Young House Love

Home Decorating, DIY Tutorials, & Shenanigans

  • Shop Our House
  • Our Previous Homes
    • Our Richmond House
    • Our Beach House
    • Our Duplex
  • Before & Afters
    • Our Current House
    • Our Previous House
    • Our Beach House
    • Our Duplex
    • Our First House
    • Our Second House
    • Our Showhouse
  • DIY & Decorating Tips
    • Most Popular
    • Home Improvement
    • Painting
    • Cleaning & Organizing
    • Crafting & Art
    • More . . .
  • Podcast
    • Getting Started
    • Show Notes
  • Shop
    • Our Fav Home Finds
    • Our Lighting Line
    • Our Books
    • Book Club Picks
    • Black-Owned Businesses

Young House Love » Reader Redesigns » Reader Redesign: Small, Simple, And Striped

| By Sherry Petersik | December 8, 2011 | 93 Comments

Reader Redesign: Small, Simple, And Striped

We’re so impressed with how much style Marianne packed into such a small room. So for anyone out there struggling with the small space blues (our last bedroom was tiny with no closets – so we can totally relate!) hopefully this will inspire you! Enough chit chat, here’s Marianne’s letter:

I gave the smallest room in our house a total makeover. And when I say small, I mean small:

Marianne Before Room

Marianne Before Bookcase

The room is barely even 4 square meters big (about 43 square feet if I’m not mistaken) but I feel I still managed to give the space some oomph and character. Since I know you guys love  living a ‘simple’ life without a lot of unnecessary clutter I thought you might appreciate it too!

Marianne After Room

The bookcase I used is an old Ikea Billy bookcase that I  gave a new life by turning it into a built-in.

Marianne After Bookcase

Almost all of the other bigger and smaller projects where done using thrift shop finds or by revamping old objects that I found in my own basement or attic.

Marianne After Letterbox

Since I live in the Netherlands I don’t think sharing paint names or resources would be of much help to you, especially as I ended up mixing my own colors anyway. But I hope you and your readers enjoy it! – Love from the Netherlands, Marianne

Marianne After Nightstand

Oh and you can get more info on Marianne’s blog. Of course we were crushing on the subtle striped walls (they remind us of the ones we added to our first house’s bathroom). Ah memories. Oh and did you notice there was also a key leaning in front of a map in a printer press letterbox? This room’s just a few dozen white ceramic animals short of the Dutch version of us!

Psst- Just wanted to make sure that everyone in or near Portlandia is planning to check out The Portland Bazaar (Grace Bonney is one of its founders) this weekend on the 10th and 11th! We hear it’s going to be full of crafty slash DIY goodness, so we wanted to shout it out for you West Coasters. Wish we had time for a Portland road trip...

More posts from Young House Love

Filed Under: Reader Redesigns

Decorating Our Tabletop Tree With Handmade Ornaments
Our Favorite DIY Tools: A Holiday Gift Guide

Comments

  1. Avatar for Ashley @ DesignBuildLoveAshley @ DesignBuildLove says

    December 8, 2011 at 2:47 pm

    totally love the airy, bright feeling of the room, as well as the casual elegance that the stripes bring in! Nice job!!!

    Reply
  2. Avatar for SingleMamaSingleMama says

    December 8, 2011 at 2:47 pm

    Love the suitcase nightstand, beautiful room!

    Reply
  3. Avatar for Kristen @ Popcorn on the StoveKristen @ Popcorn on the Stove says

    December 8, 2011 at 2:50 pm

    What a great makeover! I love the night table with the white suitcase on top. It’s so charming :)

    Reply
  4. Avatar for ChristinaChristina says

    December 8, 2011 at 2:51 pm

    Hey Guys,

    I hate to point this out but there are 2 mistakes in the first paragraph.

    I love the Redesign! It’s so encouraging for fellow DIY-er’s!

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      December 8, 2011 at 2:54 pm

      Thanks Christina! Serves me right for trying to multitask with Clara. All fixed!

      xo,
      s

  5. Avatar for LindaLinda says

    December 8, 2011 at 2:53 pm

    I am loving that basket under the nightstand (the one holding the towels)! It adds such great texture to the room. I might be jonesing for one of those now. Hmm…

    Well done, Marianne!

    Reply
  6. Avatar for MichelleMichelle says

    December 8, 2011 at 2:53 pm

    So pretty!

    Reply
  7. Avatar for SamanthaSamantha says

    December 8, 2011 at 2:55 pm

    Just fell in love with the luggage/end table. I really thought it was one piece from across the room. LOVE!

