How This Designer Added Major Storage Space to a Bland Bedroom

If there’s something we never get tired of seeing, it’s a great makeover. Whether it’s transforming a retro bathroom into a modern oasis or giving a lackluster bedroom a fresh look, pros perform these design miracles all the time.

To give designers a chance to showcase their favorite makeovers—and to bring you plenty of inspiration for your own home—we’re sharing the best before and afters we’ve seen in our series, Makeover of the Week. Take notes for your next renovation.

“My goal for this bedroom was to create a retreat where my clients could end their busy days," interior designer Cheri Lingafelt says. "Prior to renovating, their bedroom was dark and not very functional, so I worked with them to brighten things up and most importantly, provide some storage solutions.”

Before:

“The space had a worn carpet, an old ceiling fan, cheap-looking metal blinds, and a tiny closet," Lingafelt says. "Everything felt gloomy, including the bulky furniture passed down from my client’s parents. But, the biggest problem was the lack of storage space—all they had in their bedroom was a tiny closet.”

After:

“I started by ripping out the old carpet and putting in new hardwoods, then placed shiplap and raw beams on the ceiling to create visual interest,” Lingafelt notes. “Next, I turned the original closet into a large 8’ x 6’ walk-in, stealing some space from an adjoining guest bedroom and incorporating two geometric patterned custom closet doors. Adding the arched nightstands with their cabinetry and shelving provided more storage space while also doubling as a vanity and desk.”  

What Changed:

• Color theme: Soothing greens and neutrals combine with pops of orange and brass to create a calming environment.
• Built-ins: The custom nightstands have unique arched tops, iridescent clay tile backsplashes, and quartz countertops. 
• Hardware: Brushed brass semicircle hardware adds a playful touch to the nightstands. 
• Dresser: Two gray-washed dressers provide ten drawers of clothing storage. 
• Window treatments: Jute Roman shades are lined with blackout panels to create privacy and room darkness. 
• Sconces: The brass arms on the modern white sconces are adjustable for reading in bed.
• Ceiling: Shiplap and rustic wood beams contribute to the room’s cozy feel.
• Bedding: The queen-sized bed sits on a wooden platform and is covered in a striped duvet and a mix of colorful solid and print pillows. 
• Doors: Dual custom closet doors were painted in a teal green (Composed by Sherwin Williams) and accented with a geometric design and brass hardware. 
• Ceiling fan: A modern ceiling fan, with white blades, a globe light, and brushed gold accents, provides a cool breeze on warm evenings. 
• Mirror: A round brass mirror adds a touch of elegance over the dresser and ties in with the other metal elements in the room.
• Floor: New hardwoods were stained to match the home’s existing brown floors, and then layered with two different rugs to create dimension. 
• Stools: Neutral-colored linen poufs have a brass base and provide additional seating. 
• Lamp: The gold geometric lamp provides extra lighting.
• Accessories: A combination of modern and bohemian elements, including books, candlesticks, and vases, gives the space a textural yet refined feeling. 

Shop the Look:

Willa Arlo™ Interiors Rylan Steel Accent Stool $80.00 $69.00

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“The stools can be brought out of the bedroom and used as bonus seating when you’re hosting guests,” Linafelt says.

Accent Prone The Byrd Chesser $1,900.00

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“This dresser is made of mango, my favorite durable wood, and will stand the test of time,” Lingafelt shares.

Accent Prone Duluth Brushed Brass Round Mirror $600.00

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"A classic round mirror will always soften the rectangular lines of a dresser,” Lingafelt notes.