It’s so often that the primary bedroom gets the least attention because we’re too busy improving other spaces - like the ones guests will actually see and use. So we are beyond excited to have this project completed (we kicked off our design almost 6 months ago!) and to risk sounding like a broken record - this is easily one of our favorite spaces to date.

Something about this project is just different than anything we have done before. We leaned into the rustic elements of the space by keeping all of the existing materials, but elevated it for an entirely new experience. It’s funny because in some ways, we really didn’t change much.

// Disclosures: We are Wayfair Professional Partners and thank them for working with us on this project. We also work with VELUX which is mentioned in this post.

Sources

Furniture
Bed Frame | Mattress | Upholstered Bench | Sideboard | Similar Nightstand

Linens
Flannel Sheets | Duvet Cover | Plaid Throw Blanket

Lighting
Bedside Table Lamps | Sideboard Lamp | Floor Lamp

Finishes

Wall Treatments
Wallpaper // Mulberry Grand Flying Ducks
Wall Primer // Wallpaper Sizer tinted to Wallpaper background color
Trim // Milled Pine with Dark Walnut Stain and Shellac topcoat
Ceiling & Skylight Opening // Benjamin Moore AF-400 Elemental at 50%

Skylights
VELUX Solar Powered Fresh Air Skylights

🔗 Shop This Room on LTK

Something Old, something new

In case you don’t remember - this is where it all began. The room is spacious, but the sloped ceilings and dark paneling made it feel much smaller. Our goal for the redesign was to honor the character of our 1970s A-Frame/Chalet-style cabin, and we knew the best way to do that was by working with the original materials.

We started by refinishing the floors last summer when we rented the sanders for the Living Room. On the second floor we have this original wide plank pine that aged beautifully, it was just very glossy (like a basketball court), so we sanded it down and refinished it. We anticipate that with time, it will turn this nice golden color once again.

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We then moved on to address the panelling, which ran up the sloped walls and made the space feel a bit oppressive. Rather than painting it white (we would never), we removed the upper half and used the wood to complete the paneling detail throughout the entire room, like this:

The most time consuming, yet most rewarding aspect of this project has been creating all our own trimwork. Between the planning, measuring, cutting, routing, staining, and shellac-ing, it’s a lot of steps; but we’re really proud of how it came out.

The new trim elevates the panelling by framing it in and creating a more complete look - like it’s always been there.

Installing Velux Skylights

Without a shadow of doubt (pun intended), this aspect of the project had the highest impact and completely changed the room. This primary bedroom was already generously sized, but now it feels like it’s doubled. This is mostly due to all of the additional natural light, but also because there is added headspace around the windows.

This is our third time around adding skylights to a space - you may remember our skylight balcony in the office and the additional skylights in the snug - and this process has exceeded our expectations every single time. VELUX has a new free service that provides guidance on planning, design and installing skylights. Learn more about VELUX Design & Product Advisors in your area! Highly recommend, 10/10.

👉 VELUX Complimentary Planning & Guidance

The existing window is South East facing, which means that we get a great sunrise, but the room was dark for the rest of the day. With the skylights installed, we get amazing natural light all day long. The windows are also solar powered so they not only open and close, but have a built in shade - all operated with a remote.

The Wallpaper

If you saw our Instagram Reel featuring our friend, Kitty - then you know we’ve been counting ducks as we fall asleep each night. This wallpaper was a bold choice that has paid off tenfold. It has a high impact and really combines our rustic cabin and retro themes. This large scale pattern also helped inform the color scheme for the bedroom and bathroom. We leaned into the soothing earthy greens with a few pops of more rich reds and oranges. We are working on a wallpaper post coming soon!

Adding Furniture & Decor

The added textures of the upholstery make the room feel even more elevated and cozy. We love the contrast between the moody wallpaper, paneling and rug, with the lightness of the bed frame, bedding, and curtains.

Now when we travel - we are “unpackers” - meaning that we like to take everything out of our suitcase and put it away. So we made sure there was plenty of storage for anyone staying the week. We have two three drawer dressers, ample closet space, and a huge sideboard. There is more than enough space for everything!

How We Saved With Wayfair Professional

We have been members of the Wayfair Professional program for well over a year now, and it’s been a huge asset to our projects. Not only has their Pro pricing saved us a lot of money, but the product catalogue is so wide and diverse that we are able to find everything we need all in one place. Wayfair Professional is free and easy to join!

As a Wayfair Professional member, you'll have access to exclusive Pro pricing discounts across Wayfair and specialty brands AllModern, Birch Lane, Joss & Main with access to luxury brand Perigold. Plus in store discounts, and personalized project support to help with product sourcing, logistics, and delivery and installation. Thank you to the Wayfair Professional team for all of their support!

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With the angled walls, we had to get creative with what furniture to use, and how the space under the skylights would function. With a low ceiling at the base, it wasn’t going to be a space where we’d want a sitting area - and besides, the loft is right outside the door. We decided a long sideboard to anchor that area, provide opportunities for decor, and provide a LOT of extra storage, was the way to go. This thing is heavy, and we love it.

Final Thoughts

Finishing this Bedroom feels like a major accomplishment and we are so proud of what we created - all while maintaining so many original features. We are excited to finish the Suite Bathroom soon - It’s been a great reminder to us that creating a home you love takes time and we’re really proud of how far it’s come!

The work isn’t over for our cabin and our next projects include a final redesign of both the Plaid Room and the East Room, as well as a complete Kitchen & Bath remodel. So stay tuned!