before we get to that stage.

PAINT DECISIONS

The ceiling will need a fresh coat of paint to complement the new wallpaper. We’ll also have to strip off the old textured wallpaper — honestly, why was that ever a thing?! I’m leaning towards an off-white shade with subtle grey undertones, something soft and grounding. Something like Argile Mat Velouté, which is ultra matt and works beautifully on ceilings. To create a cohesive look, we’re planning to paint the skirting boards in the same shade, keeping everything harmonious and understated.

BLENDING OLD AND NEW

This part is still a little up in the air, as I won’t be buying any new furniture until the decorating is finished. That said, I’m leaning towards a mix of upcycled and vintage finds from Etsy or eBay. I’m not aiming for perfectly coordinated pieces, in fact, I much prefer a more eclectic, collected-over-time look. We already have a beautiful French-style wooden bed, so I’d love to balance that with a few more modern elements. I’ve always been drawn to interiors that mix old and new — they feel far more layered and full of character than spaces that stick strictly to one era or style (if that makes sense?). I’ve also been eyeing a few stunning mother-of-pearl vanity tables online, and I definitely want to introduce a pop of colour somewhere in the room to keep things fresh and unexpected.

WINDOW DRESSINGS

Another task for the final stages will be the window treatments. I’m planning on floor-to-ceiling French pleat curtains, along with new blinds for the side window. I’m leaning toward something neutral (possibly in a subtle herringbone pattern to add a bit of texture without overwhelming the space). Since all the walls will be wallpapered, I want the window dressings to feel soft and cosy, something that balances the room without competing with the wall mural. The goal is a calm, layered look that ties everything together beautifully.

 STAY TUNED

So, there you have it — our plans (for now)! We’ll be starting the prep work as soon as we can, but all the installation (wallpaper, flooring, and everything else) won’t happen until next year. The room is going to look and feel completely different, and I’m so excited to finally be creating the bedroom of my dreams.