Under a cerulean blue sky, on the outer banks of North Carolina and about a million miles away from her busy life in High Point, Elizabeth Harris sat quietly alone, listening to the sea, when a call for entries I’d posted to Facebook and Twitter popped up on her phone. Summer had just begun, and I was on the hunt, this time for a bedroom with good bones I could make even better with furniture and accessories from the world’s longest yard sale, the 127 Corridor.
A couple of emails later, and I was convinced. As a third generation Southern Living reader, Elizabeth understands the importance of tradition. When she bought her bedroom set, shortly after getting married, she was simply doing as her mother had done and her mother before her.
But over time, as Elizabeth found her own style, she couldn’t help but dream of a lighter, brighter room, a tranquil retreat that she and her husband Odie could truly call their own. To start, I headed to Calico Corners, where I found a wonderful Jacobean print in a sea-inspired palette of coral, pale blue, and white. A buffalo check brought a more masculine element to the mix.
Armed with fabric swatches, paint chips, and measurements, I picked up the famed 127 Yard Sale in Union, Kentucky, and headed south more than 300 miles to Chattanooga, Tennessee, in search of furniture, lighting, and accessories that would add one-of-a-kind charm to Elizabeth’s bedroom.
Over the next several days, in the sweltering summer heat, I stopped everywhere and often, scanning fields, rifling through bins and digging for treasure. Check out these two videos here and here, full of my very best tips on how to shop yard sales like a pro. In the end, I scored big with a van full of finds, but nothing was more memorable than the nice people I met along the way.
Before heading home, Jaithan and I made a quick stop at Southern Living's offices in Birmingham to show off my treasures.
While I started revamping my finds from the yard sale, a talented team of professionals helped transform the room into a fresh, clean canvas with Benjamin Moore paint and white Dixie Home carpet. Brightening up Elizabeth's bedroom set with high gloss paint ended up saving the most money, since new furniture would have cost thousands.
Good-bye dingy carpet, drab paint, dark furniture, and fussy drapery.
Hello color, pattern, and light!
I had a woodworker install canopy rails around Elizabeth’s four-poster bed, then hung tailored panels in the blue buffalo check from Calico Corners to make it feel like a cozy room within a room. And on the bed, out went the dated comforter...
..in came a colorful mix of bedding from JCPenney, HomeGoods, Calico Corners, and Sue Wong for English Home. That dazzling painting above the bed is from talented artist Mallory Page, while the white fur throw and benches are from Lillian August.
Remember that faux bamboo chair we picked up along the way?
I thought it would be the perfect perch for Elizabeth to read her favorite blogs and catch up on correspondence. She and her husband had already decided they wanted a place to unplug, giving up television in the bedroom and the large armoire that housed it.
The antique-inspired secretary from Somerset Bay is a stately addition to the room, while artwork from Artaissance’s Biltmore Collection, framed by Larson-Juhl, adds a personal touch.
Here are my best finds from the yard sale and how I revamped them!
I bought most of these pieces so Elizabeth could take full advantage of having a fireplace in the room. Instead of feeling cozy, it looked forlorn with only a few accessories and a dark print hanging over the mantel.
Using the fireplace as a focal point, I carved out a cheerful space for reading and relaxing with two freshly painted chairs anchored on a coral patterned rug from Lillian August. To brighten up the area, I added antiqued mirror to the fireplace surround. I found two fireplace sets for $40 at the yard sale, each with missing tools, then combined them into one. The large peony print above the mantel is from Artaissance’s New York Botanical Garden collection, framed by Larson-Juhl.
In Kentucky, just south of Union, I found a rusty, old cigarette table for $25, painted the base, handle and underside of the tray a dark shade of coral, then gold-leafed the top. To freshen up a set of nesting tables, I scraped off the paint from the backs of the glass tops, then used clear craft glue to adhere marbelized paper.
Down in Tennessee, I'd almost whizzed past this faux bamboo mirror.
I'm glad I didn't because it was just the piece I needed in this corner of the room.
After brightening up Elizabeth's traditional dresser with paint, I hung the bamboo mirror, flanked by wall brackets, then added figures and foo dogs, all from the yard sale, for a glamorous, well-traveled feel. The porcelain canister lamps I bought for $10, changed out the bases, and had a professional turn them into working lamps.
