Update: We brought in a few of the items on our to-do list below and it changed everything! Well, not everything, but a few things came out (the brown blanket is history, at least in this room) and a few other things moved around. Gotta love those last minute tweaks. Check out the whole shebang here.
Here’s what things are looking like right now (well, as of an hour ago when we snapped these pics and uploaded them):
Which is definitely an improvement on Monday’s more spartan look…
… but we still have lots to do (an quite a few things aren’t in their “final resting place”) but here’s what we’ve checked off so far:
- Get all of the junk out of there (thanks to a Habitat for Humanity ReStore pickup & moving stuff into the playroom)
- Buy a mattress & boxsping along with a cheap-o bed frame
- Dress said bed with already-owned bedding
- Add shower curtain & other bathroom essentials (towels, new toilet seat cover, etc)
- Paint the room
- Hang curtains
And here’s our outstanding to do list:
- Hang something above the bed to balance out the big window to the left (probably a large round mirror to soften the harsh angles)
- Add a nightstand & table lamp (here’s hoping we actually get around to this one)
- Put something on the empty bookcase between the bathroom door and the bedroom door (which will eventually be switched out for a proper dresser that we can use to store a ton of stuff)
- Wash and hem the curtains
As for the room’s layout, we tried about a million different things (bed placed diagonally in the corner, bed on the other window wall, bed centered on the back wall, etc) and this is the configuration that we loved most. Especially once we added in things that we knew we’d be including, like our green headboard (see how we DIYed that here) and our old yellow Pottery Barn rug from the living room (since we’re due to get a rug much bigger than 5 x 8 in there for Karl).
The off-centered, foot-of-the-bed rug placement wasn’t exactly intuitive, but we loved the rug so much with the walls and the bedding that we vowed to make it work. Bringing in those two slipper chairs that used to live in the living room (and squishing them together like a loveseat) helped to make sense of the rug placement and add balance to that side of the room. And once we introduce a night table to the left of the bed we think it’ll look even more balanced and make more sense in the space. Speaking of balance, we can’t wait to hang something above the headboard as we mentioned up in our little bulleted list. It’ll help balance out the window to the left of the bed, and a large round mirror is at the top of our list (for the nice curves it’ll add to a room with so many rectangles and squares).
We also added a $10 white bedskirt from Target to complement all of the existing bedding that we already had from our old guest room (the brown and white blanket is from Bed Bath & Beyond back in the day, the white comforter is from Ikea, the printed pillow cases are from Pottery Barn, the yellow pinwheel pillow is from Target, and the long blue pillow is from TJ Maxx a while back). The bedding isn’t 100% finalized, we just threw everything that we already had on and though it looked kinda fun. Who knows where we’ll end up tomorrow after we finish those last few to-do list items though…
Psst- There’s already been an update and a few of the bedding items have been switched out – check out this post for the room as it looked when our guests arrived.
Oh and the curtains are from Ikea.
They were $39 for two, which makes them $19 a pop. Not bad for extra long 95″ curtains (86″ ones never quite do it for me since I like them hung extra high to make standard ceilings like ours feel taller). Of course I still have to wash and hem them. Ack. And add crown molding above them – but that’ll have to wait a while.
When it comes to the little things, we even switched out the hardware on the closet door from this basic brass pull…
…to this cute lime greeny-yellow one (with oil-rubbed bronze hardware to match our curtain rods) for $1.25 at Hobby Lobby. Oh and speaking of those curtain rods, they’re from Target for just $9.99 a pop.
I’m off to finish those last few items on our to do list (and move things around for the 100th time), but I’ll leave you with this pic of what the room looked like just eight short days ago:
How crazy is that? You’ve come a long way baby.
Charity says
Love love love! So much color.. So fun! At any moment you could switch something out for another and it would still look fab!
Heidi says
Looks great. Love all the colours and patterns. Great work!
Liz @ Law Mama says
I’m in love with this room! So colorful and fun – the deep teal is SO AMAZING. You’re making me want to repaint my bedroom next, or at least kick the guest room into shape! LOVE.
IBL says
At first glance, I wasn’t feeling it AT ALL….took the laptop 10 mins later into my bedroom, logged on again to take a closer look, and now I love the “fun vibe”…very interesting, not at all what I was envisioning …nothing “matches” to me yet it looks cool in the end
karen says
WOW..I could have never pulled this off in such short time.
What if you used a solid colour throw instead of the circle pattern..I do love the brown though.
I find the curtains don’t do justice with that gorgeous rich paint colour.
