design : jason arnold
How was your weekend? Ours was quite productive! Today, I’ve got another fun Design Eye Training post lined up for you. We’ll be analyzing & admiring a neutral bedroom with a posted barley twist bed that is what furniture dreams are made of! Designed by the talented, Jason Arnold, this bedroom retreat is packed with character, custom furnishings, antique furniture, and is layered with modern touches. Click through to kick off the week and chat design with me…
To quickly recap… in our Design Eye series, we observe and admire design fundamentals like scale, texture, pattern, material use, lighting plans, color, floor plan & layout, and a variety of intentional styling & interior moments pulled together by the pros. It’s an exercise I used to practice often in design school, and one I still enjoy today. By discussing and breaking down well designed spaces in greater detail, you’ll begin to train your “design eye”, build upon the design fundamentals, and can apply some of these things to your own home, if they appeal to you. I also feel like this series can really help you hone in your personal aesthetic, determining what you like and dislike… and most importantly, why. Ready to give it a try?
design : jason arnold
Aside from the bedside styling, this room has a very calming and minimalistic feel. Thanks to the neutral color palette, floor plan, tapered tray ceiling, and natural textures, this space really draws you into a cozy bedroom retreat. I was most taken aback with the antique furniture selections. The upholstered barley twist bed is like a stunning piece of sculptural artwork that centers the entire room. Flanked by the bedside tables and anchored by a chest of drawers across the room, this space also contains plenty of seating: a bench seat sofa in the window nook, as well as a lounge chair.
design : jason arnold
One of my favorite things about Jason’s work is his ability to meld modern and traditional design elements. I noted several modern or updated pieces throughout the room that help bring balance & juxtaposition to all the antiques and traditional pieces…. modern artwork (above the bed and dresser), wall sconces, the tufted chair, a greenery arrangement in the cylindrical vase, a modern task lamp, the chandelier, soft ripple fold drapery panels, and the brass side table. All of these pieces are very intentional and look especially lovely paired with the traditional elements: the bed, nightstands, pleated lamp, dresser, candelabra, bedding, velvet sofa, etc.
design : jason arnold
The deep neutral color palette takes on a very monochromatic aesthetic. I love subtly matching the wall color to custom drapery, or vice versa. I think it provides such a sophisticated look! I also appreciate the layered lighting in this space. I noted a chandelier, sconces, and multiple table lamps in this room- all in addition to natural light. I think the lighting plan is very well done.
design : jason arnold
Did you notice all of the wood tones throughout this room are of the same family and match very well, thanks to their value? It provides an incredibly rich and cohesive look. I also have to call out the natural area rug with the perfect hint of texture sprawling across the hardwood floors. The casually leaned books beneath the nightstand draw your eye lower, making the lack of hefty millwork more noticeable… no heavy base, no crown, and no panel moulding, but it works well in this updated bedroom. Millwork probably would have made this room feel totally different and much more traditional.
design : jason arnold
In regards to styling, I’m digging the fuss-free approach here. Simple bedding (hello cute Greek key lumbar!), a few plants, books, vessels, candles… the basics. Does it look the most practical or lived in? Probably not, but the minimalistic approach feels fitting with the design. Whomever inhabits this space must be very organized based on the small amount of storage. On another note- did you spy the urn on the pedestal? I liked that pretty detail!
design : jason arnold
What did you love about this bedroom? Did anything specific jump out to you? I think the bed is the obvious highlight for me. Sometimes a really special piece of furniture deserves to steal the show, and the room kind of unfolds around it. Be sure to follow Jason on Instagram for more modern design inspiration. He’s very talented! Looking for more bedroom design inspiration? You may found this Pinterest board I’ve compiled to be helpful! I’ll drop the sources I could find, along with similar items from this space for you below. Here’s to a wonderful week ahead. I hope you have a good one!
