In early December, a unique invitation landed in my inbox: a chance to take an exclusive, real-life tour of the HGTV Dream Home. This wasn’t just any home; it was a masterpiece of design, innovation, and comfort, situated in a breathtaking location. I documented my initial impressions and the overall awe-inspiring experience in a previous post, sharing glimpses of its grandeur and the meticulous attention to detail that makes these homes so coveted. However, during that extensive tour, one particular space captured my imagination more than any other, leaving a lasting impression that would soon inspire a significant change in my own home.
The room that resonated most deeply with me was a stunning bedroom located on the main floor. Its most striking feature was an expansive water view, a picturesque backdrop that immediately instilled a sense of peace and tranquility. Beyond the scenery, the interior design itself was captivating. I was drawn to the effortlessly casual mix of furnishings, which created an inviting and comfortable atmosphere. But what truly sealed its place in my memory was the soft, ethereal blue gracing the walls. This specific shade, Glidden Bastille Blue 90BG 64/101, felt like a breath of fresh air, perfectly complementing the natural beauty outside. I made a mental note, convinced that this soothing hue would be the ideal choice for the master bedroom in my new lake house, a space I envisioned as a personal sanctuary.
When my husband and I purchased our home by the lake, I knew from the outset that transforming the master bedroom would be a priority. While the house offered many wonderful features, the existing yellow walls in the master bedroom simply didn’t align with the serene, lakeside aesthetic I longed for. Yellow, though cheerful for some, felt out of place for a room meant for relaxation and rejuvenation, especially with those beautiful water views. It was clear that a fresh coat of paint was necessary to truly make the space feel like ‘us.’ With the inspiration from the HGTV Dream Home firmly in mind, I set out earlier this week to Walmart, eager to acquire the paint and embark on this exciting DIY project, determined to have the room painted and refreshed by the upcoming weekend.
The Power of Color: Transforming Your Space with Paint
Color is more than just a visual element; it’s a powerful tool that profoundly influences our mood, perception, and overall well-being within a space. This concept, often referred to as color psychology, played a crucial role in my decision to transform the master bedroom. The existing yellow, while bright, created a sense of unease for me. Yellow is often associated with energy and happiness, but in a bedroom, it can sometimes feel too stimulating, preventing the deep sense of calm required for rest. As a self-proclaimed “blue lover,” and someone deeply connected to water, blue has always evoked feelings of tranquility, stability, and serenity for me.
Choosing Glidden Bastille Blue wasn’t merely about aesthetics; it was about creating a haven. Blue hues are widely known for their calming effects, often reminiscent of the sky and the ocean, which aligns perfectly with our lake house setting. It helps to lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety, and promote a sense of peace – all ideal qualities for a master bedroom. This specific shade, inspired by the HGTV Dream Home, offered a sophisticated softness that felt both fresh and timeless. I firmly believe that the right color palette can either make or break how you feel in a room, and for our master bedroom, blue was the undeniable path to cultivating that much-desired sense of home and profound relaxation.
DIY Room Painting: Planning for a Seamless Makeover
Embarking on a painting project, especially one as significant as a master bedroom, requires more than just picking a color; it demands careful planning and execution. A common question I encounter is, “How long does it take to paint a room?” My personal experience suggests that if I am painting only the walls, I allocate at least two full days. This timeframe accounts for all necessary preparation, the actual painting process, and adequate drying time between coats. However, if the project involves painting the entire room – including walls, ceiling, and trim – then a more realistic estimate would be 3 to 4 days. This duration can vary significantly depending on the size of the room, the condition of the surfaces, and how much dedicated time one can devote to painting each day.
Preparation is key to a professional-looking finish. This often involves cleaning the walls, patching any holes or imperfections, sanding rough spots, and meticulously taping off trim, windows, and doors. These steps, though seemingly tedious, are crucial for ensuring the paint adheres properly and that clean lines are achieved. Gathering the right tools beforehand is also essential: quality brushes for cutting in, rollers with appropriate nap for smooth coverage, paint trays, drop cloths to protect flooring and furniture, and a reliable stepladder. Rushing through any of these stages can compromise the final outcome, making a seemingly quick project take longer due to touch-ups and corrections. My approach is always to prioritize thorough prep work, as it invariably saves time and frustration in the long run, ensuring a beautiful, lasting result.
For the walls, I had already secured the Bastille Blue in an eggshell finish. Eggshell is a fantastic choice for bedroom walls; it offers a subtle sheen that is more durable and washable than flat paint, yet still masks minor wall imperfections better than higher-gloss finishes. However, the trim and crown molding in the master bedroom had never been properly painted, only primed. For these elements, a different finish was crucial. I needed a durable, easy-to-clean paint that would provide a crisp contrast to the walls and stand up to wear and tear. Therefore, I opted for a semi-gloss white, which is ideal for trim, doors, and moldings due to its superior durability and ability to highlight architectural details with a slight sheen.
To ensure a cohesive look that echoed the sophisticated palette of the HGTV Dream Home, I chose Glidden’s Grab N’ Go paint. This line is incredibly convenient as it comes premixed in a curated variety of popular colors, eliminating the need for custom tinting and offering immediate availability. For the trim and crown molding, I selected White 98YY 82/022 in a semi-gloss finish – a color prominently featured in the HGTV Dream Home itself. Its clean, bright tone provides the perfect counterpoint to the soft blue walls, creating a fresh and elegant backdrop.
