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.
Elsie says
I love the wall color; it’s so tropical yet sophisticated! And those flowered pillows are so fun!
You mentioned putting a mirror above the bed. Have you considered putting one over the bookcase for your guests to use as they go out the door? When I was visiting relatives this summer I really appreciated having a mirror in the room as well as one in the bathroom; it made the morning routine much easier. Just a thought. I love your blog and I can’t wait to see more!
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yes, we definitely need to hang something above the bookcase and above those chairs- we just don’t know if we’ll get to that by tomorrow. Soon hopefully!
xo,
s
J'Anns Boutique says
This is awesome, major improvements!
justine @ you're so martha says
i am LOVING the colors – the dark teal walls, the green headboard and the yellow. i think you did a great job of using what you had and combining the different patterns (glad to hear the brown blanket is gone though).
Paula/adhocmom says
There is nothing like the promise of guests to get a project going. Glad to see that rug back. I love that rug.
Elizabeth says
Sounds like you are a bit like I am, I usually have to live with a room for a few hours or even days tweaking things along the way. I like how your room looks so far.. I agree with changing out the brown blanket and I think hanging something over the headboard will make a huge difference. Can’t wait to see what you guys end up with tomorrow morning.
YoungHouseLove says
Yup, you just gotta let things “shake out” – haha. John keeps rolling his eyes as I run back to the guest room to try “one more thing” but I just love playing around and seeing what we end up with. It’s probably my favorite part of the whole process!
xo,
s
Maud says
The guest room is beautiful! Love the bright colored walls- ya’ll really stepped out of your comfort zone on that one! I Saw these brand new pillows on ModCloth Home today and thought of you guys- Nice price too! http://www.modcloth.com/Apartment/Furnish+Decorate/-Adventures-at-Alhambra-Pillow-in-Lemon
YoungHouseLove says
So cute! You know we love yellow…
xo,
s
Paula in MN says
I’m ready to try hanging curtains close to the ceiling. Is there a rule of thumb regarding how close to the ceiling they should hang?
YoungHouseLove says
We go as close as possible (almost touching it) but since we’re planning to add crown molding we left a few more inches for that. Just eye it and see what you like!
xo,
s
Melissa says
I don’t like how the brown quilt sorta competes oddly with the circle-print curtains and geometric rug, good call on pulling that outta there! Other than that I think the room looks AMAZING! The wall color is outrageous in a totally awesome way. Looking forward to seeing the final tweaks!
Tania says
Wow! You guys have done more in three days in this room than I have done in six months in my whole apartment. I was totally in love with the wall color the moment I saw it. Deep teal is my favorite color and alas, I live in a rental so I have to live vicariously. In the original wall color post, I was thinking you were going for a more urban/dramatic look. But in seeing this post, I’m struck by how versatile this wall color is and how it works for a more “Anthropologie” styled room with the pops of yellow.
It’s really fun to see it all come together in real-time and as a work in progress. I’ll be curious to see your updates tomorrow. I’m especially curious to see if you worked more green into the room to tie in the headboard. I am more design risk-averse so I would have gone with a neutral headboard so it’s interesting to see a more daring choice and how it plays out.
Kristy says
It looks fantastic! Good call on changing out the brown blanket, though. And I’m looking forward to seeing the finishing (for now) touches!
Noel says
WOW I love it! Especially those adorable curtains- they’re a perfect and fun match to the beautiful, saturated walls. I love that you guys did so much with what you already have. The result is so cheery and inviting! I wish this could be my bedroom, haha. I can’t wait to see the “final” pics of it tomorrow. Your guests are gonna looove it!
Awesome job!!!
Zoe Feast says
Gosh it seems everyone has an opinion about this room, it must be hard having it “picked over”. What you have accomplished here in record time is a cozy comfortable place for your guests, they won’t be analyzing every minute detail of the room!
Rachel H. says
Great job getting that guest room together in such a short amount of time, and I love that you are mostly using what you already have. I’m sure that your guests will appreciate it.
I absolutely LOVE the teal and yellow together; so classic. I would suggest that when you revisit that room, keep it simple and stick to just those two colors (with maybe some small pops of color here and there in the artwork, etc). I would definitely get rid of anything brown all together. It’s also easier to introduce lots of patterns when you stick to a similar color scheme, so you can still go pattern-happy, without going my-head-is-going-to-spin-off crazy! So, there’s my two cents. :-)
I can’t wait to see the last minute changes that you made! You guys are awesome.
