A Refreshing, K-Drama-Inspired Bedroom Makeover for a Military Nurse

Are you one of the many who binge-watched Korean dramas to pass the time during quarantine? Aside from giving us episodes to look forward to, these shows have also inspired us to travel to Seoul, cook Korean dishes, and revamp our spaces to match the aesthetic we often see in K-dramas. This is exactly what interior stylist Zarla Antonio did to turn her sister’s cramped and cluttered bedroom into a calming space that looks bigger than it really is.

“The main peg is modern boho-meets-Korean minimalist. I was so inspired by the Korean aesthetic I see in K-dramas. The owner of the room is my sister who’s currently residing in Manila and working as a military nurse. Staying indoors made me appreciate the value of living spaces, especially the bedroom, to one’s wellbeing. After seeing how I gave my room a makeover, my sister also requested for a room makeover,” relates Zarla. Her sister sent pegs with bohemian touches and what stood out for Zarla are the earthy pink and terracotta colors. She decided to come up with a look that revolves around a similar palette, then putting together pieces that complement the design. 

Zarla, who is also an event and photoshoot stylist, worked on the bedroom for two months – with most of the paint and installation works done in just three days. “We had to wait for the décor and customized pieces to get to Iloilo so it took two months. We finished the makeover around the first week of November 2020,” she shares. The coolest part about this makeover? Zarla didn’t hire any workers! The revamp was accomplished by an all-girls team – Zarla, her cousin, and her aunt. Check out the room’s transformation below:

Before

IMAGE Courtesy of Zarla Antonio

Since the owner of the bedroom works in Manila, the room is occupied by a relative. It’s furnished with a bed, a cabinet, and a vanity area.

After

IMAGE Courtesy of Zarla Antonio

The makeover features Salmon, a pinkish-orange shade, as the main color. It’s used on the walls, bedsheets, and other soft furnishings. To create an airy look, Zarla decided to transfer the vanity to the other side of the room then added a bedside table as storage.

Before

IMAGE Courtesy of Zarla Antonio

Prior to the makeover, the room looks cramped. The goal is to make it look bigger and more inviting.

After

IMAGE Courtesy of Zarla Antonio

The finished bedroom now looks cleaner, easy on the eyes, and more spacious! Aside from using Salmon as an accent color, Zarla worked with white walls and furniture to add to the airy vibe.

Before

IMAGE Courtesy of Zarla Antonio

IMAGE Courtesy of Zarla Antonio

Instead of hiring workers, Zarla decided to make it a family affair by asking help from her cousin and aunt. They did everything – from finishing the paint job and installing new pieces, to acing the finishing touches.

After

IMAGE Courtesy of Zarla Antonio

A towel ladder takes up space at the foot of the bed which can be used to organize bags, magazines, and sweaters. To keep within the boho theme, Zarla brought in plants, a macrame hanging planter, and a woven basket.

Before

IMAGE Courtesy of Zarla Antonio

Before the makeover, the room had standard lights and have enough windows to let in natural light.

After

IMAGE Courtesy of Zarla Antonio

To add warmth to the space, Zarla installed a droplight that matches the room’s style. “I also used handwoven pieces, abaca, rattan, and some dried flowers. “My sister loves the rattan and buri pieces as well as the custom arch vanity mirror,” the stylist shares.

Before

IMAGE Courtesy of Zarla Antonio

The vanity area used to be cluttered, with baskets and different products strewn all over the surface.

After

IMAGE Courtesy of Zarla Antonio

After the makeover, Zarla’s sister now has a pretty vanity, complete with a unique mirror that adds to the overall appeal of the nook. The stylist paired it with a comfy chair rattan chair that matches the theme.

IMAGE Courtesy of Zarla Antonio

To maximize the vertical space, Zarla installed floating shelves that can hold small plants and handpicked décor pieces.

IMAGE Courtesy of Zarla Antonio

To maintain the aesthetic, it’s important to keep clutter at bay – only a few pieces and essentials are on display. On the bedside table, a clock, a lamp, and a vase take up space.

IMAGE Courtesy of Zarla Antonio

With a bedroom as pretty and cozy as this, we’re sure the owner would love to stay indoors to recharge her batteries.

To see more of Zarla’s work, follow her on Facebook: Zarla Antonio Designs.

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Have you recently spruced up your room or renovated your home? We'd definitely love to see the result! Send clear photos (with your full name, city address, and accompanying kuwento) to [email protected], and we may just feature your DIY project!