Friday night, Sugarwings had a high fever and climbed into bed with us. Well, we've always had a full sized mattress and been happy with it, but she has had a recent growth spurt and we were really pinched for space with her between us.
Especially with that boulder of a cast on her arm.
Recently we had ordered a new mattress, since we'd been waking up with stiff necks and sore backs because of what felt like a ditch in the middle of our old mattress,.
We were supposed to pick up our new, back saving mattress on Saturday. Instead, we called to see if there were any queen sized available, and luckily, not only was one in stock, it was on sale and we got a refund, so it cost less than the smaller order that we cancelled!
The trouble is, when you change mattress sizes, everything in the room changes. I didn't have bedding, or a frame to fit it. I figured I'd have a mattress on the floor for a while till I could search and hunt for the perfect thrifted or junked bed to fix up, but I just happened to see a frame marked 75% off that looked like "me" as I walked down the aisles of Nebraska Furniture Mart.
We got home, took down the cobbled together mantel and mirror and small rolling bed frame that we'd been using, and saw that I'd painted the room a couple of times since hanging that giant mirror. So, wall repair and painting had to happen before the bed was assembled.
And of course, it was not just a bigger mattress, the frame was bigger, stuck out past the dimensions of a bigger mattress. Silly of me to measure mattresses and think, "another 5 inches?? That won't make a difference at all" Because the frame itself adds even more than that. We didn't have a head board or foot board before, our little metal frame rolled right up to the wall.
Seriously, a little planning might have been smart.
This was all a spur of the moment idea. We went from happy with our full sized mattress set up with thrift store finds, to a dream come true, luxury B&B style, brand new from a real store, foofed up, twice the size of our old one, shabby chic, nest of a bed, all in a couple of hours without really thinking it through.
Here is the before. I really thought I was happy with that. But my oh my! Our new bed is wonderful.
Its huge. Almost waist height for me. I need a step stool.
I also have to hope that this bed means no more back problems, because if I am having a Back Attack, I won't be able to haul myself up there.
And since its so high up, I figured the dogs couldn't get up without invitation and help, so I splurged on all white, wonderful, fluffy bedding, thinking I'd be in charge of when they came up and could just say no if they were particularly stinky or muddy.
But no, they must sprout wings when I'm not looking, because they seem to get up on the bed easier than I can.
Never, ever, have I slept in a bed that is so luxurious and cozy. The new sheets and blankets are deep and thick, the bed itself is the perfect mix of firm, supportive and soft. Its a memory foam blend, with spring support, and the best thing I've ever laid down upon.
I don't think I could come up with enough gushy cliches to say how much I adore my new bed. Its like sleeping on a cloud. Its heavenly! I feel like a princess, in this lush nest.
And my still white, not yet dog messed, covers are as pretty unmade as they are pulled up.
Since the frame is so much larger than the size we've had sitting in that exact same spot for over 20 years, we've whacked our knees on the foot board a couple times. I'm going to have to rearrange the furniture a bit to make sure that doesn't happen again.
I started by moving this chair from the bedroom to the bathroom.
And this chair from the bathroom to the studio.
That won't be the end of it. Now the furniture roulette begins. Its a good thing I have a perfect new, comfy mattress, because my back will need the rest. I'll be scooting furniture around the house from one room to another till I get this all figured out.
I wasn't the only one to get a new "big girl bed", Sugarwings has one too. Its not like me to be buying new stuff willy nilly like this. I own very few items from real stores. My stuff comes from junk stores, antique shops, and garage sales. But I tell ya, I can get used to living this way.
The girl's room is getting a bit of a redo also. Pictures to come as I get it done, and get my own room all done so that my new bed feels at home here.
Wow!!! I love it!!! The headboard is beautiful and so chic! Where did you buy the bedding? I love the top piece with the tiny ruffles on the edge!
We have a sleep number and it's wonderful- our backs never hurt!
Posted by: Robin | February 08, 2012 at 06:53 AM
Karla have you had anyone fighting over your mantel yet? I'm sure it will come. Love your new look but the old one was great too.
Posted by: sandy | February 08, 2012 at 06:56 AM
Glad that the impulses lead to such happy things. Good luck rearrange furniture to avoid whacking your knees. May both you and Sugarwings enjoy your new sleeping spots!
Posted by: Soarenth | February 08, 2012 at 07:52 AM
Ill miss that mantel! Id used it for years, as a fake fireplace before it was a head board. But now it doesnt fit any where.
Sent from my iPad
Posted by: Karla Nathan | February 08, 2012 at 08:09 AM
It looks yummy!
Sweet dreams!
Xo suzanne
Posted by: Suzanne Duda | February 08, 2012 at 08:30 AM
Karla your new bed is beautiful! It makes me want to curl up with that beautiful puppy and take a nap! Enjoy!
