The Bachelorette Pad: It’s Coming Together
by habituallychic
01 . 22 . 09
I spent most of yesterday and today at The Bachelorette Pad and we’re definitely making progress. The bedroom is almost finished and is turning out to be my favorite room! The draperies have been hung and steamed and the headboard was attached so it’s coming together. We just need to purchase the lamps for the bedside tables and finalize the art and then it will be done.
You can see better in this photo how the stripes of the draperies from Restoration Hardware pickup the colors of the rug from Pottery Barn. The Bachelorette said her friend thought the rug was custom and is excited that everyone does look custom even though so far, everything was purchased at retail stores or online. Some of the things that we have done would have been outrageously expensive if they had been custom so it is possible to get the look for less.
The Bachelorette has a very large family and I thought one of her nieces made the picture of the bunnies so I decided to hang it above the television. Not everything has to be serious when you decorate and The Bachelorette said that it makes her smile every time she looks at it, especially since she painted it when she was a child! So cute! 
You can see in this before photo that the draperies really do make a difference and finish the design.
I just placed the embroidery that was made by her grandmother to see if it will work in the room. I will leave it up to The Bachelorette to decide if she would like it hung above the bed or in the living room. It would add some new colors to the room and I might think about adding a patterned boudoir pillow for a little more color. The lamps will also finish off the room.
I hung a few more pieces of artwork in the living room and sat her old mirror on top of the bookcase. Obviously, the wall is still unfinished. A reader suggested sconces which might be a good option or maybe there are some other artwork that could work on this wall. I also found some great fabric from Carelton V called Wykeham in Citrus (2800-14) that would make perfect throw pillows for the sofa.
I always joke that you need a degree in mathematics to hang artwork. Do you know why gallery walls of art are so popular? It’s because you can hammer in a nail, hang up a painting and call it a day. No measuring is required for a gallery wall but you need to get out a pad of paper and pencil if you plan to hang art so it’s evenly spaced and properly hung. (They look a little crooked here but it’s because the photo is crooked. I need to invest in a tripod!) I think the middle two works might have to be moved up after depending on what lamp is chosen for the desk but for now they are staying put where they are. The desk also needs a few accessories so this area still needs a little work, as does the entry which is why there aren’t any photos of it yet. 
We are still discussing painting the kitchen in the darker color. The quote from the painter was a little high for such a small room so I offered to paint it myself but I’m not sure if that’s such a great idea, especially if we decide to paint the ceiling. The kitchen is right off the entry and only has half walls to separate it so it might disappear more if it is dark. It’s a tough call. It also needs a new light fixture which is on the list so don’t worry. I wouldn’t leave her with exposed light bulbs!It’s a nice feeling to see the place really coming together after so much planning and preparation. The Bachelorette is away until tomorrow on business and I know she is very excited to come home and see it. I would be excited to come home too if I had a bedroom that beautiful!
53 Comments
Hi Heather…how about a really fun wallpaper on the back wall of the kitchen and a great tile, glass tile, or tin backsplash? Or if you leave it white invest in some colorful counter top appliances, kettle etc to jazz it all up.
i think it’s coming along beautifully! just goes to show that you don’t need to buy all new furniture and accessories to make your space over. I personally love the idea of a dark kitchen or perhaps a great wall paper on the back wall/and backsplash.
This looks great! She will love her bedroom. A sisal runner, some color or tile and a fun light fixture will make a big difference in the kitchen. Looking forward to seeing it!
Mary – The more I look at the kitchen photo, the more I want to paint it dark. We discussed wallpaper for the entry but not kitchen. That might be an interesting idea.
Kay – We barely bought any new furniture, just accessories and then we moved a lot of the exisiting pieces around. I really love her family pieces so it’s nice to be able to display them for her.
Laura – I would love a painting or mirror on the back kitchen wall which is what I suggested to her when I made her take down the old spice rack. It does need a little color.
WOW! The bedroom looks so inviting, restful and beautiful! You have outdone yourself – this is a DIY dream! I also love the placement of the artwork over the desk area as well as the motif – looks like the apartment is really coming together.
