Warm Gray Apartment Bedroom Makeover With Minimalist Modern Style

In this episode of Rentfluencer, designer and social influencer Patti Wagner upgraded Maya’s boring, dorm-style bedroom in just one day. Now, the bedroom in their first post-college apartment feels warm, welcoming and totally grown-up.

August 06, 2021

By: Kelly Smith Trimble

Show: Rentfluencer

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Photo By: Canary Grey

Photo By: Patti Wagner

Photo By: Canary Grey

Two-Tone Wall With Picture Rail

The upgraded bedroom features the simple, minimalist style that Maya craved. The back wall is painted with two tones of warm gray, the lighter color on top. A picture rail across the wall divides the two tones and provides a place for displaying art without commitment. Patti also added a new modern bed, ceiling fan, nightstands, wall sconces and rug.

Watch the Video: Maya's Bedroom

Before: Plain and Dark Overall

Before, the bedroom was dark and dingy, and Maya had just a box spring and mattress for a bed. As Maya said, it looked “like a nice jail,” but they were dreaming of a room that felt like home.

Light and Bright With Clean Lines

The makeover took advantage of ample natural light coming from the large window. Rather than hanging curtains, Patti stuck with the simple window shades to keep the look un-fussy, as Maya requested. That same minimalist style drove the decision for the new upholstered bed, which is completely clean-lined.

Before: Basic, Boring Storage

While organized, Maya’s storage systems lacked style before the makeover.

Bookshelf Upgrade for Just $25

Maya needed space to store their books, including a comic book collection, and gear for pursuits like juggling and Yo-Yo. Patti added metal legs to dress up Maya’s existing bookshelf for less than $25.

Picture Rail Behind the Bed

Behind the bed, the picture rail holds some of Maya’s art, including their own photos. Maya’s landlord permitted the painting of the walls in this two-tone scheme that adds subtle architectural interest.

Gallery Wall Arrangement

In order to “picture” placement for the gallery wall, Patti started with butcher paper cut out into the shapes and sizes of the artwork. She played with a few arrangements until one just felt right, then she hung the real artwork in place of the paper.

Hanging Art Without Nails

The storage shelves with gallery wall above became a real focal point in the space. The artwork is mounted using removable adhesive strips — a great tip for any renter trying to avoid an abundance of nail holes.

Before: Lackluster Sleeping Space

Before Patti came to the rescue, this apartment bedroom truly felt impermanent — not homey.

Cool, Cozy and Modern

After the makeover, the bedroom truly reflected Maya’s modern style. The contemporary black-finish ceiling fan keeps the room cool both literally and stylistically. Patti boxed up the original fan for storage, since it’s owned by the landlord and may be replaced when Maya moves out. Underfoot, the textural rug is a cozy touch. Patti advises that even rooms with carpet can benefit from the look of a rug.

A Bedroom Sanctuary

Now, Maya loves spending time in their bedroom, reading and relaxing. The room offers a respite, not just a place to sleep.

Watch the Video: Maya's Bedroom

Warm Gray Apartment Bedroom Makeover With Minimalist Modern Style

Related To:

Shop This Look

Two-Tone Wall With Picture Rail

Before: Plain and Dark Overall

Light and Bright With Clean Lines

Before: Basic, Boring Storage

Bookshelf Upgrade for Just $25

Picture Rail Behind the Bed

Gallery Wall Arrangement

Hanging Art Without Nails

Before: Lackluster Sleeping Space

Cool, Cozy and Modern

A Bedroom Sanctuary

Master Bedroom From HGTV Dream Home 2014

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