Overall think it looks great…very inviting. If I was a guest in that room I would be smiling!
Tracey says
I love it! I would never have thought of putting jewel tones like the wall color with brights. It’s opened up a whole new world of possibilities to me. Thank you!
Frances Bentley says
What a fun fun room! It looks great!
Crystal @Beautifulhaven says
I love the paint color and think the curtains are a perfect match, but not feeling the rest of the room either.
But if you love it and makes your guest smile, then great job.
Katie says
I love it!!! I love the different patterns. Nate Berkus always says that you can have many different patterns in one space!!!!!!!
I also love the curtains – I saw those at my local Ikea and was trying to think of where I could put them in my own house :)
Shannon says
I rarely comment on blogs- in fact, I rarely read comments on blogs. But I read them today because I really love the style changes you’ve made with this new move and was curious as to reader response. I’m only writing in response to the negative reactions to encourage you to carry on!
I’m so impressed with the space. You did an amazing job reusing items that you love and finding a way to put them all together for a completely new look. Obviously, it is unfinished and I’m sure will be more cohesive when complete.
Your old house was always pretty, but a little matchy and blah. I love the new bold colors and mixing of patterns. Much more inspiring! The beauty of decor is that it is constantly evolving and can always be changed if you hate it- so take chances!! Your blog is becoming one of my faves!
Kelley says
I agree!! I loved your “old house” style as well, but as an avid reader of YHL it is so good to see something a little different. The room looks awesome in my opinion. Keep up the great work and thanks for letting us in to your little world!!
Jennifer says
Wow! You guys are on fire. What a fun room and cheerful room! I love it.
Melody says
I can’t believe how far that room has come! It’s a really fun space!
Susie says
I do like it! I am really loving the bold colors you are choosing…takes me back to this post of May (I was so inspired by that post that I used the first blue/green/brown combination as the jumping off point for our bedroom in our new house and I must say I’m loving it).
https://www.younghouselove.com/2010/05/lok-learn-the-bold-the-beautiful/
Keep up the good work!
Megan says
AMAZING! What a fun room! It just makes you feel happy looking at it! For a fun little switcheroo, a green throw (same color as the headboard) would look great at the foot of the bed as well. But I LOVE everything you have! You guys are awesome!
Tricia says
So far it is fantastic! I love being able to see before/after. I know this is a start but man it is a great start!! I wish I had the knack yall do for decorating with color and textures..the mix and match of the room but somehow it’s so cohesive! Ahh.. please come to my house.
Newlyweds on a Budget says
I love all the colors and patterns! It goes so well together.
Tami says
Wow, what is it with all the Debbie-downers today? This is *your* remodel, and *your* sense of style, and *you guys* doing fun things in *your* home. I’m appalled that there are so many negative comments.
On the other hand, I think it’s lovely, and fun, and your parents are going to adore it because 1) it rocks and 2) their kiddos put a whole ‘lotta love in to it.
Kandace says
Holy Moses! Can I move in??? I LOVE all the patterns/textures with the bold wall. B-e-a-utiful.
Also…love the pillowcases from Pottery Barn. We’ve been eyeing the duvet cover in that pattern, but just can’t seem to commit to it because I can just sew one for so much cheaper. I’ve been searching for a fabric pattern for awhile now. So if you perhaps see one :) let me know!
Wonderful job on the room!
YoungHouseLove says
Have you tried ebay? You might turn something up there. Good luck!
xo,
s
Martha says
My mom gets stressed out if I clean too much before she arrives. I wonder what would happen if I decorated a room just for her. :-)
I love that you all are putting more color into the new house. I really loved the last house, but I also love bright color, so I’ve really been enjoying finding inspiration in all the color you’ve been experimenting with.
Keep it coming!
Ginnie says
What about rigging up some kind of side table with that luggage rack? If you have a large serving tray lying around or stored away. Flip it over so it nestles on the edges of the luggage rack, or somehow attach it.
I don’t know. In my mind it works, but in reality it my be too piece-mill.
YoungHouseLove says
Alas, I already hijacked all of our trays but they’re not big enough. We’re going to run out for some last minute things a little later on and I’ll definitely be on the lookout though! We love the whole luggage rack side table thing!
xo,
s
Sarah K says
Looking amazing!!!
Kathleen says
i LOVE this. i live in an apartment so we don’t want to spend a lot of money since we hope to buy something in a year or two, but this has given me inspiration to redo our bedroom, we never really did anything with it. did you guys make the headboard? love the colors!
