Sometimes, you just gotta let things “shake out” – haha. John kept rolling his eyes while I ran back and forth from the guest room to try “one more thing” all day yesterday, but I just love playing around, tweaking things, adding this, subtracting that, and seeing where we end up. It’s probably my favorite part of the whole process, all that final-hour-switcheroo business. And we’re so glad that we shared yesterday’s in-progress pics to show how just a few tweaks in the last 24 hours can really change things up. Not über dramatically, but enough to make a difference for sure. Sometimes it’s those last minute changes that make you step back and go: There. Done. At least for now.
Who am I kidding? I’ll probably be back in there hanging art above the chairs and switching out the bookcase for a proper dresser when we hunt down the perfect one on craigslist in a week or two. And then there’s the crown molding we’d love to add down the line along with a million other changes that we’ll probably roll out over the next few years. But those are projects for another day, because my mom and stepdad will be arriving in T-minus-four-hours. So here’s what the guest room looks like now that we picked up three things from Tar-jay yesterday afternoon.
Those three things were:
- a large $24 faux leather tray
- a round $49 oil-rubbed bronze mirror
- a cute green $19 table lamp
You’ll remember that yesterday’s to do list included hanging something above the bed to balance out the big window to the left (hence the purchase of the big round mirror) and adding a nightstand and table lamp (hence the purchase of the cheap-o table lamp and the tray that we attached to the top of the green luggage rack that we got last week while thrifting on our little V-day beach trip last week).
First I repaired the straps on the luggage rack with thick brown ribbon and a staple gun.
Then John came up with the genius plan to use Command removable adhesive strips…
… to securely fasten the tray to the luggage rack in a way that’s 100% un-doable, thanks to those removable strips.
After placing our new luggage-rack-turned-side-table next to the bed with that cute green lamp…
… and hanging the oil-rubbed bronze mirror above the bed…
…we both really loved the idea of bringing in the leather storage bench that was sitting unused in the playroom for the foot of the guest bed.
That way we could remove the patterned brown blanket that we had folded at the foot of the bed (for a splash of dark color) in exchange for the more “classic” and less busy brown ottoman (which would also serve as a place to sit down, store linens, drop bags, set out magazines for mom, etc). All hail function. And ottomans. Seriously, we can’t get enough of them. So for those of you who hated the brown blanket with a passion that can only be described as intense, rest assured that it’s been beaten and burned. Just kidding, it’s sitting in playroom purgatory with all of our other “leftovers.”
And on the subject of stuff we already have, we knew that our guests would love a place to charge their cellphones, so I brought in a ceramic stool from the sunroom and placed it between the two chairs that I shifted apart so the outlet was easily visible right behind the stool. Bam: cellphone charging central. Note: I’ve since come to my senses and removed the cute blue vase to actually make room for cell phones.
And in separating those chairs I nixed the faux sheepskin and brought over the two happy yellow pinwheel pillows for some easy balance. Of course we still have to hang some art above those chairs, but we’ll get there someday.
So that’s the room as it looks today with mom and Jack on the road from NY. Just for fun, here’s another shot of our cute little $1.25 closet door pull and the empty closet with a bunch of wood hangers just waiting for our guests:
The funny thing is that I’m pretty sure my mom would sleep on the floor for a chance to hang out with Clara, so she probably won’t even notice the walls or the curtains or the bedding because she’ll be so busy staring at the bean.
Speaking of our little helper, here she is hanging out while we hung the mirror above the bed.
Gotta love that girl. She already has an appreciation for rugs and other accessories.
Oh and since you know we love a good budget breakdown, here’s what we spent for the guest bedroom & adjoining guest bathroom makeover:
- Olympic Premium No-VOC primer: $12
- Olympic Premium No-VOC paint (color matched to Martha Stewart’s Plumage): $22
- Target bedskirt: $10
- Ikea curtains: $76 (around $19 a panel)
- Target curtain rods: $18
- Hobby Lobby closet knob: $1.25 (50% off thanks to a hardware sale)
- Target oil-rubbed bronze mirror: $49
- Target tray for luggage rack: $24
- Target table lamp: $19
- Target bathroom shower curtain: $20
- Target bathmat: $20
- Target Waterpik showerhead: $14
- Home Depot toilet seat: $12
- TOTAL: $297.25
Thanks to working with a ton of things that we already had (like our DIYed headboard, existing linens, the two slipper chairs, the ceramic drum stool, our yellow Pottery Barn rug, and our old bookcase) we came in well under a 1K Trading Spaces budget, even if you add our $488 bed purchase to the total above (which takes us to a grand total of $785.25). Now we just have to do a little last minute vacuuming and dusting before my mom swoops in and steals my child. That’s right, our family voted her as Most Likely To Steal Clara for a reason.
