I’d say the “Master” bedroom, but really, let’s be honest here. We have two bedrooms. One functions as a guest bedroom/office/studio. The other is the one we sleep in. So I’m not going to use the somewhat grandiose Master. Come to think of it, Master of what? Of his domain? Of his lands?
And why not Mistress? Or Master and Mistress?
I’m starting a movement to cease and desist using the term “Master Bedroom” unless you have an estate in the country with servants in the house and serfs working your land.
The bedroom is tucked under the eaves, which makes furniture placement a challenge – to put it mildly. But it’s cozy, that’s for sure.
It’s impossible to take a picture of the entire room. I’ve tried.
Those of you who have been following this blog for a while will remember the new California King bed we ordered last year and the delivery saga that ensued. We ended up having to sleep in the full sized bed in the other room for about a month. To say we were in tight quarters is an understatement. But the new bed has been with us almost a year now and we love it. LOVE IT.
No, I don’t iron my pillowcases, not even for a photo shoot. I can’t be bothered. I do make my bed every day, though. I cannot handle an unmade bed unless I’m sick.
A couple of years ago, when Don was away working, I went on a mad painting spree. The furniture in the room had a variety of wood finishes, many of them darkish. We have two small windows in this room, so I decided a creamy white was in order. It looks much better, though I worried it would be a bit feminine for Don. He assured me that he didn’t care because he was only in the bedroom when it was time to sleep.
A practical guy.
The dresser was found on a street in Cambridge when I was living there. Free. My friend and I carried it for about four city blocks and then up four flights of stairs. I’ve had it for about 23 or 24 years. It’s been painted gray, then yellow, and now aqua and cream.
The vintage rocker needs some repair and I plan on attending to that shortly. I love that rocker. I crocheted that throw and made the quilt, as well.
A vintage tea towel as dresser scarf, assorted jewelry, a silver pillbox from Tiffany’s given to me by my late mentor and his partner, my grandmother’s lamp, my great-grandmother’s tea chest, and a photo of my late brother and me.
A photo of me when I was teaching at Boston University (oh, to be that young again), some McCoy and Roseville pottery, and Don’s head shot (which I took).
A pansy print that I bought while working in Owensboro, Kentucky. I love the print and the vintage frame. A D hook from Anthropologie which holds my necklaces (most of which I never wear). D for Don, by the way. I also had the C, but I couldn’t find it when I was putting this up. So the D won.
I coveted and salivated over this painting for over a year. It was in a shop in San Diego – Vignettes – and as I went back and forth to SD to coach a few shows, I would see it and gaze upon it and then I would walk away because it was too expensive for me.
Finally, I took a picture and sent it to Don, talked it over with him and got his approval, and then drove to Vignettes where Lori, the owner, told me that she had wrapped it up for a customer and was getting ready to put the sale through when the customer changed his mind. All the while, she had been thinking that I was going to be so upset when I saw it was gone.
That clinched it. I bought it. I always knew it would go on this section of the wall that surrounds the chimney.
Impatiens brought in for the winter.
Egg cups. And a Christie Repasy print.
Beautiful Japanese wood block prints on rice paper. These are Don’s. He bought them when he was courting me and living in the company housing provided by the Old Globe. He wanted something to personalize his living space.
On my side of the room:
Books and lots of ’em. There are books behind books – two layers deep.
The black and white photograph of a rose was taken by my late brother, there’s vintage mirror my mom bought me when I was visiting them in Michigan, another parakeet lamp that I found (!) that needs some rewiring, photos of Winston and Riley and Scout.
The lone wolf print was purchased while we were living in San Diego.
My traveling pals: Maggie Rabbit, Wayfrum Holmes, Little Lamb. They’re sitting on a vintage hatbox I found many years ago in the Berkshires. And that’s Home, by Edgar Guest. I found it in a local antique shop last year.
More books. A bit blurry, but you get the picture. They’re everywhere.
