My Cinderella Bedroom Story

Six Magic Wand Tips To Decorate Happily Ever

Once upon a time, ten years ago, my daughter moved out of the house in the faraway village of Hoosick Falls. Her fourteen square-foot upstairs bedroom became my workroom, a sorry garret catch-all crammed with oversized furniture, books, designer fabrics, lamps, shades, drapery hardware, and painting supplies. I staged two eight-foot-long work tables in the center of the room, and everything else moved around and underneath them.

A British flag from a London study abroad hung high above the fray. Horseback riding gear, photos, and ribbons were too precious to remove, or so it seemed. A dozen plastic storage bins filled with family photos and picture frames needed culling. My 1980s vinyl record collections weighed a ton. Until I devised a plan, I closed the door and rebranded it as my workroom.

British Flag, Workroom

Clutter, Disarray

Accustomed to the off-putting room in disarray without a solid plan, it took me a long time to act. Too cramped to clean, dust piled up; transforming the bedroom felt daunting. I felt like Cinderella, a woman who dreamed of better circumstances but whose overbearing evil stepmother-like belongings would never let her get to the decorator’s ball.

A high school poster of Jake Gyllenhaal reminded me of the fairytale prince. Two step-sisters, Lady Gaga and The Black Swan, Natalie Portman, filled the celery-green faded walls. How would I ever escape these mean girls, meet an actual prince, and make this space look like a palace filled with fine bedding and magnificent mirrors? I imagined curious white mice peeking at me inside the room’s small heat register to see how I managed.

And then, one dream-filled night, fast asleep, I wished my workroom drudgery would transport me to a magical kingdom. And just like that, bibbity bobbity boo! My fairy godmother appeared and waved her magic wand with six helpful tips to make my wish come true.

Tip #1 Despite Circumstances, Don’t Despair. Hire Professional Help

To ward off despair, I decided to hire professionals. Usually, I would tackle the painting, but the walls were filled with pushpin holes and needed patching. For the first time, I hired a mover to remove the furniture for several hours. He was amiable, reasonable, and meticulous. Clearing the space and having a painter on board took a weight off my shoulders.

Tip #2 Get The Color Right, Get To The Ball

I purchased Hale Orange and Carrots from the Benjamin Moore paint store, created a mood board from paint samples, fabric, and items around my house, and then changed my mind. Initially, this bedroom would be orange like the pumpkin in Cinderella's garden patch. Unexpectedly, orange overpowered the small, brightly lit room, so I switched to yellow. I tried Hannah Banana and Yellow Topaz. They were very close, but Hannah Banana’s hue was deep, golden, and stunning. I realized I had turned my plain orange pumpkin into a golden carriage by choosing the right color. Going to the decorator's ball might be a dream come true after all.

Mood Board, Orange

Hannah Banana, Golden Hue

Tip #3 Paint It- The MagicTouch For Ordinary Things

I was fortunate to inherit some family heirlooms, including my sister's bedroom set after my parents passed. Ornate yet lackluster after many years of use, I painted all of it Symphony Blue, striking against the golden-yellow walls. To my delight, Rustoleum's Champagne Gold spray paint added a magic touch to the hardware.

Before Images, Brown End Table

Before Image, Brown Dresser

Symphony Blue, Champagne Gold Hardware

Kendall Charcoal Door, Distant Gray Trim

Yellow and Grey complement each other. Benjamin Moore’s Distant Gray paint highlighted the molding against the soft Grey Owl ceiling. Rich-toned Kendall Charcoal adorned the doors.

Gray Owl Ceiling, Distant Gray Trim

Tip # 4 Install Crown Molding, A Jeweled Ornamental Band

I saw an opportunity to introduce crown molding to the room to complement existing furnishings. Usually, I would choose molding in keeping with nearby rooms to have a consistent look throughout the house. Instead, my only prince, husband Paul, added an ornate vine-like crown pattern. It looked like an elegant jewel that adorned the ceiling. Ta-Dah! Purchased from Home Depot, it coordinated beautifully with floral furniture, mirror, and lamps.

Crown Molding with Vine Pattern

Vine Pattern Lamp, Floral Curtains

Tip #5 Fuss Like Gus

Like Gus, Cinderella's excessively excited mouse, I fussed for several days to finish my room. I chose fine bedding with accent pillows to dress the bed. My husband installed white wooden hardware, curtains, and room darkening shades. New lamp shades with soft LED lighting transformed the space into a warm glow; the combination was perfect for a good night's sleep. I placed a full-length navy housecoat and velvet blanket in the tiny closet for warmth and comfort. An existing blue area carpet worked perfectly. I continued to scurry for amenities, including fresh flowers, candles, soap, and a basket filled with wine and chocolates. My carriage awaits!

Vine-like mirror

Tip #6 Follow Enlightened Advice, and Live Happily Ever After

I followed my fairy godmother's kind and wise tips, and the dreams I wished came true. My mice footmen proudly escorted my golden carriage to the decorator's ball. With both slippers fitted on my feet, I danced with my husband, the handsome handyman prince, and lived happily ever after.

If you need help creating the golden color carriage of your dreams for your happily ever after palace, please call Gayle at +14138845684. Visit gayledonohue.com for additional services.