    Reply
  8. Avatar for Karen L.Karen L. says

    December 8, 2011 at 2:55 pm

    Beyond awesome!! Beautiful! Such an inspiration to all of us. I am cleaning out our basement right now so this really helps to keep me going toward the simpler, less cluttered life! I’ve moved a lot which has helped, but after being married for 40 yrs there are still things we could clear out. :)

    Reply
  9. Avatar for Ashley@AttemptsAtDomestication[email protected] says

    December 8, 2011 at 2:56 pm

    Ahh! After seeing the horizontal stripes in your bathroom and now in such a small space like this I am determined to do them in my future home! Be it a 1/2 bath or a laundry room! Love it! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  10. Avatar for ArleneArlene says

    December 8, 2011 at 2:56 pm

    This room is so cute! Even though it is small, it really doesn’t appear to be! Wonderful job Marianne!

    Reply
  11. Avatar for Kathryn / Eventually Ever AfterKathryn / Eventually Ever After says

    December 8, 2011 at 2:57 pm

    This is gorgeous! I love the color palette and all of the details. The suitcase is amazing. Great job!

    Reply
  12. Avatar for KellyKelly says

    December 8, 2011 at 2:57 pm

    I love the striped walls and the suitcase night stand.

    Reply
  13. Avatar for StefanieStefanie says

    December 8, 2011 at 3:03 pm

    I triple love this! It’s adorable. My absolute favorite part of this room are the accessories. What a cozy little place to sleep.

    Reply
  14. Avatar for Julia @ Chris loves JuliaJulia @ Chris loves Julia says

    December 8, 2011 at 3:03 pm

    On her blog she also posted a picture of 2 ferrero rochers for her guest. She REALLY knows how to treat her guests. hahahaha. Yummm.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      December 8, 2011 at 3:06 pm

      Mmm, so sweet!

      xo,
      s

  15. Avatar for SamiSami says

    December 8, 2011 at 3:04 pm

    Also for those in Portland – what what! There’s Crafty Wonderland this weekend at the Convention Center. Should be awesome… http://craftywonderland.com/ Looks like I know what I’m doing this weekend…

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      December 8, 2011 at 3:05 pm

      Wow- so jealous of you crafty Portlanders.

      xo,
      s

    • Avatar for TiaTia says

      December 8, 2011 at 5:44 pm

      Thanks for sharing! See you there Sami ;)

  16. Avatar for LizzieLizzie says

    December 8, 2011 at 3:05 pm

    love love love love looooooooove the nightstand.

    Reply
  17. Avatar for LindsayLindsay says

    December 8, 2011 at 3:06 pm

    That’s a very sweet room, so cozy. I love how the light colors make the room look bigger.

    Reply
  18. Avatar for Brandi @ His Shabby Her ChicBrandi @ His Shabby Her Chic says

    December 8, 2011 at 3:16 pm

    The suitecase on the side table is by far and away my favorite part. It looks great and so much bigger!

    Reply
  19. Avatar for MelissaMelissa says

    December 8, 2011 at 3:18 pm

    I wouldn’t mind staying in that room!

    LOVE the suitcase nightstand and the shelves with the odds and ends (umm, HUGE skeleton key?! I’ll take three)

    Reply
  20. Avatar for Andrea @ the yellow cottageAndrea @ the yellow cottage says

    December 8, 2011 at 3:20 pm

    European shabby chic – looks so airy and cozy. The pattern on the windows was there in the before pic, but I like how it works with the room. Reminds me of lace curtains. I loves it.

    Reply
  21. Avatar for Marianne@Songbird[email protected] says

    December 8, 2011 at 3:22 pm

    Oh, Thank you guys so much. I love seeing my little guest room on your blog. Makes it look even better.
    And you sure have a friendly bunch of commenters. I love them too. Thank you.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      December 8, 2011 at 3:26 pm

      Aw thanks again so much for sharing the inspiration Marianne! What a charming little space you’ve created!

      xo,
      s

    • Avatar for WendyMIWendyMI says

      December 8, 2011 at 9:26 pm

      Marianne…. your room is adorable, and so bright and airy! Wonderful job!!!

    • Avatar for Kasey MarchKasey March says

      December 9, 2011 at 10:31 am

      Marianne your room is fantastic! You’re blog is firmly planted in my reader.

      Also, loved your paper garland on the tree!

  22. Avatar for ClairClair says

    December 8, 2011 at 3:23 pm

    “This room’s just a few dozen white ceramic animals short of the Dutch version of us!”

    oh.em.gee. Sherry this made me LOL. My favorite thing on this site besides house updates is reading your cheesy goodness! Love it!

