1960s Bedroom Set
Set dressing projects can be almost like a holiday to me, there is something so relaxing about not having to build everything from scratch and using existing design elements. Don’t get me wrong, I love custom sets the most but sometimes you just need a break. Having to make something work in an existing space also brings with it different kinds of challenges, as there are certain things you cannot change and have to make work for what you need.
This particular project came about when my brother was moving out of his house. I had always been a massive fan of the wallpaper in the bedroom as it was a striking 60s floral design in a beautiful colour scheme. The dresser was also his, which was soon to be sold, and seeing the two together in an empty room got me fired up to create a small vignette of a 1960s young couple’s bedroom. Placing the dresser on an angle in the corner of the room gave it a comfortable feel, but because of the large mirror, I also had to dress the opposite wall with a chair from the house and a hutch from my own collection.
To style the corner, I used simple curtains that perfectly complimented the colour scheme. To style the dresser, I used all original elements, really focusing on what would practically be on a 60s girls dresser. Jewellery, books and decor were all pulled from my personal collection, with original photos of my Nan placed throughout. An original mid century wedding card sits to the right, showing the couple may have just moved in after getting married. Roses sit atop a doily, a small stying element that really sells the time period. A book on etiquette and a vintage Woman’s Weekly sit atop the dresser, with elements of fine crystal and glass add texture.
A vintage suitcase and fake plant that I repotted into an antique pot frame the dresser, with mirrored brass cat statues framing either side of the mirror. Jewellery strewn across the dresser and a scarf draped over the mirror really sell the authenticity of the shoot, making it look like the character could enter the room any second. I am so happy with how the shoot came together, especially only having about a 24 hour period to pull it all together. I think that the end product is an example of an adorable slice of life from 60 years ago, and shows what you can do, just with the power of styling alone.
