BEST OF: BEFORE & AFTERS

Hi guys

This weeks before and after is set in one of the most gorgeous locations in the world-the Sydney harbour. The master bedroom [and adjoining sitting room] I was asked to decorate back in late 2017.

Funnily enough, the one thing that my client thought I’d want to change straight away was the sateen curtains. They were a deep minty green sateen, and without changing the rooms current decor, felt very traditional. Even dated.

But the curtains were relatively new and in great condition. They were super protective, with a strong block out layer behind them so great to deal with the strong light and heat that impacts the room in the warmer months of the year. So I suggested we keep the curtains, but create more of a relaxed, modern vibe in the new pieces to be introduced. And the white walls felt very flat.

Neutral Bay Master Bedroom

This room had one fo the best views in Sydney, but I wanted to introduce a more contemporary feel without making this ‘too modern’. The before picture below was the image on the realestate.com listing. It was clear to me what needed to be changed to bring this space into alignment with the refreshed aesthetic we both had [my client and me] in mind.

So here are my top three tips on creating a stunning, contemporary master bedroom [with sitting room!]

Above: The before shows a very traditional looking room, with the original curtains and hard looking bench seat.

Tip 1: If something is in great condition, work with it!

I don’t always abide by this rule, especially if a piece is not right for the room. If it was acquired 20 years before, but is still considered ‘good quality’ or ‘it was expensive at the time’ doesn’t mean it’s right for this decade. If it’s had its day, it’s had it’s day. But the curtains had a shimmery quality, and felt quite glamorous to me. I knew that by adding soft greys and pinks, that we could bring a new vibe to this master bedroom.

Above: A refreshed colour palette and new four poster bed brings new life.

Tip 2: Upholster your bench seat.

If you are fortunate enough to have a wonderful bench seat [where you can sit and read a good book with a cuppa] make sure its a comfy one! By adding this upholstered seat cushion in a fabulous fabric [and more fabulous pillows] you are really creating not only a cosy statement, but also a comfortable get away!

Above: This bay window bench seat became an inviting respite.

Tip 3: Make your reading room comfortable, not just functional.

We may not all have a reading/sitting room off our master bedroom [ah..dreaming!] but we can take away the principles of creating a cosy one, wherever this room is in our homes. This room, set off the master bedroom, had been a quasi study-come-workout room.

I suggested we dedicate this to complete lounging, leaving the sit up balls etc for the gym. An L-shaped lounge was added in deeper shades of grey and pink. This really became an extension of the modern solace felt in the makeover of the bedroom.

ABOVE: The previously confused study come work out space has now become a relaxed and contemporary reading room.

I won’t add another official tip [because I want to stick with three] but if you have a bunch of open book shelves, you have to style them appropriately. Forget jamming every dusty book you have in every shelf. Edit what you have and create just enough space for accessories. If you’ve read most of the books-move on the ugly ones! See the before and after of the book shelves adjacent to the sitting room below.

ABOVE: The rooms book shelves in an empty state.

ABOVE: The bookshelves after styling. Hold back from over cramming book shelves with every old, multi coloured book you’ve ever owned.

Need some help refreshing your home? Book in for a complimentary call in my calendar here or by emailing info@adamscougall.com.

AS