Huge thanks both to Terry Manier for documenting the 127 Corridor with great enthusiasm and to Miki Duisterhof for capturing the finished room so beautifully. Here's one, last look at the room before the transformation.
Here it is all finished!
And finally, on the ceiling of Elizabeth's bedroom, framed in a canopy of white, a cerulean sky opened up around her.
sorry, i'm very late! it´s the best work i see! Incredible! congratulations.
Posted by: bego | March 01, 2012 at 09:01 AM
Looks incredible. I have always wanted to paint a ceiling blue and you made it look fab. You have also convinced me to paint my spare bedroom furniture. It was my grandma's set and it looks a lot like the before.
Posted by: brandeye | February 24, 2012 at 03:07 PM
Um.....OMG.....you have just completely wowed me with this!!! So fresh.....take a bow!
Posted by: sherry hart | February 17, 2012 at 09:39 AM
can i just move into this gorgeous space?!? oh goodness!!! just GORGEOUS.
Posted by: rachel trigueiro | February 10, 2012 at 03:43 AM
I can't wait to show you our newly renovated master! Coral , white and blue;))) just sent out bench to be recovered and then I post the after pics. You two always continue to keep us bloggers on trend. Thanks for sharing :))
Posted by: Lizziefitz | February 07, 2012 at 12:34 PM
Don't you love it when you find a fearless client? How many people would allow someone to PAINT their four-poster bed? The answer is: a lot of them, now that you've posted these fabulous photos. The whole design is totally lovely. Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Merry Powell Interiors | February 07, 2012 at 11:20 AM
Gorgeous redesign! (Loving the secretary.)
Posted by: Miss Charming | February 05, 2012 at 09:15 PM
omfg!! are you kidding me? this is beyond fabulous!!!!!!!!!! you really are talented, who knew? haha!! Eddie - I LOVE this!!!!!!!! you did sooo good. Can I hire you? :)
Joni
Posted by: Joni Webb | February 03, 2012 at 12:34 AM
Oh WOW!! What amazing transformations! :D Beautiful !
Posted by: Roxane | February 01, 2012 at 08:48 PM
Absolutely gorgeous and refreshing! I love this room!
Posted by: Rebecca | February 01, 2012 at 05:56 PM
Another A-MAZING transformation Eddie! Absolutely stunning! xo
Lynda
Posted by: Lynda | February 01, 2012 at 08:30 AM
Wow....you are THAT good!! It's a completely new room, filled with light and the kind of special feeling that only someone with a truly creative mind could create. Just can't get over the difference.
I know Elizabeth and her husband are probably jumping up and down on that perfectly made bed!
xoxo Elizabeth
Posted by: pretty pink tulips | January 31, 2012 at 07:29 PM
You have created so many brilliant rooms but this one takes the cake! Just lovely...
Posted by: Barbara | January 31, 2012 at 03:17 AM
Too much fun! You two are geniuses! The transformation is beyond fantastic!
Posted by: Reggie Darling | January 30, 2012 at 11:12 PM
How beautiful and inspiring. You did an amazing job!!! Makes we want to hit the tag sales now.
Posted by: bentley waters | January 30, 2012 at 09:22 PM
The room transformation was amazing! Love all your finds and the way you changed each item.
Posted by: Mimi | January 30, 2012 at 03:40 PM
HOLY.....
Posted by: linda@Lime in the coconut | January 30, 2012 at 12:11 PM
Love this. I got some great ideas from it.
Posted by: Janette@the2seasons.com | January 30, 2012 at 08:01 AM
You have amazing vision! What a lucky girl to get such a magic transformation to a bedroom!! Love what you did, and I can't believe the amount you travelled for your finds!!
Have a great week,Eddie and Jaithan.
XOXO
Bea
Posted by: Modern Country Lady | January 30, 2012 at 12:40 AM
I have been so afraid to do anything with the family "brown furniture" that I have lived with for years. But this story has done it finally convincing me that I don't have to live with it any longer. Now could I just convince my husband!
