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Design

Our Primary Bedroom Reveal! She’s Blue (Shocking), Calm, And Ready For A Full Show And Tell

OKEE DOKEY. Today we are revealing our primary bedroom and quite possibly the least “farmhouse” room in the house. I mean, I love it, but there is almost nothing in here that Joanna Gaines herself would deem farmhouse-worthy. You are going to have to read the whole post to fully understand my feelings about this room (because they are highly nuanced, change daily, and I’m still rectifying it all). At the end, there is a list of what I would change if I could snap my fingers (and whether or not I will). But I will not start 2024 or this post by “yucking my own yum” (as we’ve taught the kids to say – it’s the PG version of “pissing in my own cheerios”). Besides, it’s just design and the longer I’m in this career/game/life the less attachment I have to my own successes and failures. Y’all, getting older is awesome for general perspective-making. Now, let’s get into it 🙂

Wall Color | Rice Paper Shade | Rug | Bench | Nightstands | Table Lamps | Art Above Bed | Sconces | Switch Plates

This room actually turned out pretty darn GREAT after much tweaking (and a big shout out to my favorite rug from our RugsUSA collection – the Merrick). It’s calm, cozy, high functional, and objectively well designed – it just turned out different than I had intended, although TBH I didn’t have a clear direction (thus the problem). It’s easy to keep neat/tidy (mostly thanks to the large closet down the hall – bless that closet) and on Sunday mornings I let the kids watch TV while I throw on the fire, read my romance novels, and feel so grateful that I have this beautiful, inviting, and cozy bedroom. And listen, the challenges were all self-imposed because this room is basically a new build so I also got to learn a lot. Win/win (kinda).

Bed (custom) | Bed Fabric | Round Pillow | Bolster | Linen Bed Covers | Throw Blanket (similar)

The bed, as you might have read, was custom-designed for the guest room (and works so perfectly in there) but a week before the Real Simple shoot the bed we ordered still hadn’t arrived. So we had them assemble this here (and liked it enough to keep it in this room). It’s a Rebecca Atwood tiny print fabric that has mauve, cream, and blue in it. And the arch works so perfectly with the reading sconces. The coverlets are from Parachute and they are GORGOUS. If I could give one note (and I like a note, it needs to be much bigger). We layered two so that it could cover over the pillows without showing the base. They are so pretty and feel like they’ve been washed a million times. Also, that long bolster pillow is the best and that round pillow on top, while being super hard and not exactly a head-resting pillow, looks pretty darn cool.

Plant Stand Sculptures | Lamp | Nightstand

A photoshoot can really light a fire under your ass. About 2 weeks before the shoot, I still hadn’t upgraded our nightstands (that were admittedly too tiny for the room). Due to procrastination, I didn’t have a million options to choose from that would have arrived here in time. Luckily these from Crate & Barrel were a great scale, were super simple, a mixed material (leather shelf), and checked all the boxes (except vintage, which is what I was waiting for and never really manifested). They are pretty darn great. The plant sculptures are from Lulu and Georgia, designed by Sarah Sherman Samuel (and y’all most of this I paid for FYI). Now admittedly the plants on those sculptures are giving much more of a Palm Beach vibe, which this house (and me) certainly are not, but I really like them!!!

Sconce | Accent Chair | Ottoman | Ball Pillow | Side Table | Wall Art

I love this shot so much. The chair and ottoman are from Crate & Barrel (and so comfy/cozy and on the lower side FYI). I LOVE its color/texture against the blue wall color so much. The articulating sconce from Rejuvenation is dope, and the art from Bonita Interiors is one of my favorites (and yes, I wish it were centered on that wall but then it would be in front of the light switch that we fully don’t need. Ha). Speaking of things we don’t need – we never use that door. It’s pretty though!!!! Whoops.

Fireplace | Fireplace Paint Color | TV | Blue Vase

The fireplace is pretty darn cozy and the TV above it (a Samsung Frame, obviously) gets use on the weekends when the kids dominate the family room with garbage and I fold clothes while binging my own garbage (but we don’t watch TV in here as a couple, strangely, like EVER). The fireplace is from Heat & Glo and is awesome. It works via remote and you can control the heat level and the flame height. It does make the room really warm so I only use it on cold days (or sometimes just for 15 minutes for a mood boost).

