As I mentioned last week, I should be moving soon and a few readers commented about the renovation on our little London flat that I had started. So I thought I should explain.
The main bedroom managed to get finished and we had just started on the hallway, having all new architrave and doors added.
Then, just after Christmas one of the grandchildren got ill. It was quite a long drawn out illness. Sadly he’s severely autistic too. It changed everything. My daughter needed me more than ever to help out and that made up my mind. We have to move. I don’t want her to feel that desperate ever again.
So. we have found a house in Essex. All fingers crossed it won’t fall through and I’m packing away like a little beaver! But as I laid in bed thinking about those comments that were said. Yes, I’ve done some decorating, and I realised I haven’t ever shared the second bedroom. I guess because it’s still not truly finished.
So I’m sharing what I can with you here today. I hope you like it. It’s as monochromatic as my wardrobe! But I love what we managed to get done.
I’m taking the bedroom with me!
The only thing that I spent money on that I can’t take with me is wallpaper, coving and skirting boards. But all is not lost because everything else is coming with me.
Grey, Cream and White is the main theme of the room. There are a couple of prints hung on the wall that we love and wanted to keep but I wanted to change the frames to silver and Dee didn’t. I lost the argument on that one! so we have both silver and gold in the room. Does anyone else have to fight over decor with their other halves?
I love the round mirror that I bought in The Range. It hasn’t been hung on the wall. I decided not to add any more fixings so that the new people that are going to live here won’t have unnecessary hooks and bits and pieces to worry about. The ottoman bed was purchased from Dunelm and I’m really pleased with it.
I’ve had the table lamp for some time. It’s from Andrew Martin and it’s my prize boot sale find! I paid just twelve pounds for it instead of the four hundred it would have cost new. I’m still on the hunt for a new shade for it though, and as soon as I move a re-decorate I will buy one.
I found the silver tray in Laura Ashley. I thought it added a nice finishing touch. I’m not keeping the large chest of drawers that the tray sits on. I will be replacing those.
If you’ve seen the decorating the bedroom vlog then you would have seen how the bedside chests looked
We found these bedside chests of drawers at a secondhand furniture retailer locally. They’re really solid and I had a plan for them.
I spray painted them In Grey, had a glass top cut to size and added different handles that I found in TK Max. I’m really pleased with how they look.
A neutral wallpaper
I found the wallpaper in The Range. It’s a textured paper with lots of neutral coloured stripes running through it. I wanted to add as much light as possible to the room because our furniture was so dark. I’m really pleased with it and I’m just about to re-order for the new bedroom.
The bedside lamps were from Laura Ashley on sale. I’m quite shopping savvy! I’m waiting for the matching ceiling pendant to go on sale now too. The cut roses are from the garden and the scent they give off is gorgeous.
The curtains were found in TK Max. I always find what I want there. I also added the cotton sheer curtains that I used in the first bedroom makeover. TK Max and Homesense are my go-to places when looking for bedding, towels and accessories. I have four large stores all in a 10-20 minute drive of each other in London. I will miss them!
After all the hype that I’ve read about The White Company bedding, I had to try it
I decided to treat myself to some White Company bedding. I watch and read some interior blogs and they all rave on about it. I bought a quilt cover and pillowcases but it’s too hot for the quilt yet, so I’m just using the pillowcases at the moment. I have to say I love how they feel. They wash lovely and the quality is what you would expect for the price. I recommend it highly. I get what they’re all going on about now.
The throw and large cushion covers are from Ilva. A store that opened up in Essex quite some years ago. It was a bit like an upmarket Ikea and didn’t last long. No sooner had they opened stores, they shut them again.
Bedside rugs in grey colour tones went down on the floor. Again another good find from TK Maxx
One big mistake!
We decided to re-jig the wardrobes that we already had. The room was completely changed around and the doors wouldn’t open fully in their new position.
I decided to buy sliding doors to replace the normal opening doors. I have the Pax wardrobes from Ikea and you can more or less design what you want. I just wish I had changed the colour. I hate them! They are just too dark for my liking and they will be going as soon as I decorate the new room!
So. That’s it. That’s as far as we got with our renovation. I’d love to hear what you think of it. Would you like to see more interior posts even? Let me know.
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Xo Laurie
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Absolutely love your style – our bedroom really needs and overhaul and this post has given me major inspo. Particularly love that wallpaper.
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Oh! Thank you so much, Nicola. I’m so glad you feel inspired. It gives me more confidence to share posts like this then! xx
Love your colour scheme, Laura#bloggerclubuk@_karendennis
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Thanks so much Karen. This was the best way to produce some extra light I think xx
Very classy bedroom. I’m glad you can take it all with you when you move.
