Refreshing an entire room can feel overwhelming and expensive, so I like to start small. Updating a single corner often feels manageable and gives an immediate sense of accomplishment while other projects are pending.
This bedroom corner has evolved in a few simple steps, and even though it’s not finished, I wanted to share the progress. Small changes can be surprisingly satisfying and can inspire additional updates over time.
We recently added blue chambray checked curtains to the bedroom, and that bold choice gave the whole space a fresh personality. I’m so glad I didn’t play it safe with a neutral pattern — the curtains set the tone and made it easier to choose complementary pieces like the acrylic and brass curtain rod.
I’ve always loved this room and its view, but committing to a stronger pattern helped me lean into a style that truly feels like home. Once the curtains were up, I felt freer to continue and hang art that I love.
The bird prints I used were purchased years ago for our previous home and never displayed. They felt right for this coastal area and helped reinforce the room’s relaxed, seaside vibe. I chose simple brass frames to echo the brass details on the curtain rod, tying the corner together with a warm metallic accent.
My husband hung the prints to make sure they were level — something I might have eyeballed — and we decided to display four of the six prints from the set. I may add another nearby later, but for now these four feel balanced in the space.
The upholstered chair was already in the house when we moved in. It’s one of the original IKEA Ektorp pieces and has become a favorite spot for the dogs, so it’s staying for now. I may replace it or add a new slipcover down the road, but it still serves the corner well while I focus on other updates.
These small, cohesive choices — a patterned curtain, warm brass accents, meaningful art, and a comfortable chair — have made the corner feel cozy and intentional without a major overhaul. Focusing on a few elements that play well together can transform a space quickly and affordably.
Soon I’ll share a few other seasonal touches I added to our bookshelf that complement this corner and continue the cozy, cottage-style theme.
UPDATE: I’ve posted more photos and ideas from the bedroom in a new update!
More recent house updates:
The Tale of Our Striped Armchair (and how a Christmas tree helped me make a design decision)
7 Simple Ways We Made Our House Feel Like Home (in the First Year)
Our DIY Porch Wall Lantern with a Flickering Candle Bulb — Without Electricity or Gas!
Battery Operated Window Candles: A Charming and Cozy Tradition for Winter
Looking for items from our home? Check my shop page for sources.