It’s worth noting that if you’re looking for this specific white but prefer to have it custom-mixed in other formulas of Glidden paint, the color is often referred to as ‘Swan White.’ This flexibility allows homeowners to achieve the designer look of the HGTV Dream Home regardless of their preferred paint line. The comprehensive palette used throughout the HGTV Dream Home truly inspired my choices, offering a harmonious blend of modern sophistication and coastal comfort. The Bastille Blue chip, proudly displayed at the top of the color swatch, served as a constant reminder of the serenity I aimed to bring into my own bedroom, ensuring that every brushstroke contributed to the dream home aesthetic I so admired.
The transformation was nothing short of remarkable. Previously, the yellow room had evoked a distinct sense of unease, a feeling that never quite settled right with me. I am a staunch believer in the power of color therapy, convinced that the shades surrounding us can profoundly impact our emotional state and overall well-being. For me, navigating a space painted in a color that jarred my senses was simply not conducive to relaxation. As a fervent lover of all things blue, I knew instinctively that the only way to truly make the master bedroom feel like my sanctuary was to infuse it with this calming hue. It may have something to do with my inherent water-loving nature and the constant draw I feel towards lakes and oceans, but I know for a fact that color affects me immensely!
AFTER: A Breath of Fresh Blue Air
I am now doing a happy dance, celebrating the fact that the jarring yellow is finally history! The room feels immeasurably better, exuding a sense of peace and serenity that was entirely absent before. The Glidden Bastille Blue has worked its magic, transforming the space into the tranquil retreat I had envisioned. While the paint job marks a significant milestone, I acknowledge that the room still needs plenty of updating to truly complete its transformation. Future plans include new flooring to anchor the space, a sleek white ceiling fan for both comfort and aesthetics, and elegant drapes that will frame the lake view beautifully while providing privacy. Many other smaller details will also be addressed to enhance its charm and functionality.
Despite these pending projects, the immediate impact of the paint is profound. When I step into this room, which is conveniently located right off the main entrance of the house, I finally feel a deep sense of ‘home.’ It’s incredible how a single color change can alter the entire ambiance and my personal connection to a space. The soothing blue provides the perfect foundation, and I’m excited to continue layering in textures, finishes, and personal touches to complete this master bedroom makeover. For those who are curious about how this blue and white bedroom has evolved since this initial painting project, I’ve documented further updates. You can see the next phase of its transformation, including a detailed look at how I tackled wallpaper around moldings, ceilings, and corners, in a dedicated post about our Master Bedroom Makeover.
Our master bedroom is quite a long room, benefiting from an abundance of natural light, particularly in the half closest to the sliding doors that open out to the picturesque lake. This elongated layout presents both design opportunities and challenges, allowing for distinct zones within the single space. The vibrant natural light that floods this area creates an invigorating atmosphere, making it a truly pleasant spot to begin and end the day. It’s a constant reminder of the beautiful surroundings that make our lake house so special, seamlessly blending indoor comfort with outdoor splendor.
Interestingly, the area of the room bathed in sunlight and closest to the lake was once an open porch. It was later walled-in to expand the bedroom, adding valuable square footage. We are currently in the process of transforming this specific part of the room into Ed’s home office. This allows us to maximize the stunning lake view, providing an inspiring backdrop for work, while keeping the main sleeping area a dedicated serene zone. This creative repurposing of space is a testament to adapting a home to fit evolving needs and lifestyles, especially when balancing personal sanctuaries with functional workspaces.
While this section of the room will eventually receive a fresh coat of paint to define Ed’s office space, I’m particularly fond of the beadboard ceiling already present in this area. Its charming texture and classic appeal add an undeniable cottage aesthetic that perfectly complements the lake house vibe. I often wish this beautiful beadboard was on all the ceilings throughout our home, instead of the standard popcorn texture. It’s a detail that adds character and warmth, a small architectural feature that makes a big difference in the overall feel of the room. For an update on another textural element within our home, you can see how the brick walls look after being painted, another transformation that greatly enhanced the space.
Speaking of repurposing and finding new life for beloved pieces, remember that elegant mantel that once graced the dining room of my previous house? It holds sentimental value, and we truly love its classic design. However, without a dedicated dining room in our current lake house, we faced the delightful challenge of finding a new home for it. Ingenuity prevailed, and it has now been beautifully repurposed to serve as a stylish and functional backdrop for a TV in our master bedroom. This creative solution not only preserves a cherished item but also adds a touch of architectural interest and a focal point to the room. It’s a wonderful example of how adaptable cherished pieces can be, integrating seamlessly into new spaces with a little imagination.
Do you have a room in your home that’s been begging for a fresh look, a space you’ve been dreaming of refreshing with just the right coat of paint? Painting is one of the most impactful and cost-effective ways to revitalize a room, setting the foundation for your personal style and comfort. I hope my journey from HGTV inspiration to a serene blue sanctuary has encouraged you to consider the transformative power of color. If you’re pondering your own paint project, remember the joy and impact a thoughtful color choice can bring. Feel free to share your paint project ideas and dreams in the comments below – I’d love to hear about them!
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