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Thanks, Rebecca. I’m pleased too after forking out all that money xx
This bedroom is beautiful. I love the shades of gray and the very tailored look.
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Thanks so much Julie. Thanks for stopping by xx
You’ve done an amazing job, Laurie. I love Laura Ashley and The White Company. I did the same as you with light fittings, I needed a second LA Chella chandelier but waited till it came up in the sale then pounced ! I loved seeing your stylish choices. And yes please to more decorating posts when you move!
I too have “healthy discussions” with my OH when decorating and yes, I’ve been there too with the gold and silver thing. I find myself saying “it’s just not aesthetically pleasing” or more often than not, “look, it just doesn’t go, okay?!!”.
Happy move, Mary x.
thepoutingpensioner.blogspot.com
It looks beautiful Laurie. Love everything. I am in the middle of a bedroom makeover and I went bright pink! Love the calming colours of your bedroom. Thanks for sharing at Creative Mondays 🙂 Hope you can join us again tomorrow.
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Thanks, Claire. I’m really pleased with the colours. I was after something calm and that’s what I got! I will be replicating in the new home
It is beautiful! I am glad you will be able to take all the decor with you! I am sure it will be wonderful for all of you to be closer to each other!
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Thanks, Mireille. I’m looking forward to our first Christmas together withthem all under one roof xx
I hope all goes well with the move and that your grandson is on the mend. I know your daughter will love having you nearby. x
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Hi Hilda. Yes, I’m looking forward to extra nan duties! xx
Very stylish and luxurious look. It’s great that you can replicate it at your new house. We have lots of disagreement here about interior decor and that’s probably why we still; haven’t had the kitchen done, although it desperately needs it! Thanks for joining #WowOnWednesday.
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Thanks, Gail. I feel your pain! I know I have a battle ahead xx
Laurie, I reckon you should be an interior designer! You’ve certainly got an amazing eye when it comes to design (and clothes!). Your room is stunning.
Can I ask where you’re going to live in Essex? It’s just that we visit Chelmsford to spend time with my in-laws once a year – we could finally meet up! We’re coming at the end of November this year 🙂
Hugs
Suzy xx
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Hi Suzy. That would be great! I would love to meet somewhere when you are in Essex. I will be living in Basildon. My home town where I was born. Glad you like the decor. xx
This is just stunning, Laurie. I’m especially loving the wallpaper, lamp and revamped bedside chest of drawers. Such a pity you have to leave it all behind and recreate it in your new home. But it will look equally fabulous, I’m sure. Wishing you the best of luck on your move!
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Thanks Ann. I will be sharing my new renovations but the main bedroom will be pretty identical! xx
All the best with your move and hope your grandson’s health improves. How frightening! You are a kind, caring mom!!! Your bedroom looks beautiful!
Good luck on your move and I am so glad to read that almost all of it can be taken with you as it is a truly stunning room.
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Hi. Thanks so much. I’m glad you like it xx
Everything looks so amazing! Especially the bedside chests – love those handles from TJmaxx! Great finds.
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Thanks Grace. They were so cheap too xx
I loved this post and think you’re doing such a wonderful thing going back to Essex to support your daughter! What a lovely relationship you both have!! I hope things settle with her little one – it does all sound challenging but will be better with you close by and hopefully this time will pass!! Have a wonderful week and I love your interior decor skills!!
Donna 🧚🏻♀️❤️🙏
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At least she can help me unpack Donna! I’m really looking forward to going back xx
I was a bit afraid that you and Dee would separate. Funny how one can care for people you don’t really know. But are you selling the London place now? I think it’s so unselfish of you to move on behalve of your daughter!
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What we do for our kids eh? I’m just looking forward to being close to all my children Nancy xx
It looks lovely and I’m sure it’ll be a wrench to leave. I would do exactly what you’re doing too, family come first and your daughter will be happy to have you closer. Mine are both in Cardiff but I get to see them a lot, but not the same as around the corner.
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I worked it out that in the car we are 3 minutes away! Not too close I hope! xx
A very elegant room for a very elegant lady.
Regards – Jill stylishatsixty
http://www.stylishatsixty.wordpress.com
This looks like an elegant hotel room, great ideas and some unspoken for when my dream house is built xx
I love that you did the bedside cabinets and upcyvled them instead of buying new! I hope to see more of your creativity in the new house L !
More interior posts please… like you I’m moving into anew property in Essex in the next few weeks… Good luck on your move x