The Katy Skelton bench that I’ve had forever actually lives at the foot of the bed, but that area under the window looked super empty and off-balance without it. So for the shot, we shoved it there.

This is probably my favorite shot here. That warm taupe mohair against the dark blue, with the brass and our pretty rug popping in – it’s just so balanced and cozy. This is probably the best representation of the paint color – it has a lot of depth to it. Also, look closely and you might see an alpaca in the backyard:)

Window Treatments

The window treatments are so wonderful, both custom from Decorview. The shades are what we use daily and they are so easy and functional (you don’t have to pull them all the way, it’s a mechanical pulley system that is so smart – see on stories). But the shades didn’t feel like enough so we added these dramatic curtains and the whole room really came together after that. It’s a super dark navy blue that adds so much drama and depth. Thank you Decorview!!

Picture Light (unavailable) | Mirror | Switch Plates | Planter Stand (similar) | Fluted Planter (similar)

This side of the room you’ve probably seen a ton during all my selfie fashion stories. The picture light, light switches, and the mirror are all from Rejuvenation (a large and lovely partner on this project). I only wish that I could magically move the sconce down because the space between the mirror and the sconce is more than I’d like. But it’s so not a big deal so it’s likely going to stay.

So, What Would You Change???

I’m going to be VERY picky here, and that’s ok (remember I’m the only one that can be offended and I’m not). I love every single thing in here, but are they all right in this home? Together? Maybe not. Here is what I’d change if I could snap my fingers:

  1. Change the paint color to Eventide by Sherwin-Williams. I just painted a room in my brother’s house Eventide and it is SOOOO beautiful. I was instantly like, “Oh shoot, this is what our bedroom was meant to be”. I debated it originally in here but I feared it would be too gray. But once on all the walls it’s not – it’s so beautiful and happy (despite being a light really gray-blue). I love this color, Debonair, but again I think it is better in a room without 7 windows (most south-facing) bouncing light around a lot and perhaps making it more bold and intense than intended (like all paint colors, it is very specific to the light you get, the direction you face, the scenery outside, etc). When the skylights and windows are closed it’s my favorite color ever – so it would be incredible in a dark room. Will I do it? Maybe. And if I do I might consider repainting the trim and ceiling white (curious if the paint everywhere trend is going to subside soon).
  2. I do want to move this bed to the guest room and buy a less contemporary style bed in here – just to make it more classic. However, we are debating a sofa bed in the guest room so that the kids can use it as a den during the winter so not sure of the usage yet. I love this bed and it honestly all looks so good together in here and it doesn’t bother me at all, but if I could snap my fingers the room and the bed would be just a bit more timeless, less on-trend. Will I do it? Maybe. But no rush at all.
  3. Make the mirror taller or move the sconce down – basically reduce that space in between so they relate to each other better. Will I do it? Nah. I might order a larger more articulating sconce instead, but I don’t feel like hiring an electrician to move it down, then a painter to repaint. Too much work.
  4. Had I known I was going to paint the room a medium color I would have put in either pretty spotlights, black recessed lighting, or a J box so that the hanging paper sphere could actually be lit LOL (I don’t love the white cans in here). Will I change it? Nope. I don’t care that much.
  5. If I could go back in time I probably would have skipped the door – we just rarely use it. No harm in having it but just not necessary.

So that’s our bedroom reveal:) She’s pretty, cozy, and so comfortable and helping me hibernate during The Great Long Dark (aka the PNW winter). xx

Primary Bedroom Resources:

Wood Flooring: Oregon White Oak by Zena Flooring
Windows: White Oak, Aspen Casement by Sierra Pacific Windows
Roman Shades: Decorview
Drapery: Decorview
Fireplace: Slimline 7X with Tranquil Greige Refractory Brick by Heat & Glo
Blue Wall Color: Debonair by Sherwin-Williams
Current Fireplace Color:  Big Dipper by Sherwin-Williams