I see some are offering suggestions for the kitchen – so here are my ten cents – besides a hanging lighting fixture to dispurse the light further down, get those cheap under-the-counter hockey puck halogen lights for under the counters. You can install them yourself – drill holes in the bottom of the cabinets to run the wires through the cabinets and either connect to a plug in outlet or hire an electrician to wire to a switch. The room looks dark so dark walls may photograph well but in daily use- it may not be so practical. How about a satin acrylic finish paint from Eurolux (FPE) and paint a bold wide stripe(s) width wise – it’ll make the room appear wider. Place a mirror somewhere too – maybe even on a cabinet door and if flooring is an option – lay it diagonally to give the appearance of a wider space. Get an under-the-sink garbage bag/can from The Container Store – I think they go for less than $20. Lastly, place a vibrant vase with flowers on top of the refrigerator with perhaps some candles & audio equipment (radio/mp3/CD player) – it adds ambiance to the space – not necessarily the photos. You really have a wonderful ‘blank’ slate to work with here. I’m so looking forward to see what you do with it. Keep up the great work – this blog entry is so inspiring. – KBN
I say wait until I am in NY in March and I will spend the day painting the kitchen with you!
Great start Heather! I can see that you have done alot already. I look forward to the final “reveal”! It is fun when you are the one in charge isn’t it? (vs. working for design firm.) Wishing you all the best with your independent endeavors!!!!:)
It’s looking really beautiful! I think the embroidery over the bed is a pretty, homey touch.
Love the blog and coming along swell.
If I can offer up my two cents, the wall where her desk in feels very imposing on the little monitor, have you thought about flipping the art work from the sofa to the desk and vice versa?
I think if you take the two large pictures and hang them by them selves above the sofa that would replicate your composition of pairs from the chairs on both sides of the rooms.
Then I would take the smaller pictures that were above the sofa and the two that exist now above the desk and create a grid right up to the ceiling – similar to Nancy Reagans office on Dominomag.com right now.
Oh and when you go to hang those pictures, here’s a helpful tip: use painters tape as spacers, create a grid using the tape and a level, then create on template for the nail hole hammer away and voila – done and perfect.
Good Luck – btw the bachelor pad is great! any changes there since your party?
Oh and one other thought – the linens in the bedroom are screaming for a monogram – similar to leontine lines style. Just a thought –
It’s looking great! How fantastic that you found drapes and a rug that worked and such reasonable prices. Personally, I would probably ditch the pelmets in the bedroom, it might make the room feel a bit lighter if they were replaced with a decorative rod. But, that’s just a personal thing. It already looks amazing!
kudos! it looks great. Love the drapery (or is it curtains?).
you absolutely MUST paint he kitchen a great dark color. it would look fabulous against all that white. Think Billy Baldwin’s apartment. I would suggest trying to find someone to paint. Perhaps Craigslist?
Also I like the suggestion above about a sisal runner or something similar to break up the tile.
Yay! What great progress y’all are making. and, yes, the bedroom is looking quite yummy and restful.
I think I’m in agreement about painting the kitchen a darker colour. but, and I speak from experience, painting kitchens can be a monstrous job. But, the darker colour, and hmmmm, maybe a sexy little chandelier , would help make the space better.
kudos on the great work.
It is looking FANTASTIC! I can’t wait to see the finished living room and what you decide to do with the kitchen. I love the idea of painting it dark -very glam! That bedroom is just so cozy too, I think she should continue with all the family pieces in the bedroom and hang her grandmother’s embroidery above the bed, her own little family museum!
Paint the kitchen black.
hi heather – my comment may have been misunderstood, my bad. i meant to say that what you’ve done, by reusing her items shows others that you don’t have to buy all new stuff to get a new look. i didn’t mean to imply that you bought all new furniture and accessories.
great job! can’t wait to see what you decide with the kitchen 🙂
The bedroom is coming along nicely. Great work!
things are looking good, so can’t wait to see it progress.
yes to dark kitchen!
This project is coming along so nicely and I love the artwork above the bed! Can’t wait to see the final shots.
Beautifully transformed. Can’t wait to hear more. Kathi
it’s cozy , it’s pretty , it’s classy . no need for more! it’s perfect congrat
i completely agree with the above comment…dark paint would look dynamite in the kitchen! maybe a dark dark (high gloss or semi gloss??) blue? we did a bathroom in dark blue and i couldn’t be happier with it…makes all the white (trim, marble, etc.) look SOO good! and maybe an old chandelier for the light? (EBAY!!!) you know i think you can even paint the fridge door too so it blends in..without having to buy a new one! just a thought…i’m sure whatever you do will look fabulous!
Love the colors in the bedroom – it looks so serene. And I think her grandmother’s embroidery looks wonderful there. As for the crooked photo… iPhoto software allows you to straighten, brighten and color correct your photos. I use it all the time and it works wonders!
Looks like a nice environ to come home to after a hectic day. You have done a wonderful job of achieving a calm order to this apartment.
It reminds me of my old NY City apartment, that kitchen, painting it in a “bosc pear” brown color with sisal and hanging a collection of cutting boards or one large framed piece would be nice. A curtain to close it off would also be chic. My kitchen had louvered doors to close when entertaining.
