Time for the big reveal! Those of you who have been following along religiously with my bedroom renovation series would know that I’ve spent the better part of this year designing my space from head to toe. Having just started higher education pursuing a career in Interior Design, this project increased my confidence greatly and built up the momentum I needed to dive into my studies self assured. I’ve learnt valuable skills in taking my ideas from the drawing board and bringing them to fruition. I’ve challenged myself on a consistent basis to be a part of the action and get really hands on with the process.
Being able to hone your practical skills is just as important, if not more, than having a detailed vision. At times I’ve struggled to execute my ideas in a manner that is authentic and reflective of my style. I have this mental picture of the eventual turnout that doesn’t always align with the design choices I end up making. For this reason I’ve felt somewhat out of touch and depth with the task at hand. I’ve had to work within the constraints of a budget and mood board effectively in order to avoid straying from the Bohemian and Moroccan aesthetic.
Where possible and safe to do so, I involved myself with the professionals and their work. We had painters come and do the walls, ceiling and wardrobe of my room over the course of a month. This was no small undertaking as the ceiling was painted navy and the walls and cupboards cloud patterned. To achieve a full, clean white coverage with no hint of the previous design peeking through, many coats were required. We also had light up star decals on the ceiling and I painstakingly volunteered to vacuum up each one.
Sometimes they’d hand me a ladder and I’d began painting until my arms wore out and I began feeling afraid of heights again. I can’t discount the experience though. Laying the carpet was also exciting. I watched as the carpenter tore the stained, water damaged flooring from the corners and left it in a role outside. Using the nails around the skirting of the room, he laid the new wool blend carpet. The whole process took less than half an hour and I was able to enjoy the feel of the tactile loops underfoot for the first time.
I’m a neutral lover at heart and felt sticking to a minimal colour palette would be in my best interest. After much deliberation, I set aside my less thought out idea of painting the walls a dusky rose shade and picked a gorgeous peachy pop of colour for the wardrobe, french doors and architraves. The ceiling is quite crisp and stark as compared to the off white shade of the walls. The painters advised me that matching the walls to the ceiling would result in the room looking dark, boxy and closed up. I stand by being curious, taking initiative and employing my autonomy where needed but there’s a reason I’m not qualified in this area of home improvement and they are. I’m glad I asked the right questions and got the answers I needed to make informed decisions.
Decorating was a breeze from that point onwards. I decided it was time for a complete overhaul furniture wise, apart from my bed frame. I got it from Ikea back in twenty nineteen when I originally redid my room. It’s a queen size and has transitioned smoothly from my days of liking minimalistic Scandinavian design to something more eclectic and character filled. The frame is a warm light wood with bars that attach to nude cushions. You can tie a little bow on top and there are leather pulls that complete the look.
My bedding is a selection of earthy shades from luxury brand I Love Linen. They currently have a thirty percent off midyear sale and a variety of bundle curators to save you money. Investing in the quality and hygiene of my sleep is a choice I stand by and recommend everyone do. Their bedding is pure stonewashed french linen that has already achieved ample softness by the time it reaches you. It’s hypoallergenic, moisture wicking and keeps you warm in the winter, cool in the summer and comfortable in the remaining seasons. Its properties adjust accordingly to your body temperature.
I have two full sets of bedding from them so far. The Quilt Cover in Clay and Desert Rose, Fitted Sheets in Blush and Beige Gingham, Flat Sheets in Sandalwood and Blush and a variety of Pillowcases that I like to mix and match. I change these up frequently as natural oils from hair and skin can build up quite quickly. My favourite combination so far is White and Sandalwood pillowcases but I have two in Clay and Creme as well. This year I also tried out their Queen Hotel Cloud Package and haven’t looked back since. This includes a plush mattress topper, supportive pillows, a fluffy quilt and a free set of French Linen pillowcases. The only thing I would’ve done differently is size up to a King quilt for added drape. I also plan to purchase an electric blanket. Being all toasty is a must right now. My throw cushions are from Adairs as well, apart from the cream loop I got at Urban Outfitters. There’s the Aries in Caramel and the Mercer and Reid Boracay Long Fringed Mustard cushion. The two ladies are a part of the Sicily Girls collection- Friends and Blondie.