TV: Samsung
Skylights: Skylights with Room Darkening Shades by Velux Skylight
Lights and Switch Plates: Rejuvenation
Custom Bed: Raleigh Hills Upholstery
Bed Fabric:
Rebecca Atwood
Nightstands:
Crate & Barrel
Table Lamps: Crate & Barrel
Bench: Katy Skelton
Plant Stand Sculptures: Lulu & Georgia
Rug: Rugs USA x Emily Henderson
Accent Chair: Crate & Barrel
Ottoman: Crate & Barrel

Side Table: Article
Large Mirror: Rejuvenation

*Design by Emily Henderson and ARCIFORM
**Photos by Kaitlin Green

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Mkw
10 months ago

As always – all lovely. Two thoughts: hang art over the light switch you dont use and hang the Rejuvenation mirror so it’s closer to the sconce.

Shannon
10 months ago
Reply to  Mkw

Yes, I was also wondering if the art would fit above the switch. It looks like there’s space within the frame created by the tops of the door and window. If there isn’t room, maybe they different art that would fit there.

Holly
10 months ago
Reply to  Mkw

Not sure how disrespectful it would be to the artist to flip them to hang horizontally? But yes, what a beautifully done room you get to sleep in!

Paula
10 months ago
Reply to  Mkw

This is exactly my comment. Living in earthquake country, I feel really weirdly about leaning mirrors anyway — especially one this big. Just mount the mirror on the wall. Easy peasy.

Monica
10 months ago
Reply to  Mkw

How about just extending the curtains on this windows to cover that part of the wall near the light switch (and on other side too). That way the dark blue will be more formidable in that area and attention won’t be drawn to the oddly place/uncentered art.

Sarah
10 months ago

This room is giving Hollywood meets PNW. I love it but agree you have room to expand to farmhouse/traditional if you want later.
xx

10 months ago

I like the fact that this room had its own vibe, differrent from the rest of your home, particularly for a bedroom this large which serves not just for sleeping but as a retreat. And retreats ought to feel different – they are “getaways” where you can reset your mood, rest and regenerate. Perfect!

Breanna
10 months ago
Reply to  paula mills

totally agree!

Tara Lynch
10 months ago

I love it. I think its a beautiful room. XO

JPC
10 months ago

Totally random but do the reading lights give you enough light? They look amazing but are they functional? Thank you!!

Maia Illa
10 months ago

Love the candor!! I’ve been following especially because we have a primary bedroom add-on in our future of a similar size. I’m now completely released from keeping a door we don’t use – much gratitude.

Amy
10 months ago

I love it 💙I agree that a more classic style bed would be so pretty here. We have a similar look in our bedroom but with white on the ceiling !

BAD754BE-0B43-48F7-940C-384D978169EE
Stephanie
10 months ago
Reply to  Amy

Beautiful room, Amy! That dresser is 😍😍😍!

Amy
10 months ago
Reply to  Stephanie

Thank you so much 😊 the dresser was a yard sale find 30 years ago!

Lisa
10 months ago
Reply to  Amy

Ouh so pretty Amy! I LOVE your curtains!! 🙂

Amy
10 months ago
Reply to  Lisa

Thank you! They are from Ballard!

Rosie
10 months ago
Reply to  Amy

Charming and cozy! Thanks for sharing the pics.

Amy
10 months ago
Reply to  Rosie

Thank you 😊

LouAnn
10 months ago

Much to love in this space — the bed, the rug, the art, the fireplace, that awesome brass wall lamp (or whatever it’s called, lol). But for me, the paint color is all wrong. I don’t know what it is about medium blue bedrooms but they just look cold, when I feel like a bedroom should look warm and inviting. Sorry to criticize and it’s a beautiful space (obvs) but this one just doesn’t hit for me.

