Calling all interior decorator types ...

[crabcake]

Here's the project -- convert my exisiting "cottage"-style bedroom into a more modern, asian-bungalo influence/style.

The first two pictures attached are the bedroom as it is now. What isn't shown is on the one wall, there are two 6'-wide closets with bi-fold doors.

The last two pictures are the inspiration and what I want the room to end up looking like in terms of feel. (One of them is the room we'll be staying in when we go to Jamaica in May, and I want to have that same "paradise" feel in the bedroom).

So, what do I need to do -- in your opinion -- to make it happen. I'm already thinking that I'll paint the bedroom furniture black which will help lose the cottage feel to it, and give it a more modern feel.

Other suggestions? Silk palm trees? Bamboo beads over the closets instead of the doors? What about the white trim? I think the wall paint color is okay as is. Ceiling fan? I have one in my guest bedroom that is pretty cool, and might work if I swap them out. Window coverings? I have wood blinds in there now, and dark blue curtains. I like the wood blinds, but need something a little more chic for curtains ... I do have some flowy-crinkle white fabric that has a whimsical look to it.

C'mon Vrai, Nickel, Kwillia, and the rest of my fellow DIY'ers.

 

[crabcake]

Dur ...

how 'bout I attach the pictures!

 

[kwillia]

how 'bout I attach the pictures!

Oh! I'll definitely try to post some ideas this evening! And it won't involve wallpaper murals...

BTW I have FINALLY found a way to get the mediterranian feel/look for my bedroom without doing the mural that Vrai, Catt and Dye Tied would forever tease me mercilessly about had I done it... I'll post before/after pics when I'm done...

 

[vegmom]

Check the IKEA website. IKEA | Home, IKEA, furniture, kitchens, appliances, sofas, beds, mattresses, tables, chairs, decorations

They have dressers, beds, and chairs that would fit in with what you are looking at. And not to mention an over abundance of rice paper lamps, wicker, and bamboo room dividers.

 

[Dye Tied]

Target.com and homedecorators.com are places to look. Would you consider painting the trim a darker color?

Wood blinds with sheer, billowy fabric over them would look nice.

 

[mAlice]

So, what do I need to do -- in your opinion -- to make it happen. I'm already thinking that I'll paint the bedroom furniture black which will help lose the cottage feel to it, and give it a more modern feel.

Other suggestions? Silk palm trees? Bamboo beads over the closets instead of the doors? What about the white trim? I think the wall paint color is okay as is. Ceiling fan? I have one in my guest bedroom that is pretty cool, and might work if I swap them out. Window coverings? I have wood blinds in there now, and dark blue curtains. I like the wood blinds, but need something a little more chic for curtains ... I do have some flowy-crinkle white fabric that has a whimsical look to it.

C'mon Vrai, Nickel, Kwillia, and the rest of my fellow DIY'ers.

I'd lose the head and foot board, and just use a base.

I recently stuck one of these in my kitchen window...I think the red would look good in the room you're shootin' for.

Classic Home Faux Silk Roman Shade - Garnet : Target

 

[nachomama]

Get rid of the carpet, go with slate on the floor.

Tropical Ceiling Fan - Palm Blade Fan, Bamboo Fan, Rattan Fan, Tropical Fan

 

[mAlice]

closet doors Closet Door Photos - Cherry Tree Design.

 

[crabcake]

I'd really love to convert my existing bed into a platform bed, too, and lose that footboard, which makes the room seem smaller or more confined. I imagine that I'd just get some fairly thick plywood to lay across the 2x6 supports I have under the box spring now, sand/prime it, and lose the box spring, leaving just the mattress itself which is a good 17 inches deep.

 

[crabcake]

Check the IKEA website. IKEA | Home, IKEA, furniture, kitchens, appliances, sofas, beds, mattresses, tables, chairs, decorations

They have dressers, beds, and chairs that would fit in with what you are looking at. And not to mention an over abundance of rice paper lamps, wicker, and bamboo room dividers.

