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Young House Love » Reader Redesigns » Reader Redesign: Gussied Up Guest Room

| By John Petersik | July 30, 2010 | 57 Comments

Reader Redesign: Gussied Up Guest Room

Shannon reminds us a bit of ourselves (well, mostly Sherry) since she completed an inexpensive room update while very much pregnant (I’ve yet to accomplish that feat). Check out the simple but awesome makeover she sent our way:

I thought I’d share our recent guest room makeover that got done with zero paint, $300 bucks, and an 8-1/2 month pregnant belly. I’m sure you can relate ;)  It is a large open space over our garage with slanted walls that make the room awkward and angular. I wanted it desperately to be a warm, inviting guest room, especially for our post-baby visitors.

Shannon Before

Shannon Before Other Side

Here are the deets:

  • I used a lot of the existing pieces and went “shopping” in my garage and basement for furniture and accessories.
  • The size of the room, plus the short time span, plus my bloodhound pregnancy nose made painting the walls a no-go.  Same thing for replacing the builder’s berber carpet and contractor-pack light fixtures. They were all staying.
  • I’m a cheapskate… everything came from Craigslist, Ikea, HomeGoods, TJ Maxx and Target.
  • I finally made my own headboard! And I also managed some no-sew throw pillow covers. Add some free artwork from the interwebs and I was DIY’ing all over the place!

Shannon After

Shannon After Other Side

It took me about 3 – 4 weeks to pull it together and with six weeks left before baby, I was feeling much more prepared! There’s more info and pics on my blog Shannanigans too. Thanks! -Shannon

Shall we all give Shannon a round of applause for this $300, paint-free room refresher? It looks totally warm and ready for guests. It’s also a great reminder that room projects don’t have to be backbreaking (especially if you’ve got a baby on board and your back hurts enough already). Here’s an early congrats on Blinky’s any-day-now arrival! And we’d love to know what you guys deem your favorite part of the makeover. We’re especially loving those sculptural bedside lamps.

Psst- YHL will be down for an hour or two on Sunday morning EST due to some server upgrades (which will hopefully result in faster loading and site navigation). Fingers crossed…

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Filed Under: Reader Redesigns

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Comments

  1. Avatar for liz @ bontempsbeignetliz @ bontempsbeignet says

    July 30, 2010 at 2:28 pm

    Just add some long white curtains and bamboo shades, and this room looks like it might be an addition on your house!

    Reply
  2. Avatar for amyamy says

    July 30, 2010 at 2:35 pm

    I’m not quite understanding how the walls became creamy yellow with no paint… ?

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      July 30, 2010 at 2:36 pm

      Hey Amy,

      It’s just a case of the after pics being taken in different lighting (due to the new lamps and the time of day). If you check out the before pics you can see that the walls are slightly creamier than the ceiling in those shots as well.

      xo,
      s

  3. Avatar for DianneDianne says

    July 30, 2010 at 2:45 pm

    agreed! totally awesome redo…and love the tripod lamps :)

    Reply
  4. Avatar for KennKenn says

    July 30, 2010 at 2:47 pm

    What a great makeover. Balancing the neutrals with coordinating dark accents (dresser, chair legs, mirror frame, lamp bases, bed spread, blinds, and even the waste basket) really brings the room together without it feeling too macthy-matchy. Simple and understated, yet very elegant. Love it.

    Reply
  5. Avatar for JeanJean says

    July 30, 2010 at 2:50 pm

    This is gorgeous — so warm and inviting. I love the no-sew throw pillow covers. Genius!

    Reply
  6. Avatar for MeganMegan says

    July 30, 2010 at 2:55 pm

    It looks great! And it looks very similar to what we’re doing with our guest room that I was planning to send in! Might be some de ja vu in a month or so! ;)

    Reply
  7. Avatar for AlondraAlondra says

    July 30, 2010 at 2:56 pm

    I am in awe at how gorgeous it turned out! Way to go Shannon! It really is warm and inviting. Now I feel like a bum with my still-bare-living-room. Time to get crackin’!