🥰 Rusty
10 months ago

Definitely cozy+!!💗
I can imagine nesting in a room like that and losing time, simply being.
TBH, I don’t like can lights anywhere that’s not an office space.
I hope you DO repaint AND change the trim and ceiling to white. The monochromatic thing is a bit much with all the windows – kinda counters the overall lovely retreat vibe. Yep, I think that trend IS a trend and won’t last, with the exception of library-esque rooms, like at Sara’s house (hope mama, papa and baby are all doing well).
The EHD blue hue thing is so great. It’s your signature colour in whatever shade, so relish it.🤩

Kim Malkiewicz
10 months ago

This room turned out so beautifully! I understand your snap-of-fingers changes, but everything is so seamless, not one thing to fret about. I even like the arched headboard in the space. The plant stands and art above the light switch, are my favorites, if forced to choose! Enjoy your hard work!

Georgina
10 months ago

Agree with all your thoughtful reflection here. Perhaps as a cheaper first option, you paint only the walls white/light, leaving the blue trim? That’s old-school farmhouse style and I think would look so pretty.

emhen
JinFL
10 months ago
Reply to  Georgina

This looks REALLY good and the bed looks awesome with the warm white walls. Personally, I love that bed in this room. I hope you keep it in there. I don’t think a guest room needs a king size bed – at all.

mollie
10 months ago
Reply to  Georgina

this is a really nice balance! i think incorporating some antiques – maybe some well loved chest of drawers as nightstands – could bring in some farmhousey warmth.

MBJ
10 months ago
Reply to  Georgina

Oooo Georgina comin’ in hot with this rendering! Looks amazing!

Stephanie
10 months ago
Reply to  Georgina

Ooo, that’s fun!

Kate
10 months ago
Reply to  Georgina

That looks really pretty! What a helpful image!

L
10 months ago
Reply to  Georgina

To me this is the perfect balance between the original stark white and the overwhelmingness of the current midtone blue. Genius!

Mari
10 months ago
Reply to  Georgina

Wish I could like this more than once! I think one other way to push more farmhouse-y would be to change the art. As much as I like the current

Mari
10 months ago
Reply to  Georgina

Wish I could like this more than once! I think one other way to push more farmhouse-y would be to change the art. As much as I like the current choices, I might see if they can live elsewhere and you could find other options for this room with more traditional framing. Some dramatic landscapes with a thick frame could help! I also would probably change the bench to something more substantial or traditional.

🥰 Rusty
10 months ago
Reply to  Mari

Imagine the original bench from when they bought the house!

Erin
10 months ago
Reply to  Georgina

This is stunning! \

I love the paper ball lantern but it reads much more minimalist loft/mid century to me. Maybe a funkier (plug-in?) chandelier! And the bench’s legs feel too spindly. Weightier and more antique feeling furniture would go an along way.

Paula
10 months ago
Reply to  Georgina

Personally I don’t care for this. It looks like an exterior paint scheme on an interior room.

Tara Lynch
10 months ago
Reply to  Georgina

Genius idea!!!

Michelle
10 months ago

It’s all lovely. Have you considered light switch extenders that might allow you to enter the artwork? Not that it looks all that bad.

Allie
10 months ago

I think before repainting the room, I would consider wallpapering the wall behind the bed. Depending on the pattern, it would balance the blue while softening some of the light and bring in personality and visual texture. The question is whether a really dark, moody pattern would work or if you should lean into the room being bright with something floral on a mostly white background with a very British feel.

Addie
10 months ago
Reply to  Allie

When I saw the wall color on the Instagram video I thought it looked great, warmer and beautifully dimensional, but wallpaper with both light and darker tones, covering the bed wall, would bring the whole room into focus.

Michelle
10 months ago

Well, since you asked, I usually like a leaning mirror, but here, for some reason (maybe because it sits too low in relation to the sconce, as you mention) it reads “college dorm.” Obviously it’s a far cry from college dorm, but that’s the first thought I had. Maybe just “unplanned.” Don’t mean to be harsh. I just love these discussions. I guess the mirror can’t be mounted which would sole everything. Hey, how about a subtle, built-in ledge 12″ or so above floor for the mirror to sit on?

Lisa
10 months ago

love it! I don’t mind the blue. I think teak would be the perfect wood for this blue! Another thing, for the mirror, how about a low, narrow bench underneath? Or hang it on the wall? Also, for the art I think hanging two different sized pieces above the light switch would look nice. The art right now isn’t coming to its best in my view. But this is only oppinions. Great work as always!

