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:
I absolutely LOVE the room! I’m so happy you have started infusing color into your home. I’ve always loved your style but it’s so fun to see it evolving and embracing something new. You certainly have been bold jumping into the color too and it is very exciting!
On another note, I can’t wait to see when you get some art up on the walls. This room has inspired me to give you a few ideas, I hope you don’t mind…
Since there is so much color, I think less is more, a few bigger pieces of art and not a lot of little pieces. I can just picture a huge canvas centered over those 2 chairs. Perhaps something even commissioned by the lovely Clara? I can just picture 1 large finger-painting pulling out a few of the colors in the room. And how cool would that be for your guests to look up at some of Clara’s artwork!
Ok, here’s my other idea (since your parents will be your first overnight guests- correct?) that you can start today and it will be a continuous piece of art… Again, start with a huge blank canvas and have each overnight guest either put their handprint, signature, write a memory from the trip, leave something behind to pin on, picture of them in the room, etc… And it will be a piece of artwork that grows over time. Think of how fun that will be to look back at, each time the person comes to visit again, and for new guests to enjoy – what a conversation piece that would be. If you don’t like the idea of this hanging on a wall you could also incorporate this idea into a journal or “guest book” of sorts. Who says they just have to be for weddings, right?!
OK… I’m all done. I just love your blog and it inspires me so much. With all the preparations you have been doing to get ready, I just thought I’d throw out some ideas that you might not have had time to sit down and think about.
Enjoy your guests!
Cute ideas! Love it!
xo,
s
Kari,
I was totally thinking the exact same thing! Great minds think alike!
Not that you have the time, but I’m sure you could totally open a B&B. It would be booked solid with so many YHL loyal followers who are dying to stay in that guest room! ;) Great job! And as always- inspiring!
Very cute! Love the bright colors. How did you accomplish the headboard?
Here’s a post about the headboard making process: https://www.younghouselove.com/2008/07/how-to-upholster-a-headboard/
Hope it helps!
xo,
s
It is absolutely GORGEOUS guys!! I am so very impressed with how quickly and inexpensively you pulled this room together!
see, if you’d done a post JUST about fixing your luggage rack with ribbon (let alone transforming it into a bedside table) I would have been impressed. But no, you threw that in as part of a whole room transformation that took about a week. *sigh*. you guys do a wonderful and inspiring job.
hope you have a lovely time and relax and take a proper break with Sherry’s mom and stepdad.
Looks great!! A room I would definitely want to kick back in. Question–is there a duvet on the comforter? It kindof looks like its just the down comforter with no duvet. Just curious. I think the white works really well on the bed, but maybe a textured duvet would add a more polished look? Ikea has some nice (and comfy) ones. Ha but there could be a duvet on there but I just can’t tell!
Great great job!! Have a fun weekend with the grandparents!!
It’s just a white comforter (no duvet over it) but you’re right that adding one down the road for even more of a polished look!
xo,
s
Oh my gosh, Clara is TOO CUTE!! She looks like she is channeling Superman! LOVE IT!
…oh yeah, and the room looks amazing as well. Have a great weekend with Grandma!
I really appreciate seeing this and yesterday’s in-progress post. I didn’t see all of the back and forth yesterday, but I was left hoping for something more on first glance. This is an amazing, pulled-together and vibrant space that shows all of us that creativity takes time, especially when you’re really embracing a new style and a new space. Thanks, as always, for sharing.
i love love love it! and am also in love with the way you gracefully handled all criticism earlier in the process! goes with the territory i suppose, but still….
Oooooooo! So lovely! I think any guest that stays in that room is bound to have some wonderful dreams with all that beautiful color! Awesome as always you guys! :)
I love how all these colors come together. The slipper chairs look much better apart in this setting compared to the family room.
It’s amazing how a decorating idea can look so “good” in your head only to be disappointing once it’s real (e.g. brown blanket on edge of bed). The ottoman is a FAR superior choice, plus you can store extra blankets in there if your mom is like mine…always thinking I keep my house too cold.
