Home Projects

Before and After: A Clever “Wall Plus Headboard in One”

publishedJan 24, 2018
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(图片来源:Mas Means More)

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We featuredMalcolm’s epic small kitchen renovationearlier this week, but couldn’t resist sharing another DIY project from his condo. In less than a week (while being sick as a dog), he installed new wainscoting that transformed a second bedroom into a guest-ready retreat. Not only is it a subtle yet striking architectural statement, but no additional headboard is needed.

Malcolm Simmons of Mas Means Morehad been itching to redecorate his guest room since he bought his condo a year and a half ago. He wanted to make the most of the small but well-lit room and create an attractive spot for guests:

One of the primary ideas that I had for this room was to create some sort of focal wall behind the bed; something that would be dramatic but wouldn’t juxtapose too harshly against the muted aesthetic prevalent throughout most of the condo.

I think he totally nailed it! If something can be striking and subtle—and I firmly believe that it can—this is it. The results are wonderfully elegant, and that inky paint is the deep blue of my dreams. The paneling anchors the white bed against the white walls, while the combination of dark blue paint and dark rich wood floors is absolutely delicious. The leather pillow and luscious bedside table really help that combo pop.

Here you can see the focal wall mid-process, after the two styles of moulding were installed but before they were painted. The uppermost was chosen to match the lower moulding that came with the house, while the frames are made of a more delicate moulding that Malcolm mitered by hand. He then painted the whole thing while terribly sick—a move he does NOT recommend.

This project is so successful that it just may drive the headboard industry out of business.

Thank youMalcolm! Be sure to check out hiswainscoting post at Mas Means More, especially to see the concept renderings he used to design this project.