A Master Bedroom Transformed: A Surprise Design Makeover by Hamilton Gardner Interiors & Cohesive Randomness
Happy Monday, design enthusiasts! Today marks the exciting culmination of months of meticulous planning, creative collaboration, and a whirlwind weekend of dedicated work. My esteemed design partner, Carmeon, and I are thrilled to finally pull back the curtain and reveal the spectacular results of our surprise room makeover giveaway. For those who have been following our journey on Instagram, you’ve witnessed the daily unfoldings of this incredible transformation. We’ve been inundated with questions about the process, the decisions, and the finished look, so today, Carmeon and I are each diving deep into the details of how we brought this dream space to life.
The Genesis of a Dream Project: How It All Began
To truly appreciate this project, we must journey back to its origins. Last summer, Carmeon visited me in Sacramento for a few days, and amidst our friendship and shared passion for design, we found ourselves brainstorming ways to collaborate on a meaningful project. At the core of our discussion was a desire to create something genuinely fun while simultaneously giving back to our incredible community of readers and followers, whose daily support means the world to us. We frequently receive messages and comments expressing sentiments like, “I wish you could come and help me with my room/space/home/life!” This recurring theme sparked an idea: “Why don’t we just do that?” And so, the concept of hosting a design giveaway was born, offering one fortunate individual a complete room makeover by both of us.
Crafting the Giveaway: Rules and Expectations
To ensure fairness and feasibility, we established a set of straightforward rules for participation. Firstly, the prospective winner needed to reside in or within a one-hour drive of Memphis, TN, allowing us to be physically present for the transformation. Secondly, entrants were required to send us an email accompanied by photos, clearly articulating which space they wished for us to tackle and, crucially, why it held significance for them. This helped us understand their needs and aspirations. Thirdly, the chosen winner would be responsible for providing a monetary budget dedicated to the space’s transformation, covering materials and furnishings. Finally, to make the opportunity as inclusive as possible, both homeowners and renters were warmly welcomed to enter, understanding that beautiful design should be accessible to all.
Meeting Meghan & Ronnie: Our Chosen Couple
The response to our giveaway was overwhelming, with numerous heartfelt entries flooding our inboxes. After careful consideration, we ultimately selected Meghan and Ronnie, a delightful newlywed couple—just one month into their marriage—who had recently moved into their new home. They had poured their energy into addressing every other room, only to find themselves running out of steam when it came to their master bedroom. This vital sanctuary, meant for rest and rejuvenation, had become an overlooked space, yearning for our touch. Their story resonated with us, making them the perfect candidates for this special project.
The Transformation Journey: From Blank Slate to Dream Retreat
With Meghan and Ronnie chosen, the real work began. I booked my flight to Tennessee, and Carmeon and I immediately immersed ourselves in crafting a bespoke design plan tailored to their needs and desires. Our strategy was clear: we would arrive, politely “evict” them for the weekend, and work tirelessly to bring their dream bedroom to life. The aim was to create not just a room, but a personalized retreat they could cherish for years to come.
Before: Awaiting Inspiration
Let’s set the scene with the “before” images they submitted for the contest entry. These photos offer a candid glimpse into the room’s original state, a blank canvas awaiting its transformation. The space, while functional, lacked personality and the cohesive design elements that would truly make it a master bedroom oasis. It was clear that with thoughtful design and strategic choices, this room held immense potential to become something extraordinary.
Client Vision & Design Directives
As Carmeon and I delved into the design plan, we carefully considered Meghan and Ronnie’s specific requests, which were pivotal in guiding our creative direction. Firstly, despite the room having two closets, Meghan expressed a clear need for additional storage solutions for her extensive shoe and clothing collection. This immediately highlighted functionality as a key priority. Secondly, they envisioned a space that felt light, bright, and airy, explicitly requesting that we avoid darker or overly saturated colors, a directive we respected while still aiming for character. Thirdly, the existing ceiling fan was a non-negotiable item, requiring us to integrate it seamlessly into the new design. Lastly, due to their beloved cats and a personal preference, they specifically requested no live plants in the space. With these essential requirements, coupled with their allocated budget, our mission was to craft a master bedroom that was not only aesthetically beautiful but also perfectly tailored to their functional needs and personal style.
The Blank Canvas: Right Before the Transformation
These additional “before” images capture the room just as we began our work, reinforcing the idea of a truly blank slate. The walls stood unadorned, the floor clear, providing us with the ultimate freedom to reimagine and redefine the space. This was the moment where our vision, combined with Meghan and Ronnie’s aspirations, began to take tangible form.
The Grand Reveal: A Masterpiece Unveiled
After days of intensive work, fueled by creativity and a shared vision, the transformation was complete. The room now stood as a testament to thoughtful design, personal touches, and the magic that happens when designers collaborate. The once-bare walls and uninspired layout gave way to a serene, stylish, and deeply personal master bedroom retreat. Every element, from the wall color to the carefully curated art, contributed to an atmosphere of calm and sophisticated comfort that perfectly reflected Meghan and Ronnie’s evolving style.
The Art of Color: Benjamin Moore Kentucky Haze
Perhaps the most significant and challenging design decision we faced was selecting the perfect wall color. Both Carmeon and I are typically drawn to bold, statement-making hues in our own design philosophies. However, Meghan and Ronnie’s entire home featured a consistent palette of white walls, which we had to consider. They were open to us introducing color into the bedroom, but it was crucial to get it just right—a color that would feel harmonious with the rest of their home while still establishing the bedroom as its own distinct space. Drawing inspiration from the subtle undertones found in other rooms, we ultimately decided on Benjamin Moore’s Kentucky Haze. This beautiful blue boasts a warm undertone that prevents it from feeling overpowering, instead allowing it to read as a sophisticated neutral. It provides a calming backdrop that enables their personal art collection and other curated pieces to truly pop and make a statement. We are absolutely enamored with how it transformed the atmosphere of the room, and Ronnie, in particular, was so inspired by the color that it has encouraged them to consider introducing more color into other areas of their home—a true testament to its success!
