We upgraded our bathrooms! When we purchased our home, we knew those 90s builder-grade bathrooms with seashell sinks wouldn’t stay long, but also knew we wouldn’t have the means for full bathroom renovations; those can be very costly. So we chose to tackle the things that would have the biggest impact: paint, flooring, and vanity.

For our relatively small home, we made the decision to style our master and guest bathrooms identically, to keep the flow of the house consistent on the main floor. Down the road if we add a half bath on our lower level, I would probably change up the design for a little variety.

I wanted our bathrooms to feel light and fresh, so we chose to stick with the white paint (Sherwin Williams Alabaster) that is carried through the main portion of our home. By just painting the walls and ceilings a fresh coat of white, it created the sense of a new space.

The flooring we replaced in the master bathroom was a cheap laminate flooring that wasn’t installed properly in the first place. I was very happy to see that flooring go! We replaced the old laminate with a grey hexagon tile from Lowe’s. It’s simple and neutral but adds a punch of texture to the space.

I recommend shopping around for tile installers and receiving multiple bids for your project, as the cost drastically changes! We had three different companies quote us before we chose a tile contractor. Of course, you could always save more if you chose to do it yourself. As much as I love DIY projects, we chose to hire this one out because of time and intricacies of the hexagon-shaped tile.

Unfortunately our old vanities weren’t worth salvaging, and we had to replace them completely. But if you have a vanity that is in good shape, consider painting instead of replacing to save money. A fresh coat of paint and new hardware can make it feel brand new! We shopped around for bathroom vanities, and prices were extremely high due to the pandemic. We kept our eye on a couple vanities we liked in our budget and waited till we saw a price reduction before purchasing.

A few places where we saved during our renovation was keeping our toilet fixtures; they were in great shape and had no need to be replaced. All drywall and wall repairs we did ourselves. We kept our tub/shower ‘as is’ which really helped make this project attainable. Any task you can check off yourself without hiring out will go a long way.

Although we would like to upgrade the showers at some point down the road, it didn’t make sense for us right now, and with all of our changes, it still feels like a new bathroom. If you’re considering upgrading your bathroom, but don’t know where to start, here are some things to consider:

-Realistic budget – what can I afford to do?

-What items can I keep and work with (For ex: repurposing a vanity or painting outdated tile floors)

-Would a fresh coat of paint or fun wallpaper drastically change this space?

-Bringing in fresh decor like new hardware, shelving, or a fun vanity mirror

-Can I declutter or make simple swaps? (For ex: labeled soap dispenser instead of store-bought plastic, fresh white towels displayed nicely, greenery, add baskets for a more tidy look to hide bathroom products).

Giving your space a fresh reset doesn’t have to be costly, sometimes the smallest change can make a huge impact!

SHOP OUR HOME

• • Vanity
• • Mirror
• • Light Fixture

The post Bathroom Renovation on a Budget appeared first on Bridgette Alexandra Blog.

Looking back on where our backyard started, it’s hard to believe the transformation that has taken place. This home was in desperate need of some TLC. The siding was over 30 years old and showing its age, and no landscaping or exterior maintenence had ever been done except for mowing the lawn.

We enlisted a siding company to replace the old, worn, moldy yellow siding, and chose a dark grey vertical ‘board and batten’ siding in the color ‘iron ore’. While picking our house color, I also took into consideration the house colors on the rest of the street. Our neighborhood has a lot of white, beige, and brick houses; so we knew we wanted to go darker to throw a little contrast in the mix.

Changing the exterior siding brought a modern aesthetic to our outdoor spaces. The next step was to roll up our sleeves and bring our patio area up to speed. Like any major project, if there are areas where you can do some of the work yourself, you can save quite a bit of money. We chose to tackle the landscaping and patio area ourselves instead of hiring these jobs out.

When it comes to keeping plants alive, my husband and I don’t have the best track record. So I did some research on plants I knew we wanted and we relied on the knowledgable employees at our local nursery to guide us in the right direction.

The landscaping anchored our patio space, making it more of a featured area in the backyard. It also helped create a designated walking area on and off the patio. I am excited to have our plants mature a bit, and see everything in full bloom.