Leslie says
ooh changes after a few people whined… fantastic… I wasn’t loving how it all went together either, but I’m am HORRIBLE at combining patterns
Cameron says
Yay for the update!!!! I will be eagerly awaiting tomorrow’s pictures. REALLY eagerly, because I’m a dork and a cloisterd SAHM!!
Funnelcloud Rachel says
Holy cow – how did you do this so fast? Love it – all the colors and bold patterns are so different from your old house. Looks great!
heather s. says
I love the curtains and most of the bedding. I’m excited to see what you used to replace the brown comforter since it doesn’t work for me. The only other thing I’m not sure about are the chairs – they just seem like they are thrown there just to have something along that wall.
Lauren says
I’m super impressed with all you guys have been able to accomplish in this room! I wasn’t so sure about the pics in this post (I was glad to read that you axed the brown comforter!), but I’m definitely looking forward to seeing the updated pictures tomorrow.
Hopefully you guys get a minute to relax before the inlaws arrive!
Jen says
Looking forward to seeing the updates tomorrow! I love that you are sharing things as you try ’em out and go. We ALL could look back at a design choice that we tried and didn’t love and changed quickly after. In fact, it happens to me all the time. I am loving where you are going with the room thus far, I know it will be completely fantastic {as always} when it’s said and done.
xoxo,
Jen
Michelle says
I appologize if this has already but asked but I’m too lazy to read all of the comments….what brand is the Target bedskirt. It looks thick in the picture….is it? I want to replace my thin one. Thanks!
YoungHouseLove says
We think it’s the regular Target “Home” brand. It came in a white fabric drawstring bag (that might help you recognize it). It’s fairly thick, sort of like a starched cotton sheet. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
stephanie says
ok I now want to come and give you guys a hug after reading some of the comments! I guess I (like you) need to remember that there are way more nice comments than not. I love your blog so much that I almost take those comments personal haha! I hope you did not change to much in this room…i think it is funky and really great! Keep up the great work:)
I CAN NOT WAIT to see what you do in the kitchen!!!!!
Allison says
Wow, your room has generated a lot of mixed reactions. So much controversy. The thing is I bet your guests are so thrilled with all your hardwork. Also, a good mattress in a guest room is the number one priority, and that has been taken care of. I hope they have a lovely visit in your sweet home.
Ashley says
Wow, this has to be your most controversial post yet! I think it looks great. I’ve been waiting for that “wow” factor to come out of your “be bold” attitude with this house and good for you for going for it! Can’t wait to see tomorrow’s “tweaks.”
Man, I really liked my “quotes” on this comment, haha.
linda says
Wait?? So neither of you have a real job outside the house? I’ve been following you for a couple months now, and it just dawned on me. How very nice to have that luxury, to just take care of your little daughter and spend your time decorating your home. I don’t mean to be mean, but that just seems a little odd to some of us. Anyway, I still love what you do Younghouselove! Also, as some readers have intimated, I too find the brown blanket a bit jarring in an otherwise colorful room. Just keeping it real ;))
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Linda,
No one’s more surprised about where we’ve ended up than we are. To be able to blog as a full time job is definitely something that we give thanks for every day! It does include a fair amount of coding and site maintenance along with “office work” like organizing giveaways, managing sponsors, answering comment questions (like this one at 7:16pm), taking pics, editing photos, writing posts, etc- along with the fun stuff like doing projects. And paying for things like site hosting and your own health insurance isn’t always a picnic. But there’s NOTHING ELSE we’d rather be doing! Seriously, we’re beyond grateful that this little blog baby of ours has grown to what it is today. You can learn more about how our site grew here, check out a day in the life as a blogger here, and peep the behind the scenes business info here.
Oh and you’ll be happy to know that the brown blanket is gone. Check out our little post update!
xo,
s
Ames says
It doesn’t seem weird to me! A lot of bloggers have been able to make a good living off their blogs (dooce.com anyone?), and more power to them. It is a lot of work, and then when they do write a post they get to come on here and see two hundred people slamming their choice of bedspread! I personally do not have the thick skin that is needed for blogging :)
KathyG says
It IS 2011, and lots of people work from home, running a business just like John & Sherry. The blog is a business. I ran a business from home for 10 years, so I can appreciate the difference in when you have to work “on” the business (website, advertising, office work) vs “in” the business.
