Master Bedroom, Before
Since we're working on our garage at the moment, which is *so* not picturesque, and the guest bath project is therefore temporarily stalled, I thought it would be a nice time to go back and share all of my before pictures. This particular photo is of my master bedroom, looking as it did when I bought the house. Yes, this is the fantabulous oak-filled space that goes with the fantabulous oak-filled master bathroom. Yeesh.
It's actually a good-sized room. It was extended in the 80's when the master bathroom was added on. And it has two closets, hers...
...and his. But the oak! It's everywhere! The doors, the trim, the closets...
Look, a wall of oak! Argh!
Don't get me wrong. I actually like oak. In moderation. It's just the vast quantities of it that I can't stand.
But you know what bugs me the most about this room? The window. That wall faces the garden. The whole wall. Why, tell me, why is there a teeny, tiny window? It should have a huge window. Or French doors. Or something. It kills me.
Next up on the Oak Before Parade.... the family room.

P.S. If you're feeling inspired to share your own Before Parade, please do. Really, I could use some emotional support. :-)








Comments (11)
Our master bedroom doors couldn't even be dignified with the word "oak"--they were just dark, nasty pressed particleboard. We replaced them all with white hollowcore paneled doors--still cheap, but so much brighter. We just got the big double bi-folds across the closet put in a week or two ago--such a difference.
I adore your tile finds below--wonderful. We are in the midst of a guest bath re-do right now. I love seeing what you're up to!
Posted by Janelle | February 9, 2009 8:34 PM
Posted on February 9, 2009 20:34
You need emotional support? I understand, really, I do. There were times I just sat on my avocado linoleum floor and stared at fake wood paneling around me and cried. Anytime anyone is sad about their befores, I lead them to my house remodel photos page so they can see what it was like before. And there's still a bit of ugly, but it's better and it hasn't been that long. You'll get there, Angela. That room has a LOT of potential and doesn't even need a ton done. And the guest bath will be gorgeous so you'll be able to go soak in that tub and shut yourself off from all the oak :)
Now, what are you doing to your garage?
Oh and really? If you want me to I can show you my master bedroom that is still what they call "open air living".
Posted by Emily@remodelingthislife | February 10, 2009 4:38 AM
Posted on February 10, 2009 04:38
Our master bedroom has 60's-vintage-style birch doors. They are wood but not so nice in our updated room. They are the only thing we haven't replaced or painted. I dream of white louvered doors but my sweetheart and I have so many more important updates to finish that the old doors will have to do a bit longer. I would love to replace all of the doors in the entire house. Or add some detail and paint them. There is a difference of opinion about that. We'll so whose idea ends up being reality! ~Adrienne~
Posted by Adrienne | February 10, 2009 5:46 AM
Posted on February 10, 2009 05:46
hi angela. i'm getting concerned... how many projects do you have going on at once? i have to do things serially or i feel totally out of control. your guest bath is going to be wonderful when done. and i believe your master will, too. the window doesn't get to do the best job the way it is, i agree. but i believe you will make it the best window it can be!! you have the knack! keep us abreast of your progress via these great snaps. jkj
Posted by jane | February 10, 2009 8:34 AM
Posted on February 10, 2009 08:34
LOL yep, i'd vote for some french doors opening to a nice patio for that wall.
is there enough room to swing those closits over to the side wall of the bedroom? (minus the oak, of course)
Posted by pdudgeon | February 11, 2009 3:33 AM
Posted on February 11, 2009 03:33
Oh my! I live in a circa-late 80's "oak palace" too. Even my toilet seat is oak! I'm sure it would have looked lovely with some powder blue, dusty rose, and geese stuff :). I have changed everything else---but my oak still waits for the funds to rip out! can't wait to see what you do with yours!
Posted by Jennifer P. | February 11, 2009 1:59 PM
Posted on February 11, 2009 13:59
Hi Angela, I am also redoing my master bedroom. I'm making minor changes though. I am in the process of finding new decore for the wall and making pillow cases. I can't wait to see your finished room!
Posted by Sachiko Aldous | February 11, 2009 5:39 PM
Posted on February 11, 2009 17:39
Wow, you've been so busy. Love all the rennovation going on. I've been blog-hopping negligent lately-lol. It's wonderful to get back to my favorite haunts to see what's been going on.
Hope all is well.
Posted by Lisa @celebrate CREATIVITY | February 11, 2009 8:27 PM
Posted on February 11, 2009 20:27
Its true, The window. which is facing the garden is very small. If it can be extended, the room looks more beautiful.
Jane
Posted by Bedroom Design | February 11, 2009 11:13 PM
Posted on February 11, 2009 23:13
Can you just go "shazam" and make the window larger??
Before renovations in our home we were surrounded by paneling..we suffocated..
Posted by Flax and spindle | February 12, 2009 5:10 AM
Posted on February 12, 2009 05:10
Hi Angela,
I feel your pain with all of the oak! We are in the process of updating a great little 1980's cottage! Low ceilings and oak trim, cabinets, closet doors,and interior doors are my nemesis! I've painted and replaced about half of it and I won't be happy until it's banished from the kingdom. ha ha
Posted by Tanya Pace | February 18, 2009 7:24 AM
Posted on February 18, 2009 07:24