Master Bedroom Makeover: From Listless to Luxurious

Public Places, Private Spaces : Episode PPS-107 -- More Projects »
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The look of this bedroom is neat and pulled together but it isn't very exciting.
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The bed is now luxurious using textured layers within a neutral color palette.
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Dark curtain panels actually cut the window wall up and don't create an interesting focal point upon entering.
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Airy curtains fronted with a glass table softened by a sheer blue cloth and a Lucite chair provides a stimulating vignette.
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This freestanding mirror is functional but boring on its own.
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Another seating area highlighted with interesting artwork above offers a more functional use of this wall space.
Jeffrey Bilhuber loves creating the look of a bedroom and simplicity sums up his design approach. Designer Genevieve Snyder uses this guiding principle to give a master bedroom a whole new look:

  • Snyder likes the basic elements in this bedroom but some of the dark furniture makes it feel too heavy while dark window treatments cut the room up. She transforms this space using a neutral color palette like Bilhuber because it's timeless and wears well.

  • Once the room is empty, the architecture comes through--very high ceilings and big windows plus cream walls and carpeting--all elements Jeffrey Bilhuber typically works with.

  • The Georgian elements of the existing dresser fits in with Bilhuber's use of American antiques but Snyder gives it a different look by replacing the matching mirror with a round modern one.

  • To recreate the Turkish headboard used in Manhattan's City Club, Snyder covers two plywood panels with cotton batting and ultra suede. The bed is then dressed with a white silk quilted coverlet and shams for a soft clean look plus luxurious accessories--a rich brown faux fur blanket and a matching decorative leather throw pillow. Modern lacquered night tables like the ones also used in City Club display fresh flowers and personal mementos and a rattan bench upholstered in a faux leopard print is placed at the foot.

  • The windows are transformed with new soft linen-colored panels for a light and airy tone while an eye-catching straight-lined console table blends with a curved Lucite ribbon chair to complete the area.

  • A soft mohair chair paired with a sleek metal table creates a second seating area where the freestanding mirror once was. Snyder hangs a selection of American scenes in beautiful frames above the arrangement using Bilhuber's tip of leaving two inches between the frames.

  • Finally, honoring history is critical to the Jeffrey Bilhuber style and Snyder makes sure to do that by incorporating pieces like the reproduction dresser and framed prints of American scenes. However, she also includes modern pieces like the Lucite chair and lacquer night tables to demonstrate his mix of the old and the new.

armless chair, Lucite ribbon chair, white lacquer night tables (Jeffrey Bilhuber Incorporated)

faux fur throw, leather pillow, white silk hams and coverlet (Pottery Barn)

alarm clock (Tiffany & Co.)

white sheets and linen window panels (Linens 'n Things)

small metal table (Xcessories Inc. by Design)

tapered leg sofa table (139211GL), Avenue mirror in Mappa burl veneer (185400 310), Wakeby bench in dark cherry and leopard (13 7028 1) (Ethan Allen)

Resources
decorative project materials
Pottery Barn
Website: www.potterybarn.com

decorative project materials
Linens 'n Things
Website: www.lnt.com

decorative project materials - Xcessories, Inc. by Design
Xcessories, Inc. by Design
4321 Main St.
Philadelphia, PA 19127
Phone: 215-483-9665
Fax: 215-483-9636
E-mail: info@xcessoriesinc.com
Website: www.xcessoriesinc.com

furniture - Ethan Allen
Ethan Allen
Website: www.ethanallen.com

pictures - Frame Station Gallery
Frame Station Gallery (in the Restored Berwyn Station)
643 Lancaster Ave.
Berwyn, PA 19312
Phone: 610-640-5857
Website: www.framestationgallery.com

decorative project materials - Tiffany & Co.
Tiffany & Co.
Toll-Free: 800-843-3269
Website: www.tiffany.com

decorative project materials - Jeffrey Bilhuber Incoporated
Jeffrey Bilhuber Incoporated
330 East 59th St.
New York, NY 10022
Phone: 212-308-4888
Fax: 212-223-4590
E-mail: bilhuber@aol.com
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