It is all lovely! The bedroom is my favorite. Would you mind sharing your source for the bedside tables?
very pretty! and a major improvement! i also second a dramatic kitchen – either with dark paint or wallpaper. my kitchen is navy and it makes those white cabinets pop.
It’s looking great! I imagine that she will love everything about it!
That bedroom is going to be a dream! I love it so far!!
I say paint that kitchen – go for it. I love little “jewel box” rooms.
That bedroom looks so lush! The draperies do really give it a luxurious, soft feel. I’ve been seeing some really cool glossy materials being used in backsplashes lately…like a colored plastic almost? Maybe a punch of some intense color like red or kelly green or orange or something?
Before I read the whole post, I saw the photo of the draperies and just assumed they were custom… they look great for something that came out of a plastic bag at a store! Do you ever specify custom draperies? I am looking for a good source for a fabricator in NYC and wondering if you have any recommendations.
It looks wonderful.. I love the bedroom and if she does decide to leave the embroidery in there I think it would be fantastic.. You said it brought more color and I completely agree.. Red is the first color that came to mind.. tiny splashes here and there of red.. against the light blue/neutral colors the red I feel would be unexpected and wonderful! 🙂 I love the bunny art in her bedroom… My favorite piece of artwork in one my daughter painted for me.. butterflies and bumblebees in the rain.. I have it framed and I cherish it.. The kitchen.. GO FOR IT! The dark paint..even on the ceilings… I think with the white cabinets, etc it will not shrink the room… Ecspecially if the light fixture is one in bright white! I love the personal touches your adding.. the old mirror, the bunny art, etc.. You are doing a wonderful job and you should be proud of your work. I wouldn’t change a thing!
Jolena
KBN – Thanks for all the great suggestions! I am going to see what the bachelorette wants to do. I had thought about putting the garbage can underneath but in nyc, you don’t want to encourage any “visitors” if you know what I mean!
Grant – you are too sweet! I could never let you get black paint in your fabulous blonde hair!
Katie – it’s so much better! But it’s definitely hard work!
Amica – I have a feeling the embroidery will stay above the bed. It looks perfect there.
Dickie – thanks for the ideas. I think the problem with the desk area is that there is no lamp or accessories yet. It needs some items for height and interest. Then I think the art will work better. I love your painters tape trick for hanging art! I will definitely try that next time!
Suzy – the valances were already in the apartment and match the one in the living room so they are staying.
Haute Decor – the more I look at the photo, the more I think it needs to be painted. We’ll have to figure something out. My only concern about sisal in the kitchen is crumbs. But I guess she could shake it out every week.
Tartanscot – I hadn’t thought about a chandelier. There is one in the entry so it might be too much but I’ll see if it would work. It does need painted.
Stefan/Architect Design – she has really wonderful family pieces and I love using them!
Style Redux – that seems to be the consensus!
Kay – no worries.
Dwellings and Decor – thanks!
Maison21 – I think the dark will look really glam like you!
Two Tall Girls and Kathi and Zelda – thank you!
Beulah – We were thinking Benjamin Moore Soot since it’s a dark blue/black.
Laura – thanks for the sugestion. I have a PC but iphoto is another reason to get a Mac!
PVE – I wish this place had little doors. It’s off to the left when you walk in so you see the whole kitchen. I like the idea of brown too. Ron Marvin had a fab brown kitchen that I loved!
Laura T – the bachelorette picked out the bedside tables and I think they are Pottery Barn too. I will doublecheck.
Laurie R – I will have to look for wallpaper options too. There is one from Farrow and Ball that I love that might look nice if it comes in navy and white.
The Vintage Chair – I can’t wait until she gets home and can see it in person!
The Stamford Wife – I wish I had a room I could paint dark grey or black. It’s so dramtic yet simple.
Laura – I like the idea of bright colors but since it’s open to the rest of the apartment, the won’t go with everything else. I think the dark paint is the best option.
Cathy – feel free to email me for more suggestions but my new upholsterer who also does draperies is Matthew who owns The Furniture Joint in NYC. I can give you his info later. I love the plastic bag comment. They really are very well made and beautiful! Restoration Hardware has great quality!
Thanks Jolena! It’s been a very fun project!
Love the desk area! I think the artwork looks absolutely perfect there! I would not move the larger ones. The symmetry in that photo is perfection!! 🙂
I’m really excited about the kitchen, can’t wait to see what you end up doing. A dark color could look really fantastic. I think it should be as matte as possible.
