Master Bedroom Semi-Makeover

This isn't a true "before and after," because that would imply our master bedroom is done, and it most certainly is not. So it's more like a "before and during."

For about six months after we moved in, this is what our bedroom looked like:

Hideous, I know.

This is the only "before" picture I have, but it's cringe-worthy enough on its own. The mish-mash of sad college furnishings didn't exactly scream "master bedroom." So when we were doing some harmless window-shopping at Oak Express and found out about a 5-year/no interest deal, we jumped on it. It was kind of a spur-of-the-moment decision (apparently our favorite kind), but we ended up buying a whole new bedroom set -- dresser, chest of drawers, two nightstands, and a headboard. It was the first time either of us had ever had a real bedroom set, so as silly as it sounds, we finally felt like "grown-ups!"

We also upgraded to a new comforter set (from Target) that coordinates much better with the aqua paint color, which I don't plan on painting anytime soon. (But I'm already getting tired of the bed... now I think there's too much brown.) Oh, and in case you were wondering what we did with that awesome animal print quilt, it got moved to the guest bedroom (which desperately needs a makeover as well, but that's taking a back seat to some other priorities). So now I present to you our matured master bedroom!

The silver frames and mirror were a wedding gift that we didn't even get out of the box until well over two years later! I actually didn't think I'd like them, but they worked out pretty nicely in here. I put photos from our wedding and honeymoon in the frames.

The sexy new lamp definitely helped improve the ambience!

I also have two wall sconces I purchased 6 months ago that are still sitting on the floor. Someday, I'm going to put them up over the headboard or on the wall next to the bed. My only excuse for not doing it by now is that I can't decide if there's a better spot in the house for them.

Ok, so the room still leaves a lot to be desired -- mainly some real window treatments. I've been debating whether or not to try making my own, a la Sara's No-Sew Curtains or perhaps the Drop Cloth Curtains over at The Brick Cottage... But the way things are going right now, it would be awhile before I got around to that!

Also, there's a lot of potential with the ceiling. I'm not sure what type of ceiling this is... it's not coffered, but I did some Googling and the closest I can come up with is a tray ceiling? All I know is, it helps make our small room feel much bigger.

(Old picture, pre-move in)

Anyway, I'm thinking I could either paint the "inner" part a different shade, or even utilize the space to put up one of those wall decal quotes. Although the ceiling fan is actually pretty decent-looking, I wouldn't mind switching it out for a fabulous chandelier light fixture (like my sister did), but it would probably get way too hot in here then. Boo.

My biggest annoyance with the room now is that there's not a lot of flexibility as far as re-arranging, which I like to do. The placement of the windows and the big furniture is kind of limiting. But with a little creativity, I know I can still make some major improvements in here!