Loose Threads 001

Redoing my bedroom - one of many parts

Aug 19, 2025

Hi, again. Welcome to Loose Threads!!

This is a lil place for me and BCS to share more about our lives in NY and LA, beyond needlepoint. We’re excited to invite you into our world and to share in some of yours, if you’ll let us!

In my last post, I started writing about my bedroom makeover but didn’t quite ‘tie the thread’ on that story. Today, I thought I’d wax poetic and get some opinions.

I promise to be less verbose in this go (maybe). Let’s do it.

I’m a major homebody. Someone who spends a lot of time in and around her bed—no joke. I work from home and don’t have a desk, so… you get the gist. It’s a king*!!

*and it was free, a story for another day

When I moved into this apartment back in 2024, I felt a pull to focus first on the common space. After a few mishaps with the couch—and other deliveries—from a big box retailer playing pretend in the luxury space, I gave up and moved on to other priorities.

At the top of that list was my annual Friendsgiving. This party alone takes two months of dedicated planning (should I write about it? I included some pics below). Then the holidays rolled around, followed by a big breakup, my 33rd birthday, and, you know how it goes… somehow the “new” year was (is!) already half done.

It wasn’t until I got back from Paris this spring that I felt ready to—even interested in—tackling this project again. And to be clear, I’m not done yet.

The space itself is small. And it’s in a new build. It’s got white plaster walls, wide oak floors, and floor-to-ceiling windows. “Small and white, clean and bright” as the song goes. Overlooking Brooklyn and the cable-stayed Kosciuszko Bridge from my living room to the east and the Empire State Building from my bedroom to the west. A blank slate that is beautiful and peaceful but also lacking… charm? interest?

Also, apparently, I’m both impatient and bad at measuring. Nothing, and I mean nothing, fit where it was meant to. So what you’re seeing in the above mock-up ended up being smushed into other spots all around the apartment slash storage unit.

Rushing into furniture decisions is also antithetical to my style, which I’d describe as elegant, collected, and deeply considered. Three things it’s hard to be when rushed. So this time, I’m taking a different approach. The slow one—something I’ve learned through my needlepoint practice.

A bit more about my style.

Traditional European & French Country Influences
I love pleated fabrics, toile, canopy treatments, and wooden armoires that remind me of French and English country homes. I’m drawn to a neutral palette of creamy whites, mossy greens, dusty roses, and rich wood tones.

Lasting Quality
I naturally gravitate toward polished nickel and patinaed bronze — materials that feel timeless. I shy away from anything glitzy (no gold, except for the Georges Braque - I have my eye on this one!!) and instead prefer finishes that look aged and storied. I’d rather invest in something functional, well-made, and enduring than buy pieces that won’t last.

Rich Layering & Storytelling
My style isn’t minimal—I love layering—but it is refined. I never want a space to feel cluttered, just full of warmth. Like you can sit down, put your feet up, and stay awhile. I like the look of layered curtains, pattern-drenching, a mix of framed art and textiles, and thoughtfully upholstered antiques working together to create a sense of history. Softness comes through in textural bedding, stripe-on-stripe canopies, and fat, tailored cushions strewn about.

Collected & Personal
I’m trying to build a home piece by piece with vintage and antique finds from my travels. Some of my favorites, although not vintage, are from La Tuile à Loup in Paris. Each object carries a story, and together they reflect the people, places, and experiences that have shaped me.

Funny that I used to think black, white, and gray defined my style. I’m glad I learned to trust myself—and embrace COLOR!

Candlesticks from La Tuile à Loup (above) as seen in my home (below)

Now let’s get to the good stuff.

For the bedroom, I decided to start with my existing furniture as the foundation to keep the budget in check. This included a white oak dresser and matching nightstand—a decision I wouldn’t make again—an upholstered bed, and a large ceramic table lamp. I am linking the dresser and nightstand for curious minds, but please know that I do not recommend you spend your money here — neither piece has stood the test of time.

I wanted to anchor the room’s design around a canopy I spotted on Pinterest, created by designer Stephanie Youngren.

I was convinced I could sew the panels and jury-rig the canopy myself, but after watching her YouTube series, realized I am, in fact, not nearly handy enough. I also don’t own a sewing machine—which is probably something I should change :)

So I got to work on my moodboard and contacted Stephanie for help.

She came over and took my bedroom from this…

… to this! A princess!

Okay, tease. You’ll have to wait for the reveal.

Spoiler, though: we totally rearranged the room, and now it’s not only more functional but also more aesthetic. (Yay for finally being able to access the closet!)

I’m still in the process of placing orders—and while I’m taking it slowly, spread out over many months—I’d love your help with a couple of outstanding decisions. First up: sconces.

Given everything I already own or have ordered, should I go with polished nickel or antique brass wall sconces?