Vanessa‘s room
Nestled in the bustling city of Chicago, Vanessa, the creative force behind "Shaping Abode," invites us into her 1600-square-foot family home, a testament to her passion for interior design.
As an interior designer and content creator, she seamlessly blends functionality with aesthetic charm, transforming living spaces into sanctuaries of tranquility and beauty.
In her cozy home, where she cherishes moments with her six-year-old, Vanessa's bedroom emerges as a personal favorite.
Designed to be a serene and peaceful haven, the room’s minimalist aesthetic, characterized by soft, neutral tones and selective décor, offers a warm welcome, embodying an understated charm that soothes the soul.
Crafting a Home with Heart and Design
Nestled in the bustling city of Chicago, Vanessa, the creative force behind "Shaping Abode," invites us into her 1600-square-foot family home, a testament to her passion for interior design. As an interior designer and content creator, she seamlessly blends functionality with aesthetic charm, transforming living spaces into sanctuaries of tranquility and beauty.
In her cozy home, where she cherishes moments with her
six-year-old, Vanessa's bedroom emerges as a personal favorite.
Designed to be a serene and peaceful haven, the room’s minimalist aesthetic, characterized by soft, neutral tones and selective décor, offers a warm welcome, embodying an understated charm that soothes the soul.
Calm meets charm
When asked to describe her bedroom's aesthetic, Vanessa chooses three words: "Calming, Minimalist, and Charming." The room's color palette, inspired by a desire for peace and serenity, leans heavily on neutral colors, fostering a soothing ambiance ideal for rest and relaxation.
Vanessa's approach to incorporating textures and materials is deliberate and thoughtful. "Incorporating textures and materials in my design approach involves a thoughtful layering of accessories and decor elements," she shares.
From layering throw blankets and pillows to introducing decor pieces of varied materials, her room is a study in tactile richness and visual balance.
The details: a story in every corner
The centerpiece of her joy? The bed. "The bed is undoubtedly the most important element of a bedroom," Vanessa asserts, emphasizing its role in ensuring quality sleep and well-being.
Alongside, a swivel chair, a splurge that paid off, stands out as a decor piece that would win any talent show, blending form with function seamlessly.
Hidden treasures also find a place in her space. A pair of double French doors, a serendipitous find on Facebook Marketplace, adds elegance and charm to her bedroom and walk-in closet. "It's incredible how hidden gems like these can completely transform a space," she reflects.
Overcoming design challenges
Vanessa acknowledges that the most challenging aspect of setting up her room was the limited storage space.
Creative solutions, like incorporating a walk-in closet into the bedroom, were key to maximizing storage while maintaining the room's aesthetic appeal. She also shares her switch to linen lyocell bedding sheets, chosen for their comfort and breathability, enhancing her sleeping experience.
Balancing form and function
Balancing functionality and aesthetics is crucial for Vanessa. "Good design is primarily about ensuring that a space serves its intended purpose efficiently and effectively," she explains.
For her, functionality always precedes aesthetics, ensuring that beauty complements and enhances usability.
Personal Musings
Q: Describe the aesthetic of your room in three words.
A: Calming, Minimalist & Charming
Q: What inspires the color palette of your room?
A: The color palette of my room is primarily inspired by the desire to create a peaceful and serene atmosphere. The goal for this bedroom was to cultivate a space that exudes a sense of serenity and coziness while maintaining a minimalist aesthetic. Neutral colors play a pivotal role in achieving this vision, as they inherently deliver a soothing and peaceful ambiance, making it a perfect choice for a space where rest and relaxation are paramount.
Q: How do you incorporate different textures and materials?
A: Incorporating textures and materials in my design approach involves a thoughtful layering of accessories and decor elements. One effective method I employ is the use of layering throw blankets and pillows, which not only add a touch of warmth but also showcase a rich variety of textures. These blankets, in particular, have the unique ability to introduce a wealth of tactile sensations to the space. Additionally, carefully chosen decor pieces play a pivotal role in bringing a diverse range of materials into the room, contributing to a well-balanced and visually engaging aesthetic.
Q: What is the one object in your room that brings the most joy.
A: The bed is undoubtedly the most important element of a bedroom. It's where we find peace and recharge, and it strongly influences our sleep quality and well-being. Its comfort and coziness are essential and non-negotiable in my daily life, helping me wake up refreshed and ready for the day ahead.
Q: How do you balance functionality and aesthetics.
A: Balancing functionality and aesthetics is a fundamental aspect of my role as an interior designer. However, when it comes to prioritizing, functionality always takes precedence. Good design is primarily about ensuring that a space serves its intended purpose efficiently and effectively. Aesthetics are essential, but they must complement and enhance functionality, as it's the very purpose of good design to create spaces that work seamlessly for their occupants.
Q: What didn’t you like about your old sheets
A: What I didn't like about my old sheets was primarily the issue of pilling. It wasn't just uncomfortable but also disruptive to my sleep. The texture of the sheets can significantly impact the sleeping experience, and some materials tend to make you sweat or feel uncomfortable. For me, finding sheets made from a soft and breathable material is essential for a good night's sleep.
I'm a big linen fan, so when I discovered the linen lyocell bedding sheets, I was thrilled. They are incredibly soft and have the unique advantage of being soft as soon as you open the package, without the need to wait for multiple washes to achieve that level of comfort. It's safe to say that I can no longer go back to traditional sheets after experiencing the luxury of these.
Q: Do you have any hidden treasures?
A: Absolutely! During the process of transforming my bedroom, I stumbled upon a true hidden treasure. I came across a pair of double French doors on Facebook Marketplace for just about $80, and they've proven to be an exquisite addition. These doors not only enhance functionality but also elevate the overall aesthetic of my bedroom and walk-in closet, adding a touch of elegance and charm. It's incredible how hidden gems like these can completely transform a space.
The essence of a restful retreat
As Vanessa eloquently puts it, "The bedroom holds a unique significance in our lives, serving as an intimate and private sanctuary where we recharge both our bodies and minds." Her advice for those embarking on their bedroom revamp journey is to start with the essentials—a good quality bed, a comfortable mattress, and cozy bedding.
These elements, she believes, are the trifecta that harmonizes to provide the ultimate comfort and tranquility, turning a simple room into a personal haven of rest and rejuvenation.