Updating an entire room can feel overwhelming and expensive, but making a few changes in a single corner is much more manageable. Small updates give you momentum and a satisfying sense of progress while you wait to tackle larger projects.
This corner of our bedroom has evolved a bit, and even in its imperfect, unfinished state I wanted to share the progress. I’m not done yet, but sharing these small, simple steps may inspire you to make a few easy, attainable improvements in your own home.
We installed blue-and-white checked curtains in the bedroom, and choosing a bold pattern felt like the right move. I’m so glad I didn’t play it safe — the curtains make the space feel lively and personal. I also love the acrylic-and-brass curtain rod; the hardware adds a refined touch that complements the room.
I’ve always loved this room—especially the view—but committing to a pattern and adding meaningful accents has made it feel more like my own. I wanted to focus on this corner specifically, so I spent some time thinking through simple ways to enhance it.
With the checked curtains in place, I felt freer to keep going and hang artwork I adore. I’d bought a set of bird prints years ago for our previous home and never used them, so bringing them into this bedroom finally felt right. The prints add color, charm, and a touch of coastal personality that works well with our location.
To echo the brass on the curtain rod brackets, I framed the bird prints in simple brass frames. The warm metallic finish ties the elements together and introduces a subtle tone and texture that brings cohesion to the corner. I love how these small touches can elevate the whole look.
My husband hung the art for me—he’s precise, and I appreciate that. The art prints arrived as a set of six, but we chose to display four here for a balanced composition. I may add another nearby later, but for now the arrangement feels right for the corner.
The chair in the corner was already here when we moved in—one of three IKEA Ektorp chairs, and the only one remaining after we passed two along to our daughter. The dogs have claimed it as their favorite spot, and it’s very comfortable, so it’s staying for now. It might get a new slipcover someday or be replaced, but there are other decisions I’m prioritizing at the moment.
Next, I’ll share a few other simple seasonal changes I made on our bookshelf for winter—small updates that make the house feel cozy and refreshed without a big overhaul.
UPDATE: I shared more of the bedroom updates in a new post—check it out for additional ideas and photos.
Recent home update posts:
The Tale of Our Striped Armchair (and how a Christmas tree helped 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 — a cozy solution without electricity or gas
Battery-Operated Window Candles: A charming, cozy winter tradition
Looking for sources from my home? I share them in my shop section.