Posted by: cj | January 29, 2012 at 01:22 PM
Eddie, you and Jaithan did a wonderful job as always! How is it that you can take anything and make it look absolutely fabulous? I would've been in heaven if I got to see y'all while passing through Kentucky! Have a fabulous Friday!
Posted by: elizabeth@lovelylittleparties | January 28, 2012 at 09:44 AM
Eddie! That's fan-flipping-tastic!!! I think this is my fav blog entry of yours. I so wish you could come shopping in Canada with me! I have got to take a page out of your book! Well done!
Posted by: Joanne | January 27, 2012 at 09:38 PM
Have you guys ever been to the Pasadena Flea Market?! Coming to Cali anytime soon?! You guys definitely have an eye for treasures... Beautiful! XO
Posted by: Amanda | January 27, 2012 at 07:36 PM
Wow wow wow! Amazing!
Posted by: Sarah Baynes | January 27, 2012 at 03:06 PM
HOLY SHIT! Eddie- you blew my mind with this one. Great great job!
Posted by: SKetch42 | January 27, 2012 at 02:19 PM
OMG! I just found your fantastic blog! I am your newest follower. Your treasure hunting skills are amazing. The room makeover, stunning to say the least. I am looking forward to checking in on your creative genius. Have a wonderful weekend. -Al
Posted by: Al | January 27, 2012 at 12:03 PM
Fabulous!! I just signed the lease on a place in Brooklyn and I'm eager to do the same!
Posted by: The Flying Quiche | January 27, 2012 at 11:45 AM
This is so FABULOUS~! I have similar furniture so I really enjoyed the change you made for Elizabeth. Awesome! I love that fireplace area, so cozy yet elegant!
Posted by: robyn | January 27, 2012 at 11:08 AM
What a transformation! I bet the couple is thrilled with what you did. Thats such a fun project to work on. I need to get to that flea market soon. I've heard so many good things about it!
Posted by: Brandi | January 27, 2012 at 10:21 AM
Yes! I am lucky folks! This is now a happy space! it's north facing so White Dove is perfect! and my inside blue sky- everything about this turned out as I had been wishing"in my head" ;) Do not be afraid of change-ie. painting furniture- remember it was raw wood at one point. A picture speaks a thousand words, take pictures of your own home- you will see things you can change- our eyes get used to our surroundings. I had the BEST time working with Eddie and Jaithan!!!!!
Elizabeth
Posted by: Elizabeth | January 27, 2012 at 10:11 AM
Wow - this is one of the best before-and-after stories I've ever seen. What a difference! I love the end result.
Posted by: Kate Dickerson | January 27, 2012 at 09:30 AM
Wow! How gorgeous! What a lucky girl. SO much inspiration in just one room. And so happy you gave your facebook link - just liked your page and can't wait to see what you have in store for us.
Posted by: Stephanie @ La Dolce Vita | January 27, 2012 at 09:17 AM
Wow what a transformation! The canopy rails were such a great idea. Loving that you mixed in coral and red (and blue of course.) Such an unexpected happy mix.
Posted by: Naomi@Design Manifest | January 27, 2012 at 09:06 AM
Sheer genius! Your imagination and creativity astounds me, Eddie. This was such a wonderful post.
Posted by: J. O'Hara | January 27, 2012 at 08:57 AM
Fabulous makeover!!!!!
wonderful to see you guys on Sunday.
Sending lots of love xoxoxoxo
Posted by: susan | January 27, 2012 at 07:47 AM
Seriously???!!!! Beyond beautiful!!!! It seems like every time you post a new room I'm like this is my favorite one yet!!! I love it and love that you show off what you can do with garage sale finds! xo Laurie from House to your Home
Posted by: Laurie | January 27, 2012 at 01:15 AM
FABULOUS, as always!
Posted by: Kathleen Luckard | January 26, 2012 at 11:47 PM
Amazing! I love those stools/benches at the end of the bed! If only I could afford them!
Posted by: Meagan @ Style-Edition | January 26, 2012 at 10:07 PM
I'm afraid. Really, I'm afraid to paint my "burled" wood tester bed, etc. Your transformation just looks so...right....franki
Posted by: Franki Parde | January 26, 2012 at 09:52 PM
What a lovely redo of the room! The new white carpet also makes such a difference. Lovely job. Light and airy.
