Yesterday, in part 1 of this bedroom makeover series I showed the room as it was when we moved in and described the renovation steps. Today I’m sharing the finished bedroom, fully furnished and styled. After removing the outdated 1960s carpet and the red panelling, the space has been transformed into a calm, relaxing room where we can escape the ongoing renovations in other parts of the house.
The Furniture
We aimed for a minimal bedroom, so beyond the bed we kept large furniture to a minimum. Our clothes will be stored in a converted box room that will become a walk-in wardrobe, so we didn’t need many new pieces. The dressing table provides a tidy spot for essentials like a hairdryer, makeup and toiletries, and a pleasant place to sit while getting ready. The white stool complements it perfectly. A versatile side piece, the small table/stool has been useful in many rooms and now works well next to the bed against the pale wood floors.
Art & Ceramics
I enjoy collecting ceramics and display a few special pieces in the bedroom. The teapot and the mugs are handmade pieces I chose for their simple forms and muted tones. Mixing ceramics from different makers gives the room a personal, collected feel that complements the calm palette and tactile surfaces.
The framed etching on the wall was a birthday present and adds subtle detail and texture to the décor. Choosing art while travelling or visiting galleries makes pieces feel more meaningful and rooted in a moment or place.
The Curtains
The bedroom window is wide, and ready-made linen curtains are often too narrow for windows in 1930s houses. Rather than joining two widths with a seam, I made my own curtains from extra-wide prewashed linen. I chose a soft light grey to sit gently against the pale walls and bought 280cm wide fabric so each curtain could be cut as a single piece. I left them intentionally longer than the drop so they puddle slightly on the floor and create a relaxed, luxurious drape with generous fullness.
LIGHTING
Lighting was chosen to be calm and practical rather than showy. A simple oak lamp sits in the corner as a bedside light, offering warm, low-level illumination. For the main ceiling light I selected an opal glass lantern with a soft diffusion; it provides even, understated light that supports the room’s peaceful atmosphere without competing visually with the other elements.
The Bed and Bed Linen
The bed was built by Graham and painted in a deep black for contrast against the light walls and floors. Inspired by the success of the curtains, I plan to make a headboard to complement the frame. The bed is layered with high-quality white linens and a textured throw that provides warmth and pattern without overwhelming the calm palette. Cushions in neutral tones add comfort and subtle depth.
I recently tried a down duvet with an all-season design formed of two separate layers: a lighter summer layer and a thicker autumn/winter layer that can be joined together. The lighter layer has been ideal for warmer nights and the combined option will keep us cosy when temperatures drop. The duvet contours nicely around the body and feels luxurious without being heavy.
Texture & Colour
The room’s palette is intentionally restrained, focusing on light tones and tactile materials rather than bold colour. I introduced texture through wood, stoneware, linen, jute and seagrass to create visual interest while keeping the overall feel soft and serene. The walls are painted in a warm off-white that works well with natural materials and allows the few darker accents, like the bed frame, to read as thoughtful contrasts rather than dominating features.
Greenery helps bring the space to life; a small olive tree adds a hint of colour and organic shape. Natural baskets and a braided jute rug add layers of texture underfoot. In time I may add a larger minimalist rug for more scale, but the current pieces already provide personality and warmth.
Small details, like a monogrammed dressing gown and a simple chair, make the room feel personal and lived-in. These finishing touches are less about trend-led decoration and more about comfort and function.
Above all, I wanted this room to feel light, soft and tranquil. While bolder tones and dramatic prints can be striking for social media, I prefer to design spaces that feel comfortable and restorative. This bedroom now feels calm and cocooning — a quiet place to relax and appreciate the results of the renovation.
Thank you for taking a look around the finished room. I’m excited to share the next project, my new office, so please check back soon to see how that space is developing.
PRODUCT SOURCES
teapot – Steven Will | dark grey mug – Sue Pryke | light grey mug – Jono Smart | tray – Fog Linen | dressing table – Habitat | stool – byAlex | linen curtains – made by me | bedside light – Kovac Family | robe – Soak & Sleep | seagrass basket – The White Company | opal glass lantern – Heals | cushions – The White Company | blanket – ZigZag Zurich | duvet – Scooms | white bed linen – Christy | braided jute rug – Snape Maltings | black chair – Hay | walls – Farrow & Ball
*Some items featured were gifted for previous collaborations. Thank you to the brands who contributed to creating this look.