Orlando
10 months ago

NOT EMILY HENDERSON VANGUARDING THE MONOCHROME ROOM MOVEMENT! It looks so serene in there. A few things. First, as someone whose done a few too many room makeovers recently I can understand how obsessed with tiny details you can get and how that makes it hard to see the big picture. The sconce is at the right height, it doesn’t need to move (I like how it’s centered between the top of the mirror and the door height, feels intentional). The bed I agree with. It’s great, but not for that room. It’s a grand house and the primary suite should have a more dramatic, higher headboard (probably rectangular). Sorry I just came in to mansplain your own bedroom to you but that would be my vote. That chair looks SO INVITING AND SOFT. And that fireplace is really nice now I want one in my bedroom. I can’t wait to see what you do next!

Kate
10 months ago
Reply to  Orlando

We love you, Orlando!

Allison
10 months ago
Reply to  Orlando

Your thoughts ring true here, Orlando! I was wondering if you saw the rendering in the comments where Em’s walls become white, with a blue ceiling, and if that shot might change your opinion of the bed headboard? Just curious. 🙂

Lisa
10 months ago

The only thing I’d do, in the short term, is switch out that puce throw blanket. Am I the only one who finds that really jarring in this color scheme? Am I missing something? Why do I feel like I’d prefer a turquoise or even a spring green?!?!?! I know you want to keep it calm, but in truth the puce roils my soul😜

MBJ
10 months ago
Reply to  Lisa

The only thing I find jarring is your use of the word “puce”, haha! If you purposely used the grossest word you could to describe the pinkish-brown color, then kudos to you bc now I too am bothered by the blanket

Lisa
10 months ago
Reply to  MBJ

Hahahaha;). I was just talking to someone about this color, the other day, and the word “puce” came to mind and now I’m so pleased to pass it on;). I’d apologize but it’s too much fun!

Aquagirl809
10 months ago
Reply to  Lisa

Lisa, I felt the exact same way when I saw it! Yes, that color really detracts from everything else in the room.

10 months ago

The sconce height looks appropriate, might be odd to visually to lower it. Maybe hang the mirror on the wall or build a simple wooden base to raise it up. As a whole, the room reads more bohemian than farmhouse. The scale of the chair looks quite small in the photos. The nightstands are really nice, they look stylish and solid but quiet.

Kristi
10 months ago

The room is beautiful! Could you turn the art sideways, so that both pieces can be centered above the light switch?

10 months ago

Designer here—I love how ‘Emily’ this room is! And I love how open you are about design being an ongoing creative process. If indeed you do decide to repaint, I think moving away from color-drenching and creating contrast between the walls and trim would be an easy way to bring back some ‘farmhouse’ without compromising on the modern pieces you love. Thanks for letting us in on your creative process!

Kate
10 months ago

Oh, wow—I think this looks fabulous. I love the blue/wood/white color combination. The darker tones of the fireplace and curtain panels add some nice depth to the color scheme.
Eventide looks much greener than the current color. Show us a sneak peek from your bro’s house? 🙂

Stephanie
10 months ago

Hmmm, I don’t think the height between the sconce and the mirror is off at all. It looks good to me. Any lower would be a bit odd, I think. If you ever consider removing the mirror and adding art to that wall, I’d especially not want to see the sconce any lower. Anyways, just my two cents.

Love the room. It’s calm, cozy, and absolutely lovely. I agree that a more traditional bed would look nice at some point, but I’d be in no rush, either.

Especially love the dark navy curtains against the walls. Nice little hit of drama. Beautiful!

rachel
10 months ago

hear you on the paint color but I actually love this for you! thinking that the idea to bring in the more classic Shaker/farmhouse style bed will help you feel like it fits with the house. also wondering if it will help to bring in more vintage furniture, accessories, etc. might help balance out the more modern touches with a lot of warmth. love seeing these looking beautiful, but also in progress!

