If you’re anything like me, you’re graduating college with a couple of pennies in your pocket… definitely not enough to finance a move to a big city. While I’m excited to be roomies with my mom again, I am not excited to live in a mismatched nautical themed bedroom my twelve-year-old self was insistent on designing. Even the light switch plates are covered in anchors. Ten years later and let’s just say I have an eye for more understated pieces. Out with the coral curtains and starfish garlands and in with French antiques and muted colors.
- First thing’s first, make a Pinterest board!
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Pinterest is my holy grail. I wouldn’t be able to organize my thoughts without that little red app. Interior design is one of those things that needs to be given a bit of thought. You can’t just go to the mall and buy a slew of things based on your mood. Start favoriting and pinning different pieces of inspiration and soon enough you’ll have hundreds of photos to work off of. Sourcing items after you have a vision is sooo much easier. Always check the comments too to see what keywords are used to describe each furniture item.
- Then, onto the furniture!
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My white upholstered bed frame isn’t cutting it anymore. It stains easily and is an item that soon will be featured on those “remember 2012” TikToks that flood my feed. Instead, look for something more understated. There are a myriad of headboards on the market that fit the Scandinavian look most 20 something year olds are looking for. I think wood is the way to go when it comes to a headboard, at least for me and my 120 pound dog. Wood is durable, timeless, and can be refurbished and restyled 100 different ways. It also means my dog can sleep next to my head without me worrying about him staining fabric. Etsy and Facebook marketplace have a million options listed under “French antique headboard” and are relatively affordable.
- Next, my personal favorite – bedding
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Have fun with this! It’s impermanent so no worries if your bedding falls off trend, just switch it out at TJ Maxx. This is where you show your personality. It’s what makes your room you. Personally, my favorite color is light blue, which in my opinion, just so happens to be in style this year. Floral sheets, striped sheets, or gingham sheets with a pop of your favorite color is the perfect way to combine personality and chicness. For a duvet cover or comforter, keep it simple. You’ll never regret a cream or beige comforter and you can always spice it up with texture. I love a waffle weave or a scallop edge and think it adds just the right amount of charm. Ever Lasting Fabric is a small business specializing in homeware, primarily bedding, and they have so many options that have a neutral base, but also a pop of lace or ruffle. I’d definitely recommend checking them out if you’re on the hunt for some fresh sheets!
- Spice it up some more with art!
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As I mentioned earlier, my current bedroom art consists of framed starfish from my aunt’s 2013 wedding. You could say that’ll clash with the French aesthetic I’m going for. Swap out your teenage artbook sketches for something more understated. Coastal landscapes always age well and the colors typically compliment more muted furniture. If the beach isn’t your cup of tea, you can find custom one-line sketches for cheap on Etsy or a local Instagram seller. @artcallery on Instagram created four custom sketches for me and they have complimented every college bedroom I’ve had the last four years. Custom sketches also allow you to admire artwork that’s meaningful to you. Similarly to sheets, you can swap out your art whenever you’re looking to make a change so just select pieces that call your name!
- Finally – fill it!!!
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The reason we love our bedrooms so much is because they’re filled with momentos and knick-knacks that make us feel at home. Keep that picture of you and your grandmother on your bedside table or that clay pig your fourth grade best friend gave you after her trip from Florida. Keep your dog’s favorite toy on the floor and the blanket your mom knit for you decades ago. These are the things that add charm. You can elevate your bedroom to 2024 you’s liking, but you don’t need to go all “beige mom” mode.
My biggest advice is gravitate towards items that feel like you at 22 and will feel like you at 25 and will then serve as a guest bedroom when you finally make that big move. But keep the charm. Keep the parts of you that lived there, there. Keep the human of it all. And have fun!!! Experiment with bedding and art and colors and find the palette that speaks to you… although I hope it doesn’t include coral and navy.
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