The last major part of this backyard makeover was cleaning up the concrete patio and stone retaining wall. We used a power washer to clean off the years of grime that built up – and what. a. difference. Power washing is a messy job, yet so satisfying!

Cleaning the concrete prepped the surface for painting. I also filled any cracks in the cement with ‘Quickcrete’ concrete repair before laying down the first coat of paint. After three coats of exterior paint on the patio – I created a stencil from cardboard and started mapping out the spacing.

Once my pattern was on, I sealed the concrete with a low gloss sealer to protect the paint and make it easy for cleaning the patio off over time. Over the 4th of July weekend, we added landscape lighting and strung up our string lights from our wedding to finish off the space. We could not be happier with our upgraded backyard space! This may just be my favorite before and after we’ve done so far.

The post Backyard Makeover appeared first on Bridgette Alexandra Blog.

Some of the links below are affiliate links; meaning – at no additional cost to you – I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Thank you for visiting BridgetteAlexandraBlog.com!

Accent Table

If your furniture sits lower, this accent table is a great option as a side table. I think the texture is so fun! We needed a small side table next to our living room chairs to set drinks on and this table fit the bill and added cozy texture.

Click here for link.

Olive Tree

I ordered this olive tree with my fingers crossed. Faux plants that look realistic can be hard to find. This tree far exceeded my expectations, and I loved it so much I ordered another one for our bedroom. I have zero complaints about this purchase. It came quickly with no issues; it is very realistic, a perfect height and has no random chemical smells. Click here for link.

Candle Holders

You can’t go wrong with a classic black candle holder. These are a nice, matte black with 3 different tiers and look great on a mantle, or styled on a shelf. They will fit in with any decor style. Click here for link.

Reusable Burlap Tote

How cute is this tote bag? I love it for farmers market shopping trips, or styled in an entryway with some stems. Click here for link.

Turkish Towels

I have been very impressed with the quality of these hand towels so far! We use them everyday and they still look and feel brand new. They wash well and the tassels hold up even with frequent washing. Click here for link.

Roll Up Drying Rack

We have a dishwasher that we use religiously but we still have items that need to be hand washed daily and this rolling rack has been amazing. The quality is super durable, easy to clean, easy to store, and can hold a significant amount of weight. I also use this to rest my pots while I fill them with water since I don’t own a pot filler. Click here for link.

Console Table

Simple, clean line console table available in multiple finishes. I did replace the white wooden knob with a black knob for some contrast, but otherwise this is a solid piece of furniture that I think will last us a long time. We use it in our master bedroom; it holds our two laundry baskets and I use the drawer to hold my jewelry. Click here for link.

White Metal Chairs

I wanted a simple white chair for our sunroom dining table and these were so affordable I couldn’t pass them up. I love that they have a slight distressed look, and can easily be dressed up with a seat cushion. Click here for link.

Vases

A great affordable, neutral vase set that can blend with so many different styles. Click here for link.

Olive Oil Dispenser

I love a good olive oil dispenser! This is a great kitchen staple and also cute for shelf styling in your kitchen with the brass detail. Click here for link.

Eucalyptus Stems

Eucalyptus is my favorite stem to decorate with. These faux stems look realistic and are great for a small vase. I used them in my living room on my picture rail shelf. Click here for link.

Coasters

If you’re looking for a simple neutral coaster, these have a nice natural stone look. Click here for link.

The post Amazon Favorites appeared first on Bridgette Alexandra Blog.

The bump out in our kitchen was given a little makeover this weekend. We decided to shiplap the walls to give our kitchen a cozy vibe. Shiplap can get pricey – as much as $7 a square foot! So this method is a budget-friendly alternative that gives the same effect and costs a fraction of the price.

So how did we achieve this look for only $150? We used 1/4” plywood underlayment and ripped it down into 8” strips! This gave us the look of shiplap, while using half the material of a standard shiplap wall.

