Our primary bedroom redesign is built around a statement piece — the arched velvet headboard. The space needed a focal point strong enough to organize everything else around it.

The olive headboard was built from scratch: a wood frame cut to shape, pool noodles for the channeled ridges, a mattress pad for upholstery batting, and a bolt of stretch velvet hand-applied (the many glue gun injuries were worth the final product). The French provincial nightstands were sourced from Facebook Marketplace, originally a bland beige but quality solid wood. We primed them, painted them neon green, and finished them off with a high-gloss lacquer — the chartreuse brings out the wood details and ensures it stands out in a room this layered. A tiger-print sheepskin rug, mustard velvet pillows, and colorful prints by local artist Mary Finlayson complete the picture.

The opposite wall showcases art from flea markets or thrift stores. Our husky Shiloh, forever eating sticks, was drawn by my husband. 

Every anchor piece is either made, found, or transformed. The result is a room that could only belong to us. 

DIY project. San Francisco, CA. 2025.