MKK
10 months ago

Yea, something is off with this blue paint color especially combined with the blue of the fireplace. It may truly be different in person. I forget the previous posts regarding the fireplace – if it was original or built during renovation, but did you ever contemplate a warm stone or other material? I may be the only one that finds the brick in this blue color cold and hard, and not cozy. I do think Georgiana’s suggestion of white is a good next step, but not if you keep brick blue.
I like the artwork by door and it looks as if you are trying to bring color from the bed to the wall, but I wonder if smaller pieces would better serve that area.
Regarding guest room, you may find you are better off with a pull out couch. As your children age and their peers become more important to them ( tween ) than you; and they are seeking privacy and you are seeking keeping them around, the guest bedroom as a quasi-tween living room separate from their bedrooms may come in handy.

DeniseGK
10 months ago
Reply to  MKK

I think this whole “wing” is an addition? The master suite, tv room, mudroom, and porch outside. So, the fireplace would def not be original to the house.

IH
10 months ago
Reply to  DeniseGK

No, just 8 feet was added to this wing enlarging both the MBR and mudroom: https://stylebyemilyhenderson.com/blog/farmhouse-primary-bedroom-design-recap

Lisa H
10 months ago

I think this room is beautiful, and calming.
Our bedroom is also blue, and I always feel that it’s a nurturing space. We have a paler blue paint color, and a beach/ocean gallery wall. There is a large painting by an artist we love, it’s of a view that we see when we visit our very favorite vacation spot. I can lie in bed, and get lost in the view
I wonder what sort of bed you’re envisioning? We have an upholstered bed by Crate and Barrel. The headboard curves around the sides a bit, and feels very protected and cozy.
Are there shades on your skylights? I know I wouldn’t like sun on my pillow at 6am!
if you don’t use that door, be on the lookout for a pretty doorstop, and just wedge it fully open.
I might see about mounting that mirror on the wall.
Several beautiful ferns would nice on those pedestals. I’m not a plant person though, so I don’t know if those would be hard to tend to.

HG
10 months ago
Reply to  Lisa H

She showed the shades closed on instagram:

IMG_1210
Karyn Meadows
10 months ago

Emily, this is GORGEOUS. Calm, quiet, a wonderful respite at the end of your day. HOW do you keep the rug/bed clean with the dogs all over them? I am not able to do that and I live in NoCal with much less rain and mud!! Please please share your tips.

Paula
10 months ago
Reply to  Karyn Meadows

Yeah, I saw that rug and was thinking when we had our dachshund Max (sadly, we lost him last March), he would have left that rug in a sorry mess. And he was probably a quarter the size of just one of your dogs!

JenPNW
10 months ago
Reply to  Karyn Meadows

I’m assuming Emily’s gorgeous mud room and dog-washing station get a lot of use. I live in the Portland area too and while we unfortunately don’t have anywhere near that type of nice, convenient setup at our house, what works for us and our large dog 8 months of the year is: we keep a bin of inexpensive washcloths from Amazon in our front foyer (they launder surprisingly well and have lasted years) and also use this amazing paw cleaner (I don’t work for the company, just think their product is so good and worth the cost) https://www.dandylionworld.com/collections/shop-all/products/clean-paws-no-rinse-foaming-cleanser-dog-paw-wash?variant=42085501206687 . Our dog is older and doesn’t wrestle around at dog parks much anymore so mainly from long walks several times a day it’s mainly a matter of wiping down his paws and tummy, and then toweling off his head and back (he refuses to wear a doggy raincoat, lol). The whole process takes less than 2 minutes and it’s become a habit so we’re on autopilot. We toss the dirty washcloth(s) into the washing machine. I’ve also found it’s really helpful to keep the fur on his paws and in between his toe beans very trim and tidy.

Holly Christensen
10 months ago

I really love it. It’s moody, but not in the dramatic kind of way. But in the calming, cozy, sigh of relief, leave the world behind, kind of way.

JeffreyC
10 months ago

I love it, all the blue included. Is there a plan for more than one chair or are you always flying solo? It seems like such an inviting space that I was expecting two chairs. If sticking with one, I personally would do a chaise, but the chair you have is lovely. The plant stands are interesting, but to me seem a bit much and inconsistent with the other choices in the room; however, artistic creations are so personal. They obviously work fine for you.