Cameron says
Ouch. They have “real” jobs- they’re writers (and darn good ones!) I don’t think it’s odd at all. They obviously work incredibly hard, and I think it’s completely awesome that they’ve been able to make a career out of something that they love.
Can you imagine the time that goes into blogging, not to mention the time spent approving a replying to comments? All that on top of huge diy projects and caring for a baby (a full-time job on its own!) not having an office outside the home doesn’t make it any less of a real job.
CTDC says
The suggestion that what you two do– as parents and bloggers– isn’t a “real” job is beyond condescending. As usual, you handled it with total grace. I honestly don’t know how you guys manage to react so well to these mean comments! You’re amazing!
I am looking forward to seeing this room evolve. I like it, but I also see the potential for various tweaks, as well as additional touches (some of which it sounds like you’ve already implemented). It is neat to see that even those with a great eye and mad decorating skills (aka, J&S) have to experiment a little to get things right! That’s what y’all are all about and that’s why people love you.
isabella says
Why are you all so defensive?? Even though her comment was a little condescending, it was a legit question. I get the same question all the time and I have four kids!! But…my husband works outside of the home at a real job. And, no matter how you slice it guys, it IS a luxury for two people to stay home to take care of one child, and spend their time decorating their home, running to Target or Ikea or Lowes or Home Depot countless times during the week to get bath mats and pillows, and the “proper” gray paint etc. etc., and then write about it. Excuse me??? It’s like the Real Housewives saying that they are so busy and that it is “so much work” (an all day job, in fact) to look as good as they do. The commenter above was prob just saying that it is a luxury to be able to spend all your waking moments thinking only of your daughter and how to make your home look lovely, and then write about it. It’s just a kind of self-absorbed way to live. Seriously??
Harinee says
I know this is old news now but I’ve been reading through 500+ comments and the suggestion that you don’t have a ‘job’ is outrageous. Let’s see: Writing, Photography, Website Coding & Designing & Maintenance, Home Decor, Parenting. Thats 5 legitimate “full-time jobs” right there and you do ’em all and more. Well, two of you, so shall we say two and a half fulltime jobs each and get off their backs already about not having a ‘real’ job!
Think I commented 4 times on this post alone – will stop now. Love the newly-tweaked room in the latest post too!
Kristen in Hawaii says
It’s a little upsetting to hear that some people still think running a successful, revenue-generating website is not a “real” job, and that you “just” decorate and take care of Clara. I was a pretty serious blogger for a few years while also holding down a day job, and it is NOT easy! The site maintenance, coding issues, links, images, comments…not to mention managing your advertisers, and maintaining that thick skin that bloggers need to have…sounds like honest-to-goodness work to me! It’s basically like being the CEO, CFO, and CIO of your own small company. Definitely a blessing to be able to do it full time, but it comes with a good dose of uncertainty and most of the time, more responsibility than what people have in a so-called “real” job. Keep it up YHL, and know that your daily efforts and WORK are much appreciated!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks guys! As I sit at my laptop at 9:34 writing a post and approving comments it definitely helps to know that folks out there understand all the behind the scenes work that goes into this blog baby of ours! We wouldn’t rather be doing anything else, but we definitely don’t sit around eating bon-bons. Haha.
xo,
s
Ames says
Isabelle, I think we are all a little defensive because the original poster was so condescending. Do Sherry and John have a job that a lot people would consider a “dream job”? Yes, they do. Does that mean they don’t work hard? No. In fact, the fact that Sherry was on here replying to us at 10 p.m. means that they are obviously working really hard, and not just running to Target all day. I know that I leave my job at the end of the day and try not to think about it again. I can’t even imagine having to hear this stuff at the end of a work day.
