Luxurious Light Taupe Bedroom
Cottage style is known for its light and airy quality, but cottage can also be luxurious, as in this bedroom designed by Jennifer from The Old Painted Cottage.
Jennifer's room uses an elegant, nearly monochromatic palette of taupes and creams, with just a hint of pink. Built around the soft taupe walls, in this case, "Antique Bone" by Ralph Lauren, Jennifer's room is like a sumptuous French hotel.
Jennifer's home has been featured in Romantic Country with good reason. She has a gorgeous home, full of French and shabby country style. Her bedroom is a more romantic, textural space, and when I talked to her about how she made her color choices, this is what she had to say:
What was the inspiration for the room color?
The color was inspired by a bolt of fabric. Seriously. That fabric that I used on the headboard, it served as my color palette for the entire room. I had found the bolt at a flea market and it instantly struck me.
You have a very distinct style—how would you describe it?
My style in general is romantic cottage. However, for my bedroom I wanted it to feel like a luxurious French hotel room. I always dreamed of having a glamorous bedroom.
Which came first, the wall color or the other elements?
It began with the fabric for the headboard, then the wall color next, and then everything else fell into place. I used champagne colored silk curtains and bedding. Cream colored faux fur pillows and a white flokati rug. This room is all about texture, luxurious fabrics and materials.
Once you knew you were going to go with taupe, how did you decide on this particular shade?
Sounds funny, but I really didn't have any plans for this color until I spotted that bolt of fabric at the flea market. Impulsive, huh?
What do you love most about the room?
I love that every time I enter my bedroom, I feel like I'm entering a glamorous hotel room, even though it's just 5 steps away from my office.
That headboard is fantastic! How did you make it?
It was originally a mantle, and it was the true begining of the entire "room project". I'd found it on the side of someone's house and paid $100 for it. It was solid black and very plain. The second I spotted it, I knew it would make a great headboard. I used 4 coats of creamy white paint, added tons of rose /cherub appliques, and I made the tufted insert by hand, and then voila!
How did you do the words above the headboard?
That's vinyl wall lettering! I saw the phrase in a store once, and it always stayed with me.
Where did you find the hanging bedside chandeliers?
They are circa 1930's and I found them at a flea market.
What a luxurious, beautiful, romantic, glamorous room. I'm not sure that I'd have the willpower to get out of bed each morning in a room this sumptuous. What a treat to see. Thank you, Jennifer, for sharing it with us!
About The Designer
Jennifer is an antiques collector and dealer, in the business for over 10 years. She started out selling at flea markets and selling eBay, then started her own website in 2006, which has been very successful. Her blog is like a personal journal for her to share her antiquing journeys and triumphs, neat decorating ideas, funny stories and personal family life. It has allowed her customers to get to know her on a more personal level; "the girl behind the website," and it has opened up many new friendships. You can find Jen at her website, The Old Painted Cottage, or at her blog, also titled The Old Painted Cottage.
Photos in this article are Copyright ©2007 Jennifer ~ The Old Painted Cottage and are used by permission.
Comments (46)
I like a woman who does not bolt at the first sight of a bolt of taupe fabric. ;-) Taupe is a wonderful colour, very underrated. It's not only a good colour to use in the home as is so eloquently demonstrated by Jennifer but it is also a good colour to wear.
Lovely post Angela and Jennifer, thanks for sharing!
Posted by Yolanda Elizabet | May 15, 2008 3:01 AM
Posted on May 15, 2008 03:01
I fell in love with this room the first time I saw it and all over again now. It is seriously just to die for. Gorgeously romantic and soft. Thanks for sharing all the details!!
Posted by Emily | May 15, 2008 5:07 AM
Posted on May 15, 2008 05:07
I love Jennifer's room! It is beautiful and very romantic - thanks for sharing!
Posted by jerusalem | May 15, 2008 6:24 AM
Posted on May 15, 2008 06:24
What a peaceful, relaxing color pallet. Perfect for the bedroom. Thanks for sharing it with us. ~Adrienne~
Posted by Adrienne | May 15, 2008 7:18 AM
Posted on May 15, 2008 07:18
What a gorgeous room - I love the monochromatic look that isn't boring at all because of all the shading and textures.
C'est une chambre tres charmante!
Lorrie
Posted by Lorrie | May 15, 2008 8:26 AM
Posted on May 15, 2008 08:26
What a pretty room that Jennifer has created! It is truly beautiful and I can see why it was published.
Rhoda
Posted by Rhoda | May 15, 2008 3:10 PM
Posted on May 15, 2008 15:10
What a feast for us Angela. Thank you for this wonderful post, so romantic.
Lynne Laura
Posted by Lynne Laura | May 16, 2008 1:10 PM
Posted on May 16, 2008 13:10
It is so beautiful and so very tranquil! Looking at this makes me want to redo my bedroom again! I love how elegant it is!
Posted by Cindy ~ My Romantic Home | May 17, 2008 7:04 AM
Posted on May 17, 2008 07:04
Vinyl wall lettering--I love that!