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Peggi
March 6, 2023 at 5:06 amGood morning! I love starting the week with some training! Neutral and minimal, not two words that typically describe my style, but I certainly can’t deny the loveliness of this room. I’m taking note of four standout pieces: that fantastic bed, modern chandelier, gothic candelabra, and interesting task lamp. Such stunning sculptural moments contrasting the quiet softness of the palette and select sophisticated textiles-ripply drapes, lush velvet settee, relaxed leather bench. I’m wondering how that many statement items would work in a less restrained space…Two other details I’m spying are the off-center artwork over the bed and the floor lamp behind the nightstand. I’m intrigued. I also appreciate the subtle inclusion of color with the steely blue candles, golden Greek key lumbar, and various greens of the plants and loveseat. An unquestionably beautiful design, but one that feels very buttoned-up to me. I prefer more a sprawl-y vibe. That bed though! Envious sigh. Thanks for kickstarting my week! I’m off to check out the rest of this new-to-me designer’s portfolio and continue obsessing over my own bedroom update. Happy Monday, Sarah!💜
Sarah
March 7, 2023 at 1:44 pmHi Peggi! Me too, me too. I appreciate how organic and earthy this room feels- I think it’s the color palette and organic materials used throughout. I love the modern chandelier- and all the lighting, really. I love that you mentioned so many statement items working well because of the minimalistic nature of this room- so true. We never really see the left side of the bed / room, so I’m wondering if there is something large over there that balances the off centered artwork? Hmm, not sure! That bed steals the show though… SO dreamy. I hope you’re having a fabulous week! xo
Lauren
March 6, 2023 at 7:35 amGood morning Sarah! Immediately in the opening photo I noticed the lack of millwork- and I agree, millwork would have definitely changed the look and feel of this room. It’s refreshing to see an example of a room without it- minus door casings and a few windows, our home is void of millwork. For me, the tray ceiling is the millwork in this space. I love the choice of a contrast color- it offers some light reflectivity in the room bringing a soft warm glow against the monochromatic walls and drapes. I’m enjoying the layers of white and off white, and noticed that the lumbar on the bed is of the same color tone as the wood furniture, bringing that warm rich brown fully around the room. I am liking the minimalistic decor in here because of all the show stopping furniture pieces, and I like the placement of the green velvet bench. It really pulls the outside in and vice versa. This room feels like a nature retreat in the very best way, and I’m noting that most of that vibe is accomplished in the minimal color palette. I live for the muted and muddy colors like the examples shown here. The bed is obviously my favorite element in the room, but every piece of furniture is jaw dropping in its own right. Achieving a look like this is no simple feat, but a girl can dream, ha! The balance of all those traditional pieces with the modern elements in such minimal amounts is done so well- I’m truly in awe of this space. Such a gorgeous design training for a rainy Monday morning. I hope your week is kicking off magically!
Sarah
March 7, 2023 at 1:42 pmHi Lauren! I feel like millwork (specifically panel moulding) has become SO popular in the age of Instagram that it’s actually refreshing to see rooms without it, when it looks intentional. There are definitely plenty of other architectural elements that make this room a win. Such a good observation about the bed and the warm toned lumbar… I need to keep that in mind for my basement bedroom as I choose the bedding for my own wood bed. That’s such a nice detail! I think you hit the nail on the head… it does feel like a natural retreat with all those organic elements and earthy color palette. I hope you’re having a good day! xox
Colleen
March 6, 2023 at 9:21 amGood Morning! I like the warm tones of this bedroom. The antique bed is quite unique and definitely commands attention, however the lack of bedding itself is unappealing. It doesn’t exude comfort or nurturing, it feels kind of flat and uninviting for a good nights sleep. I personally prefer fluffiness, fullness and the look of sinking under covers, the simplicity of the bedding lacks comfort? There is lots to admire though in this space. I like the tray ceiling, the tone on tone wall and window treatments, the dresser with marble top, rug, flooring and the settee. The bedding aside this room feels worthy of a morning prayer, or a space for reflection. I honestly can’t decide if I like this bedroom overall, I have mixed feelings about it.
I’m not a fan of the modern chandelier. It feels more fitting in a living room I think. The bedside table feels slightly small in scale for the grandness of the bed, I would have preferred something slightly heavier maybe?
I agree whomever inhabits this bedroom is organized and likes a paired down aesthetic. The antiques look like they could be cherished heirlooms and possibly represent sentimental value. This space definitely feels quiet and I feel the need to whisper. Ha! I’m not personally drawn to this bedroom, but I can definitely appreciate the beauty that exists within it. Interesting choice Sarah for design eye training 🧐 I’m kind of surprised you like it! You obviously admire this designer so I’ll definitely check out his work.
I’m glad you had productive weekend Sarah! Andrew and I were in relax mode and fully enjoyed the weekend off 😎🥂🥰
Cheers to a productive week ahead and stay warm. All our friends and family back in Burlington are fed up of the snow. I received some frosty filled pics over the weekend 🥶 They are so looking forward to spring!
Sarah
March 7, 2023 at 1:31 pmHi Colleen! I love that antique bed… so pretty! I’m with you on the bedding- I do like a lot of fluff, loft, and layering. Good observation! When it comes to aesthetic, I appreciate them all- even the ones that aren’t reflect in my house. I wouldn’t exactly call myself a minimalist, but I think this one is well done. Definitely check out more of his work- I think there are some space you’ll like! I’ve already got next month’s Design Eye post picked and I think you’ll definitely be into that one… it’s a modern lake cottage. I love that you and Andrew had a relaxing weekend! One of my good friends has a home in Florida and she’s been torturing me with beach photos as I’m dreaming of spring amongst snow flurries over here. Haha! I’m ready for a vacation! Hope you have a great day! xox