Although we’ve been gravitating toward a clean-lined, colorful look recently, we still have a soft spot for warm, layered neutrals—the cozy palette we used when we decorated our first home. So when Rhoda shared the redesign she completed for her sister Renee’s bedroom suite, it reignited that part of our design sensibility. The space feels sophisticated and inviting, and that bed looks irresistibly comfortable. Here’s Rhoda’s note about the project:
Hi, Sherry & John! I wanted to show you the bedroom makeover I finished for my sister. The suite was a large room that hadn’t been updated since 1999, so it needed a fresh vision and some careful layering to feel current.
This is the view as you enter the room now. The stenciled accent wall really sets the tone and gives the space a refined focal point. My sister and I collaborated on that element, and it became the anchor for the rest of the scheme.
She already had a clear idea of the color palette and had chosen a few fabrics to start with, which made planning easier. I helped refine the overall fabric choices, select rugs, coordinate artwork and accessories, and pick lamps and drapery to pull everything together. Collaborating like that was a lot of fun—we traded ideas until the room felt cohesive and comfortable.
Rather than replacing the existing wingback chairs, we chose to have them professionally recovered. A local upholsterer did a beautiful job, and reusing them retained character while updating the upholstery to suit the new palette. That choice helped keep the look layered and lived-in rather than overly staged.
We enjoyed the whole process of assembling the room—from balancing textures and patterns to choosing the right scale for rugs and artwork. The end result feels like a brand-new space to my sister; the updates made the suite more functional, stylish, and relaxing. Thanks for taking a look! – xoxo, Rhoda
The transformation is striking when you compare the original look to the updated room. Rhoda has shared many more photos and detailed notes about the makeover on her blog, including a peek at the equally updated bathroom and the adjoining sitting room, so you can explore the full sequence of changes there. While you’re here, tell us which element you like best: the freshly upholstered chairs, the plush striped rug that adds subtle pattern and warmth, or the stenciled wall that gives the room personality and depth.