I will break down the steps to create your own faux shiplap wall, but first here are the materials needed for this project…

Tools Needed:

• 1/4” Plywood underlayment sheet (we used oak plywood)
• Corner trim
• Paint
• Miter Saw
• Measuring Tape
• Nail gun and nails
• Level
• Spacers
• Wood Filler
• Putty Knife
• Jig Saw 
• Sandpaper
• Paint brush
• Paint roller

Step 1:

Purchase 1/4” plywood underlayment and cut the sheet into strips length wise. We did 8” strips, the most common shiplap sizes are 6” or 8”. I had our local hardware store cut the pieces for us since we didn’t have the correct saw to do this part.

Step 2:

Prep your walls and remove all switch and outlet covers. Before applying the shiplap, paint your bare wall the same color you will be painting the shiplap. We chose Sherwin Williams® Alabaster.

Step 3:

Measure your wall and mark your measurements on your board and cut it to size with your miter saw. Once the board is cut, place it on the wall, check to make sure its level and nail it in place using your nail gun.

Step 4:

Grab your spacers and place them on top of the board already nailed into the wall and place your next board on top. Again check to make sure its level and then nail it in place. For our spacing we chose to use a scrap piece of wood the same thickness as our boards at a 1/4” thickness. If you want a smaller gap try using nickels as spacers.

Step 5:

Working around outlets and switches. Use a jig saw to make your cuts. Here is a very helpful tutorial with a few tips and tricks to work around outlets:

Step 6:

Attach your trim piece. If you are working around corners like our bump out, then you will need a trim piece to cover where your corner pieces meet to give a nice clean appearance. 

Step 7:

Now that all of the boards and trim pieces are in place, it’s time to cover up all the nail holes we created. Apply a small amount of wood filler in the nail holes using a putty knife. Let the wood filler dry for the recommended time and then sand until smooth.

Step 8:

Prep and paint. Make sure to clean your walls thoroughly vacuuming up all the loose saw dust from sanding, so you have a clean surface to paint. Once your surface is clean, you can start to paint. 

I started painting by focusing on the edges of the baseboards, doorways, and in between the spaces of the plywood boards. Once I had all of the detail areas, I rolled on two coats of paint.

Step 9:

Once your paint is dry, place your outlet and switch covers back on to complete the look!

If you decide to try your own plywood shiplap wall, tag me on instagram [@bridgette.alexandra], I would love to see your projects!

• Chairs
• Scroll Message Board
• Produce Bags

The post DIY Shiplap Wall appeared first on Bridgette Alexandra Blog.

It’s official: our home office is complete! It’s nice to finally have a dedicated workspace in our home. Before purchasing our house, our home office was always a dual space – office and guest room – which wasn’t the most convenient setup.

We started our office renovation by removing the wall-to-wall carpeting and installing hardwood floors. Adding the wood flooring helped bring warmth into the space and gave it a fresh, clean appearance. We then added new, thicker moulding to match the main space moulding in the rest of house. We replaced our outdated light fixture with a modern brass fixture, tying in the brass/gold tones used in the rest of our home.

The change that had the most impact in this office space is the grid wall. We wanted to create a backdrop wall behind our desk that would add depth and interest to the room, with a professional feel. We are working from home more than ever and it’s nice to have a dedicated workspace you actually want to spend time in. For more details on the grid wall, check out the blog post here: https://www.bridgettealexandrablog.com/board-and-batten-grid-wall/

My goal for our office was to give it a moody vintage, yet modern vibe by bringing in some dark colors and warmer tones. I decided to paint the grid wall the same color as our sunroom, Sherwin Williams® Urbane Bronze. I like to keep consistency with paint colors throughout our home by using 2-3 paint colors, max. This gives your home a cohesive design. Then use your decor as statement pieces to differentiate the style of your room.

Since it is very expensive to furnish an entire home at one time, we decided to find budget-friendly options and have one splurge item in the room to balance the space out. For our office, we went with a simple desk that had lighter wood tones on the writing surface and a modern simplistic base to keep the room feeling spacious and open. 

We then flanked the window with bookshelves. We found these very affordable industrial pipe shelves that helped keep that open space feel, but also brought the element of old vintage furniture so that everything doesn’t feel ‘brand new’. To bring in some warmer tones, I found this cognac suede office chair that looks like faux leather and I LOVE it. It met our needs on style and function without a huge price tag.

