When Alison de Ruiter realised her bedroom didn’t quite suit her style anymore, she spent time in between parenting her four-year-old to upgrade the space.
With the view to giving her space a coastal-inspired makeover, Alison spent three-weeks slowly transforming it little by little. Better Homes and Gardens Online caught up with her to learn more about her inspiration and process.
What did your bedroom look like before the renovation?
Prior to the renovation the bedroom was dark and outdated. It was painted a pale grey colour, but that no longer suited my style. It was a bit of a mix of my previous grey and pink colour scheme and my more current light and bright with natural tones palette.
What inspired your renovation?
I was inspired to get creative by a recent trip to Busselton WA, along with a couple of Instagram accounts, mainly The DIY Decorator and Project Coastal Luxe. While I took inspiration from these accounts I wanted my bedroom to have my own spin on it and be a practical space that I loved to be in.
Have you done any renovations before?
Earlier this year I painted my kitchen cabinets and tiles with the Dulux Renovator range, and I have also completed my fair share of DIY hack-style projects.
What kind of look were you after?
I wanted to create a calm coastal sanctuary vibe. As a solo mother it sometimes feels like the house is overrun by toys. I wanted to create my own little space that felt like a breath of fresh air and somewhere special just for me. The bedroom really does remind me to stop and breathe every time I walk in.
What was the biggest challenge of the renovation?
The biggest challenge of the renovation was trying to complete it around my son, having to paint at night-time when the lighting isn’t suitable was difficult.
The renovation process
1. Start by making a mood board of your vision and planning a shopping list with measurements in mind.
2. Remove as much as possible from the space and clean walls with sugar soap.
3. Cover anything remaining and start by painting the ceiling, then the walls.
4. Cut easycraft panels to accommodate electrical outlets.
5. Mount easycraft panels and countersink screws.
6. Fill in screw holes, paint panels and install moulding to top of panels.
7. Install picture ledge and sheer curtains.
8. Have fun decorating!
How long did it take you?
The project took me about 3 weeks as I was working around a friend’s work roster and I also completed the project with a fractured foot. A project this size could, however, easily be completed in a weekend.
How much did you roughly spend on the renovation in total?
I spent roughly $400 on the fixed features; panels, adhesive, paint, moulding, picture ledge and sheer curtains. The décor was a bigger expense, but these were things that I had collected over time.
Budget breakdown
Feature Wall
Golden Palms Wall Art Framed Print– Target $25
Sunbaked Shore Wall Art Framed Print – Target $25
Mosslanda Picture Ledge – IKEA $15
Rattan Shade Floor Lamp – Kmart $49
Panels/Moulding
Easycraft EasyVJ 2400 x 1200 x 9mm Primed MDF Interior Wall Linings – Bunnings $82
Porta 19 x 19mm 2.4m Tasmanian Oak Ovolo Moulding– Bunnings $17
Dulux Wash & Wear 4L in Natural White, used on both walls and panels- Bunnings $79.90
Bedding
European Cushion Covers- Target- no longer available
Bed Threads Bedding Bundle $450
Duvet– Oatmeal from BedThreads
Sheet Set– White
Home Republic Vintage Washed Valance White – Adairs $149.99
Green Throw- Target- no longer available
Harmony Throw – Sea Tribe $119.95
Jofrid Cushion Cover $14.99 with Fjadrar Insert $10- Ikea
Tassel Cushion- H&M Home with Fjadrar Insert- Ikea $12
Bedside Table
Home Republic Bahama Rattan Honey Loop Side Table – Adairs $179.99
Dried Everlasting Arrangement – Myrtle & Wild $110
Vases – Target
Cross – Kmart
Ikronnes Standing Mirror – Ikea $149 (Picked up second hand off Marketplace)
Helena White and Peach Turkish Style Distressed Rug – Miss Amara Loves $271
Moroccan Floor Cushion Cover– Kaya – Azira Blu $200
Tuscan Path 30 x 22cm Coconut Large Matilda Ceramic Pot – Bunnings- $39.90
Cactus – Facebook Marketplace
Clock – Kmart- purchased for $5 on clearance and painted the hands and outside rim white
Open Wardrobe
Nordkisa – IKEA $349
Wooden Bowl – Op Shop find
Dried Everlasting Arrangement- Myrtle and Wild
Decorative Beads – Kmart $7.50
Double Luxe Candle – Pure Luxe Candle Co $26
Scandi Easy Home Style Book – Kmart $9
One Off Luxe Candle – Pure Luxe Candle Co $18
Artemis Small Vase – Target $12
Vases – upcycled Op Shop finds
Lumbar Cactus Silk Cushion – Boho Morocco $64
Rabbla – IKEA $29.99
Essentials Wooden Hanger 5 Pack – Woolworths $5
HER HER 100ml – Who is Elijah – $130
Linen Look Glass Jewellry Hanger – Kmart $10
Reed Luxe Diffuser – Pure Luxe Candle Co $28
Ladder
Bamboo Towel Ladder – Kmart $25
Coastal Easy Home Style Book – Kmart $9
Small Cone Shell Tassel – Kokonuts Living $12.99
Throw- IKEA
Curtains
Racka Curtain Rod – IKEA $3
0Riktig Curtain Hook – IKEA $5
Syrlig Curtain Ring with Clip and Hook– IKEA $3.50
Raffig Finials – IKEA $3
Betydlig Wall/Ceiling Bracket – IKEA $3
Hilja Curtains – IKEA $19.99
Favourite part of your renovation?
The favourite part of my renovation was seeing my vision come to life! I had slowly been accumulating all of the decorative items over a six-month period and seeing it all come together with the panels and soft furnishings made it so worthwhile.
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