Lesley
10 months ago

SW Eventide looks a shade darker than the BM Picnic Basket I mentioned in your original post on Debonair. We have Picnic Basket in our east-facing Portland living/dining rooms. It’s a blue/green/gray that changes throughout the day, but the bit of green is key in giving it some warmth. Since it would be expensive and a pain to repaint that ceiling/trim, I’d go for the excellent suggestion above to paint the walls a warm but not yellow white, and keep the rest blue.

Kristi
10 months ago

The curtains change everything for me. Amazing. If you’re going to move that bed, I would have the same local people make that Jake Arnold bed -love that design, but wonder about the quality.

Patty
10 months ago

As always, you have given me hope for our bedroom decor! I have picked out two sconces for beside our bed and there are plugins near the floor. My husband just knew I would not like a cord hanging down and did not think he would like a cover for it painted to match the wall. When I see YOU HAVE A CORD hanging down by that wonderful amazing chair, I know if Emily can do it, so can I! lol

Michelle
10 months ago

Fun to see this room and completely identify with the “I love it, but can’t not observe things” post. But had to comment on the “least farmhouse” when I spy two things that say ACTUAL farmhouse to me. 1) A door you rarely use. 2) A useful but noticeably narrow door (to left of the mirror. These are the kinds of quirks that most people find in farm – or really any historic – houses. I’d flag that exterior door as the thing that, in 100 years, is most likely to raise questions but sure is pretty. Maybe consider a screen door and you can sleep with fresh air on beautiful summer nights?

Mich
10 months ago

I painted our bedroom a medium blue in our old house, but it was so intensely saturated that after a couple of years I just had to paint it ivory – the calming effect of the off-white was immediate. Obviously you live there but that much stimulation in a bedroom would not work for me. I would definitely recommend considering the rendering someone posted with the white or off-white walls.
I don’t mind the blue on the fireplace (in some shots it looks much darker than the walls but in others it looks like the same saturation…?) but the row of vertical bricks right over the insert looks really odd to me. I think this is where an ivory plaster look might look cleaner overall (more California, less farmhouse).
Obviously it’s not worth stripping the paint (on either fireplace) but I would be curious to read a discussion on fake “aging” or “farmhousing” new build things like these fireplaces or the painted board and batten walls and ceilings everywhere, or the vanity & skirt in the half-bath. It feels like overkill and misses for me, too try-hard farmhouse rather than simple, clean, organic.

Pamela T
10 months ago

Your primary bedroom is so pretty! And while it may read less farmhouse, all those lovely shades of blue are wonderful at telling the story of how this room connects (beautifully) with all others.

Debra
10 months ago

Very nice. As for the mirror, you could put it on a stand which shouldn’t prove to difficult to make, even DIY. Or use two blocks of wood at each side to lift it a bit.

Mack Janis
10 months ago

I love this room, It is perfection.

Shawn
10 months ago

Paint is soooo not easy!! You achieved really lovely contrast with the wall color, window trim, fireplace and curtains. On the other two walls (which seem to have the tallest ceilings??) simpler architectural detail + color drenching means the decor has a heavier lift in the contrast department. And then the scale of the big walls to the decor size also is affected. So interesting— the things you don’t even know are considerations until you see it. Thanks for sharing your design journey and what you learn from it!

K
10 months ago

Fresh and open. Who cares how it impacts others or what they need in design to feel settled?
Love the fireplace blue and the curtains. Depth.
Your work inspires each of us to figure it out for ourselves- not some ideal. There are a hundred ways to touch the sky as they say.
The is really nice. I love the blue- like being enveloped by the sky. Constant yearning for something better is exhausting and will never end. I like how you sit with things awhile and let it unfold. That is real life.
I love coming here every day for the musing that goes on.

Monica
10 months ago

I love everything on all of the walls! I love the overall feel and the blue walls, deeper blue fireplace and curtains together, and the wood, art, plant stands and the chair and bench., the large mirror…I am just not sold on the anything about the bed or bedding. The bed you had in the LA house would look great in here (the wood one). The one you wanted to order could look really good, too. And those tiny sconces above the bed, I can’t help but wonder what larger ones would look like. I know you discussed those before but can’t remember if larger ones were ruled out for some reason. Maybe with different bed these smaller ones would make more sense. I like the idea of raising the mirror with some kind of bench or even a minimalist wood shelving unit…I also wonder what the Fountain, Oregon, Pacific or Rowena rugs would look like in the room. Long live blue rooms and Emily Henderson-esque decor!