The last element to tie the space all together was our area rug. This was our splurge item! I was searching for an area rug that had light and dark neutrals with a mix of rust tones. The rug added in some pattern and texture and helped tie in the mix of wood tones that I used.

We are so happy with how it turned out and really enjoy working in our new space! I hope our office inspires you to create a work space you love.

Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Not all links are affiliate links and if I can no longer find the item I purchased I will try and link a similar item for you.

– SHOP OUR HOME –

• Desk
• Rug
• Book shelves
• Office chair
• Light Fixture

The post Home Office Design appeared first on Bridgette Alexandra Blog.

The living room is by far the most occupied room in our home. It’s connected with the kitchen and receives a lot of traffic. We get a lot of natural light – which I love – but the space itself is small. 

Although I couldn’t change the footprint of our space, there are a few subtle changes that helped give the appearance of spaciousness in this room. A couple details I focused on to utilize the space and maximize the area were to…

Brighten Up the Space with Paint

Paint it white. By painting your room white, you automatically create the sense of space by the reflections of light it gives off. White paint opens up the feel of the room giving a ‘light + airy’ atmosphere.

Use Non-Bulky Furniture 

Furniture is all about proportions. When your room is small you don’t want to use all the valuable space with an oversized piece of furniture. Try to avoid bulky, overstuffed furniture and opt for pieces with more narrow features. If you can, leave room in-between the wall and your furniture to create a sense of airiness to your space.

Hidden Storage / Multi-Functional Furniture

Make your furniture work for you and your space. Think of how you want your room to function and what pieces could pull double duty. For example, an ottoman that doubles as an extra seat or has built-in storage.

Add a Mirror

Adding a mirror helps your space in two ways. It reflects light around your room. A mirror also reflects the view of your room creating the feeling of ‘more space’, tricking the eye into seeing more space.

Simplify your wall decor

Simplify your wall decor and take into consideration scale of each item. Try using a few larger pieces vs a bunch of smaller knick knacks. When you have to much ‘stuff’ it can make your space feel cluttered and smaller than it really is.

Furniture with Exposed Legs

Furniture with exposed legs makes your room feel larger by creating the illusion of ‘more space’, drawing your eye past the piece of furniture. 

Declutter!

It’s so important to declutter your space often! I know it’s not the most exciting bullet point on this list, but it ranks highest on the list of priorities if you want a space to feel larger. Clutter can quickly take over a space, even if you consider yourself a tidy/organized person. I recommend spending 5 minutes a day putting things away and every couple months taking a quick inventory to decide what stays and what goes.

A few simple changes with these tips and tricks will help transform any room into a light + airy space!

[Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Not all links are affiliate links and if I can no longer find the item I shown I will try and link a similar item for you.]

SHOP OUR HOME

• Rug
• Sofa
• Picture Frames
• Chairs
• Bench
• Blanket
• Olive Tree
• Basket
• Mustard Lumbar Pillow
• Rust Stripe Pillow Cover
• Bob Dylan Printable

The post Light + Airy Living Room appeared first on Bridgette Alexandra Blog.

What is it about small spaces that just feels so cozy and inviting? This little desk nook makes me so happy! Its just a small corner in our home, but it has a lot of personality.

This desk nook is in our guest room. I had the idea to remove the closet doors and create a desk station with some open shelving up above. The closet for this bedroom is the smallest of the three bedrooms in our home and I felt that by converting it, we would make it a more functional space while still keeping some storage space.

It also serves as a bonus for our guests; if they are visiting and need a work space. This nook also serves as a secondary office space for my husband and I if one of us is occupying our main office.

While brainstorming design ideas, I wanted to keep it budget-friendly and use multiple materials. I initially though of doing a wood slat on the back wall, but since I didn’t have the tools to rip down the wood, it was more than I wanted to spend. So I went with a bead board wall panel and painted it Behr® Black Bamboo to match the upper portion of the board + batten wall behind the bed.

On the side walls I installed wallpaper. I spent some time searching for black-and-white wallpaper and loved the simplicity of Joanna Gaines Collection® Cross Stitch wallpaper. The light and dark walls paired nicely together, dramatically changing the feel of this little closet. 