And I can’t believe someone would come on here, read what they have to say, and then talk about it being a “self absorbed way to live.” What are you here for, if not to read about this stuff?
kara says
Ah! How dare you give a little “update” only to tease us, using lighting as the culprit. I can’t wait to see what you came up with tomorrow!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha- it’s true! We’re not good enough with the Nikon to shoot night pics that don’t look crazy. Haha.
xo,
s
blake says
Off-topic, but had to share that Home Decorators has your apple green leather parsons chairs on sale for $79 a piece. Pretty good deal: http://www.homedecorators.com/P/Parsons_Rolled-Back_Leather_Chair/800/
I could see four of those around your new dining table, with maybe two rattan-type stools and two upholstered dining chairs with arms (maybe in a green and white pattern).
Best of luck with your guest room-in-progress.
YoungHouseLove says
Love them so much! They’re already on our short list of options!
xo,
s
Jamie B says
That’s a LOT of colours, but I’m sure you guys will figure out ways to unify everything.
Karen says
Sherry… if you can’t find a tray to fit the luggage rack, try a large picture frame.
YoungHouseLove says
I’m already on it!
xo,
s
Nora says
I have the exact Pottery Barn rug (8′ x 10′) in my living room. Love it in here with the wall color.
Erin says
Have the 2 of you ever slept together in a full bed? Full beds are waaaayyy tooooo small for 2 people. Just fyi…
YoungHouseLove says
Nearly every guest bedroom that we’ve ever stayed in had a full sized bed in it (a lot of our friends and family members have modestly sized guest rooms like ours so we just looked to their guest rooms to set the standards for ours). John and I actually slept on a full sized bed until a few years ago when we upgraded to a queen. I kinda miss the cuddling! I remember when we upgraded to a queen (only because it was a free hand-me-down from his sister) we both said “wait, we don’t touch anymore? I miss you all the way over here.” Of course it’s a personal preference thing, but we know lots of other guest rooms with full sized beds, so it definitely worked for us!
xo,
s
Dawn says
My husband and I have been sleeping on a full bed for almost 11 years. It’s totally what you get used to.
SouthsideShellyP says
Super cute! The mix of bed linens looks fantastic. On the flip side, I am fatiqued by the repeated use of the faux shearling. The peacock blue/teal really looks fantastic. It is a beautiful color. For the past few days, I have jumped directly to your website first thing after logging on to see the latest updates. It’s been a fun week!!!
Bryan says
I love what you guys do! When I don’t 100% agree with a choice (which is rarely), I keep it to myself. Everyone’s tastes differ! Overall I am diggin’ this room and love the polka dot curtains and the layering of patterns. Keep up the good work!
Stefanie says
I love this room. Like triple love with a cherry on top. The only thing that is iffy to me in the pictures is the brown blanket at the end of the bed, which I read you’ve already done away with. Alone I LOVE the blanket..but don’t think it’s right in that space at all.
Hope you guys are able to get the last minute tweeking all done and relax this weekend and enjoy the company.
Misty says
Wow! I have never seen a brown blanket be so polarizing! lol.. You guys must think it’s funny to have all of us weighing in our your choice of bedding..
I think it’s funny that in your other house (light colors. neutral, airy), everyone was saying…use more color, more pattern, mix it up, be bold! Now you are TOO bold! Haha!
For what it’s worth, I like the curtains. I think they do a great job of incorporating some lightness to the room. If you had darker curtains in that room with the bold darker paint, it could get pretty dungeon-y after dark!
jaime says
ok…this is nothing short of ADORABLE!!! i love the mixed patterns, bold colors, fun accessories and details! very very well done (as usual, of course)!!! :) :)
Sadie says
I just want to applaud how gracious you both are with all the negative responses to this post. I’d probably go all junior high and snap back with a, “Well let’s see your perfectly decorated house.” haha Your responses are well thought out and never come across as the least bit sassy. I also love how humble you stay even with all the success of this blog. I see so many comments about people checking for your posts right away in the morning and multiple times throughout the day (I do this too!!), so even with all the criticism you’re obviously fantastic at what you do. Keep it up! Don’t change!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Sadie! We totally understand that everyone has different sensibilities and opinions. And what a boring world it would be if we all shared the exact same design tastes! We’re happy to put our photos and our process out there for anyone who wants to drop in on us, and we just like to remind ourselves that our house is always a work in progress- it’s definitely not going to be done anytime soon… so we’re just happy to sit back and enjoy the journey!
xo,
s
angela says
I’m really sad that there are so many negative comments! I think it looks wonderful! You’re guests are going to love coming to visit. :)
Erin says
I really like those door hooks, do you know where they’re from?