There’s also a cabinet to the left of my dresser that our old behemoth of a television sits on, but I didn’t get a photo of it, though there’s one elsewhere on this blog.
On a sunny day like today, the bedroom is filled with a lovely, rosy glow. And though I’d love more wall space, instead of the half-walls, there is something wonderful about being tucked under the eaves in an attic bedroom.
Any questions? Feel free to ask in the comments section.
Happy Thursday.
I look forward to the tour you are giving us of your house. It makes all the difference to have it ‘as is’, not to arrange and primp things. Just plain old lived in. That’s how a home is to be. I like the dresser that is now cream. I have my dresser that my dad bought and painted for me for when I was born. For being almost 55, it is holding up pretty good. Wish I could say the same for me! Have a wonderful day!
Hugs to all,
Deb
How wonderful that you still have that dresser, Debbie. I’m sure it’s priceless!
I swear it was just yesterday that you bought the King bed. Really I do. Cindy
Me too, Cindy! Time goes by so quickly.
Loving the house tour! I can feel the happy and love that reside there and so good to see Little Lamb…..It was Little Lamb in the party hat that first had me hooked on your blog!
I love my lambs, Janet!
How tall is the highest point in your Bedroom, Claudia? Was it a challenge for Don to move around until he got used to the sloping ceiling?
Not very high, Wendy. I’m not sure how tall it is. But BOTH of us have smacked our heads on those slanted ceilings. Many, many times.
Looking down through your recent posts, I feel like I’ve just been browsing in a wonderful antique shop. We like a lot of the same things. I love your black and white cow.
Donna
That cow is one of our favorite things, Donna – Well, he’s really a member of the family!
What a cozy spot! I love how much you can put in your room and it doesn’t feel cluttered. So many books, I know you love them like I do! And you know I always love seeing your egg cup collection! So many interesting art prints and photos, all with meaning. Sweet bedroom!
hugs,
Linda
Thank you, Linda. I hope I’m not running out of room for egg cups.
Oh, who am I kidding? I won’t allow that to happen!
I love this room for many reasons. It has it’s calm and serene elements. It has the pops of color that I know you love. It is filled with special treasures that are uniquely “you”. It’s a charming room that reflects it’s owners. Often when I am wondering through blog land I see bedrooms that are too cookie cutter and tortured in their design style. I feel sad for those who feel that their bedroom must look like it came directly out of the pages of a magazine or catalog. They need to relax and let their own soul shine through. You do that beautifully.
Big Texas Hugs,
Susan and Bentley
Oh, Susan, that was such a lovely thing to say!
I think a bedroom shouldn’t look like it’s so ‘designed’ that there is no element of comfort there, if that makes sense. I want to sit in bed at night, reading my book and look around at things I love.
How fun these tours are Claudia. Our bed is also tucked under a sloping roof and I feel your pain at banging your head. I’ve done it many times. I also have a bookshelf instead of a nightstand and it’s loaded with books too.
Blessings,
Betsy
Books…bed…eaves…all make for a cozy bedroom, Betsy! You clearly understand.
What a cozy looking bedroom! It reminds me of the bedroom I’d stay in when I visited my grandmother on her small farm in Sullivan Co. many years ago. She had a big iron bed tucked under the eaves and piled with quilts.
It’s especially wonderful to stay in someone’s house in a bedroom like that. You feel like you’re safe and sound and cozy.
Very cozy and real.
Thank you, Sandra.
Oh goodness, the lovely art, the egg cups, and the books just make your bedroom seem so warm and cozy. I was wondering if you still loved the new bed. We need a new set of mattresses badly. We once bought a dining table and chairs that I just thought I couldn’t live without and before a year was up I knew it was a mistake. I actually sat all six chairs by the curb and was so glad when someone picked them up. I found 4 chairs at a garage sale for $5 each and they are so much more comfortable and sturdy. Have you ever bought something you thought you really loved only to find out later it just wasn’t something you felt comfortable having in your home?
Yes, I have. The kitchen chairs I’m slowly getting rid of – which are pretty but unbelievably rickety, even when re-glued – are one of those mistakes.