Once all wall applications were applied, we installed the desk and shelves using a piece of maple plywood from Lowes®. We then trimmed them out and stained them with Minwax® Early American stain, matching the wood ledge stain on our board + batten wall adjacent to the closet.

Overall this was a pretty quick project. I love the texture and pattern it adds to the space – without being too busy. It gives the room balance between color, wood tone and pattern. Now where can I wallpaper next?

Tag me on instagram [@bridgette.alexandra] when you create your own closet office nook!

The post Closet Office Nook appeared first on Bridgette Alexandra Blog.

I love the statement a wood accent wall creates. It takes an otherwise boring space and gives a room dimension and interest without filling the space with clutter. My goal for our home office was to create a cozy and inviting space that was functional and professional. Due to COVID-19, working so many hours from home and endless Zoom calls make it almost necessary to have a dedicated work space.

The first step to creating our dream office was to install a grid wall. The process is fairly simple; it just takes a little bit of planning and the right tools to make the project go smoothly. The whole process of installing the wood boards took about 4 hours – well worth the time and energy for the end result!

To get started creating your own grid wall, here are the materials needed…

Tools + Materials:

• Paint (I used Sherwin Williams® Urbane Bronze, eggshell finish)

• 1×4 Wood Boards (I chose 8’ select pine)

• Paint Brush + Roller

• Measuring Tape

• Level

• Stud Finder

• Nail Gun + Compressor

• Nails for Nail Gun

• Miter Saw

• Wood Filler

• Sand Paper

• Putty Knife

• Vacuum

Step 1:

Paint your wall before applying the boards. This will make the overall painting process easier when you then paint the grid.

Step 2:

Measure your wall and decide how many squares horizontally + vertically. We chose 3 squares vertically and 5 squares horizontally. Our wall is about 8’ high and 12’ wide. I thought any other combination of squares would make the wall too busy or too bare.

Step 3:

Determine how you want your bottom strip to look. Since our baseboards are more on the traditional, curvy side, I opted to install a board above the baseboard to keep the modern look of the grid wall consistent. I also chose to keep the baseboard white and paint the grid dark. This is a personal preference, so choose which way works best for you.

Once your bottom board is decided, measure and nail in your boards around the boarder of your wall – creating a frame. Make sure to use your level; don’t go off the wall or ceiling for accuracy, because often your walls will not be constructed at perfect 90-degree angles.

Step 4:

Once your frame is in place, you can install all of your vertical boards. Double check your spacing. I would recommend measuring each strip before you cut, as it could slightly vary if the wood itself is not perfectly straight or warped, which is very common. Once again, remember to confirm it is level! It will save you a lot of time and headache.

Step 5:

Now that all your vertical boards are in place, you can install the horizontal boards. Use the same precautions you did with the vertical boards.

Step 6:

Now that your grid is in place, it’s time to wood fill the seams and nail holes. Use a putty knife to apply. Allow the recommended drying time for the wood putty and then sand until smooth.

Step 7:

The final step to finishing your grid wall: paint! Before you paint, make sure to remove all dust from sanding. This will provide you a nice, clean paintable surface. Paint the grid and any touchups needed in the squares. I found that two coats of paint worked best for dark paint colors.

Here is the finished look of our DIY Board + Batten Grid Wall!

I hope you enjoy creating your own feature wall! Tag me on instagram [@bridgette.alexandra] with your feature wall photos!

The post Board + Batten Grid Wall appeared first on Bridgette Alexandra Blog.

For the first time, we actually have a dedicated guest room! My husband and I enjoy hosting/entertaining – but living in an apartment – that was never really a ‘comfortable’ option. So when purchasing our first home, we made sure to have a dedicated room for guests, especially since we moved halfway across the country (NY to MO)! It is important to us that our family and friends can come visit and have a comfortable, inviting space.

Taking trips over the years – whether it be to visit family or friends, renting an Air BnB, or staying in a hotel – I always tried to take note of things that made the trip more comfortable and cozy; things I wish I had readily available during my visit. So when we had a space for visitors, the basics would be covered and guests would feel like they had everything they needed.