Posted by Anonymous | May 17, 2008 12:09 PM
Posted on May 17, 2008 12:09
Sweet Angela, I am so incredibly honored to have my bedroom featured on your site. I think it looks prettier here than in real life, ha ha! I wanted to thank you for all your hard work and effort. This is truly a beautiful feature you have created, and I look forward to your future color inspired rooms.
oxox
Jennifer
Posted by Jennifer Grey | May 17, 2008 6:14 PM
Posted on May 17, 2008 18:14
Wow!! What else can I say? Jennifer's style is impeccable and her home is a delight! Thanks for the peek inside her beautiful bedroom.
Posted by Linda@ Restyled Home | May 18, 2008 5:03 AM
Posted on May 18, 2008 05:03
Ohh..That is one pretty bedroom. Do you think us ordinary mortals can buy vinyl letters like that? Are they for sale at Michael's or other places? That is such an elegant touch. Thanks so much for tracking down all these great rooms!
Posted by lindenhaus | May 18, 2008 11:01 AM
Posted on May 18, 2008 11:01
I love all of Jennifers decorating, but especially her bedroom. I would love to know the color and maker of the creamy white paint she used on the headboard. The right whites are always so hard to find.
Penny
Posted by Penny @ Lavender Hill Studio | May 18, 2008 11:03 AM
Posted on May 18, 2008 11:03
I love you both and you keep me excited about fixing up my house once the gardening is done. I keep coming back to see what ya'll are up to so I can stay inspired. You both deserve many thanks for all your hard work and giving us some beautiful ideas to work with. I hope you are getting plenty of traffic from my site. I have linked to both of you. My very best wishes to both of you.
I love the monochromatic look and the words above the bed. I have it on my to do list.
Posted by Anna | May 18, 2008 9:50 PM
Posted on May 18, 2008 21:50
Great interview and beautiful photos. I would love to live in this bedroom. Very romantic and relaxing!
Posted by melissa lewis - off the wall | May 19, 2008 6:55 AM
Posted on May 19, 2008 06:55
Gasp! I love that bedroom! I've visited Jennifer's blog many times, but I've never seen this room before. It's gorgeous! I have an all taupe bedroom that I've been wanting add some changes to. I'm so inspired by this room!
Posted by Mrs. B | May 19, 2008 11:06 PM
Posted on May 19, 2008 23:06
Angela thank you so much for sharing this wonderful feature on sweet Jenn
! Her room is gorgeous - so creatively designed and oozes cozy elegance. Beautiful job - BOTH OF YOU.
xo,
Kim
Posted by daisy cottage | May 20, 2008 5:56 AM
Posted on May 20, 2008 05:56
I love how understated and restrained this room is, while still being incredibly romantic and inviting. Thanks for sharing it with us! -Julia :-)
Posted by Hooked on Houses | May 21, 2008 6:13 AM
Posted on May 21, 2008 06:13
that is such a lovely room!
Posted by D'Rae | May 21, 2008 6:10 PM
Posted on May 21, 2008 18:10
I love those antique purses hanging on the wall. Such a pretty idea.
Posted by Jackie | May 22, 2008 1:48 PM
Posted on May 22, 2008 13:48
what a beautiful room!! wow...i LOVE the headboard, what a fantastic idea!! thanks for sharing such great ideas!! :)
Posted by Ashley | May 24, 2008 5:22 PM
Posted on May 24, 2008 17:22
wow the room is so beautiful
thank you for the post
hugs Beth
Posted by Anonymous | May 24, 2008 9:23 PM
Posted on May 24, 2008 21:23
opps that was me
hugs Beth
Posted by Beth | May 24, 2008 9:24 PM
Posted on May 24, 2008 21:24
What a beautiful room. I have visited Jennifer's blog - lovely...Kathy
Posted by Kathy@ Mimi's Garden | May 24, 2008 9:27 PM
Posted on May 24, 2008 21:27
Beautiful room. The inspiration for my quest room came from a bolt of fabric, but it didn't look like this when I finished.
Posted by Theresa N | May 25, 2008 3:10 AM
Posted on May 25, 2008 03:10
I'd love to have a house that would accommodate a lavish bedroom like this.
Plus, I'd like to be tidy!
Posted by jellybelly*jellybrain | May 25, 2008 4:47 AM
Posted on May 25, 2008 04:47
Hi, What a beautiful room! I love the colors. It is my type of colors and style. Her site is wonderful, also. "Romantic Homes" is a great magazine! Thanks for sharing her site with me.
Cindi
Posted by Cindi | May 25, 2008 2:42 PM
Posted on May 25, 2008 14:42
Oh WOW! I love, love, love the headboard, and for that matter the whole room! If only my bedroom were a little larger. Oh well, I still love this rambling house, uneven floors and all!