YoungHouseLove says
We’ve seen something similar at Home Depot or Lowe’s- can’t remember which. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Nota Supermom says
I love the yellow rug and how it contrasts with the peacock blue paint.
kelly says
did you get a good deal on your mattress? i am looking for a mattress for my son, but don’t want to pay a ton of money
YoungHouseLove says
Yup, scroll back two posts to the one from yesterday morning all about the process of mattress hunting! Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Lisa says
Love the wall color. I thought using what you have meant that you would use the old master comforter in this room. I thought it would look great with the walls. Not crazy about the brown. And yellow pops of color could only brighten the room more.
Cant wait to see how you pull the bath walls together with this room. Still thinking of a grey? Maybe slate?
YoungHouseLove says
Now we’re thinking mocha but we’re not sure. Gray is definitely still on the table. Have to bring home a ton of swatches and see what we like…
xo,
s
Julie says
I love that brown blanket–let me know if you want to sell it! :)
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, right now it’s in Playroom Purgatory, but we’ll be sure to let you know!
xo,
s
Future Mama says
Gasp! I have those colorful tree pillows on your guest bed (and I also have the duvet cover) in OUR guest bedroom!! I instantaneously feel more stylish. WOO HOO!!!
Much love,
Future Mama
http://expectingablessing.blogspot.com/
Y3ll0Rose says
I don’t know what it is about you guys – u r just so sweet ur blog is my favorite :-) I don’t comment much but just had to reiterate one of the above comments about how humble you both are and how I admire the fact that ALL your replies are always so polite and helpful keep it up! Btw totally agree about the bed size – hubby and I stayed in a room with a king size bed once and we had so much space in between us – he said this bed must be for couples who fight and can’t stand each other ‘come here’ and we cuddled up and left more than half of it empty! Haha that was one of the sweetest things he has said I should have put this comment on ur letter me post!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, that’s too funny. Yeah, guys can be accidentally sweet when it comes to cuddling. Haha.
xo,
s
Lynn says
Phew – it’s been work reading these comments. People never cease to amaze me and as another reader said good for you for being so gracious. I think the room is coming together nicely. I rarely make suggestions because you two are so good at what you do but I do have one. Of course this is not before your guests arrive but some sort of trim or binding tape would add a nice finishing touch to the bottom of the bedskirt. Oh yes, it would be an awful project, right up there with painting beams but it would be a nice finishing touch. Have great visit with your family and thank you so much for sharing so much with your readers!
Lynn says
PS. The curtains are perfect!
YoungHouseLove says
Actually that sounds like fun!
xo,
s
Megan says
That looks awesome!
Lauren says
Hi guys! Your room looks fabulous! I’m obsessed with checking in EVERYDAY to see all your new treasures, tips, and ofcourse…the before and afters! I can’t wait to see tomorrow’s pictures. I am loving your layered looks…”big box store” interiors are so bland…props to you both for taking chances and making your house exactly what it should be – your home sweet home! My fiance and I have just started renovating our two-story 4 bedroom home, and your blog is a saving grace! It’s full of inspirational ideas, new techniques to try out, tips for recycling and rejuvinating what you’ve got, and well…things that I just flat out copy! Heehee ;)
I was wondering if your gorgeous headboard was a DIY project? I hope so, because I love it! Is there a past post that references it?
Thanks again for sharing your home! xox
YoungHouseLove says
Yes, we DIYed that a while back: https://www.younghouselove.com/2008/07/how-to-upholster-a-headboard/
It was pretty easy! Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Melinda says
I love the colour of the walls but the rest has a craaazzyy look. I don’t think I could have a restful sleep.
Jennifer says
I love it! It looks so happy and bright. I wonder if Sherry’s parents stalked the blog for progress of the room since they’ll be sleeping in it haha ;-)
Jenny says
the room is fabulous. you hit the blue, yellow and green out of the park. way to get out of your comfort zone. i’d angle the rug at a diagonal(I know, not for everyone), put chairs down by the shelf on a light angle and space ’em out. Go bright with the curtains – yellow?! sorry, couldn’t help myself. you guys are too great – you’re my daily dose of creativity…vicariously living through you :)one more time, love the blue.