So what are my top tips for making guests feel comfortable in your home?

A Decluttered Space

When your guests arrive, they should have a space to put their belongings without having to move yours out of the way. Leave the closet with some empty hangers and have spare hooks they can hang their coat, bag, or wet towels on. It helps to give a dedicated space for things; freeing up the floor space so your guests aren’t tripping over their belongings. 

If your room allows, try to have a dedicated workspace. Some visitors may have work obligations while visiting, or may just want a space to put their laptop, do their makeup etc.

We chose to convert our guest bedroom closet into a desk nook. The room is on the smaller side, so this gave us the room to have a dedicated workspace for our guests without adding more furniture to the room. It also serves as a spare workspace for me when my husband works from home.

Fresh Linens & Extra Towels

Make sure your bedding is clean and fresh. Whether you have pets that occasionally lay on the bed – or it just hasn’t been used in a while and is collecting dust – it needs a little freshening up. I recommend using a duvet cover for comforters so that you don’t have to wash bulky items every time you have company.

Another important item for bedding is having pillows of varying firmness, and extra blankets. Everyone likes something different, and many people opt to bring their own pillow while traveling. It’s nice to have different options on hand so that people can choose their comfort level.

I like having a stack of fresh towels and washcloths readily available for guests. That way our guests aren’t searching or having to ask for them. If they are placed in their rooms, they know it’s for their use. Some people feel uncomfortable having to ask for items, so the less they need to ask you for the better.

Extra Toiletries

We’re human. Most likely your guest is going to forget something while packing so it’s good to be prepared and have some extras on hand. A list of items I keep stocked in the guest bathroom…

Amenities: 

• Toothbrushes
• Toothpaste
• Floss
• Disposable razors
• Shampoo/Conditioner
• Body wash
• Lotion
• Contact Solution & Containers
• Ibuprofen
• Q-Tips
• Tissues
• Makeup wipes
• Feminine products

While it’s not absolutely necessary to provide these amenities for your guests, it’s nice to have a stock on hand and save your guests an impromptu drug store run. You’ll likely be buying these items anyway, so just buy in bulk and save.

Tech

• WIFI

One of the first things your guests will ask you upon arrival is “what’s your WIFI password?”. I created a durable display with our wifi login information, and framed it in the guest room for easy access.

• Chargers/Outlets

Your guests will need a place to charge their devices. Having accessible outlets available is helpful. We connected a power strip next to the desk nook for convenience, and universal phone chargers on the night stands in case they have forgotten theirs.

Hamper

How many times have you been traveling, and find yourself living out of a suitcase with no great place to store your dirty clothes? They typically end up balled up on the floor, draped over furniture – or worse – crumpled back in your suitcase with your clean clothes. Something I would have liked while traveling is a designated spot for dirty laundry, so why not put an empty hamper for your guests to use while staying with you? This gives them a place to put their belongings so that they are less likely to lose something kicked under the bed. The hamper is also a place for soiled towels used during their stay.

Fan or Noise Maker

Are you one of those “can’t sleep without a fan or background noise” people? My husband has to have a fan to sleep well, so anytime we travel and there is a fan in the room it’s a huge bonus! We currently have a small desk fan for the nightstand as an option for guests, but down the road I will also invest in a noisemaker of some sort. Possibly a combo noise maker/alarm clock.

Welcome Basket

Totally not necessary, but I love to do this one! It’s a favorite of mine when you stay at an AirBnB and they have a welcome basket of goodies (snacks, magazines, local attraction brochures, wine).

For my guests I like to create a little welcome basket tailored to them by picking up a few snacks/beverages I know they like, a book I’ve read I think they’ll enjoy, a couple magazines, and maybe a cute local gift to take home.

Mirror

Throughout our travels, I have found a lack of mirrors – except for the bathroom. It’s nice to have a mirror to check yourself before you leave your room in the morning. I typically have crazy bedhead, sleep lines and am generally a little disheveled and out of sorts in the morning. Definitely not a morning person over here! When your guests are getting ready, they will appreciate having a mirror to get dressed for the day.

