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Young House Love » Crafting & Art » An Inexpensive Guest Room Makeover

| By Sherry Petersik | February 24, 2011 | 756 Comments

An Inexpensive Guest Room Makeover

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.

Guest Bedroom From Bathroom

Guest From Doorway

Guest Room Bookcase Wall

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.

Bg Tray Stand

Then John came up with the genius plan to use Command removable adhesive strips…

Bg Command Strip

… to securely fasten the tray to the luggage rack in a way that’s 100% un-doable, thanks to those removable strips.

Bg 3m Strip Tray

After placing our new luggage-rack-turned-side-table next to the bed with that cute green lamp…

Guest Side Table Wide

Guest Side Table

… and hanging the oil-rubbed bronze mirror above the bed…

Guest Bed Mirror

…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.

Guest Bedroom From Bathroom

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.

Guest Chairs

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:

Guest Knob Curtains

Guest Closet

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.

Gb Cute Clara 1

Gb Cute Clara2

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: 

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More posts from Young House Love

Filed Under: Crafting & Art, Decorating, Our Second House, Saving Money

Guest Bedroom Progress…
The Guest Bath: Meh, But Functional.

Comments

  1. Shirley says

    February 24, 2011 at 8:53 am

    you guys are magicians. great job!

    Reply
  2. Tonya says

    February 24, 2011 at 8:54 am

    Love it! The rom looks to cheerful and inviting. (And of course I will be “borrowing” a few of your designs ideals to incorporate into my house).

    Reply
  3. christy says

    February 24, 2011 at 8:54 am

    Gorgeous – your guests will undoubtedly be very happy there! I love those pillowcases – I have the whole set on my bed and it makes me happy every time I walk into my room (when my bed is made! ha!).

    Reply
    • Andrea says

      April 2, 2011 at 10:44 pm

      I love the pillowcases! Where are they from?

    • YoungHouseLove says

      April 2, 2011 at 10:56 pm

      They’re the Woodland Organic ones from Pottery Barn. They no longer sell them but maybe try ebay? Good luck!

      xo,
      s

  4. RLB says

    February 24, 2011 at 8:54 am

    Wonderful tweaks. That is a cheerful and inviting room for your guests.

    Reply
  5. RLB says

    February 24, 2011 at 8:55 am

    Hah! Tonya — we used the same adjectives!

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      February 24, 2011 at 8:56 am

      That’s too funny! When those comments came through I was like – wow, same adjectives.

      xo,
      s

  6. Catherine says

    February 24, 2011 at 8:56 am

    Fabulous – love the quirky but stylish look! The green works really well with the wall colour.

    Reply
  7. rd shugart says

    February 24, 2011 at 8:57 am

    Great job, you guys! Looks very cohesive and fun – it will be a joy to stay in for any of your guests. I love all the colors!

    Thanks for sharing and for always staying so chipper in the midst of criticism. I realize it comes with the territory, but I would probably let my sarcasm get the best of me! :)

    Reply
  8. jodanders says

    February 24, 2011 at 8:57 am

    I love everything you two do—very creative!! Gives me and my hubby inspiration for some estate sales, consignment shops, and our local thrift store shopping trips:)

    Reply
  9. Jenn says

    February 24, 2011 at 8:59 am

    Love it! Well done, and on a totally reasonable budget to boot. You guys must have been running around like crazies yesterday! Enjoy the time with your mom–and a little break from full-time mommy duties:)

    Reply
  10. Karen J says

    February 24, 2011 at 8:59 am

    It’s such a cheerful and inviting room! What a difference a day makes!

    Reply
  11. Debbie says

    February 24, 2011 at 8:59 am

    Looks so cheerful, your guest will never want to leave! I love it all!
    Debbie

    Reply
  12. danielle says

    February 24, 2011 at 9:00 am

    i loved it before but it looks even better! you are amazing :) you would die if you saw my guest room – and my parents have stayed in there – it probably looks like your playroom – it’s our catch-all room for now

    Reply
  13. Short, Sweet Season says

    February 24, 2011 at 9:01 am

    This room looks so FUN and happy and colorful. Clara looks just like Sherry in that pic! Too cute.

    Reply
  14. maggie says

    February 24, 2011 at 9:01 am

    love it!

    Reply
  15. Andrea Surrey says

    February 24, 2011 at 9:01 am

    Love the mirror and the tray. Way to go guys!