    Reply
  8. Avatar for MellyMelly says

    July 30, 2010 at 2:59 pm

    Bravo! When you said you did not paint, I thought there was no way that room could look much better than it did in the before photos. Boy was I wrong.

    Reply
  9. Avatar for CarolynCarolyn says

    July 30, 2010 at 3:06 pm

    Love the lamps, the shades give off a warm glow. The headboard is also fabulous!

    Reply
  10. Avatar for hi-dhi-d says

    July 30, 2010 at 3:10 pm

    Another great room redesign!

    Reply
  11. Avatar for BethanyBethany says

    July 30, 2010 at 3:12 pm

    I love that green ampersand on the desk! Where is it from?

    Reply
  12. Avatar for RobRob says

    July 30, 2010 at 3:18 pm

    My favorite part is the sitting area. The dark brown throw on the chair really ties in the dark wooden dresser. It’s a very inviting space compared to the storage area it once was.

    Reply
  13. Avatar for CecilieCecilie says

    July 30, 2010 at 3:20 pm

    This is a beautiful room and what a place to be a guest! Our guest room is in need of some love and attention and I am slowly working my way there so it is fun to see some one else working on their guest room.

    I love the lamps but I will also say that the “office” for the guests is great!

    Reply
  14. Avatar for JaneJane says

    July 30, 2010 at 3:24 pm

    I love how cohesive it feels without beeing too-too theme-y. Great job, Shannon!

    Reply
  15. Avatar for hyzenhyzen says

    July 30, 2010 at 3:24 pm

    Love this–the transformation for $300 is really pretty stunning! Definitely a comfortable and inviting place for guests to stay! My only “complaint”–what happened to that adorable little nightstand from the before picture? I hope it will find a good use somewhere else around the house–I thought it had some nice lines and character. I might be inclined to move that tall white shelf into the corner behind the chair (or, honestly I don’t love the shelf that much–I could see ditching it entirely and putting art on that wall instead), and put the old nightstand next to the chair with some pretty coasters and a little bouquet or some such–a reading nook isn’t quite perfect without someplace to set your drink! Anywho, I’m just nitpicking, because, again, your space really looks excellent!

    Reply
  16. Avatar for Caroline @ The Feminist HousewifeCaroline @ The Feminist Housewife says

    July 30, 2010 at 3:27 pm

    Yay! There is hope for pregnant DIYers!!!

    This is awesome!

    Reply
  17. Avatar for JodiJodi says

    July 30, 2010 at 3:37 pm

    Totally great. I love all the green accents. One suggestion – if you lower the mirror over the desk, your guests could use the area to apply make-up and primp.

    Reply
  18. Avatar for bridget b.bridget b. says

    July 30, 2010 at 3:40 pm

    yay! i love reader redesigns! great room shannon.

    Reply
  19. Avatar for SueSue says

    July 30, 2010 at 3:42 pm

    I like the chair on the left – where did you get it?
    Sue

    Reply
  20. Avatar for AbraCatAbraCat says

    July 30, 2010 at 4:01 pm

    What a transformation… it looks great!

    Reply
  21. Avatar for Kristi W.Kristi W. says

    July 30, 2010 at 4:08 pm

    What an awesome makeover! It really looks cozy and inviting. If I were a guest, I would feel very comfortable in that room. I love that she didn’t have to paint or change the floors in order to create a great space. Good job!

    Reply
  22. Avatar for HeidiHeidi says

    July 30, 2010 at 4:16 pm

    Love this little room… looks so fresh, I can’t believe there’s no new paint! I would agree to lower the mirror over the desk, too but it’s not going to make or break the room.

    My favorite thing are the two storage boxes at the foot of the bed… I’ve been searching for something like that but haven’t had any luck with that size unless it’s a basket, which I don’t want. I love the fabric finish on those Anyone know where I can find them or somethig similar?

    Reply
  23. Avatar for Jessica @ How SweetJessica @ How Sweet says

    July 30, 2010 at 4:30 pm

    Beautiful transformation!