Window Privacy

Options. I like options for window coverings. For our guest bedroom, we have an easy-to-use window shade (no cords) and drapes to adjust the level of light coming through your windows. Our guest bedroom faces the street, so it’s important to be able to cover the windows at night.

Task Lighting & Atmosphere

We have one ceiling light for the room for general lighting, and task lights on the night stands. If your guest wants to read or relax, they can have a more controlled light. When they are done using it, they don’t have to get out of bed to turn the light off. Isn’t it the worst when you get all comfy and warm under the blankets and then realize the light switch is all the way across the room?

Lighting plays a big role in the overall feeling of your room. Try creating an atmosphere that is cozy and inviting by bringing in different textures, plants, and appealing decor. For a breakdown of our guest room design, check out my blog post: Guest Room.

Your top priority for your guest room is making sure your guests feel comfortable and welcome! They will appreciate the little touches you add through the space. I promise!

The post Top Items For Your Guest Room appeared first on Bridgette Alexandra Blog.

Who doesn’t love a good accent wall? Our master bedroom is quite small, so I wanted to create an accent wall that would make a big impact without closing the space in. It took a few sketches before I settled on a design. The ceiling line is a little tricky so I had to stray from anything completely symmetrical.

The first thing I did was give the whole room a fresh coat of white paint. I used Sherwin Williams ‘Alabaster White’. Alabaster is a great soft white, that has a nice greige undertone to it that pairs well with everything. Painting first prepped my wall to start laying out the design.

[Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no cost additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Not all links are affiliate links and if I can no longer find the item I purchased I will try and link a similar item for you.]

Once you have a design mapped out for your wall here are the tools you’ll need:

Tools Needed:

• 1×2’s Select Pine Wood (you could use MDF or wood of your choice)
• Nail Gun
• Nails
• Sliding Bevel Gauge or Angle Finder Ruler
• Painters Tape
• Level
• Miter Saw
• Wood filler
• Putty knife
• Sand paper
• Paint
• Paintbrush + Roller
• Paint Roller
• Caulk (Paintable Silicone Caulk)
• Caulk Gun

Step 1:

Pick your starting point. For my design, I started with the one vertical piece of wood and used that as my guide to create the angles off of. Don’t forget to check and make sure it’s level before you nail it in! Once my vertical piece was in place I used painters tape to map out my first angle.

Once I was happy with the position of the tape, I marked it with a pencil on both ends, took it off the wall and laid it directly on my piece of wood, making sure to pull it tight and straight (it helps if you have two people) and then made my cuts using the miter saw.

Now you can get really technical and do all the math and figure out the angles (my husband and I started to do this at first, and it is very time consuming and we were more precise with the tape method). Never rely on the ceiling or the edge of a wall for measurements, they are seldom perfectly straight.

Step 2:

Once we had the first angled wood piece in place, we used our angle finder ruler to match the angle of all our other similar pieces so it was properly aligned.

Next, we had to decide how far we wanted our wood angled pieces spaced apart. Then we marked the measurement, checked the angle and attached the next few pieces until the left side of the vertical wood piece was complete.

Step 3:

Once we had the left side complete, the process started going faster since we were mirroring the angle from the left side to the right.

After all your pieces are in place apply wood filler to cover the nail holes and seams using a putty knife. I like to use a little extra to make sure the hole is filled in well. Then let the wood filler fully dry and sand until smooth.

Step 4:

After everything was sanded and cleaned up we were ready to paint! I used a paint brush to get all the edges and then used a roller to go over the whole wall one more time for a nice even coat.

Step 5:

Caulk! Once the paint dried it was easier to see any gaps that were left to fill. Caulk around any edges and smooth it out with your finger. If there is a significant gap between the wood and the wall, you can use a little caulking trick I learned…take some toilet paper in small amounts and stuff it in to fill the gap making sure its nice and tight and then you can caulk over it and you’ll never know!

Step 6:

Once I finished caulking, I touched up the few areas with paint to make sure everything blended nicely. The more complicated the design the longer it will take, but the impact it makes on the space is worth it! Our bedroom now feels so welcoming and cozy.

If you decide to try your own feature wall tag me on instagram [@bridgette.alexandra] , I would love to see what you come up with!

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