Two years ago, I painted our master bedroom a beautiful burnt pumpkin color. It really was a gorgeous color, but I never got past the painting. The room was different but unmistakeably unfinished. What was my problem? I should be anxious to add fabrics on windows, bedding, pillows, maybe even a new piece of furniture.
One day, it occurred to me that the problem was that I didn’t love the color…at least, in our bedroom. So, I began to plan a re-do of the abandoned re-do. I went first to my idea file, then on to my decorating books and magazines. The same vague thoughts kept coming to mind. We needed to add some architectural interest and coziness to a rather large, bland room. While looking in Mary Engelbreit’s Home Companion, August/September 2008, 
I saw exactly what I wanted. Simple wainscotting, arts and crafts style, that was definitely possible for my do-it-yourself husband and his tool-fetching, encouraging, mildly annoying wife. This was the kind of project he could get into and complete, using tools he already owned! (Sorry, John…No new tools were purchased for this project.) The spicy color was primed over and ready for the wainscotting. A new, more soothing color (Valspar’s Pine Needle from the Eddie Bauer Collection) made the room instantly more comfortable.
My talented hubby completed the 17 x 17 room in about two days. Not much of a vacation, but he truly loved doing it, and I love the finished look! All it took was some careful planning, primed 1 x 3 MDF boards (purchased at Home Depot), a miter saw, a table saw that was used sparingly, nail gun, and air compressor. Oh, yeah…and some patience. (Did I mention the painting took a loooong time? And that I am obviously a wimp because I was actually sore after doing it? Sad, huh?)
Here are the before and after pictures from a few different angles. I think we achieved our goals of adding some architectural interest and making the room cozier. I give my husband full credit for the planning and construction…He’s a good guy.
The fun begins…
Lily is dazed and confused…not necessarily foreign states for her. Seriously, the air compressor and nail gun had her quite jittery. This was a calm moment.
The finished project (walls only…the rest is yet to come)…
Check back for the big flooring change! We opted to hire it out, and the guy is doing it now. I can’t wait to see it–and to get the furniture out of my bathroom and hallway.
Your bedroom looks really nice. Wish I could get my bedroom remodle started…but first the main floor has to get done. What kind of dog is Lily? I have a puppy that I was told was a german shepherd & labradoodle mix but he looks an awful lot like your dog. His ears lay the same exact way, same brindling. He does have the german shepherd facial markings though. Beautiful dogs! But I’ve never seen any like them before.
Tiffany
Thanks, Tiffany! Still working on the bedroom…Everything here is a work in process.
Thanks for reading. Your comment might motivate me to post more. Life is busy.
Lily is a mix, of course. We know of lab and boxer (that’s where the brindle comes, I think), and we think maybe some sort of shepherd. Whatever she is, we love her!