    Reply
  16. Emily says

    February 24, 2011 at 9:02 am

    Looks great. Personally, I was on team keep the brown blanket, but it looks good with or without. Have fun this weekend!

    Reply
  17. Ashley says

    February 24, 2011 at 9:03 am

    Love it. Kinda miss the brown blanket, not gonna lie. But, everything looks great. I love the touches of green with the wall color, so unexpected but it works! :D

    Reply
  18. L.Duncan says

    February 24, 2011 at 9:03 am

    You guys are simply amazing! Love all of the color that you are using the new house! That blue was definitely the way to go. Love the pops of green too!

    And Clara is just toooooo cute! I swear she takes the focus off of the room!

    Reply
  19. Devon says

    February 24, 2011 at 9:03 am

    Call me crazy, but I think the white comforter is too stark in such a fun, colorful (by which I mean “cheerful and inviting”) room. Like it’s missing something…like a geometric brown blanket.

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      February 24, 2011 at 9:05 am

      Haha, the polarizing brown blanket will have the last laugh!

      xo,
      s

    • LauraC says

      February 24, 2011 at 9:56 am

      I really liked the brown blanket too. Must’ve missed the comments of those who didn’t like it, cause Sherry’s comment surprised me this morning.

    • Angela says

      February 24, 2011 at 1:31 pm

      I liked the blanket just fine—just never liked the curtains.

    • Kate says

      February 24, 2011 at 3:57 pm

      I agree about the white comforter. I think that the brown blanket didn’t work with all the other patterns and colors that are currently on the bed, but it could be brought back in if some other elements got edited out. E.g. I feel like the headboard and PB pillowcases look like a different room than the bathroom and rest of the bedroom. I prefer the deep blue, warm brown and yellow components of the bedroom (which complement the bathroom SO well) to the green headboard area. Regardless, awesome work in progress and lucky guests!

  20. Maya says

    February 24, 2011 at 9:04 am

    Love it! Of course, I liked it yesterday, but it looks way more polished and grown-up (though still fun) today. Lovely! And I think it will look even better with a fun (green?) dresser and art on the walls!

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      February 24, 2011 at 9:07 am

      You’re reading my mind! We’ll definitely keep you guys posted when we refinish an old dresser and add art. Woot!

      xo,
      s

    • Krystal says

      March 1, 2011 at 10:11 pm

      Totally agree. Love it now! But, not sure about the green dresser….. Maybe a white dresser with green accents? I’m sure what ever you do, you will totally make it work though :)

    • YoungHouseLove says

      March 1, 2011 at 11:04 pm

      Haha, we’re not sure either. Who knows where we’ll end up! Maybe wood toned with a green top? Or green pulls? Time will tell…

      xo,
      s

  21. Laurie says

    February 24, 2011 at 9:04 am

    How about whimsical? Great re-use of the rug. Love the pop of color from the pillow cases. Love the curtains too. It really works.

    Reply
  22. Steph says

    February 24, 2011 at 9:05 am

    Where did y’all get the brown tray? I love it!

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      February 24, 2011 at 9:06 am

      Target. It was in that area with the home decor by the front. Hope it helps!

      xo,
      s

  23. Sou says

    February 24, 2011 at 9:05 am

    LOVE the room! Just wondering where you kept the white round mirror that used to be in the den in your old home. Would that have worked above the bed too?

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      February 24, 2011 at 9:09 am

      We hung that above the fireplace in the kitchen but we tried it in the guest bedroom and it was a smidge too small.

      xo,
      s

  24. Marilyn Algire says

    February 24, 2011 at 9:05 am

    We need pictures of the finished bathroom!

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      February 24, 2011 at 9:09 am

      Will do! Maybe this afternoon.

      xo,
      s

  25. Christin says

    February 24, 2011 at 9:06 am

    I really love how it’s all coming togther. The wall color is nothing short of gorgeous. Seriously, you guys are just so inspirational!! And I love the create-a-side-table you put together. Brilliant. :)

    Reply
  26. diana says

    February 24, 2011 at 9:08 am

    If you can imagine, I kept my eyes shut, blindly scrolled down for the picture from yesterday, looked at it, shut my eyes and scrolled up, in blind again, and looked at today’s picture. And you know what? In my opinion, the difference is that between an amateur design and a pro one. Thank you a million times for showing us that work, any work, must be done up to 100%, because the difference is that from 98 to 100. I could keep rambling, but I know you don’t have the time. Perfect!

