Easy Bedroom Makeover: Small Changes That Made a Big Impact

Bedroom - After

Sometimes, the best time to tackle a home project is when no one’s around to get in the way or ask questions like, “Why are there curtain rods on the bed?” or “Is this chair supposed to have extra screws left over?”

While my husband and son were off on a camping adventure recently with their scouting group, I used the quiet time at home for a mini bedroom refresh. Nothing drastic, just a handful of updates I’d been wanting to do for months - maybe even years. It was the kind of project that had been lingering in the back of my mind, but life always seemed to move faster than my to-do list.

With the house quiet and uninterrupted hours ahead, I finally decided to go for it: a mini bedroom refresh.

Bedroom - Before

The Motivation: A Room That Deserved a Little Attention

Our bedroom has sometimes been the last place I tend to when it comes to decorating. It’s not the first room guests see. It’s not where we hang out as a family. But it’s where we begin and end each day. I’ve learned over time that making it feel peaceful and pulled together really does make a difference in my mood, especially on busy mornings or when the rest of the house is full of projects.

What I Updated

I decided to make a few changes to breathe new life into the space. This wasn’t a full bedroom makeover, but rather a series of small updates that made a big difference.

Painted the Window Trim

I started the makeover with something I had been avoiding for way too long: painting the window trim. Several years ago, we had new windows and window trim installed by a contractor. The window trim was white pre-primed trim boards. However, I never actually got around to painting the window trim in our bedroom. We’ve done lots of painting around the house, but somehow the bedroom trim kept getting skipped. Finally tackling it felt like crossing off a giant mental checkbox. It instantly made the windows look cleaner and brighter—and brought everything else in the room up a notch.

New Curtain Rods + Curtains

Green Accent chair with round side table and white curtains

Here’s the part that really changed the feel of the room - new curtains and curtain rods. Until now, the two windows by the bed had no curtains at all, and on our double window, I had hung sheets as makeshift curtains years ago. Finally installing proper rods and soft, flowing curtains instantly made the space feel finished, cozy, and more intentional.

A New Accent Chair for the Corner

There’s a cozy little corner in our bedroom that always felt like it needed something. Unfortunately, in recent months it had become a clutter corner. I ordered a small accent

chair from Wayfair that was both cute and comfortable. Assembling it was its own adventure, but I now have a sweet spot to sit with coffee in the morning. Ordering the chair online felt a bit like a gamble as I couldn't test it out first, or let my husband sit in it, but it is surprisingly comfortable and suits my husband's 6'-2" height.

Gold framed photos of Grand Teton National Park

Custom Artwork Over the Bed

This part was probably my favorite. On a recent trip to Grand Teton National Park, I took a panoramic photo that really captured the peace and beauty of the landscape. I brought the photo into Canva, layered a soft watercolor texture over it to give it a dreamy, hand-painted feel, and had it printed at Staples.

Now the photo hangs above our bed in three gold frames, a reminder of that beautiful trip, and a personal touch that means so much more than store-bought art. It’s a design detail that makes me smile every time I walk into the room.

Primary Bedroom - After

A Quick Bedding Refresh

While I was in project mode, I searched high and low for a new quilt but didn’t find anything I loved. Instead of settling, I focused on layering: I added a few pretty throw pillows (not too many as my husband usually makes the bed in the morning and I didn’t want to test his patience), and picked up a folded quilt for the foot of the bed.

The layered look adds texture and softness without overwhelming the bed, and it’s easy to keep neat. Sometimes it’s better to add what works for now than to rush into a purchase you’re not excited about.

A Full Deep Clean (Even Under the Bed!)

Last but definitely not least: I dusted every corner of the room, vacuumed under the bed, and used our carpet cleaner to freshen up the floor. I even washed the baseboards. There’s something about a freshly cleaned space that just makes every update feel extra satisfying.

The Results: A Room That Feels Like a Retreat

Altogether, the updates were simple, but the feeling they created is anything but. The bedroom now feels like a space we both enjoy being in: peaceful, refreshed, and personal. It didn’t require a total makeover, a huge budget, or a contractor - just a few thoughtful touches and a bit of uninterrupted time.

Sometimes, the best way to transform a space is by simply starting. Not with a full-blown renovation, but with a can of paint, a new curtain rod, or a photo that makes you feel something.

Primary Bedroom - Before and After

Thinking About Your Own Refresh?

If you’ve been thinking about refreshing a space in your home, I hope this inspires you to start small. Whether it’s switching out some pillows, hanging new art, or finally painting that trim you’ve been avoiding, every little update adds up.

Need help pulling ideas together? I offer personalized design mood boards and paint color consultations (and yes, even furniture refinishing). I’d love to help you turn a “someday” project into something you can enjoy today.

Feel free to reach out. I’m always happy to chat about design, even if you’re just in the dreaming stage.

Email Sarah