    Reply
  24. Avatar for ShannonShannon says

    July 30, 2010 at 4:30 pm

    Wow, thanks everyone! You guys, especially J & S, are awesome! Way to make a miserable very-pregnant girl’s day!

    The green ampersand seems to be popular. Unfortunately, I got it on clearance at PB sometime last year and had it sitting around my basement.

    @hyzen – don’t you worry! That little table is still up in the room, I’m using it for the powder room that is almost complete. And you’re totally right about the tall shelf, I thought the same thing. I just got really lazy and didn’t feel like moving it. When in doubt, leave it and accessorize.

    @Sue – the slipper chair was a Craigslist find

    Reply
  25. Avatar for Jen @ The Decor SceneJen @ The Decor Scene says

    July 30, 2010 at 4:37 pm

    Love all the darks and lights together. It really warms up a room nicely. I’m lovin the green pops in the room….pillows on the bed, the green desk chair, the green vase in the thin bookcase and of course that green “&” on the desk. I love brown, green and cream together. What a goreous room you have made Shannon. Guest will love to stay over. Awesome job.

    Reply
  26. Avatar for MaritelMaritel says

    July 30, 2010 at 4:42 pm

    What a great job and 8 1/2 preggers too?! She is awesome!

    Reply
  27. Avatar for ChristinChristin says

    July 30, 2010 at 4:47 pm

    Really, really, really love it. Great job!! :)

    Reply
  28. Avatar for CarMajCarMaj says

    July 30, 2010 at 4:47 pm

    Beautiful!!! Wonderful job!!!!

    Reply
  29. Avatar for Haley (Cardigan Junkie)Haley (Cardigan Junkie) says

    July 30, 2010 at 5:06 pm

    I’ve never thought about using storage boxes an ottoman/bench of sorts – that’s so clever! Now I don’t need to save the $200 version. :)

    Reply
  30. Avatar for Handy Man, Crafty WomanHandy Man, Crafty Woman says

    July 30, 2010 at 5:09 pm

    Wow, what a transformation for such a great price!!

    Reply
  31. Avatar for KatieKatie says

    July 30, 2010 at 5:10 pm

    I love this room! It’s like when you watch Olympic gymnasts and they make things look so easy- I feel like Shannon totally nailed the cohesive but not matchy-matchy look. The fact that she was so resourceful and economical takes this makeover to Olympian level to me :)

    Reply
  32. Avatar for Cait @ Hernando HouseCait @ Hernando House says

    July 30, 2010 at 5:23 pm

    This looks awesome, and very impressive with a baby bump!

    Also, we have that same carpet in out living room and guest room, it’s the only carpet in the house and we want it gone!

    Reply
  33. Avatar for The Virginia HouseThe Virginia House says

    July 30, 2010 at 5:30 pm

    Wow, I love it! She did such a great job and on a budget. My favorite kind of makeover!

    Reply
  34. Avatar for Kim@ NewlyWoodwards[email protected] NewlyWoodwards says

    July 30, 2010 at 5:35 pm

    This is such a great room. I love the lamps and the boxes at the foot of the bed. And, I love that Shannon, too. She’s a thrifty little thing. =)

    Reply
  35. Avatar for Amanda @ longroadsetAmanda @ longroadset says

    July 30, 2010 at 6:21 pm

    I actually really like the carpet even if it’s builders stock.

    I think the room is really warm and inviting now. You did a great job! Kudos!

    Reply
  36. Avatar for MaryMary says

    July 30, 2010 at 6:26 pm

    This is totally amazing, a total transformation from plain to beauty – for only $300. Hey Youngsters, I just started my own blog; is it possible to show your blog address to send people your way? I’m already stopping people in the grocery store to tell them about YoungHouseLove!!!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      July 30, 2010 at 6:27 pm

      Hey Mary,

      Congrats on your new blog! And of course we always appreciate any and all link love, so feel free to send people our way!

      xo,
      s

  37. Avatar for Jen R.Jen R. says

    July 30, 2010 at 6:53 pm

    I like the layering of the bedding, rather than just leaving the “boring” brown coverlet by itself. Definitely has some pops of color, without being too much. I was wondering what fabric was used in making the diy headboard? :)

    Reply
  38. Avatar for ErikaErika says

    July 30, 2010 at 9:06 pm

    WOW! Shannon…..IMPRESSIVE!!! I love the whole bed nook area. It looks so inviting. Having completed some similar work on my home at 8 months preggers I can relate, yet I am still so inspired by what you accomplished. You go Mommy!