Not looking to get new furniture, given this set is only a little older than 2 years old. When I bought it, I knew that I'd eventually paint it black and rough some of the spots with sandpaper to give it an aged look. I'd consider modifying the bed to a platform, but if I go with a bed frame that is any lower (than losing my box springs), my nightstands will be too high.

Malice -- I LOVE the red roman shades (great punch color! ) and shoji screens for the closets. I'll definately have to look into those.

Not looking to change the flooring ... I don't want this to become a thousand-dollar make-over ... rather, I think there are small enhancements here and there that I can make in addition to painting the furniture that will give the look for a reasonable price.

 

[crabcake]

Also thought about these for window coverings if they were a dark, dark brown or black, but I'm digging the red roman shades M posted.

 

[mAlice]

Also thought about these for window coverings if they were a dark, dark brown or black, but I'm digging the red roman shades M posted.

I like these, but prefer a little more privacy with the fabric shades. You can also add that splash of color with the shades, pillows and rugs.

 

[Dye Tied]

Also thought about these for window coverings if they were a dark, dark brown or black, but I'm digging the red roman shades M posted.

Those shoji bi-fold closet doors would give the feel you wanted to the room.

I painted an end table black and have bought some black pieces and I love them. I think you'll like the difference it makes.

 

[crabcake]

I like these, but prefer a little more privacy with the fabric shades. You can also add that splash of color with the shades, pillows and rugs.

My only concern with red is that they may fade. The bedroom is on the second floor with southern exposure, so it gets sunlight pretty much all day. I'm not sure how well silk retains color in terms of fading. Anyone know? :shrug:

 

[crabcake]

Just priced some shoji screen doors on Overstock, and they start at $600.

Wonder how easy it'd be to make them. If I bought some standard bi-fold doors, take out the louvers, and attach somehow my own fabric, that might work ... thoughts?

Otherwise, I might just have to buy louvered bifold doors in black, or paint primed ones black. I don't want to break the bank with the make-over.

 

[mAlice]

My only concern with red is that they may fade. The bedroom is on the second floor with southern exposure, so it gets sunlight pretty much all day. I'm not sure how well silk retains color in terms of fading. Anyone know? :shrug:

It will fade, but should only fade on the side that the sun hits. By the time they've faded enough to warrant replacement, you'll probably be bored with them anyway.

 

[mAlice]

Just priced some shoji screen doors on Overstock, and they start at $600.

Wonder how easy it'd be to make them. If I bought some standard bi-fold doors, take out the louvers, and attach somehow my own fabric, that might work ... thoughts?

Otherwise, I might just have to buy louvered bifold doors in black, or paint primed ones black. I don't want to break the bank with the make-over.

I don't know what you have on your closet now, but I bet you could DIY something very similiar out of the existing doors.

 

[crabcake]

I don't know what you have on your closet now, but I bet you could DIY something very similiar out of the existing doors.

White, bi-fold panel doors. Two closets, each is 6' wide. The Shoji doors would be $1200 alone, so an alternative will be needed. I don't want to spend that much, as beautiful and fitting as they would be.

I think black louvered doors would work for the "cabana" type feel. They're not too terribly expensive, and would be easy to paint.

 

[crabcake]

How do I tell if the paint on the furniture is regular paint or lacquer? I think it might be lacquered, as the finish is smooth and "solid" (no paint likes/bubbles). And I know that you have to use lacquer over lacquer vs. traditional paint over lacquer.

 

[mAlice]

White, bi-fold panel doors. Two closets, each is 6' wide. The Shoji doors would be $1200 alone, so an alternative will be needed. I don't want to spend that much, as beautiful and fitting as they would be.

I think black louvered doors would work for the "cabana" type feel. They're not too terribly expensive, and would be easy to paint.

You could remove the panels from the existing doors and replace them with rice paper (Dye's suggestion, we're talkin' 'bout ya' ) or linen.