If you’ve been following our recent makeovers — the master bathroom, breakfast area, foyer, daughter’s room, and the hallway bathroom — you know I don’t stay still for long.
While putting the finishing touches on our latest project, I was already sketching ideas for the next space: the master bedroom. It’s time to turn this private room into a calm, modern-rustic retreat that feels like ours.
UPDATE: See the full master bedroom makeover reveal + source list here!
When we first moved in less than two years ago, we literally slept on a mattress on the floor. Over time we upgraded — a bed during a Christmas sale at Ashley, nightstands from Nadeau, and a dresser found on Craigslist — but the room never felt finished. We focused on downstairs rooms first, since the master felt more private and less urgent, but now I’m ready to make it our own.
This room stumped me for a while. If you’d asked me to decorate it when we first moved in, the result would have been very different from the plan I’m sharing now. Finding your personal decor style is empowering — once you know what suits you, design choices fall into place. I haven’t taken any formal design classes, but living in and changing this home has taught me a lot.
The idea that sparked the whole design was actually the doors to the bathroom and closet. Our bathroom door opens directly into the shower door and creates awkward traffic at times. Robert suggested swapping the traditional doors for sliding barn doors — and I loved the idea. He rarely weighs in on décor, so I wanted to include his requests: blue-gray walls, a deer mount, and absolutely no floral fabrics. Consider it done.
Below is a breakdown of the main elements I plan to include in the master bedroom design. These decisions aim to balance modern comfort with rustic character, creating a serene, stylish retreat.
1. Plank Wall
A plank or shiplap feature wall behind the bed will be the room’s focal point. I’m leaning toward a soft, silvery wall color like Benjamin Moore Moonshine and vertical plywood or trim strips to create subtle texture. Painted planks are an affordable way to add depth and charm without heavy construction.
2. The Bed
Our current bed is quite dark. I’m considering lightening the wood with a lime wash and refreshing the fabric headboard in a lighter neutral — aiming for a look similar to the Restoration Hardware style pictured. Lighter upholstery and finishes will help the space feel airy yet grounded.
3. Barn Doors
Sliding barn doors will replace the conventional bathroom and closet doors, improving flow and adding rustic interest. We plan to build a pair ourselves to keep costs reasonable while customizing the stain and hardware to coordinate with the rest of the room.
4. Windows
The window treatments will be simple but textural: DIY white curtain panels to keep the room bright, framed with clean trim. If the budget allows, I’d replace the white blinds with bamboo shades to echo the wood tones of the barn doors and add natural warmth.
5. Ticking Stripes
I’ve been loving classic ticking stripes lately. A few ticking-stripe pillows or a duvet will pair perfectly with crisp white linens to give the bed a clean, timeless look with a hint of farmhouse character.
6. Rug
Rugs can be overwhelming to shop for, but they transform a room. I’ve narrowed my options to a versatile vintage-gray rug that will anchor the space and complement the color palette. I’ll watch for the right sale and pull the trigger when it feels right.
7. Mirror
Our current dresser mirror was a college find that serves a function but lacks charm. I’ll replace it with an arched “window” mirror to add architectural interest and reflect more light into the room.
8. Faux Taxidermy
Robert asked for a deer mount, which I’m happy to include in faux form. The antlers evoke memories of our honeymoon suite at the Grand Bohemian Hotel in Asheville — a space that first helped me identify the style I love. A tasteful faux taxidermy piece will introduce a rustic focal point without being literal.
So that’s the direction I’m heading: a calm, modern-rustic master bedroom with textured walls, lighter upholstery, sliding barn doors, clean window treatments, classic striped accents, a grounding rug, an arched mirror, and a tasteful faux taxidermy piece. What do you think — does this feel like the right start?
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