Patti
10 months ago

Only since you asked, I would change out the art. It feels a bit cold to me in a room that should be warm and inviting. Just MHO! Oh and agree with Georgina! Paint the walls white and leave the ceiling! Maybe then add some soft landscapes that pick up the ceiling color.

Sally
10 months ago

A lovely room overall! If we’re proffering though – I like a leaning mirror, but this does need to be a spot higher. Perhaps investigate a chunky length of offcut marble with a holding slot (like a giant cookbook/phone holder) that would hold it securely and raise it 6-8 inches?

Becky
10 months ago

I love how calm, yet interesting this room is! I totally get what you mean about the distance between the mirror and sconce. And I would totally center those paintings and cover the light switch since you said it doesn’t get used. The only other thing I would change that you didn’t mention is that I would take down the art above the bed and just leave it blank. I feel like the large pendant light and the art there are competing and that the square lines of the frame are clashing with the curve of the headboard.

Breanna
10 months ago

I love this room and love that it has it’s own vibe in the house, like your kids’ bedrooms do. It feels like LA Emily with PNW coziness. Maybe it doesn’t match the style of every other room but it’s very you and feels like an escape. I absolutely love that bed but it’s the only thing I would change to push it more farmhouse if you wanted to. Something vintage perhaps? Either way, it looks wonderful, whether absolutely perfect or not.

Deb Malloy
10 months ago

I love the color, the bed is gorgeous! The only thing I don’t think pulls the room together is the art work, lamp shades and the brass lights above the bed. Either way it is gorgeous, that bed is one of a kind for sure!

Dorothea
10 months ago

Such a beautiful room!
Decorating is such a personal choice, but here’s my two cents worth…Switch out the puce throw for something with texture, perhaps a chunky knitted throw in a soothing green to bring the outdoors in; or perhaps a faux fur throw that complements all of the caramel tones in the wood in the room. I actually prefer the Katy Skelton bench placement under the window…At the foot of the bed I’d go for an upholstered bench almost as wide as the bed and in a solid shade to match the darkest color pulled from the lovely Rebecca Atwood fabric. I agree with flipping the artwork to hang horizontally above the light switch (easy peasy)! Finally, the door is so beautiful on its own, but for me, it feels out of place – I’d much prefer another window to balance out that wall.
Thank you so much for graciously letting us into your beautiful, beautiful home.

eRuth Ann
10 months ago

I’m confident that I’m not the only Pacific Northwesterner who is avidly hoping that mirror is securely mounted to the wall! The largest number of personal injuries in earthquakes are things falling off of walls or falling down, and a leaning mirror is an issue. Otherwise, the room is delightful!

boyojik
10 months ago

nice

Erin
10 months ago

Have someone build a long rectangular pedestal box for the mirror to sit in a groove so it can still lean, be more secure and have it higher towards the sconce.

rosie
10 months ago

So, I bought a frame tv and didn’t do enough research ahead of time, because there was nowhere in the room where I could hide the black box that it must be used with. may I ask where is it in this room? the set up looks quite similar to what mine would have been like!

NM
10 months ago
Reply to  rosie

I don’t have a frame TV but I would guess the box fits behind it? See this post of the fireplace without the TV hung: https://stylebyemilyhenderson.com/blog/farmhouse-update-painted-fireplace-options.
Have you seen this product? https://help.framemytv.com/hiding-samsung-one-connect-box

Erin
10 months ago

The bedroom is lovely. I was recently flicking through Heidi Caillier’s book and noticed a bedroom that has a similar bed and lots of other modern elements (it’s in the ‘Fox Island’ property on her website: https://heidicaillierdesign.com/portfolio/fox-island/). However, it has more traditional bedside lamps. On that premise, I suspect you could introduce a more classic vibe to the room simply by moving the bedside lamps elsewhere and putting more classic ones in there.