Psst- Wanna know where we got something in our house or what paint color we used? Just click on this button:
Tarnya says
I love the room, great job! I also like the chairs seperated much better too it works well in that space.
I’m sure your Mum and Step-dad will be very comfortable in there for their Clara time visit!!
Jane says
Ooh, I love the updated version so much better! The first was cute too but this just seems so much more pulled together and the right balance of prints but not too much. It looks a lot fresher with just the white comforter, I think…and the pillows instead of sheepskin rug. I’m really glad that you posted both versions so we could see how you tweaked things to really pull everything together. Hope you have a fun weekend! :)
Jennifer says
Looks fantastic – just love the changes you made from the first day. I have to admit, I wasn’t a fan of the brown blanket at all – love the ottoman! And the separated chairs – great.
Fiona says
The room looks great guys! You have inspired me!!!
I’m not sure why, but I think splitting the two chairs up makes a big difference.
Wendy says
LOVE it! You guys are totally inspiring me. I have a dark navy bedroom that I love, but it needs some work. I can actually hear myself thinking like you do, and I love it. I used to be totally scared of home decorating but now I see your style and the whole one thing at a time thing and I’m much less intimidated. I’m ready to tackle some diy style curtains like you did. Just one question. Do you wash the fabric before making them? I don’t remember you mentioning that, but if these shrunk so much, I would imagine the diy ones would too, and at some point I assume they’ll need to be washed.
Wendy says
One more question. How wide are these curtain panels. I have a window that doesn’t have much room on one side – kinda’ like the window in the corner. So I don’t want to make the panels too wide and yours look perfect.
YoungHouseLove says
When pulled out they’re probably standard width (around 50″) but when hung and pushed to the side they only take up around 10-12″ thanks to the way the linen-like fabric hangs. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
YoungHouseLove says
We got preshrunk fabric for our DIY curtains (which we’ve found doesn’t shrink if you wash it in cold water and tumble dry low) but if your fabric isn’t preshrunk (or you’re not sure, like the ikea panels) it’s definitely smart to wash before hanging (our panels were so obviously long that we knew after washing they’d still be ok to hem in place).
xo,
s
porterjane says
The “CHAIN PULLS” on the ceiling fans. Such a little detail but will make a difference if you change them out. The room looks lovely. Have a great weekend.
Janny A. says
What an amazing job changing things a bit!! I LOVE the new look (sans brown blanket! ;-).
georgia says
Don’t know if anyones mentioned it but have you thought about having a little ‘guest’ book?
My grandparents have one and its really funny to look back on what the different family members have written in there when they have stayed over :)
YoungHouseLove says
Yes those are fun! John’s parents have one at their beach house and it’s so fun to read.
xo,
s
Sara says
I LOVE what you’ve done here and I’m amazed at your turn around time. I also am impressed by the fact that you thought enough about your guests to leave them space for charging cell phone etc. The only thing I’m thinking about is all that “stuff” on your gorgeous DIY side table- Doesn’t look like there is too much room for glasses, book, glass of water, etc. You may want to consider removing some things to make it more usable? Just my .02!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Sara! We mentioned a few comments back that we cleared a few things off before they came (we left the coaster and the light and the clock, etc) but it also dawned on us that they might need more room. Great suggestion!
xo,
s
Jamie says
The room looks great! Any guest I’m sure would love to stay there. If you don’t mind sharing…. Where did you find the yellow rug, and the cute yellow pinwheel pillows? They are soo cute!
Lauren says
The bedroom looks great and thank you for the paint color inspiration. My husband and I have been struggling to select a paint color for our master bedroom and after seeing this color we were sold! Now we just have to find some time to actually paint!
Ashley A says
Looks great! Very colorful.
Here’s a tip I learned for guest bedrooms (that you could do if you had time). Sleep/live in the room as if it was your own for a couple days, and it really lets you see it as your guests will. You’ll notice things you didn’t think about, like “Oh, it really needs a trash can,” or “oh, the sun comes through at 4am,” or “oh, there’s no good place to plug in my phone”…
Really helps with troubleshooting and to make it a much more comfortable place for guests!
best to you and John.
dulcie says
Please take this in the best possible way…you simply must stop and reassess what you’re doing. You won’t publish this comment of course, but I am growing very concerned about the direction you are going here. The Master Bedroom looks like a dorm room and the guest bedroom is appalling. When inexpensive and DIY start to look cheap, you have totally defeated the purpose. And that dining table…you know why round tables of that size are so unpopular don’t you? Because they are terrible for conversing across the vast expanse. And the beams. NO COLOR PLEASE. Either natural wood or white. I was very impressed with what you did with your previous home. Not sure what is happening here. Maybe all the sycophants have gotten to you. I would suggest having a truly professional designer review your space. Some unedited feedback might be a wake-up call.