    Reply
  23. Avatar for KatieKatie says

    December 8, 2011 at 3:23 pm

    Marianne, het is heel mooi!! Vooral de muren en de kleuren. Dikke proficiat!!

    Reply
  24. Avatar for heatherheather says

    December 8, 2011 at 3:30 pm

    I have an almost *identical* wall pattern picked out (colors too) for our guest bedroom, similar styling. LOVE IT!

    Reply
  25. Avatar for GabbiGabbi says

    December 8, 2011 at 3:39 pm

    So very beautiful! I love every detail in that room…especially the subtle stripes and suitcase nightstand. We are in the middle of painting subtle stripes almost those exact same colors in our family/main bath right now! Hopefully our bath is 1/2 as pretty as that loveable room!

    Reply
  26. Avatar for JessikaJessika says

    December 8, 2011 at 3:40 pm

    Wish you were coming out here too! I’d be headed up there (a short drive away) if I hadn’t just gone up there this weekend.

    Reply
  27. Avatar for WrenariaWrenaria says

    December 8, 2011 at 3:47 pm

    So cute and cozy! Love the nightstand.

    Reply
  28. Avatar for IzabelaIzabela says

    December 8, 2011 at 3:50 pm

    Wow…I’m speechless. Marianne is one talented lady. I’m so glad she shared, and you shared with us. Thank you.

    Reply
  29. Avatar for AlyAly says

    December 8, 2011 at 3:51 pm

    Sweet space!

    I had to read that sign over the door three times before it made sense, I swear it said, “DARF TO DREAM”. What?!

    Reply
  30. Avatar for LydiaLydia says

    December 8, 2011 at 3:55 pm

    Hup Holland Hup!

    Ik zag de eerste foto en dacht bij mezelf: “dat is net een Nederlandse kamer” en ik had gelijk, ha! Marianne: super mooi gedaan, meid! Je maakt me ook meteen weer helemaal nostalgisch voor thuis…zijn de pepernoten al helemaal op?

    Reply
    • Avatar for Marianne@Songbird[email protected] says

      December 9, 2011 at 2:40 am

      Dank je wel. Yup een hele Nederlandse kamer. En nee de pepernoten zijn nog niet op. Heb net een nieuwe zak pepernoten met chocolade gekocht in de na-Sint uitverkoop. :-)

  31. Avatar for leilaleila says

    December 8, 2011 at 3:55 pm

    Adorbs as always! Just a thought – our local market sells potted rosemary plants trimmed into a “tree” shape around this time of year… We got one for my grandparents’ small space and it was the cutest table-topper with a few ornaments and smelled delish. It’s now in their backyard and has grown about massive over and has been “harvested” throughout the year. Happy Holidays! :)

    Reply
  32. Avatar for Jillian@TheHumbleGourmet[email protected] says

    December 8, 2011 at 3:59 pm

    I just want to take a nap in there. So cozy!

    Reply
  33. Avatar for IlseIlse says

    December 8, 2011 at 3:59 pm

    How funny! As soon as I saw the first picture I tought ‘This doesn’t look like America, could it be The Netherlands?’

    Then she was talking about square metre’s and in the end it turned out I was right! Well done Marianne!

    And for you guys, you should know that you are very well-read over here too!

    Much Love, Ilse

    p.s.
    Marianne! Je hebt een nieuwe volger voor je blog gevonden ;)

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      December 8, 2011 at 4:33 pm

      Aw thanks Ilse! We love you chic and stylish Nether-folk!

      xo,
      s

  34. Avatar for leilaleila says

    December 8, 2011 at 4:07 pm

    oops… and that was meant for your tree post, obvi. although this room is lovely.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      December 8, 2011 at 4:32 pm

      Haha no worries!

      xo,
      s

  35. Avatar for SarahSarah says

    December 8, 2011 at 4:08 pm

    Great room! It feels bright and open, yet cozy and inviting at the same time.

    Reply
  36. Avatar for Carol N.Carol N. says

    December 8, 2011 at 4:10 pm

    Love her design and am so looking for the old wire basket for towels in my new master bathroom. Thanks for featuring other designs! This is lovely.

    Reply
  37. Avatar for maribelmaribel says

    December 8, 2011 at 4:21 pm

    I’m weird…I kept focusing on the curtains, too short. Other than that the home has lots of character for being a teeny tiny room.

    Reply
  38. Avatar for SusanSusan says

    December 8, 2011 at 4:21 pm

    Love going up with everything!

    As for Portland – I do expect you guys out here on your book tour…right????

