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New paint, wallpaper, floating shelves and laminate flooring used to brighten up a dark bedroom.
The project
Several years ago, my husband was a shift worker, so we painted our room dark grey and installed blockout curtains to help keep the room dark while he slept during the day. Now that he no longer does shift work, it was time to refresh our room and bring back some life and brightness.
I also decided it would be a great opportunity to remove our dark-grey carpet and try our hand at installing laminate flooring.
Steps
Step 1
After removing all the furniture, pictures off the walls and the old curtains, I filled all the holes in the walls, sanded them, and then cleaned all the walls with Sugar Soap and water.
Step 2
Once the walls were cleaned, I started by repainting all the window frames and skirtings using Dulux Aquanamel Gloss White in Lexicon half.
Step 3
I also used the Dulux Aquanamel to paint the doors.
Step 4
I then started cutting in on the walls using a brush. I painted the walls with Dulux 1Step Prep to help conceal the very dark grey.
Step 5
And coated the rest of the walls using a roller and the 1Step Prep paint.
Step 6
I then did two full coats on the walls using Dulux Wash & Wear Low Sheen in colour Lexicon half.
Step 7
I wanted to create a feature wall behind our bed and decided to try creating a half-wall wallpaper feature. I used a horizontal string line to mark out the wall to ensure the line was straight. Once the line was straight, I installed the wallpaper and used the Stanley knife blade to cut off any excess at the bottom.
Step 8
Once all the walls were painted and dry, it was time to start on the floors. I started by using the Stanley knife to cut the carpet and remove it in rolls, bringing all corners to the centre for easy removal.
Step 9
I wanted to install sheer curtains to the room to help increase natural light. I decided to try make D.I.Y. curtain rods and purchased all brackets, rods and finials from Bunnings.
Step 10
We installed HanWood Mink Oak laminate flooring. The installation was a bit of a challenge, being our first time, but we got the hang of it and we're very happy with the end result. The colour is beautiful.
Step 11
I also installed a floating shelf on the feature wall. I installed the shelf where the wallpaper joined the painted wall, so it acted as a divider separating the two areas. Installing the floating shelf was quite easy and looks great.
Step 12
I then finished off the flooring by installing white floor scotia trim.
Step 13
I finished off by installing two picture frames above the floating shelf and assembling a new bed and bedside tables. I purchased the rattan side table and the rattan bench from Bunnings along with the Cortina wool rug.
Step 14
I installed an electricity-free pendant light (I used puck lights instead) and a hanging plant, styled the room with all the finishing touches, bedding and accessories.
We love our new room and are so happy with the end result. I loved completing this project and hope many others can find it helpful. I hope my project inspires many others to give it a go.
How to paint like a professional
Experienced Workshop member Rob (Peggers) shared this step-by-step beginners' guide How to paint like a professional, with a full list of the materials and tools you'll need.
More inspiration for your makeover project
Workshop member KashiaCherry did their master bedroom update with a wainscot feature wall, providing visual depth to a freshly painted area.
Community member Nicole did her own comprehensive makeover, including upcycling furniture to help create a luxury bedroom on a modest budget.
Get more great makeover ideas in 10 ways to make a room look bigger and 10 ways to decorate a wall.