Personal Touches: Integrating Art & Personality
Speaking of art, we were genuinely astonished by the amazing, extensive, and eclectic collection Meghan and Ronnie possessed! Their home revealed a treasure trove of pieces discovered during vintage shopping excursions, cherished souvenirs from their travels, and even unique creations crafted by their own hands. Once we unearthed this incredible collection, it became a non-negotiable design principle to incorporate several of their existing pieces into the master bedroom. This ensured the space felt deeply personal and authentically “them,” rather than simply a designer’s vision imposed upon their home.
Among their remarkable finds were these exquisite watercolor paintings, precious mementos brought back from their honeymoon in Europe. We instantly knew these had to be featured prominently. Simple, elegant frames from Target proved to be the perfect choice for displaying them, and serendipitously, these frames happened to include every color we used within the space, creating a beautiful, cohesive visual narrative. We also integrated fantastic vintage black and white prints they owned, which depicted aerial captures of Memphis from the 1950s, adding a touch of local history and personal nostalgia.
The only new piece of art we introduced, complementing their existing collection, was the vibrant cactus print from Minted. This piece was a strategic choice.
Given Meghan and Ronnie’s request for no live plants—a slight deviation from Carmeon’s and my “crazy plant lady” tendencies—we needed an alternative way to infuse natural life and vibrancy into the room. The oversized cactus print achieved this beautifully, offering a unique, non-traditional burst of greenery without any maintenance. We embraced a bold and unexpected approach by selecting an exceptionally large print and framing it in natural wood. This choice created a striking contrast against the darker frames of their other art pieces, adding depth and visual interest while respecting their preferences.
Illuminating Style: Mid-Century Modern Lighting
Throughout their home, Meghan and Ronnie exhibit a distinct appreciation for Mid-century and vintage design, with much of their furniture and accessories either nodding to or being authentic pieces from that era. We were keen to weave this aesthetic into the master bedroom, creating a cohesive flow with the rest of their residence. When it came to lighting, we opted for a mix of styles to add dynamic interest. Discovering these fantastic brass hanging pendant lights at Target was a pivotal moment; we instantly knew they were perfect for the space.
Their elegant brass finish and distinctive shape infuse the room with undeniable mid-century charm, while their contemporary application as bedside lighting, in lieu of traditional table lamps, feels fresh and modern. This choice not only saves valuable surface space on nightstands but also adds an architectural element to the room. On the opposite side of the room, we selected a lamp featuring a clear glass base with a more feminine silhouette. This provided a beautiful counterpoint to the more angular pendants, adding a soft, diffused glow and contributing to the room’s layered lighting scheme.
Window Treatments: Simple Elegance
For the window coverings, our goal was to achieve a look of simple elegance and functionality. We opted for the highly versatile RITVA curtain panels from Ikea, known for their clean lines and crisp appearance. These were paired with the robust STORSLAGEN hardware, ensuring durability and a polished finish. I’ve even shared a clever trick on my Instagram, demonstrating how to install these incredibly affordable panels in a way that makes them appear significantly more expensive than they actually are—a secret weapon for achieving high-end looks on a budget!
The Final Flourish: A Space That Feels Like Home
Our overarching aim for the room’s style was to evoke a sense of freshness, calm, and profound personalization. We wanted Meghan and Ronnie to walk into their new bedroom and feel an immediate connection, as if they had designed every detail themselves. It was vital that the space didn’t feel like a disconnected insertion into their home, but rather a seamless extension that harmonized with the character of their other rooms. Their appreciation for a thoughtful blend of old and new guided us, and we diligently layered in both vintage finds and contemporary pieces, ensuring the room felt rich with history and modern comfort. Every detail was carefully considered, culminating in a truly beautiful and cohesive space that Meghan and Ronnie absolutely adore.
The Power of Trust: A Designer’s Reward
Working with clients who are deeply involved in every step of the design process—providing input, approving details, and collaborating on a shared vision—is a rewarding experience in itself. However, it’s an entirely different dynamic when clients completely relinquish control, entrust you with their budget, and place their absolute faith in your vision to create something truly special, without any direct input on the design choices. This is precisely what Meghan and Ronnie did. They placed their deepest trust in Carmeon and me to transform the most personal space in their home into a sanctuary that would resonate with their souls. We are profoundly grateful and incredibly proud that we were able to deliver on that trust and create a space they will cherish.
Explore More: Behind the Scenes & Detailed Insights
Our two-and-a-half days in Memphis were undeniably busy, but they were also incredibly rewarding and fun! We documented the entire process, sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses and a video reveal of the finished space in our Instagram highlights. We highly encourage you to stop by and take a look for an even deeper dive into the transformation. Now, be sure to hop over to Carmeon’s blog for her unique perspective! She’s dishing on all the intricate changes we made to the layout of the space, revealing detailed insights into the flooring choices, sharing exactly where we sourced all the incredible furniture pieces, and explaining our ingenious solutions for addressing Meghan and Ronnie’s essential storage needs. It’s a comprehensive look at how every challenge was met with creative design.
Until next time, friends, may your spaces be filled with inspiration and joy!
*A heartfelt thank you to Minted for generously providing the stunning art piece that added such a unique touch to this remarkable project.