Master Bedroom Makeover: Before and After

by Randi Destefano

Randi Destefano, bathroom remodel, wall of
cabinets in master bedroom

I love finishing a client project, scheduling the photo shoot with my photographer, and then finally sharing it with the world.  In this master bedroom “before and after” story, the new cabinet wall almost makes you believe that modern is the new traditional.  Let’s take a look at the clients’ Design Dilemma and what we did to solve it.

Figure 1
Fireplace “mantle” was 24″ deep with an
abundance of molding details.

Figure 2
Cabinet details were too traditional for the homeowners, featuring dentil molding, rosettes, and flutes.

Figure 3 The heavily detailed soffits made the walls seem lower.

Design Dilemma:

My clients purchased this existing home and were never happy with the dental molding throughout the house.  With a preference for a sleek, modern look, replacing the traditional white bookcases adorned with flutes and rosettes was the number one change to be made.  The open shelves had become a clutter magnet, when what this couple really needed was more storage for clothing and linens.

Since the wet bar was never used, they also wanted this replaced with cabinetry.

What I noticed immediately in the space, and was anxious to change, was the soffit and cove built around the room.  Yes, it was used to house recessed can lighting, but it also made the ceilings seem lower.

Figure 4 Demo is finished! What to do with the fireplace?

What we did:

Randi Destefano, bathroom remodel, wall of cabinets in master bedroom

• The white traditional bookcases and bar were replaced by smooth, sleek Shaker doors (Decora Cabinetry; Sloan door/Bombay finish).
• Polished nickel tubular cabinet pulls in sizes proportionate to the cabinets were installed. (Richelieu)
• A new fireplace wall was constructed so that everything is pulled forward and flush.
• The lower section is stacked travertine.
• The black horizontal firebox has a flame strip inside and uses ethanol to burn.
• The homeowners wanted the fireplace to be high enough to see from the bed.
• A mantel was created from cabinet material.
• This same material was used to frame the new niche for the TV and equipment
• New carpeting was installed
• Paint colors were changed
• Recessed can lighting was added to the vaulted ceiling
• To stay with the contemporary feel, there is no crown molding around the room