I agree with your thoughts on a ‘master bedroom’ …our’s is certainly not a MASTER bedroom by any stretch of the imagination. For one, no servants, the space isn’t huge…in fact the realtor told us it’s not even a bedroom– without a closet!
Good luck starting your movement to cease and desist …I tried that years ago with the word ‘DECLUTTER’… I don’t care for that term. (it’s just me) As movements go I’ll back you on this one, as the song goes…
‘if two people do it, in harmony…”
— You can get anything you want!
Come to think of it, ‘declutter’ isn’t a favorite of mine, either!
I thought I was the only one who cringes at the wording of “Master Bedroom/ Bathroom/ Suite”. I always wonder which people on this planet still refer to the male in the house as the master. Has boggled my simple mind for years.
The other day I was looking at one of the cookie cutter blogs who changes things out faster than the speed of sound ~ and wondered if she had to do a commentary about the things in her room what it would sound like. “Got this at Target. This piece is from HomeGoods. Oh, I ordered this from Wayfair. And this….. I got at Kohl’s.” Really doesn’t matter because it would all be boxed up and never used again in 2 weeks. sigh. Makes me crazy.
It just seems like a waste to me. A waste of money, of time, of energy. I don’t understand it, except for the need to constantly blog about decorating and having to come up with new things all the time.
I am loving your home tour! Your home is so personal and so lovingly layered. I love that print from Vignettes. Is it signed or titled? So happy you got it!! You have a keen eye for wonderful art!
Have a happy day!
No signature or title, Becky. I call it The Cherub Painting. It’s from France, that I know.
I had a bedroom under the eaves years ago Claudia..I always thought it was cozy too but I am a short person and didn’t have the problems you and Don have being so tall..still I do like these types of rooms..Love the old rocker..I am a big fan of wicker..Those Asian prints of Don’s are just so pretty in their bamboo frames..I am also glad that your bed turned out to be so comfy after all the misery you went through to get it..
It was worth the wait, Nancy, that’s for sure. Almost every night, we remark on how much we love the bed!
Again, so cozy Claudia! And comforting with all the books. Sleeping under the eaves is THE best. It’s like being hugged.
What a lovely way to put it, Vera. I like that.
Please pack your bags because I am moving into your house. You may take your clothing, dog, and personal photos. Leave everything else. I am starting out down the Thruway now, so you’ll have to hurry. :)
Seriously, your house is my favorite of all the ones I see on the internet. I look at the pictures of it frequently. I even started collecting vintage planters because of you. Keep taking pictures!
Uh oh, I’d better get a move on! If you’re on the Thruway, I don’t have much time!
I didn’t realize that your egg cups were in your ” master “….hehe! I had fun reading the comments…especially Chris K’s in WI! When did we start calling the largest bedroom, or the bedroom of a couple, the master? Regardless, your room is charming…it reflects you and Don… your interests… your personalities…and it holds your memories. That’s as it should be! ;)
I don’t know when that started, Donnamae, but it sounds almost feudal, doesn’t it?
Yes! Back to King Arthur perhaps?? ;)
Yes, I think so!
Thanks for the tour, Claudia! When I’ve brought impatiens in, I would get discouraged when the stalks turned a clear-er color. I would think they were being watered too much and not keep them. Thanks to your example, I’ll get some this year and keep ’em! (Silly me — I always called them impatients!!!-LOL)
I just let them stay that way and then in the mid to late winter I pinch them back. It seemed to work out just fine last year. Crossing my fingers for this year!
Hi, Claudia I so agree with sleeping in an attic room! My brother in another State has an Old Farmhouse well over 100. I just Love sleeping in the “Upstairs rooms when I visit.
I just had to tell you I have that Exact same Tea Towel!
Mine is on display in my kitchen on one of those old stainless three rod metal dish towel holders
That swing out from the wall. What a coincidence clear across the Country! -Judy /A-
Isn’t that a pretty towel? I love those three rod dish towel holders! Wish I had one here. Oh, I’m going to look for one.