Heather – I envision a soft yellow in the kitchen with a colorful print on the wall. I might be related to a great photographer, whose photo “Strike” would be perfect for a kitchen.
he is young, broke and itchin
http://www.flickr.com/photos/pmoo/3006726465/in/set-72157608692525448/
:^)
Really nice job on the scale of those works over the desk! There is a dark kitchen on Joni’s recent kitchen post that you’ve probably already seen. Dark seems like a great idea for that little space. It will add a bit of drama as well.
That bedroom is really beautiful. The drapes are a wonderful touch. You really have a lovely eye. Thanks again to you and The Bachelorette for sharing!
I love the way it’s turning out…I think that the embroidery should stay over the bed. It’s a perfect size and looks fabulous.
I love the bedroom! What color are the walls?
The bedroom looks great! I think the embroidery piece would look fantastic hung over the bed with a small patterned pillow to pull in the colors. And I love, love, love the look of the nightstands!
Beautiful Living – thanks! I spent a long time putting those pictures up on that wall so I appreciate that you like them. Usually, in a kitchen you use semi-gloss paint so it’s easy to wash so I don’t know how matte would hold up. I’ll have to think about that.
Susan – thanks for the suggestion. The wall is very small so there isn’t much room for anything but I will look on your son’s site just in case.
Ms. Wis – that wall looked very empty until I put up those pieces. I think they definitely helped. I have been researching lots of dark kitchens so I’m going to have to do a full post on them soon!
Thanks Alice Olive! Hope you are surviving winter in Chicago!
Jill – It’s exactly the same length as the headboard so it will probably stay. It fits perfectly!
Be Still My Heart – the bedroom walls are Benjamin Moore Harbor Haze (2136-60) and the ceiling is Whispering Spring (2136-70).
Anonymous – the bed does need a little more color. She also has some old silk scarves that we might have framed to hang on the other side wall for more color. The mirrored nightstands add a lot of glamour!
About a sisal for the kitchen–I have an indoor/outdoor rug from Ballard in my kitchen–it ooks great and it’s indestructible (3 kids, 2 dogs!).
I just saw that someone suggested a matte finish paint in the kitchen…have you tried BM’s Aura paint yet? It’s completely washable and they offer it in a matte finish. I love it and can tell you first hand that it IS washable.
I vote yes on BM Soot in the kitchen. Reminds me of the apartment Julianne Moore decorated in Domino (minus the weird carpet tiles). I also love the idea of a chandelier in there. Another reader suggested monograms on the bedroom shams and I think that would look great too. All in all, this is coming together so well! It’s really inspiring to see an affordable but lovely transformation. Thank you!
beautiful! i love the framed bunnies in the bedroom-fun touch!
I love the way that this is turning out! I am particularly impressed with the artwork that’s shown off here – everything from the bunny drawing to the embroidery to the gallery wall. Great examples of how different types of art can compliment each room!
I think there’s lots of potential with that kitchen being that it’s white on white. I would paint that kitchen the same colour as the sofa to create flow, you would always have the light on in that kitchen anytime you were in there anyways so a dark colour is perfect. A light colour will never come to life in a dark room so you are on the right track with adding drama in there!
Lovely. It’s generous of you and the bachelorette to share these images; if you lived in my town, I’d hire you in a heartbeat.
The blinds in the bedroom: are they fabric? grasscloth? custom or off the shelf?
Thanks!
I love everything so far! I hope the bachelorette keeps her Grandmother’s embroidery in the bedroom above the bed. I reallly like the idea of introducing a few of the colors as pillows for the bed. The colors are little more intense, but seem to work beautifully with the draperies, rug and wall color. I agree re: sconces for the living room and can’t wait to see the reveal in the office/desk area..By the way..you hung those pictures like a pro!!! The kitchen…mmmm…i don’t know about a really dark color in there…is there an inexpensive way to lighten up the grout in the tile? or maybe a really nice runner in there would be nice to soften that floor and then pull a color out of it..?? I think really dark would be a gamble….Can’t wait to see what you gals come up with!
Heather, great job with the Bachelorette’s apartment! I am in love with the rug in the bedroom from Pottery Barn….it is lovely. I will have to check that out for myself. Can’t wait to see everything completed especially the kitchen!
It is so entertaining to watch the progress. I love the look of the drapes (curtains, whatever). And, I love the crispness of the white linens. Someone mentioned monogrammed pillows; that would look fabulous. I’m sure the bachelorette is loving it. Will be looking forward to new pics.
Why not wallpaper the fridge? Use rubber cement and it’s easy to take off later. It’s a touch that’s really unusual and doesn’t have as much commitment as a wall.