Ashley says
Can’t wait to see what kind of round mirror you find to go above the bed. I have been searching for the right round mirror for my bedroom, which is also a dark color and has lots of angles, for more than a year and haven’t come across it. I’m thinking my best bet will be some sort of vintage/antique/junkstore find that’s cheap and re-paintable, but no luck yet. If you know good mirror sources, please share!
Carrie says
I think it looks wonderful! Its definitely in contrast to your previous house style! I think I mostly love it because it looks like its been created over years of living in, not just a cookie-cutter guest room. Great job!
Two Dogs & A House says
Wowza! What a transformation and from stuff around the house! I wasn’t sure how you would tie in the blue, but I love all of the different pops of color and print! What a fun room. You all are pros!!!
ginai says
aww I love it! it is so colourful and cheery!! ((: that carpet rocks!!
Sherry, just curious here…. do you speak Italian? and if so, will you teach Clara?
Love all ya’ll do!!!
YoungHouseLove says
The funny thing is that I actually speak French (studied it in school). I understand a fair amount of Italian, but I’m not good at actually speaking it. Haha.
xo,
s
Paige Jones says
excuse me, what are your rates? I’d like to come stay for the weekend…
ok, I know that’s not possible and would be really creepy.
I love the room. It has an eclectic feel to it. If my mom taught me anything growing up, it’s that “matchy-matchy” is boooooooring and “blending & creating cohesiveness” ROCKS. This is so cute!
I’m just loving the boldness that you’re approaching this Casa with. LOVIN’ it.
Can’t wait to see more.
Carrie says
I’m so impressed with what you’ve done in a super-short amount of time and with stuff you already have! The patterns are fun and lively and combining them gives the room a cozy feel. You guys officially win the hosts-of-the-year award for creating such a great space for your guests!
Jamie says
I’ve been a fan of your site since I stumbled across the rain barrels you made. I’m in a fit of urban homesteading and your recipe for them were just what the garden ordered!
We have a hideously (ex-girlfriend) painted room (it looks as thought a baby pea threw up in it!) in our house at the moment and I’ve been looking at dark navy paints similar to the color you painted the spare room in this post. The thought of a less than neutral, bold colored room scares me, shakes me to the core even! But, your post gave me the inspiration I needed!
I’m in love with lemon or orange colored accents and that rug is perfect. Plus, the geometric shapes in the other textiles speaks directly to my heart. I’m a skimmer, but I don’t think I saw where you guys picked up the rug.
Great job! Keep up the wonderful work.
Katherine says
We’ve been away the last 3 weeks and you guys have accomplished so much! You’ve completely transformed your living room and guest room. Amazing.
Jen says
I love the teal colour walls. Can you tell me what brand & paint name it is?
Thanks!
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Jen,
It’s Plumage by Martha Stewart color matched to Olympic Premium’s No-VOC paint.
xo,
s
Katie {Katie Company} says
Looks great! I am LOVING all of the color yall are using for the new crib.
Such a sophisticated yet playful look!
Little Miss Fitness says
You guys think of everything! This guest bedroom looks great already and you’re not even finished. :) Wow!!
P.S. What kind of camera do you use?
YoungHouseLove says
We have (and love) a Nikon D3000. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Kimberly says
I love EVERYTHING except, the curtains.
susan says
I agree with one of the above comments about taking the brown blanket off the bed. I think if you do that the other colors will “work” together. You have done an amazing job guys. susan
YoungHouseLove says
Ok, ok, the brown blanket has been removed and beaten. And we added something else to the bottom of the bed. Can you stand the suspense? Pics tomorrow after we (hopefully) check off the rest of our to-do list!
xo,
s
Kel says
Looks great. I love that you guys worked with the furnishings that you have and didn’t go crazy shopping just beacuse. You are keeping it real.
The wall colour is excellent, I’m loving it more and more everyday. Looking forward to seeing what you tweak in the room as it evolves.
Great work on going bold and colourful and being more daring. Have a great time with your guests!
San says
WOW! You sure got a lot done this week. Love it all but imho i think the brown & white blanket should be replaced with a solid or very small print in the curtain, wall or headboard color. Thank you for sharing your ideas with us. Your blog is very inspiring!
georgia says
Hey Sherry & John :)
I Love everything you have in the room, as per a few others not necessary together, but hey its cheerful and funky. And each to their own. I was wondering if you had seen these side tables in Ikea – i have one in my lounge which cost me £14.99 (not sure what that is in Dollars… )
http://ramblingsofgeo.blogspot.com/2010/07/weekend-organising.html
Its kinda cool becuase you can store things under the table top / lid and like me you could stick some fabric under the tray and make it look different and hide whats stored away.