Posted by: Darlene | January 26, 2012 at 09:45 PM
Joke in my family? Don't give it to Deborah, she'll paint it white!! lol And it's true. It just never fails, always looks fresh and crisp and cheers up the room.
Eddie, what a transformation you created in Elizabeths room. And even though I adore white, your combining that beautiful blue with the coral just sings a sweet and wonderful song of bliss.
You lucky girl Elizabeth!
starrydeborah
Posted by: Deborah | January 26, 2012 at 09:23 PM
LOVE THIS! LOVE THIS! LOVE THIS!
Thanks for showing us views not features in Southern Living!
Posted by: Cecelia | January 26, 2012 at 09:05 PM
The room is fabulous! When my husband gets home I'm going to show him the before after pics to prove to him how a little white paint could totally transform the bedroom set we bought as newlyweds (in 1988!) that looks just like the set in the makeover room!
Well done! (as usual!)
Gail
Posted by: Gail Kramer | January 26, 2012 at 08:50 PM
Stunning!!!! May I ask the color paint on the dresser? I have that very piece in a guest room....
And those finds transformed: omg!!!! You've got the touch!!!!
Posted by: Virginia aka Vva | January 26, 2012 at 08:38 PM
Love the room. It is inviting and restful at the same time. Kudos to you and Jaithan.
Posted by: Ann Chamberlain | January 26, 2012 at 08:37 PM
WOW OH WOW!!!
Posted by: Leslie W | January 26, 2012 at 08:30 PM
Just FABULOUS!!!! What a lovely beautiful room.
Posted by: Marlene | January 26, 2012 at 08:25 PM
Damn you're good Eddie!
Posted by: Linda Merrill | January 26, 2012 at 08:21 PM
How did you attach the wooden cross members on the bed that hold up the bed curtains? The room looks wonderful and just my style. I also have a similar bed and dresser. Thanks. Marti
Posted by: Marti Steed | January 26, 2012 at 08:17 PM
Totally great. I'm getting the urge to paint my old secretary . Superb finds and vision, as always.
Posted by: Pat Smith | January 26, 2012 at 07:55 PM
Really lovely. I'm trying to talk a client into painting some of her dark wood furniture just like this, I think I'll show her this post. What a great job. Looks like you had fun too!
Posted by: Carla Aston | January 26, 2012 at 07:50 PM
You ALWAYS bring it and somhow manage to always get better too! You are a real inspiration. My parents have a similar bedroom set in their house on Cape Cod - I'm going to send this piece to my mom.
Adrienne
Posted by: Adrienne | January 26, 2012 at 07:45 PM
I can only think of one word! Wow
Posted by: Lynn @thevintagenest | January 26, 2012 at 07:26 PM
i love your work...wish you would come to our old farm house! i know you would work wonders! :)
Posted by: kritter keeper | January 26, 2012 at 07:26 PM
Crazy crazy beautiful! And to think that right under my nose in TN you guys are scooping up the faux bamboo.
Posted by: kayce hughes | January 26, 2012 at 07:24 PM
I am officially obsessed. What a stunning transformation - I cannot get over the difference!! As I keep scrolling up and down the post I find more and more to love...heavenly!!
Posted by: designchic | January 26, 2012 at 07:22 PM
Eddie and Jaithan, just amazing. What talent you have. She must have adored the transformation. xxpeggybraswelldesign.com
Posted by: peggy | January 26, 2012 at 07:19 PM
FANTASTIC!!! Congratulations on such a beautiful project. and thanks for commissioning the incredible Mallory Page painting!
xo to you both--
JM
Posted by: Jeffery McCullough | January 26, 2012 at 07:16 PM
Love it! Gorgeous as usual guys!
Posted by: Beth (Hello Lover) | January 26, 2012 at 06:39 PM
What a stunning transformation you did it's absolutely beautiful. It's now so light and bright it doesn't look half empty any more or dated. It looks like a MASTER bedroom now and a soothing retreat.