Posted by Brenda | May 25, 2008 6:19 PM
Posted on May 25, 2008 18:19
i love romantic cottage too but i think i settle more for romantic modern because my husband would whine like a baby! he already does that though, lol.
jenny
Posted by fated follies studio | May 25, 2008 6:47 PM
Posted on May 25, 2008 18:47
What a lovely room . I love the color of the walls :) Thanks for sharing :)
crystal :)
Posted by Crystal | May 25, 2008 7:25 PM
Posted on May 25, 2008 19:25
I love Jennifer's room and her cottage of the month is so wonderful. Something to look forward to on the 1st of every month. Taupe seems so overdone these days, but I think it's only that way because people do not have the creativity or imagination to give taupe spice. Jennifer did it beautifully. Thanks for sharing.
Kelli
Posted by Kelli @ Vintage Vavoom | May 25, 2008 8:24 PM
Posted on May 25, 2008 20:24
Jennifer's bedroom is just gorgeous..I love the soft taupy colors, it looks so relaxing how she had done her room. I esp. like her vintage purses with the mirror hooks display and the chandys...the girls got taste.
Posted by ellie | May 26, 2008 3:22 AM
Posted on May 26, 2008 03:22
I love the vinyl letters. I think I will try this in our bedroom. The mantle is so romantic! If I ever stumble across an old one, I will know what to do.
Posted by Shannon | May 26, 2008 7:23 AM
Posted on May 26, 2008 07:23
What a gorgeous, romantic bedroom! I've seen the vinyl lettering on Etsy and I just love it as shown on the wall above the bed! Patti
Posted by Patti | May 26, 2008 6:54 PM
Posted on May 26, 2008 18:54
I love this room, thanks for the inspiration and all the great ideas.
Posted by Susan Cahill | May 27, 2008 8:43 AM
Posted on May 27, 2008 08:43
I love, love, love that bedroom! It's so romantic and soothing without too much sweet. I just bless those guys who let their wives have pink bedrooms. This is such a great balance. I do love Jennifer's style and enjoy her blog. Actually, I think hers was the first one I found.
Thanks so much for sharing, and I hope you feel better soon.
Posted by Debbie | May 27, 2008 8:11 PM
Posted on May 27, 2008 20:11
I would love to know where to buy the mirrors with the hooks that are used to hang the vintage evening bags! I would love to buy some for myself... Please don't say you made them!! The room is gorgeous! Love the mantle, Love the chandeliers - it's just lovely.
Posted by Jennifer Grenko | May 27, 2008 8:26 PM
Posted on May 27, 2008 20:26
I just discovered your beautiful blog from Jennifer's which I've been visiting for the last year or so ~ I will visit your blog often now to see the inspiring rooms. Thank you for dreaming up colour inspirations!
Vickie...
Posted by vickie | May 28, 2008 5:08 AM
Posted on May 28, 2008 05:08
Clean and crisp colors. Very pretty. Another post for my chance on the quilt!
Posted by Donna | May 28, 2008 8:06 AM
Posted on May 28, 2008 08:06
Wow Jennifer's bedroom is the ultimate retreat; just beautiful!!
Posted by Theresa-Garden Antqs Vintage | May 28, 2008 7:14 PM
Posted on May 28, 2008 19:14
I want this bedroom!!!!! I think that pretty much says it all, LOL!! :-)
Michele
luvkitysmeowmail@gmail.com
Posted by Michele | May 29, 2008 12:30 AM
Posted on May 29, 2008 00:30
I just love Jennifer's bedroom, especially the hanging pocketbooks!
what a romantic she must be!!!
Posted by Pam A fr NY | May 29, 2008 4:19 AM
Posted on May 29, 2008 04:19
I love this post!
Posted by Ambrea | May 29, 2008 8:15 AM
Posted on May 29, 2008 08:15
I found you through Jennifer's blog. Her room is so romantic and glamorous, while comfortable and cozy at the same time! I love that many of the unique elements of the room were created by hand by Jennifer with different "finds" that she envisioned a use for in her home.
Posted by Amber | May 30, 2008 8:17 AM
Posted on May 30, 2008 08:17
Wow, this bedroom is absolutely beautiful. I wish I could lay there in bed with the laptop on my kness reading all your fantastic blogsHave a nice day!
Sabine
Posted by Sabine | May 31, 2008 7:42 AM
Posted on May 31, 2008 07:42
Hi Angela.
Your website is beautiful. I love the feature you did on the romantic cottage bedroom. I wanted to let you know that I finally got a room at Sweet Pea's Rose Cottage in Milwaukie. I am sooooo excited. I spent all day Thursday painting it a very pale pink. I get to move all my treasures in tomorrow. My room will be up and ready June 3rd. I am going to have a lot of vintage bridal treasures for June. Raylene Peraza is the owner and we hit it off great and have so much in common. We wanted to open the invitation to you to come down and check it out. Your are more than welcome to take photographs for your blog.
I hope you are feeling better.
Talk to you soon.
Bethany
P.S. Your arbor across the street with the roses is so beautiful and full of blooms.
Posted by Bethany | May 31, 2008 9:49 AM
Posted on May 31, 2008 09:49