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      December 8, 2011 at 4:31 pm

      We actually plan to be in Portland for a fun event in Feb! Stay tuned for more details in January as we hammer things out!

      xo,
      s

    • Avatar for LindsayLindsay says

      December 8, 2011 at 6:44 pm

      Ahhh my brother lives out in Portland. Love it so so much!

  39. Avatar for Liberty Builders San Antonio SidingLiberty Builders San Antonio Siding says

    December 8, 2011 at 4:31 pm

    Wow! That looks absolutely adorable. I love what she did with the nightstand. I’d like to have her come decorate my house :)

    Reply
  40. Avatar for LilianaLiliana says

    December 8, 2011 at 4:45 pm

    Love the cozy little space! I can also see it as a little private reading room/library = )

    ~ L.

    Reply
    • Avatar for KatherineKatherine says

      December 9, 2011 at 12:24 am

      If you go and look at her blog, she has a different post that does just that!
      http://www.songbirdisnesting.com/2011/04/guest-room-becomes-reading-room.html

  41. Avatar for Jess @ Life Happily Ever AfterJess @ Life Happily Ever After says

    December 8, 2011 at 4:45 pm

    Hey that room is gorgeous! I love the stripes too. That is an insanely tiny room!

    Also on a side note, I am not sure how close you are to VT, or if you know anyone there, but I am keeping Virginia in my prayers.

    Reply
    • Avatar for YoungHouseLoveYoungHouseLove says

      December 8, 2011 at 5:00 pm

      Yes, such a sad time. Thinking of everyone there!

      xo,
      s

  42. Avatar for ChristieChristie says

    December 8, 2011 at 4:57 pm

    Beautifully done! Just goes to show that square footage isn’t everything. Its gorgeous and looks very functional as well!

    Reply
  43. Avatar for mpmp says

    December 8, 2011 at 5:01 pm

    Wow!!!

    Reply
  44. Avatar for ellisellis says

    December 8, 2011 at 5:03 pm

    Adorable space! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  45. Avatar for sofiesofie says

    December 8, 2011 at 5:14 pm

    I soon as I saw that room and the size of it, I thought to myself: that looks European! :)

    Heel mooi, Marianne, ik zou er zo willen wonen. Groetjes uit België.

    Reply
  46. Avatar for AmpiAmpi says

    December 8, 2011 at 5:25 pm

    It is absolutely beautiful. I wouldn’t add another thing. I love all of the white. But, mostly, I love the wall treatment.

    Reply
  47. Avatar for Erin @ His & HersErin @ His & Hers says

    December 8, 2011 at 5:44 pm

    This is so pretty! Marianne did a great job!

    Reply
  48. Avatar for Rachel H.Rachel H. says

    December 8, 2011 at 5:44 pm

    You guys never cease to amaze me!!! All of the trees you have decorated are so beautiful. I think the citrus one is my favorite, though! I haven’t even started decorating yet…ugh!

    Reply
  49. Avatar for Paula M.Paula M. says

    December 8, 2011 at 6:06 pm

    This is ADORABLE. So creative. Nice blend of the white background to keep things light, expansive, airy AND the colorful, quirky touches.

    I especially LOVE, love, LOVE the cubbyhole box on the wall, with all the found-looking or vintage-looking, textural white, gold and brown objects.

    Fabulous! Bookmarking now for inspiration and the sheer pleasure of looking at it.

    Reply
  50. Avatar for Lacy @ downMODERNhome.comLacy @ downMODERNhome.com says

    December 8, 2011 at 6:38 pm

    It really is a great use of space!The simplicity and color are terrific.

    Reply
Newer Comments »

Stuff We Love

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

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…
*This site contains ads and affiliate links*
See our disclaimer & privacy policy to learn more

Latest Finds

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

SHOP OUR LIGHTING

Young House Love Shades Of Light Capiz Chandelier

GET POSTS BY EMAIL

We’re Digging

Traditional Rug
The “Magic” Rug
Smokeless Solo Stove Firepit
Smokeless Firepit
Woven Storage Ottoman
Storage Ottoman
Subtle Pink Rug
Our Bedroom Rug
Blue Air 211 Air Purifier
Our Air Purifiers
Faux Potted Olive Tree
Faux Olive Tree
Kohler Memoirs Toilet
Our Favorite Toilet
Soft Striped Rug
Soft Striped Rug
SEE MORE OF OUR FAVORITE FINDS > >

  • About
  • FAQs
  • Press
  • Contact
  • :)

© 2023 Young House Love ® · Disclaimer · Privacy Policy · Terms of Use · A Fun Wordpress theme on Genesis Framework · Hosted by Liquid Web