Some rooms just need a little personality. Others? They need a full-on transformation. This burgundy bedroom makeover by interior designer Theresa Butler is proof that the right paint color can completely redefine how a space looks, and more importantly, how it feels. 

What was once a plain, builder-grade bedroom is now a rich, soulful retreat layered with warmth, depth and intention. The secret? One perfectly chosen shade: Vintage. 

From Basic to Bold 

The space started like many bedrooms do: functional, but easily forgettable. 

“Desiree’s bedroom was very basic and lacked personality. It contained the essentials… but the space itself felt unfinished. Builder-grade white walls and beige carpet made the room feel plain and disconnected from who Desiree truly is.” 

Before

After

📸: @mm_photo_inc

The homeowner, Desiree Robinson, had long dreamed of creating a bedroom that felt elevated yet relaxing, but needed help bringing it all together. 

Theresa’s vision? Something far more evocative than a typical refresh. 

“The vision for this project was to create a sophisticated jazz-inspired retreat. A space that felt elevated, serene and thoughtfully designed while still reflecting Desiree’s personality and lifestyle.” 

Designing with Soul (and Color) 

Theresa’s approach is rooted in individuality and storytelling. 

“My design style is colorful and bold, but it is ultimately client-centered. I want every client to have the space they desire… The client's needs and desires are always at the forefront.” 

For this project, inspiration came from Desiree’s personal art collection. “I was inspired by Desiree’s Bisa Butler art collection, which we framed and used on her gallery wall.” 

The goal was to translate that same richness and emotion into the room itself—something layered, expressive and full of life. “The design needed to celebrate everything that defines Desiree: her warmth, resilience, strength and caring nature.” 

Finding the Perfect Burgundy 

When it came to color, Desiree already had a strong instinct. 

“She mentioned embracing more color, with burgundy/merlot as the color she was really gravitating toward.” 

After sampling Vintage, they knew it was the perfect color for the space. That perfect balance is what makes Vintage so transformative; it’s deep without feeling heavy, rich without overpowering. 

Let There Be (Moody) Light 

Interestingly, the room’s limited lighting became an asset. 

“The room gets its best natural light in the mid-morning and early afternoon… outside of that, the only other lighting was a single ceiling fan light.” 

Before

After

📸: @mm_photo_inc

Instead of fighting it, Theresa leaned in. 

“Desiree told me she wanted the room to feel rich and moody, so the lighting conditions helped set the tone.” 

The result is a dynamic space that shifts throughout the day: 

Daytime: Warm, dimensional and inviting  

Evening: Deep, intimate and atmospheric  

“It creates this really nice balance where the room feels warm and inviting during the day, but more intimate and atmospheric at night.” 

The Power of Paint 

If there’s one takeaway from this burgundy bedroom makeover, it’s this: paint isn’t just a finishing touch, it’s the foundation. 

“The paint is what really pulled the entire room together… the wall color became the anchor for everything else in the room.” 

To fully immerse the space, Theresa used a color-drenching technique, wrapping the room in Vintage from wall to wall. 

“Without that color, the room wouldn’t have the same impact… Now the space truly reflects Desiree and the strength and warmth of her personality.” 

Layering the Look 

With such a rich wall color, balance was key. 

“Because Vintage is such a rich color, the other decorative elements needed to be lighter, brighter and complementary.” 

📸: @mm_photo_inc

The palette came together through: 

Teals and greens for contrast  

Light wood tones for warmth  

Black accents to ground the space  

The artwork, textiles and accessories all pop against the burgundy backdrop, proof that bold walls don’t compete, they elevate. 

A Space That Feels Personal 

Beyond the color, what makes this room special is how deeply it reflects its owner. 

One standout moment? 

“My favorite vignette is the record player sitting area… Having a space where she can sit, put on one of her favorite records and relax after a long day is so special.” 

It’s more than a bedroom, it’s an experience. A place to unwind, recharge and feel completely at home. 

The Final Takeaway 

This burgundy bedroom makeover is a reminder that even the most ordinary spaces can become extraordinary with the right vision and the right paint. 

“It turned out exactly the way I pictured it: warm, deep and rich. A room that feels special and completely worthy of the person who lives in it.” 

So if you’re staring at a blank, builder-grade room wondering where to start, take it from Theresa: 

Start with color. Let it lead. And don’t be afraid to go for the bold. 

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