Love hearing the stories behind all your belongings, Claudia. That you remember so much is great. It’s made me think maybe I’ll write a little something about my things at some point. If for no other reason that it’ll be a lot of fun to re-live the memories. Plus it might be nice for future generations to know where, how and when some of my things became mine.
PS – your aqua-and-cream dresser from Cambridge is almost identical to one my sisters and I had in a shared childhood room. Ours was found discarded too, by my dad, who was always hauling home things to fix up. Like the true children of the Depression that they were, Dad “pointed it up” and Mom stripped, sanded and painted it mint green. I still remember the pattern of the drawer paper, and the scent of Yardley lavender dusting powder that Mom sprinkled in under the paper. The top two drawers held our “lingerie,” socks and hankies, and the other two drawers held jammies, tee shirts, shorts, folded cotton and corduroy pants etc. Side story: I still have every one of my childhood hankies, which were mostly gifts from my paternal grandparents. They gave us hankies for almost every holiday plus souvenirs from all their travels. I have them from virtually every state on the Eastern Seaboard – including one with the map of New Jersey – plus a bunch from Cape Cod and the 1964 New York World’s Fair. I wonder if there are hankerchief collectors out there? I guess I should be one!
I bet there are handkerchief collectors out there, especially ones that have a logo or a state map or whatever! How neat that you saved them all!
My mom was a bird lady and we grew up with parakeets. I have even had a couple while the kids were growing up. One could mimic the telephone ring perfectly. I was forever answering the parakeet. Now I have porcelain ones hanging above the kitchen island and a few hard rubber ones (smaller, like toys) sitting on top of the shadow box. I’m going to keep my eye out to find a lamp like yours.
I love birds, plain and simple. And the parakeet lamps are so lovely! Good luck, Tana, I hope you find one!
Claudia, I love your cottage! It is cozy and comfortable. You have a real gift for setting a mood. Your house does not feel “designed” yet all the parts come together in a wonderful whole.
Thank you so much, Carolyn Marie!
Claudia, Your things mean something to you and Don…not just a bunch of stuff. I like that you bought the painting that almost got away. :):) It’s so nice that you have something of your mothers and grandmothers. Your brother photos. Those are all special. Blessings, xoxo,Susie
Very special, Susie. My brother died many years ago in 1991 and I really miss him. That photo, though small, is one of my favorites.
Another beautiful post! All the books make me feel right at home, and I use pretty dresser scarves, too. I cannot believe you have had your new mattress almost a year. Time really does fly — but why does the winter months seem so l-o-n-g? Stay warm.
I love the little nooks and crannies that you have. I have a very small house but it doesn’t have the character of yours. I think all those spaces provide a way to be creative as you very well are. The dresser will the old hurricane lamp is just perfect with just the right vintage flair. I love the rusty/crusty D wall hanger. Very practical and pretty! The cubbies for your books are perfect. I love my kindle but it saddens me that books are not read like they used to be with the turn of a page. I love the pages!
Really enjoying the room tours of your love nest. Your home has so much interest, character, warmth and softness. We clearly like the same things! Thanks for sharing!
I could easily spend an afternoon just sitting on the floor looking through books in such a pleasant room. Just lovely!
Hi Claudia,
Your book shelves look like mine! The larger books, in the bookcase to the right, (in the last picture) look interesting. Would love to see a closer picture of the titles some time.
Mary
I agree about the ‘master bedroom’ moniker – it’s doesn’t make a lot of sense – especially when the ‘mistress’ is usually the one who’s in charge of its upkeep, right?
Our bedrooms (3) are very small and snug too, and one is now the ‘office’ which is also a silly name because neither of us fit into the work world any longer – it’s used more for just planning upcoming daily life, or taking care of the miserable bits like paying bills! Our main bedroom is downstairs – a plus as the stairs may become a problem later!
Your room is lovely Claudia.
Mary x