XX
Debra~
Posted by: Acquired Objects | January 26, 2012 at 05:20 PM
Your blog quite simply always makes my day! I loved reading every word as you transported us on your journey of delectable finds. What a transformation!! Thanks so much for sharing! I look forward to your next post on whatever way you wow me next...because you always wow me!
Posted by: Kate Collins | January 26, 2012 at 04:36 PM
That is an insane transformation! You brought life into that room. Love the overall design.
Question...when you were living in NYC, what flea markets did you hit on the weekend?
Posted by: Brian | January 26, 2012 at 02:43 PM
Gorgeous transformation!
Posted by: Gramercy Home | January 26, 2012 at 02:39 PM
Amazing! You are such an inspiration!
Posted by: Lori H | January 26, 2012 at 02:01 PM
Absolutely beautiful.
Posted by: BoxwoodTerrace | January 26, 2012 at 01:21 PM
Love it! The space feels so much more personal now. Out with the old matchy, matchy bedroom furniture and in with some personality! They were lucky to already have such nice moldings and windows. Your paint choices really helped make them pop even more. Can you come to my house next?!?
Posted by: Lindsey A. | January 26, 2012 at 12:46 PM
I am just now contemplating painting my bed creamy white. I also have a desk like hers and a dresser to paint. After seeing the job you did I am not hesitating, I love the finished look. It's just what I want!!!
Posted by: Anchor Cottage | January 26, 2012 at 12:36 PM
Lovely!
I have a pair of the caned chairs w/yellow and one with the rust. All from an estate auction for $2.50 each. After seeing your photos, there's no longer a debate about whether to paint or not. The white makes them so very lovely. Thank you for the inspiration!
Posted by: gertie @ The Old Block House | January 26, 2012 at 12:09 PM
Eddie..
What a great story. I love the flea market shopping. I recently did an article in Kansas City and coined it as "deco diving". There are so many beautiful bones to be found. You did a wonderful job at showing that a good piece and a creative, talented designer can create fresh looks on classic pieces. Great job! Keep us posted on your adventures.
Posted by: Patrick Madden | January 26, 2012 at 11:58 AM
The use of color and pattern is beautiful. I saw it in the magazine but am loving it more on your blog!
Posted by: CourtneyOutLoud | January 26, 2012 at 11:38 AM
FANTASTIC job! Wow, how different, light and airy...
Posted by: Natasha | January 26, 2012 at 11:26 AM
This is absolutely stunning. I am almost speechless at the transformation ... but, of course, not surprised as it was in the expert hands of E+J!
Posted by: traci zeller designs | January 26, 2012 at 10:47 AM
Eddie and Jaithan, you've done it again! Such a transformation :) One of these days, I'm going to find a way to get y'all to transform our place! Xx.
Posted by: Sarah K | January 26, 2012 at 09:58 AM
Absolutely Fabulous!! You did an amazing job on this space. It is so beautiful and serene.
joan
Posted by: for the love of a house | January 26, 2012 at 09:38 AM
Lovely makeover - when I first saw your fabric choice, I couldn't imagine them together - you have such an "eye" for mixing fabulous prints! Now you have made me think I should paint my old bedroom set - and brighten it up...when my husband starts to complain, I am going to blame it on you!
Posted by: patti | January 26, 2012 at 09:25 AM
It looks very clean and chic Eddie!
Congrats on a southern styled yet clean and chicly coveted bedroom.i love the colors,textures and I know that paint is your friend and truly a redeemer! What a fun,fun project with an interesting story to boot!
Love it all!
Leslie
Posted by: La MAison Fou | January 26, 2012 at 08:35 AM
Wow and more wow! I absolutely love the colors you selected. Just wonderful and modern. Ok now I want to redo my bedroom...that's a good thing right? You both look so healthy and tan too. Hope all is well.
Suzanne in CT.
Posted by: suzanne spina | January 26, 2012 at 07:30 AM
Stunning Transformation.....I don't even know where to start I love it all so much. Genius!
Posted by: Susie @ Maddie's Nest | January 26, 2012 at 06:15 AM
I'd never want to leave that bed.
I'd set the snooze button just to snooze a bit longer in that bed.
