36 Reader Space: A Beautifully Designed Bedroom

Today is a fun day as I am featuring a beautiful bedroom designed by a beautiful girl named Michaela, and I am being featured over on her blog here as part of her She Loves Me series!

I haven't had the opportunity to feature too many bedroom spaces, which is a shame since they really are an escape from the rest of the home.  And for Michaela, it also doubled as her study space, so a little extra organization was a must!  Be ready to be amazed, this is one incredibly happy and darling room!

I asked Michaela a few questions about her beautiful bedroom:

What is the main function of the space?

The main function of the space is sleeping, getting ready for the day and doing desk work, such as client drawings, crafts and of course, blogging!

Any superstar tips for keeping it organized?

I love staying organized, so in order to do so I have many different baskets, drawers and furniture pieces to keep everything in its place.  The white dresser is key to storage because it has a log of great drawers.  I found this for only $70 at Goodwill and refinished and lined the drawers with pretty paper.  

One of my favorite tips to staying organized is to go through your things often and clear out the clutter!  I try not to keep things I haven't used in a few months, and only decorate with knick-knacks and books I truly adore.  Less is more!  Am I sounding like Monica from FRIENDS yet?

What items did you find essential when organizing your space and why?

Because my vintage desk only has one drawer, the little piece to the right of the desk came in very handy when organizing.  My scrapbooking and stationary stash is tucked away in clean, white boxes and adorned with a few simple decor items.  The other white piece of furniture to the left of the desk with the two baskets and big mint storage box on top was also essential.  I've found that papers, craft supplies, and all the other items that come with being a designer would totally explode and take over my room if I didn't have designed storage in place.  When you organize, you need strategy.  Mine was to put papers in labeled folders and store them in the mint box, craft items in the wicker boxes, stationary in the white photo boxes and writing utensils in mason jars on my desk.  Pens, pencils and markers were separated in their own jar to make the desktop look cute and clean.

What did you do to go the extra mile and make it pretty?

By far my favorite element in the room is the architectural gallery wall I put together with the help of a few talented friends.  I had a sweet friend paint some beautiful furniture pieces {that black and white chair... I smile every time I look up at it} and another friend sent me some stunning photographs of buildings from her travels.  Black and white frames help bring in balance above the desk.  Being lovers of all things organized, I am sure you're with me on this - there is nothing better than a perfectly organized and styled bookcase.  My bookshelves constantly change, as I rearrange them on a monthly basis, but I just love how this styling turned out.  I tried to display things that truly spoke to "me" and symbolized a collected and inspired home, with all the treasures I love.

Where did you find your inspiration?

My inspiration was found in the color palette.  I knew I wanted something light, sophisticated, and fresh.  When I think of the word "fresh", minty seafoam is the first hue that comes to mind.  Throw in a dash of peach and blush, and I'm a happy girl.  The Caitlin Wilson Textile fabric I used for my curtains was truly the perfect starting point to my color story.

What items did you DIY to stay on a budget?

A true DIYer at heart, I did mostly everything myself!  I thrifted the dresser for $70 at Goodwill and refinished it.  After browsing HomeGoods, I scored the nightstand for $40 and refinished it in dove gray.  The abstract art above the bed was something I created to add a punch of color and the desk and chair set was a consignment find for only $150 {and it's vintage - huge steal!}.  My favorite DIY project and money saving tactic were the curtains.  On a college student budget, I was looking to stretch the bank any way possible.  Of course I fell in love the CWT fabric, but it was a bit pricey.  I opted to buy one yard of the patterned fabric and sew an 18" panel at the bottom of my existing West Elm curtains.  My sweet grandma helped me {and by help, I mean she basically did it} I couldn't be happier.

How has it impacted your life for the better?

One of the many reasons I'm going into interior design is because of the sheer joy one feels upon completed a room they truly love.  When you enjoy spending time in your home, you are inevitably happier.  So when I created this bedroom to reflect my personality and all the things I love, I felt just that; so joyful.  I was able to experience the feeling I hope to instill in future clients first-hand.  The mint color is unbelievably calming and the peach gives me just enough energy to get the day's work done.  My cutie pie puppy, Hope, seems to love the room too!  It's safe to say we heart it!

Isn't it lovely?  Such a happy sanctuary to both work and rest.  I love that it is so nicely balanced, and that so much of it was DIY'd with passion.  You can really see Michaela's love for design and organization shine through in her space!

You can always find more eye candy and happiness over on her blog here.  The lovely room photography was done by Gem Photo.

Anyone else having a "working" bedroom?  How do you keep the balance between rest and function?

ATTENTION!!  Want to be featured in a Reader Space edition?  Have an awesome organizing story to share?  I am looking for projects that have made a positive impact to your life.  Please submit your story and photos here and I would heart to feature them right here, on the blog!!  Photos should be high resolution and unedited.  Please include a description of the project, including any costs, inspiration, and how it has changed your life and routine for the better!  Oh, and no worries my friends, we will NEVER judge "before" pictures because that just wouldn't be nice!  Only love goes on at this blog!