I think you guys have managed to keep your basic design aesthetic alive, just with loads more color.
i def like this much, much better. I love the little table idea and separating the chairs def makes a difference. Personally, I’m still unsure about the yellow mixed in with the green, but that’s just me of course….i still think the room has come a long way and your guests will be thankful you took the time to get the place ready for them.
Love the luggage rack turned nightstand–it’s adorable!
Looks awesome as always!!
The room looks so bright and fun, and much more finished looking. I like the luggage rack as a side table. I wasn’t crazy about the brown blanket along with the yellow rug. Just too much pattern… The ottoman is great though!
Hello! It’s the small things that make the biggest difference! I love it.
I love this room! You weren’t kidding about bringing color into your home. I love all your Target finds and your already owned accessories. :)
I saw art in the bathroom..let see how you finished that off?!
Oh my, it looks gorgeous. Thank you for sharing the not-quite-there pictures before these – the process is really great to watch. The final touches you added make it look so polished and homely. A lot of the comments you received yesterday seemed so out of line, and you both handled it so graciously. I hope the other comments make the slightly rude ones worth it.
WOW!!! I liked the room yesterday, but today I love the room.
Good Job! I was so sad yesterday when everyone was giving you such a hard time for your choices. I mean, for crying out loud, its YOUR home. My feelings were actually hurt for you!! I know, so silly! Enjoy the grandparents visit, those are the best!!
LOVE. I have been following your blog for a really long time. While I liked your earlier neutral palette well enough, I am a much much bigger fan of the bold colors and brights that you are using. So much better!! I love this room. It is funky and young, but polished and grown up at the same time.
The tray/luggage rack night stand is seriously inspired. Love, love, love. I liked it yesterday, but its really great in its final form. Such a happy room! And I like that you reused your hospital pillowcases.
That headboard against that wall color makes me so happy. LOVE the room. I knew you guys could do it. The chairs look better separated.
Love it! Much better than before but it’s all part of the process :)I do the same thing with accesories as far as switching them all around. I know what I like and can usually pick out great furniture and placement but then sometimes I can’t quite find the right accesories (rugs/window treatments included) to pull everything together. I love your posts about tying it all together.
Amazing job!! I would have been intimidated by working with so much color, but you guys nailed it. Such lucky guests! :)
I love the rooms guys! Good job. It definitely looks like a room that is ready for spring. Where’d you all get those chipper pillowcases?
Those are from Pottery Barn a while back- but maybe try ebay? Good luck!
xo,
s
Fun, Fun stuff! Always enjoy you too and you are an inspiration to many. Not exactly related… but I wanted to show off my own DIY headboard.
Take a look –
http://thomberg.blogspot.com/2011/02/jazzing-it-up-make-your-own-headboard.html
Andrea in MN
I love it. I think it was the polarizing brown blanket that had me shaking my head no before.
I LOVE IT you guys! It is so fun!!! Looks great (and I’m stoked about that blanket’s absense too ;) )
I LOVE the room! It looks so amazing. I can’t believe you pulled this off in just a couple days. How awesome!!
I love it! You’ve now inspired me to run upstairs and switch out some accessories in my guest room. I’m eyeing those Dulce chairs from Target for my living room. Are they comfy to sit in with out armrests? Have a great time with your mom!
Yes, we’ve had then over three years and I sit in them all the time (they were even comfy for nursing, which is the ultimate test).
xo,
s
They’re super comfy. We got ours (identical the YHL set) used through Craigslist and they’ve been a good addition to our home. Since there aren’t any arms, you can actually sprawl more. Or, if you’re like me, curl up with your legs on the seat pretzel-style while you watch tv or talk with friends. Or sit on them sideways. Or really whatever. I love mine!
This might be too nosey but what did you put on the bookshelf and will any of it be changed out with different guests? This is always a dilemma for me with a guest bedroom… what books, etc to put in there.
We stacked some books that seem to appeal to everyone (cook books, non fiction, design books, etc) and a bunch of magazines for reading in bed (everything from home mags to Richmond-specific glossies). Hopefully they’ll give everyone something to do if they’re bored or can’t sleep!
xo,
s
Fun, Fun stuff. You two are always and inspirations. I also wanted to show off my our DIY headboard. Of course inspired by wonderful bloggers out there like yourselves.