My Bedside Table and Chest Of Drawers are from the Adairs Anjuna Collection in whitewash. I like how this adds a coastal vibe to the room. Rustic chic if you will. My desk is the Natural and White Southampton Office style from Temple and Webster. This was a budget find to replace my Ikea desk which was incredibly wobbly and too unstable for constant use. It has these brushed gold pulls and roomy drawers that are quite the upgrade from what I was used to. I’ve never been a fan of desk chairs and just have a mauve one seater. This is also from Ikea. The legs are wood and the cushion a light pink. It’s removable and can be vacuumed easily to look fresh and clean. I have a tasseled throw from a local boutique and florist that sits over it.
On my desk I keep a vase with dried Australian natives like Protea and some lavender. My vase is actually a jar from Kmart and was quite reasonably priced. I also have a brown leather Radiola, a candle from California in the scent Amber and Musk and an assortment of my favourite books. Most are to do with cooking as I’ve been wanting to eat cleaner and more of the rainbow. I have Elsa’s Wholesome Life and The Global Vegan by Plant Based Nutritionist and Dietitian Ellie Bullen, All Along You Were Blooming by Morgan Harper Nichols and The Collective Hub’s Social Media Marketing Journal. On my bedside table there’s Three Birds Renovation, a copy of the latest Frankie Magazine, Volume Five of Spaces and yet another cookbook by Yogi and Nutritionist Lola Berry, The Twenty Twenty Diet.
On the right side of my desk I have a frayed macrame wall hanging from Urban Outfitters and a framed bird and botanical art print. This is actually bespoke wrapping paper that I adored and thought would compliment the space. It was much cheaper than traditional art, a roll only costing me six dollars. To the left is my thriving Fiddle Leaf Fig or Ficus Lyrata which was around fifty dollars from Bunnings garden section. I’d heard that this species was hard to keep alive but I’ve encountered no problems keeping it shaded and watered once a week. Above this I have Woven Jute Placemats from the Milan Collection at Adairs. I enjoyed repurposing them!
On my dresser is an oversized natural lampshade with a rattan base and gold fixtures. I then have another vintage Radiola in peach and cream that I’ve attempted to turn on a few times. So far we’ve only heard static but seeing the lights flash and dials turn was cool. My reed diffuser is Leather and Lillies from Palm Beach and was such a steal at ten dollars in the discount section. I then have a classic French Vanilla candle from Glasshouse Fragrances, pretty little bar of Coconut Soap from Papinelle and Home Republic Juliet Terracotta Vase. I keep a small succulent and leafy plant in this. Next to my dresser is a green embroidered floor cushion and decorative divider that I use to hang bags and earrings from.
My overhead light fitting is from a small Bali based maker who sells on Etsy. Her name is Mira and the craftsmanship and attention to detail with her work is next level. I purchased the Beige Wood Beaded Lampshade from Mirodin Home Decor. My smaller three tiered tassel chandelier is from Hello Marla Co in the shades Rose Ash, Caramel and Linen. It looks so precious in that little corner of my room. I like to sit and read there as I have the Natural Diamond Ottoman from Kmart. This was another budget purchase that really paid off after I picked it up on a whim. It retains its shape well and is quite plush. My curtains are the Palmer Linen Blend Ruffle Panel from Urban Outfitters and I bought four. They’re sheer enough to let ample light through but still offer privacy and protection from the elements.
Ahhh Maryam, it looks fabulous and perfect for you! I love the color scheme and the way you managed to center the furniture just right! You stuck to your vision and it looks beautiful!! You’ll be a wonderful interior designer! 🥰🤗
You have done such a wonderful job!! It looks stunning!!🤩♥️
Thank you Nabeeha! Made me smile x
Whaaaat?! 😍 so stunning Maryam! Enjoy your space xx
Thank you Chels! So happy you liked it x
Such a beautiful room! Great work x
Oh you’re so sweet, thank you Courtnee! x
I love your room Maryam ❤️ it looks really bohemian and Moroccan well done you did a stunning job as always ♥️
Thank you so much Maya, that means a lot to me! <33
Your room is absolutely gorgeous!!!!! I’m in love <3 <3 <3
aghhrfgfgf!!!!! I HAVE WAITED SO SO LONG FOR THIS AND I ABSOLUTLY LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!!! It’s gorgeous and it looks utterly transformed- you did so well with it! Honestly I want to hire you to do my room now 😂😂… it’s totally beautiful, Maryam! xx
Gosh you’re a sweetheart! Brought such a smile to my face. Thank you my love! Hehe, I would be more than happy to. Interiors are such fun to work with! x
absolutely in love with this interior 💚💚
So kind, thank you so much 😊
Exceptionally stunning Maryam. Very beautiful. A gorgeous vibe.
Much love 🥰❤️