A Gentleman’s Quarters Bedroom Makeover
Meet Joy Maier of The Aspiring Home Design Company
Joy is a big believer in family, and home and that gorgeous spaces can be budget-friendly. Joy launched her blog, The Aspiring Home, in 2012 as a creative outlet and as a place of encouragement. Her posts encourage creativity by sharing easy projects that anyone can accomplish no matter their budget.
The Aspiring Home Design Company offers virtual design services and, in 2021, will become a full-service interior design studio.
Joy participated as a Guest Participant for the Fall 2020 One Room Challenge. She decided to update her son’s room into a Gentleman’s Quarters Bedroom.
“I have a 16-year-old son going on 30. He is an old soul. He aspires to be an Aerospace engineer one day. Since my son is all about flight, inventions, and the latest tech advances (read VR gaming) – I thought it would be fun to develop a design that pays homage to this love. I chose a more sophisticated look to carry through the college years. Creating a “Gentleman’s Quarters” hearkens back to the age of discovery and invention, a place for study and sleep. Allowing room for the ever-changing technology keeps the design fresh and true to the heart of it all – the mix of dreams and math,” says Joy.
How do you describe your design style?
I’m all about the curated and collected. My heartstrings are pulled a little by every design style, so you will notice influences from every era in every design I do for myself or my clients. Home should look good but, more importantly, feel good – that “I don’t know why, but I just wanna stay awhile” vibe is what I’m after.
Any design tips from this makeover?
1. Allow yourself to dream big, then allow yourself to be flexible.
I have always followed (and taught my children this) “Shoot for the moon, Grab the stars.” This design changed slightly from the grand scheme. The chair I wanted was too big for the room, and I ended up with the right size but in a deep green color instead of the gray. To balance this color in the room – I painted the large picture frame mats on the opposite wall to match the green chair. I incorporated faux beams to accentuate the ceiling, but I cut them for now due to a family emergency.
2. Don’t be afraid to try DIY options.
There are so many great tutorials and probably friends who have knowledge that you can lean on. It’s so gratifying, and the bonds you build with family and friends are priceless. Here is the mama bear caveat – be careful.
3. Follow a plan.
I am personally a jump in with both feet, think about it later, kind of gal, EXCEPT that doesn’t work well for making a room design a reality. Success is built on having a plan. It doesn’t need to be super fancy – the “to-do” list will save your sanity, budget and keep you on track.
Tell us about the design process and involving your family.
My son became my client. We broke the room down into mini-zones. The sleep zone, the reading/chill zone, and the study — you can game after your chores and homework are completed zone.
He LOVES navy blue. Given the light or lack of natural light – I chose an Indigo blue for the walls and a griege for the ceiling. Adding plaid gave the room a classic feeling.
The design board and “to do” list were mostly guidelines, and a few changes happened along the way.
This room contains several DIY projects to keep the budget tamed. My son learned a few valuable skills while working with my husband and I. Everything from creating a flat panel wall treatment to installing the curtain rod – he had a hand in it.
Before
After
Featuring the Crystorama Morgan wall mounts
Why did you select these Crystorama fixtures?
The room had to work incredibly hard to contain everything a young person would need. Case in point - I had to get creative to make the perfect sleep zone. The area sectioned off allowed a “full-sized” bed and small nightstands. My solution? Sconce lighting hovering over custom floating micro nightstands.
While hunting for sconce lighting, I came across the Morgan wall mounts. Be still my heart. I seriously had a jaw-dropping moment- they are perfection.
The details are so good – down to the embossed star, which reminded me of a compass rose, hello divine inspiration. I felt like I had won the lottery, all the show-stopping beauty with a sturdy plug-in option!
“Quality and style are synonymous with Crystorama. The Morgan wall lights gave the space a sophisticated yet welcoming feel. They are truly the crowning jewels of this gentleman’s quarters bedroom.”
