The guest room…where “stuff” goes to die. Well, the guest room is just about the only room in my mid-century haven that has yet to be touched. These spaces can be difficult to figure out sometimes. They were chosen as a guest room for a reason, right? The space was awkward, or it was just too big of a project so you decided to use it as a “catch-all”. I get it, this is exactly what mine has become. For me it is all of those things…awkward space, light switch doesn’t work, paint color is kind of awful and the windows are strangely different sizes. So here is the challenge: create a cozy, space for guests that makes them feel welcome, comfortable, and “at home” in my house. Where do I even begin?

Let us begin with the color scheme. Since I am the queen of color, this is the easiest area for me to begin. First thing I do is look around my house for inspiration, what feeling does my own bedroom evoke? I want it to scream relaxation, literally hug you with the warmth of the colors on the walls. I am not afraid of bold colors, but for a guest, I want it to be calming, and personal, if only for that short moment they will be staying with me. Naturally I look towards a grayish white for the walls. Valspar’s “Summery Gray” is my choice. This grey is barely grey, it is white to most eyes, but with a touch of a more calming neutral. Mix in one of my favorite and classic color combinations; Navy and Gold and you have a winner! Curtains I snagged for a song on sale on www.Westelm.com . Best part they were priced as 2 panels! That awesome gold tufted quilt was discovered at Target as well as the gold Curtain rod. I cannot wait to find some great textures to add to this combo including pillows, maybe a flower vase or 2 and candles as well as some groovy art to hang on the walls. Stay tuned for updates….

The ceiling in this room is slightly slanted as it shows the roof line. So how do you deal with that when painting? Well, this is simple. Take a look at your walls, and then take at look at where the ceiling starts to slant. Are the walls equal in height? In this room, the walls come up to meet the top of the slant. So naturally it makes sense to paint the slant up to the true ceiling. This also gives it the illusion of higher ceilings! This room is very small so anything to help it seem slightly roomier is the key. Take a look below at my “before” pic of the slant….

So….here I am so far. I have chosen my color scheme so what is next? Well, painting is a great start. But I really am looking for a great accent wall right behind the bed. Something that is soothing, but artsy and unique. Shall I go with wallpaper? or just paint? this room needs texture and small details, nothing overwhelming, because, again, it is not very big. Next up is adding a queen size bed, finishing the bedding finds, pillows, lighting…what to do with those cute shutters, and…that accent wall. Stay tuned!

Guest bedroom re-do’s can be a bit overwhelming because you don’t sleep in there, right? There is sooo much to do! One thing at a time my friends. Find those unique pieces and inspirations that will make this guest room feel like home for your guests. It might take some time, but it will pay off when your friends and family are greeted with a warm, homey room to relax in while on the road or home for the holidays.