See…
http://thomberg.blogspot.com/2011/02/jazzing-it-up-make-your-own-headboard.html
I try not to be negative, but I did NOT like the room yesterday. It didn’t seem to “gel”. Getting rid of that brown quilt made all of the difference in the world. Now it just looks bright and cheery. I ADORE the green lamp, I’m racking my brain trying to figure out where I could put it in my house!
Also, someone posted recently (and I’d noticed this when putting up picures of our house when selling), you get a different perspective when you look at a room in a picture. I need to do it more often.
I couldn’t agree more. I was a bit disappointed with yesterday’s reveal, as I’ve never been on board with the floral bed linens and the infamous brown blanket. The curtains only added to my pattern confusion, so it was a struggle to trust your judgment.
But you two really turned this around!It looks lovely. Enjoy your weekend with the family! :)
wow guys…just lovely! I love every detail, but that night stand is just perfect! You guys officially have this minimalist sold on COLOR!
I pink-puffy-heart LOVE the room! The colors are great and cheerful and super awesome. I am way inspired to tackle a room in our house (not sure the hubs will be so excited to hear that). And BTW, our babe always ends up under furniture, too. What’s up with that?
Haha, it must feel like it’s a fort or a playhouse. She loves climbing under stuff!
xo,
s
You guys are inspiring as usual – what a difference a day makes! I love how a few tweaks add so much – and the way you know how to let certain elements speak loudly (wall color, headboard) and others whisper (mirror, ottoman) is so, I don’t know, Cheerful and Inviting? Hee hee – seriously, I love learning from these start to finish decorating how-to’s. Enjoy the visit and have a great weekend!
I actually admit I kinda like it! It’s funny because we’re doing a room (it’s a man cave) in a deep navy right now with gray, white and lime green accents! It’s good to see I’m not crazy when it comes to pairing lime green with a deep blue-y color! Great job! Oh, and I totally just bought that lamp from Target for my deep colored room – LOL!
Wow, I really love it! I’m thinking of painting my living room a similar color but I was worried that it would be too dark. Do you think this would work as a living room color?
Absolutely! We love it. It’s surprisingly calming and sort of a dark neutral (it really does seem to go with anything).
xo,
s
I LOVE THIS ROOM!!!!!! It is super cute! You guys always amaze me! :)
Much better with the green lamp to compliment the headboard. You’ve really pulled it together Sherry. Is it wrong that I’m glad you get things a bit wrong sometimes too? Have a great weekend with your Mom.
YAY! I LOVE IT!
What a happy place, esp. for Spring! I can also see lots of possibilities for seasonal changes when fall rolls around (more touches of orange and dark red)
I LOVE what you did with the chairs and the now charging station! Awesome job!
The colors are so fantastic together! It’s so cheerful and very inviting. I cannot believe you got it done so fast, and with not a lot of money. I thought you spent way more that what you did. I just love it!
Amazing:) I am so proud of you and all your colour! I am once again inspired…and SO impressed. Keep it up!
Love the look today so much more – especially the yellow pillows on the chairs and the chairs being separated. One suggestion – I think the bedside lamp needs to be elevated, like maybe sitting on some books, to give it more prominence and to ground it. It would also allow more light to shine on a magazine/book your company might read before falling asleep. Right now it is the short girl in the back line of a photo session. We know she is there, but we can’t see her too well.
It is the definition of “cheerful and inviting”! And (in my opinion) so much improved over yesterday’s work-in-progress shot. Gotta admit I was in the anti-brown-throw camp — looks much more sophisticated now! You are really inspiring me to inject some color (and well-placed accessories) into the neutral palette we’ve got goin’ on in our home.
And in all my excitement, I accidentally hit “submit” too soon. Anyway.. it’s so colorful and fun and inviting. It’s amazing what you guys can do on a budget and with some creativity.. you are always inspiring me!