Want to know the ultimate DIY secret that transforms a project from “nice” to “amazing”?
For us, it’s simple: great music, a few power tools, and a clear plan. The soundtrack of choice during our bedroom renovation has been classic 80s rock—think Journey and Queen—on repeat. It keeps energy high, the mood light, and the work moving.
We recently finished the planked board-and-batten focal wall in our master bedroom, and it felt like a huge step forward in the makeover. Painting and caulking while a familiar song plays turns even tedious tasks into a fun DIY night.
UPDATE: See our full master bedroom makeover reveal for more photos and details.
The planked wall is painted in Sherwin-Williams Alabaster in semi-gloss. If you’ve struggled to find the right white, you’ll understand why this one feels perfect: creamy and soft without leaning too warm or too stark. It reads clean and refined against the rest of the room.
This project changed the feel of the room right away. The board-and-batten adds texture and architectural interest that helps the space feel more finished, even before we add all the final decor elements.
We debated what to put above the bed and are still considering options—mirror, art, wreath, faux taxidermy, or something sculptural. A focal wall like this gives you flexibility to create a bold statement or keep things minimal. What would you choose?
Small changes are making a big difference. After using the same duvet for years, I picked up a heavier ticking stripe duvet from Ikea. The added weight and texture instantly made the bed feel more luxurious and grounded in front of the new wall.
Here’s the current project checklist so you can see what we’ve completed and what’s left to finish:
- DONE: Paint walls (Benjamin Moore Moonshine)
- DONE: Install planked board-and-batten focal wall
- Change hardware on dresser
- Install window trim
- Install crown molding
- Refinish and hang barn doors
- Replace lamps
- Hang decor above the bed
- Replace blinds with bamboo shades (maybe)
- Hang curtains
- Buy an area rug
- Replace the mirror
- Consider a gray wash on the bed frame
We still have several finishing touches to complete, but the focal wall makes the room feel much closer to finished. There’s something satisfying about turning a blank wall into a feature that anchors the whole space.
More project resources and inspiration: we’ve documented the design plan and individual projects—from choosing paint to quick dresser makeovers—so you can follow along and see the full process.
- Master Bedroom Design Plan
- How to Get Designer Paint Colors on a Budget
- DIY Planked Board-and-Batten Focal Wall Reveal
- Quick and Easy Dresser Makeover
- 3 Tricks to Upgrade Plain Windows
- Choosing the Perfect Blue Vintage Rug
- DIY Metal Industrial Initial Sign
We’d love your input—do you love the wall as much as we do? What would you hang above the bed? And since music fuels our DIY sessions, share your favorite 80s rock jam or Pandora station for our next power-tool playlist.
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