    Reply
    • Maya says

      February 24, 2011 at 9:16 am

      hahaha, I kind of did the same thing, and I completely agree. I also scrolled down and tried to imagine what it would look like to be looking into the bathroom from the bedroom…. a picture (or video tour?) would be great! hehe… does this make us obsessed?

  27. Stephanie Phillips says

    February 24, 2011 at 9:08 am

    I love you guys. Really. The room turned out beautifully! I’m amazed by how patient you are with complete strangers picking your room apart. I have to tell you, I enjoy reading your blog for *you* as much as for the design and DIY help. Such positive people are hard to come by!

    Keep doin’ whatcha do!

    Reply
    • Julie says

      February 24, 2011 at 7:10 pm

      Me too! I went back to work as a teacher this year, and so my reading-blogs-while-my-children-nap time has really been cut into. I now only read a very select few blogs with any regularity…and yours is one because of *you* as much as because of your fab designs.

      Speaking of designs, I love how the room turned out. I thought the brown blanket (which I LOVED in your old guest bedroom) didn’t work with this room, but I didn’t feel like I had any place saying so. Sounds like others voiced that, and I’m glad you guys went in the direction you did. I think it all turned out perfectly!

  28. Amy says

    February 24, 2011 at 9:09 am

    How long of a drive is it for them, Sherry? My in-laws are also the most likely-run-away-with-my baby! They will drive 9 hours for a visit of less than 48 hours. First grandchild, what a surprise, right?

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      February 24, 2011 at 9:12 am

      It’s about a 7-8 hour drive. Sometimes they fly – they come any way they can! Clara’s a lucky lady.

      xo,
      s

    • Amy says

      February 24, 2011 at 9:17 am

      She sure is! My son only has one set of grandparents, so I’m glad they are so devoted. :)

    • Stephanie Phillips says

      February 24, 2011 at 9:31 am

      My folks are four hours away (in NOVA, near John’s family, actually) and they have come down to visit us more times in the year since my girls were born than in the eight years prior! I’ll get an email- “We want to come see the grandbabies…” Hey! What about your lovely daughter??

      It’s amazing how much grandparents adore their grandkids, though. Makes me so happy. I’m sure it makes you as proud as it does me. ;)

  29. Shunta says

    February 24, 2011 at 9:10 am

    I like it!!! I def like the decision to take out the brown circled duvet!! Looks so nice!! The color is my favorite part! so different and just so fun!! Enjoy a little bean-free time. I think your mom probably will steal her and leave you guys high and dry at least for a couple of hours!

    Reply
  30. Shunta says

    February 24, 2011 at 9:10 am

    oh, forgot to ask! do you think you guys will paint the mirror above the bed? if so, what color?

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      February 24, 2011 at 9:14 am

      For now we like it as-is since it ties into the tray, ottoman, and curtain rods. It’s nice to let some things “fall back” in a room full of color.

      xo,
      s

  31. Sanja says

    February 24, 2011 at 9:10 am

    It looks much more balanced without the brown blanket (not in a boring way!). And I love how you DIYed the nightstand, things like that make me come back (although I never leave your blog anyway :D)

    Reply
    • Kerri says

      February 24, 2011 at 3:03 pm

      I totally agree! I think, if you guys ever put another blanket at the foot of the bed, a solid color would work. Yesterday, I wasn’t loving the curtains and I think it’s because the pattern was competing with the blanket – but now I love ’em. This room just looks like fun.

  32. amy good house says

    February 24, 2011 at 9:11 am

    I’m wondering if that is the same rug and yellow-flowered pillows from the living room?

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      February 24, 2011 at 9:59 am

      Yup, the 5×8 rug is way too small with such a large sectional so we’re on the hunt of an 8×10.

      xo,
      s

    • kim says

      February 24, 2011 at 1:08 pm

      NO BIGGER THEN 8-10

  33. Denise says

    February 24, 2011 at 9:11 am

    Oh, icing on the cake! Great final touches. Love the garden stool separating the chairs and the bedside table is so YHL. Can I make reservations?

    Reply
  34. Mel says

    February 24, 2011 at 9:14 am

    the turn around time on this project amazes me! well done!! fantastic job.