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks for the feedback. Our response: do with your house what makes you happy! Ours makes us grin ear to ear. Your style might not be ours, and it sounds like ours definitely isn’t yours, but that’s the beauty of personal preference. To each his own. And happy decorating to one and all!
xo,
s
Megan says
Haha, if their bedroom looks like a dorm room, sign me back up for college! :) It looks amazing! :)
georgia says
I’d chew off my right arm to live in that house the way its decorated!
Ok…. Maybe not chew off my arm as I’m vegetarian haha
Stephanie Phillips says
Ew, this comment irked me. Hm, good response, Sherry. You’re so diplomatic.
Jen says
Love the curtains! I think they go with the room perfectly!
I know haters are gonna hate, but I think they should realize that the house is not finished being decorated yet and besides, it’s not THEIR house! John and Sherry, I’m glad it makes you guys happy and that’s all that matters anyway! I hope your guests love it too! :)
Jenny @ Art, Wine and Design says
The room looks amazing! I found an awesome mirror that would look incredible in this room and I mentioned you on my blog today. check it out. XOXO
YoungHouseLove says
Love the mirror! And thanks for the link love!
xo,
s
Jenny says
Hello! Can I move into that room ;) ? I love it! Love the use of color in there!
Carshena says
OMG, I love it! I know you’re not finished but I love it already. You guys are definitely talented!
Kim S says
Love everything about it! Great job with those last-minute finishing touches. I think my favorite part is the leather tray on the green luggage rack with the green table lamp…so perfect!
Brooke says
This is easily my favorite room you’ve ever done! And you did it in like two weeks! Incredible!
p.s. I happened to like the brown blanket! Ha! That was the first thing I noticed was missing when I saw the updated pics!
HB says
Very nice…removing the brown blanket made a huge difference and I think it looks great…I do think that the wall above the bed can handle a crazy gold or silver mirror though! I am usually a light color fan, but that blue is very rich and relaxing w/out feeling dark…great job.
kelley@paperdollmn says
I think this is one of my favorite projects of your so far! I’m especially impressed by your reuse of the chairs, storage bench, and rug.
Marelis says
It turned out great! I’m in the middle of re-decorating my bedroom and I know I’ll be doing the same thing tweeking and trying different things. I love love love the chairs. We have a bay window that I desperately need chairs for…was considering a chaise lounge type chair. I’m sure you’ve posted this before, but where did you get the chairs???
YoungHouseLove says
They’re the Dolce Lounge chairs from Target. We’ve had them for 3+ years and love them!
xo,
s
Kristi says
Love it! It looks as if your style is evolving into more eclectic style! I love following the blog and watching you both have fun with it! P.S. I have those curtains and clock in my boys’ room. We have must have good taste!
Robin says
I LOVE this room! I almost wish I lived in your guestroom but I think both you and my husband would object. I LOOOOVVVEE that wall color. And, while I’m here, you’re little girl is ADORABLE. And I know adorable, I have two VERY adorable boys myself.
Robin says
Sorry. Wrong you’re. Your little girl is ADORABLE.
Caitlin says
Loved the colors in the room, especially the bed! Even inspired me to redo my own bedding…just a couple of tweaks and a new quilt from TJ’s!
Bethany says
Now THIS is the YHL type post of yore that I have missed. I had kind of laxed on following your blog since you moved. Something seemed different, maybe boring? (Sorry!) But I am SO happy to see this post, full of pictures and an itemized list with prices!
Speaking of, how/where did you find the mattress and box springs? Not that we live anywhere close, but we are also in the process of making our guest room a “guest’s room”.
YoungHouseLove says
Just scroll back a few posts for that. We wrote a long (and possibly boring) post about it. Haha. Here’s a shortcut: https://www.younghouselove.com/2011/02/a-matter-of-a-mattress/
Hope it helps!
xo,
s
kristin says
Wow! That wall color really works! Love all the colors in there. I can sleep in that bed! Love the crawling baby too! Mine is getting so close she can taste it … or carpet for now.
andria says
Love the color! I have been wanting to paint our bedroom something a little darker like this ( a color called salamander) and keep going back and forth on whether I should do it or not. This room inspires me to go for it!
Clarissa Powell says
I definitely think you made the right choice going with the white cover… I LOVE white bedding. Anywhozzlewhatits, I come back and look at this post and dream of the day I own my own place. Renters aren’t too keen on bold colors :(
Marvelous job. It’s so cheerful and inviting. :)
alicia says
HI! I am new to your site & I really love all that you have done & discovered. Wow. You guys have great taste! I wondered what you would might suggest for my family. We are moving from manhattan ( a little freaked out about it) to a house in the burbs. It’s an old arts & craft interior but it’s a bit too much wood for us so my plan is to paint most of the wood white. In the past, I have always used (BM) super white in our apartments. But now, in a house I am not sure it is the best choice. Do you have any recommendations? I have been told Dove White or Cloud white too. But since there is so much of it I am a bit weary of trying a new shade. I’d greatly appreciate your advise. Thanks.