    Reply
  39. Avatar for Jill StigsJill Stigs says

    July 30, 2010 at 9:35 pm

    Wow…..looks fabulous. Great job and that far into your pregnancy too? Just wow.

    Reply
  40. Avatar for LizzieBethLizzieBeth says

    July 30, 2010 at 10:20 pm

    Hoorrraaayyyy for Shan becoming famous!! And that end table was my dumpster dive that I refinshed for her!!

    LB

    Reply
  41. Avatar for ChristyChristy says

    July 30, 2010 at 10:57 pm

    Awesome job!! I couldn’t believe how different it looked despite not painting or changing fixtures. I love the desk area with the black and green accents. It is so warm and inviting. Way to go!

    Reply
  42. Avatar for Erin @ Two Story CottageErin @ Two Story Cottage says

    July 30, 2010 at 11:12 pm

    Oh how I miss those nesting hormones.. but I like the fact that I can climb on ladders & rearrange furniture again. :) Enjoyed the makeover pics! I like the boxes that create a bench at the end of the bed.

    Reply
  43. Avatar for ShannonShannon says

    July 31, 2010 at 8:57 am

    It looks really good. You did a fabulous job working with what was there. Your guests will love it, I’m sure!
    Shannon
    http://www.akainteriordesign.wordpress.com
    http://www.akadesign.ca

    Reply
  44. Avatar for MaryGeneMaryGene says

    July 31, 2010 at 10:47 am

    I loooove the bedside lamps!! Want them! And I love the green pillows on the bed!

    Reply
  45. Avatar for The Modern GalThe Modern Gal says

    July 31, 2010 at 10:55 am

    Love it! Moving the dresser made that space seem so much more balanced. I would love to stay there anytime!

    Reply
  46. Avatar for ErinErin says

    July 31, 2010 at 11:40 am

    I love it! Especially because it is so budget friendly! Way to go Shannon!

    Reply
  47. Avatar for Kristin (Australia)Kristin (Australia) says

    July 31, 2010 at 6:20 pm

    What a beautiful room – so warm and inviting for your post-baby guests…. I’d be considering moving in there myself though, so gorgeous!!! I actually think the carpet looks great, even if it is just the builder’s standard one – the pattern works really well with the room.

    Great work Shannon – when I was 8.5 months pregnant, I could barely move off the lounge, let alone decorate a room! Well done :)

    Reply
  48. Avatar for Erin @ Where Beauty Meets FunctionErin @ Where Beauty Meets Function says

    August 2, 2010 at 10:44 am

    I love this guest room! It has what I am contintually striving for (and missing)…clean, uncluttered and yet warm!

    Reply
  49. Avatar for hyzenhyzen says

    August 2, 2010 at 11:16 am

    Shannon, thanks for the response! I’m glad the little table will find a good home! I hope we’ll get to see pics of the bathroom when it’s done. And doing all this while very pregnant makes you anything but “lazy”! I should know–I’m 7 mos pregnant with my 2nd baby, and trying to work on our house now too–but some days even just getting through the day is exhausting!

    Reply
  50. Avatar for Shelley @ Green Eggs & HamletShelley @ Green Eggs & Hamlet says

    August 2, 2010 at 5:08 pm

    Holy awesome! My fave part is the gray boxes at the foot of the bed. Looks like a bench but I imagine provides some great storage and they’re a great color.

    Reply
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John and Sherry smiling against pink backgroundHey, we’re John & Sherry. We’ve fixed up 7 homes, written books, designed products, started a podcast, and then downsized & moved to the beach! Here you’ll find over 3,000 DIY projects & home updates. More about us…
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