Posted by: Elayne | February 08, 2012 at 10:22 AM
Gorgeous! Love the new bed, it looks very inviting!
And, if you need a place for the displaced chair to go instead of your studio, just let me know! I can think of a few places in MY HOUSE!!
Posted by: gail | February 08, 2012 at 10:42 AM
I'm glad you got a bigger bed- if Twinkle is going to have Hudson's pups- you're going to need more room in your bed.
I want to sit in the flowered chair on craft day.
Let me know if you want me to sell your mantel and mirror- I've got the perfect shabby spot in my booth. (I might even vacuum)
Posted by: Beth Leintz | February 08, 2012 at 12:27 PM
Hi Karla, oh you are so right... sometimes we just don't know what we are missing when we get used to having things just the way we like them. Lucky for you, your mattress had to tell you, it was time. This happened to us also a few years back and we couldn't believe the difference a mattress can make. Love the new beautiful bed and you will get used to having a higher bed also... it makes us feel like princesses for sure. I sure would love to know the color of your bedroom. It is such a beautiful blue. Do you still have that information? Everything looks just beautiful. Enjoy!! Have a great day, Linda
Posted by: Linda | February 08, 2012 at 01:18 PM
I might take you p on that Beth. It would be fun to have an excuse to load up the truck and go to the antique mall again! Oh could we repaint and have a verve day!?
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Posted by: Karla Nathan | February 08, 2012 at 03:05 PM
Im not sure what the wall colors are, I often tint them a bit myself and change what I buy to suit me just right. I call it pale gray blue green. Its a different color at different times of the day and I love that about it.
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Posted by: Karla Nathan | February 08, 2012 at 03:07 PM
Yay for cozy! I don't have a memory foam mattress but I bought a memory foam topper a couple years ago and would NEVER go back. It upped the cozy factor about 1000% PLUS I don't ever wake up in the morning with my hips hurting from the pressure points. I swear, if there is one place to splurge, it is the place you sleep!
Posted by: Kathy | February 08, 2012 at 03:25 PM
I love, love your new room/bed and especially the headboard.
Twinkle is going to have puppies???? Wonderful.
Posted by: Sharon, Morrison Mercantile | February 08, 2012 at 03:57 PM
The best investment I ever made was a 'high end' mattress. I love that it is tall and I need to use a stool (and I'm not a short person). My granny always had a feather bed on top of her mattress but I love my memory foam. Sweet dreams in your new sanctuary.
Posted by: Gypsy Rose | February 09, 2012 at 05:39 AM
Hi Karla, I look forward to seeing more pics of your room remodels. Glad you got a comfy new bed---we really need one too! I enjoy your blog, the art and craft projects, home transitions/remodels/decorating ideas, puppy pictures/stories, grandbabies and daily life stories. It makes a great blog package for so many of us to enjoy. Thanks for sharing!
p.s. Finally made my 1st blog comments today (you and Beth). :)
Posted by: Lisa in Lawrence | February 09, 2012 at 09:54 AM
Your new bed looks sooo inviting! A fluffy, soft nest that calls to one! I Love what you've done, Karla! Oh! How did you do your ceiling? It looks amazing! I do adore your home and all you've done and all you've created to make it uniquely yours.
Posted by: Kimphy | February 09, 2012 at 10:05 AM
Thanks, Kimphy! The ceiling is hand painted, with metallic bronze glaze over the same color as the walls.
Sent from my iPad
Posted by: Karla Nathan | February 09, 2012 at 10:06 AM
What a wonderful room to be in when you choose not to get out of bed! It's simply beautiful, Karla! (And I know that "should have measured" first thing! Lovely and so divinely restful!
Posted by: jeanie | February 09, 2012 at 05:32 PM
Your home is just simply beautiful Karla.
Posted by: Gloria | February 10, 2012 at 01:42 PM
Oh, I know how you feel, truly I do. When we moved to this house we bought a new bed, and for the same reason: Ben would wake up at dawn and then climb in bed with us for 1/2 hour or so until it was time for us to get up, and the bed was too crowded. You will feel so much better every day because you're sleeping so comfortably! A great move!
Posted by: Laurie | February 10, 2012 at 05:24 PM
PS - I have to hop up on my bed, too! Isn't it funny how the new beds are so much taller!
Posted by: Laurie | February 10, 2012 at 05:26 PM
I hope you aren't feeling guilty about buying an actual new bed. If there's one place you should splurge, it's definitely your bed! It looks gorgeous, btw. I'm in love with that head board!
Posted by: Rebecca P. | February 12, 2012 at 07:31 AM
Love your bedroom! Would you mind saying what brand/type of bed you bought? We are on the looksie for a new bed and from your description it sounds like what we are looking for!
Posted by: Lynne | February 13, 2012 at 03:22 PM