YoungHouseLove says
Benjamin Moore’s Decorators White is our favorite, but Dive White and Cloud White are great too. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Maya says
Adorable! And love those yellow pillows. It’s such a happy room!
Tina Bland says
I love this room! I want it in my house! I’m obsessed with the wall color and all the fun bright green accents – I love the bench at the end of the bed. I was like, eh, on the brown blanket (so sorry!) on the bed so I really like the switch. I’m weird about certain browns and blues together – sometimes it totally works though! The bench really works, and its a great space for guests to put things on – my first thought was, “I’d put my suitcase right on that baby!” Love it!! Hope your family is enjoying it!
susan says
You guys did a totally amazing job!!! I am in love with the colors!!! I also love that you used the pillows from when Clara was born. How sweet. I think any guest will be over the moon to stay in your guest room!
Jen says
Wow, does that ever look nice! Beautiful colour on the wall, and it’s perfectly balanced with the accessories—especially the pillowcases. How fun and chic!
The side table is terrific.
Kylie says
Absolutely LOVE the teal and green together, what an awesome combination. You guys have done a great job.
Tanya says
I’m really sorry if you’ve been asked and answered this a million times but where did those gorgeous yellow rosette cushions come from?
The room looks incredible – there was never any doubt for me!
xx
YoungHouseLove says
They’re from Target a while back (but they still sell them today- they’re by Dwell in the pillow section). Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Diane says
I LOVE that wall color. So gorgeous, like a peacock feather.
It could have felt dark, but combined with the white trim, those light, airy curtains, and all the other vivid pops of color, it just looks smashing. I especially love all the colorful pillows in the room, plus that lime green headboard. Wow!
Clare says
The room looks awesome! I love how fun and bright everything is and all the color you’ve added! But my favorite part has to be Miss Clara and all her cuteness!
Ashley says
The room looks so good. Its actually the inspiration for our dining room makeover…go figure. Anyway, I was wondering if you could remind me what paint color you use for your white trim. We’re brightening ours up sometime this week. Thanks!
YoungHouseLove says
Ours was just inherited this way (it could use another coat of fresh white paint, but for now we left it as-is and just painted the walls). Our favorite white paint is Benjamin Moore’s Decorators White. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Dana Jones says
Beautiful! When can I come visit? lol!
Molly P-H says
Didn’t think I’d like it (not a big fan of teal/teal-ish) but I LOVE IT!! The yellow, linen and green really make it! Such a great inspiration!!
kelly says
can i ask where you got the pillow cases that are on the bed? I LOVE the colors
YoungHouseLove says
Those are from Pottery Barn a while back (they actually still sell them over on potterybarn.com). Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Kate says
Matchbook magazine just went live a little bit ago, and I noticed that on page 105, there’s a slipper chair & pillow arrangement very similar to what you did in the guest room! http://matchbookmag.com/
YoungHouseLove says
Love it! Thanks so much for the link. So much fun!
xo,
s
beea says
Wow! I love the wall color. I wish I can do something bold like that one day…. :) And I really like the rug. Where did you get it from?
YoungHouseLove says
That’s the Moorish Tile Rug from Pottery Barn (they no longer sell it, but maybe try ebay?).
xo,
s
moedawg says
PLEASE share where you got the amazing pillowcases! If it’s in there, I can’t seem to find it quickly.
YoungHouseLove says
Pottery Barn – they’re still on sale on the website. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Caroline says
WOW, I was not expecting that ‘after’ shot! I love the way the colors mix and still feel pulled together. I’m also VERY jealous of that green luggage stand. I’ve been looking for one of those for months! Great call making it a bedside table too. The house is really coming along! Keep the updates coming!
Laurie says
Love the chairs! Where did you get them? Whole room looks fantastic!
YoungHouseLove says
They’re the Dolce Lounge Chairs from Target (we got them 3+ years ago, but they still sell them). Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Becca M says
I seriously LOVE this guest room and the guest bath! I also like the way y’all break down the cost of the additions. Though we are currently renting (so we can’t do much to our house) I am already planning rooms in my head for when we purchase our first home :)
Kirstin - The Olive Seed says
Question about this headboard – did you make it? What kind of fabric is it? And how does it attach to the bed? We’re about to move into our new house and have grandiose plans for an upholstered headboard. Looking for guidance from the experts!
YoungHouseLove says
Yup, I made it. From quilted fabric (semi-thick) from a store in NYC about 6 years ago. It attaches to the wall, not the bed. Here’s a tutorial for ya: https://www.younghouselove.com/2008/07/how-to-upholster-a-headboard/
Hope it helps!
xo,
s