Im not sure how far from Ikea you are, or whether these are to your liking, but thought i would let you know :)
xxx
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks so much for the link! Ikea is 2 hours away so I’m afraid we won’t get there in time, but we’ll have to check them out in person the next time we’re out that way!
xo,
s
Meredith says
I love the room. I think yall did a wonderful job. I have to admit that I’m surprised by some of the comments. I think it’s wonderful with all the patterns and makes it interesting. Plus, you guys said you were going to try differnt things. Bravo! Can’t wait to see more:)
jackie says
I think this looks great. I like all the colors and patterns. It feels young and fun.
Spencer says
I LOVE the decor of this room! It’s honestly one of my favorite designs you guys have ever posted! It’s got a bright, playful tone to it, and I think the mismatched patterns go together brilliantly! I’ve been trying to figure out my favorite design style (sort of colorful, sort of mix-n-match, yet shabby chic) but have never been able to explain it, but this room nails it!
I’ll be bookmarking this post for future reference! :)
Lindaroo says
I love it! I think the colors work together because they share value and the circle motif. The curtains are great, a little more sophisticated in color and design, but still airy and light. It’s great how the yellow rug and pillow accents add a touch of whimsy to the room, and tie in with the bathroom!
I tried a floating shelf next to the bed; it came crashing down when my guest tried to use it as a handhold when getting out of bed. I don’t recommend it!
Whoever sleeps next to the wall needs a spot to put glasses, water bottle, etc. Wonder what you’ll come up with there….
abby says
OH MY GOODNESS! the colors are so funnnnnn! love the pillows! & curtians!
looks lively and airy and welcoming.
When can i come? ;)
Lora says
Wow, impressed by how fast you got it together! Looks Cute!
I find all the negative comments funny. Especially the comment about it looking amateurish. uh Hello, they are not professional decorators. That is the fun of the blog. Average folks enjoying DIY. And also I personally dislike rooms that match too much. Matchy matchy is for the boring. I like the new (more fun) direction you are taking. Looking forward to seeing the final edit of the room. I am sure you may tweak it some, that’s part of the fun of decorating. Keep up the great work!!
Christa M says
Now this is looking like a room that I would LOOOOVE to stay in! Great job! Can’t wait to see MORE!!!
Molly says
Such drama!
I think it looks fun and bright. It may not be “done”, but that’s the way it goes! You gotta start somewhere, right? And it makes sense to use what you have until you figure out what you really, really want.
Love the color on the walls. I just want to swim in it. I saw a very similar color in a Lilly Pulitzer ad in the new online mag, Matchbook and wanted to share. It’s styled with green and yellow, too.
Lilly Ad:
http://s7d6.scene7.com/s7/brochure/flash_brochure.jsp?company=LillyPulitzer&sku=S11highrescatalog&config=LillyPulitzer/Lilly%20Pulitzer%20vs4&locale=en
I think your ‘rents will really enjoy the visit and the accommodations. I know my parents joke about how they have an “apartment” in Atlanta, aka our guest room.
http://thenestinggame.wordpress.com/2011/01/19/nest-tour-guest-room/
[email protected] says
Well, I still Love. It. Showed my daughter, then went back and showed her the guest bathroom. We both think they look fantastic! The style is seriously different from what you did in the last house, but I love watching you trying something different. Good job!
Ashley says
Wow, some of these comments are a little rude. Especially the one a couple of pages back that mentioned the word “cheap,” not cool.
I think the room looks great and very bright and inviting (which is what a guest room should be, inviting). I love that everything is not matchy-matchy but flows together because their colors are complementary. I love the curtains because they are very unexpected and adorable.
A lot of these commenters must not read Apartment Therapy because there’s lots of color combinations like that on there.
JenWoodhouse.com says
So colorful! Lookin’ good… way to go!
Michele Daggar says
Hey Guys,
My favorite parts of this room:
1) Color
2) Color
3) Color
oh and I love all the COLOR!!! I didn’t know what to expect because I loved the white and dreamy color palette in your old house, but wowsa I’m totally digging these colors!
I do have to admit that when I saw the beautiful yellow pinwheel pillows on Karl, I went to Target that day and bought them. A Valentine gift to myself! Sorry to copy you guys, but that yellow is fabulous. My kitchen is painted almost that exact yellow.
Great job!
P.S. The curtains are one of my favorite parts of the room. Love the polka dots and the pattern on the comforter!