    Reply
  35. stephanie says

    February 24, 2011 at 9:14 am

    loved it yesterday….but this is even better! I woke up in the middle of the night and my first thought was…I cant wait until morning to see what they have added or taken away…LOL!

    Reply
    • Megan says

      February 24, 2011 at 8:48 pm

      Me too! I think that makes us kind of weird haha

  36. Kelley says

    February 24, 2011 at 9:15 am

    Ooooo, love the omissions. And OMG on the lamp, headboard, luggage rack color love. It looks fab! I love that luggage rack as a side table! It’s PERFECT! Can I come over and spend a night in that room? ha. Hope your family enjoys!

    Reply
  37. carolinaheartstrings says

    February 24, 2011 at 9:15 am

    It looks amazing. Everything came together very nice. Love all the choices and of course the cutest thing in that room is Clara.

    Reply
  38. MissCaron says

    February 24, 2011 at 9:16 am

    Much better! However, I think I’d really like that end-table long ways under the window. I worry that you’ll be hitting it each time you get in or out of the bed. Must my two cents. Otherwise the room looks awesome! Great job y’all!

    Reply
  39. Katherine says

    February 24, 2011 at 9:17 am

    John and Sherry, this room is absolutely fantastic. In an oh-my-God-I’m-going-to-take-inspiration-from-this-room-in-every-future-project kind of way. I love the way you two work with color. The splashes of yellow and green are so fun! And I agree with a few of the other commenters–I was on Team Brown Blanket, but I can see how it does make the space look a bit more polished. I hope your guests love it as much as your readers!

    Cheers,
    Kath

    Reply
  40. Robin says

    February 24, 2011 at 9:17 am

    You make those blue walls look good!

    Reply
  41. Cait @ Hernando House says

    February 24, 2011 at 9:17 am

    Looks good! I think removing the brown blanket and adding more green helped.

    Reply
  42. brandt @ New House on the Blog says

    February 24, 2011 at 9:17 am

    Wow, looks really good! I love those great bold colors! Great job!

    (and literally, this has been posted for 4 minutes, according to my Google Reader, and you have 41 comments….ONE DAY I’ll get that coveted FIRST COMMENT spot! ONE DAY!!!)

    ;-)

    Reply
  43. Karen says

    February 24, 2011 at 9:17 am

    I love it! Now it looks fun and fresh… not too busy at all. Love that little green lamp. I’m going to have to go look for one of those.

    It’s amazing that just separating those two chairs and adding the yellow pillows made such a difference.

    Great job, guys.

    What is that little colorful round thing sitting on the bedside table?

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      February 24, 2011 at 10:32 am

      That’s a coaster. Love that thing.

      xo,
      s

  44. Blog is the New Black says

    February 24, 2011 at 9:17 am

    Loving the pillows and the rug! The addition of green is pure genius. Clara is THE cutest!

    Reply
  45. Stefanie says

    February 24, 2011 at 9:18 am

    LOVE the wall color along with all the other pops of color. Very nice.

    Reply
  46. Abby @ a delightful design says

    February 24, 2011 at 9:19 am

    Wow! I LOVE how cheerful, happy, welcoming this guest room is. It’s everything a guest could want in a room! And if you do paint the mirror, may I please suggest spray painting it gold? The luggage rack is the best. GENIUS!
    abby

    Reply
  47. Gina says

    February 24, 2011 at 9:19 am

    Awesome room! From the wall color to the crisp linens and fun accents this room turned out absolutely great! I’m feeling inspired! :)

    Reply
  48. Michelle @ Dream Home DIY says

    February 24, 2011 at 9:20 am

    WOW you pulled this together crazy fast! We’ve been in the house 7 months now and were happy to get a bed in ours hahaha. Im so loving all these new colors you guys are playing with.

    Reply
  49. KBella says

    February 24, 2011 at 9:20 am

    Thanks for sharing your trials & updates along the way… I too was on the “86 the brown-geo-print blanket” team and think the addition of the brown mirror & ottoman balance the dark ying to your light yang! :)

    LOVE the side table you created also- my only suggestion would be to remove the green box from the top- so it gives your guests enough room to place their reading glasses/book/water glass, etc.

    Reply
  50. jillian says

    February 24, 2011 at 9:20 am

    I love the changes from yesterday! No more brown blanket :)

    Reply
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John and Sherry Sitting On Woven ChairHey, 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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