I'd never want b'fast in the kitchen, I'd want it in bed.
pve
Posted by: pve | January 26, 2012 at 05:46 AM
Hi Eddie and Jaithan,
The room is absolutely stunning! My sister has an antique secretary desk much like the one you picked out for this project. She has it in her living room, right by the front window. Now that I see how well it suits being in a bedroom, I want one for myself!
I'd never have thought about painting the ceiling other the white, but this certainly makes the ceiling a focal "wall."
(I keep looking at the before and after--it's hard to believe it's the same room!)
Coral and blue - one of my favourite colour combinations. You have inspired me. Thank you!
Posted by: Vivian | January 26, 2012 at 03:42 AM
Stunning and truly inspirational. Thank you from an aspiring interior designer.
Emily
Posted by: Emily Price | January 26, 2012 at 02:06 AM
that is good, very very good. oddly enough i just pulled this out of southern living as a keeper, turned on the computer and was delighted to see this post going into further detail. brilliant guys!
xo
debra
Posted by: debra phillips | January 26, 2012 at 01:30 AM
Fantastic transformation - amazing the difference! She must absolutely love it. Bravo again Eddie!
Posted by: Nenaghgal | January 26, 2012 at 01:26 AM
What a GORGEOUS re-do. I absolutely LOVE it.
Posted by: Erica | January 26, 2012 at 12:31 AM
Insane!! What an incredible, light and airy, delicious transformation. You're a genius. xo Terri
Posted by: Terri | January 25, 2012 at 11:36 PM
absolutely gorgeous. oh, how i adore the chair with the floral back and check slip!
Posted by: Tessa | January 25, 2012 at 11:15 PM
What a bright and cheery space, Eddie! You continue to delight and inspire me so much. Although you make it look effortless, I can always tell how much attention you pay to the details!
Posted by: onestorybuilding | January 25, 2012 at 11:15 PM
Elizabeth is one lucky lady. I love what you did.. so jealous!
Posted by: Heather | January 25, 2012 at 11:11 PM
WoW Eddie! Love it! The colours are fabulous and everything looks so gorgeous! You did an amazing job! You are so talented...I wish there was a magazine called 'Eddie Ross' and it was all 'Eddie' projects! Wishing you a wonderful week! Angie xo
Posted by: Angie@Echoes of Laughter Blog | January 25, 2012 at 11:02 PM
What an amazing transformation. I love how light and bright and fresh it looks. I can't decide what I like best, from the gorgeous blue and coral colour combination, to the lovely conversation area by the fireplace. I'm sure she is going to love her new room.
Posted by: Grace | January 25, 2012 at 10:55 PM
Amazing work once again! I hope to one day be able to hire you to help add your touch to my home in Carlsbad, CA. You are so talented.
Posted by: Paige Danielson | January 25, 2012 at 10:51 PM
You are the master! I am in awe!
Posted by: Jan (The French Tangerine) | January 25, 2012 at 10:50 PM
AMAZING!! The last image is my favorite - really shows how all those pieces became part on one cohesive design. I'm about to call my friend in Louisville and tell her we have to drive that corridor!
Posted by: my notting hill | January 25, 2012 at 10:50 PM
Once again, an amazing (and timeless) transformation. Thanks for sharing the behind the scenes.
Posted by: elz | January 25, 2012 at 10:29 PM
So bright and beautiful!
Posted by: Jean @ Flower Hill | January 25, 2012 at 10:28 PM
Ok, WOW! In the before photos I didn't even notice those gorgeous windows, and now, framed by beautiful fabrics they really are a focal point. There are so many wonderful details, and I love that you did so much of it using great finds that you transformed yourself! You have convinced me to go ahead and paint the old Duncan Phyfe buffet that once belonged to my grandparents. I was going to sell it, but I think I can transform it and make it into something I will love again!
Kat :)
Posted by: Kat @Low Tide High Style | January 25, 2012 at 10:25 PM
Hi Eddie and Jaithan I adore what you have created in her bedroom! That is my same four-poster bed...do I dare paint it!? The color palette is so fresh!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
Posted by: Karena | January 25, 2012 at 10:10 PM