I know this is not a Christmas post – but I thought I would share with you my recent $87 Guest Bedroom Makeover.
Over the Thanksgiving Holiday, I had a houseful of guests for four days. This room had been a mess for about a year, and desperately needed to be revamped.
(Isn’t amazing what incoming guests will make one accomplish in a short period of time?)
The room, over the past eight years since we have lived here, has been used as on office, a Toddler room when my son and daughter-in-law were in Iraq and Mr. Grits and I kept our grandson, Cole – and then back to an office. Lately though, it has become the “I don’t know where to put this so just stick it in the guest room” room.
(yea, we all have one at one time or another, huh?)
It had a futon, and although it was a pretty one in a Sleigh-bed style – nevertheless it was a “futon.” We sold the futon, and so started my journey of “Use What I Had Decorating.”
The room was already painted a nice grey-sage color.
(Nope, I don’t even have an inkling of memory what this color is called – sorry)
The wood blinds were already in place, as well as, all of the other furniture pieces. There is a lovely armoire out of sight which now encompasses our “office.”
We had a beautiful, antique bed we purchased in Belgium , and we had planned to use that bed from the start, but we decided last minute to use a Queen-sized bed – so the antique, full bed was put back into storage. (I need a bigger house!) That meant a trip to the Thrift store for another bed or headboard, and $40 later I walked out with the one you see.
(I see some Chalk Paint in my future. *smile*)
The other major cost was $40 for two chocolate-chenille panels. They are too short, but with company coming in less than 48 hours I had to make due and “let it go.” (Another 2012 project added to the list) The other $7 was spent on (2) Queen-sized pillowcases.
Once the bed was in place, it was just a matter of adding the linens, shopping the house for accessories….and here ya’ go!
My $87 Guest Bedroom Makeover.
The plaid “table skirt”is simply a leftover curtain panel from the Master Bedroom.
At first, I thought I wanted only two panels for the corner windows, but after seeing them up – I want to add two more. I have another plaid panel (aka table skirt) so I plan on simply sewing a panel of fabric at the bottom of the too short chenille panels. I am also thinking of replacing the (just a little too stark) white wood blinds with some rattan ones. (That 2012 Project List just keeps growing)
The side table consists of an antique glass/pitcher set bought in Europe and a stack of vintage books with my Waterford clock. See the small leaf dish filled with stones….?
… this was a gift given to me by my sweet friend, Jeanette, when we went to California to visit with Kathysue at Good Life of Design. It is filled with found stones we collected on the beach at Carmel. I love the little bird feather I found in the sand.
Here we are on the beach at sunset. It was mine and Jeanette’s first time seeing the Pacific Ocean in person. We were like little girls when we dipped our toes into the very cold water. And speaking of toes…..
(hee hee – just had to share.)
Okay, back to the bedroom….
This is the chest at the foot of the bed.
(sorry about the blurry picture)
Again – it’s a solid piece of furniture, but its just screaming for some Chalk Paint – don’tcha think? 🙂
On top, I have a few pieces of my collection of Brown & White Chintzware I have collected here and yonder…
…and a tassel hanging from the lamp which encompasses the color scheme.
The chair by the window, which you can see a glimpse of, was Mr. Grits’ Mothers. It sat in her guest room, too. I am reluctant to recover it because it has the same fabric from when we inherited it. So, instead, I used a spare Euro sham wrapped and tucked on the seat as a mini-slipcover.
So there you have it. Not magazine worthy by any means – but for $87 I am quite proud of the efforts. I look forward to seeing it evolve from how it looks now, to how I have it visualized.
And before I go….I know everyone is up to their eyebrows in Christmas decorations – but I just wanted to share a few pics of the last remaining Fall leaves in my yard.
I bid farewell to my blessed Autumn.
Thank you Lord for the spectacular show this year.
Thanks for letting me share….Barb
Kathysue says
Cozy, warm and inviting just like the rest of your home!! so fun to see the picts from Carmel, oh what a fun day that was!! Miss you,
View CommentKathysue
Shelia says
BARB! There you are! 🙂 I love what you’ve done to your guest bedroom. I have one of those rooms and it collects everything! I need to revamp it! How cute seeing you by the ocean and your tiny toes digging into the sand! Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving.
View CommentOh, I have been looking my tiny eyeballs out for an old cheese grater. I saved your snap of the beautiful floral you made with the grated in the center and Christmas florals and pretty all around. I can’t find an old cheese grater but I will and I’m gonna copycat you, if you don’t mind! 😉
Be a sweetie,
Shelia 🙂
Shirley S @housepitalitydesigns says
Rested “my toes” after being up and down on a ladder decorating the tree..Love to see makeovers on a budget..Great job!!..Thanks for the very pleasant break.
Can’t wait to see the results of the “chalk paint”…
Shirley S.
View Comment♥ Sonny ♥ says
This is so pretty Barb.. I wish it was my room- which btw is still not done 3 years later:( I love that bedspread.. You know how I love doing things on a budget and you sure did it RIGHT with this room.
I know your guests were covy and felt very welcome and peaceful in such nice surroundings.
anytime you wanna stop by when your up this way and fix my poor little room, please do so.. I’d trust ya and wouldnt interfere.. scounts honor:)
Ya;ll sure look like you had fun on Cali…
xoxo
View CommentSonny
♥ Sonny ♥ says
PS, as you can see I cant type or spell so if anyone reads my comment- the words are:: Cozy and Scouts.
Just thought I’d translate for ya’ll..
giggle
View CommentConfessions of a Plate Addict says
How pretty, Barb! It looks amazing! You did a fabulous job of creating a pretty place for your guests! Happy week and feel better fast!…hugs…Debbie
View CommentSt. Michael's Wife says
Beautiful job, Barb! Such cozy elegance for $87 means you “got the touch,” girlfriend! What a gift you have! I woud sign up to stay in this room in a heartbeat! I know your guests will enjoy every moment they spend here!
Grins!
View CommentPamm
Elizabeth says
I love what you did with your guest room!
View CommentLynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) says
Wow!! You go girl. Your room looks fantastic. I love the “growing” list, I think we all have those.. hugs ~lynne~
View CommentShenita @ Embellishments by SLR says
Barb, you pulled it off!! For $87, I’d say you did a spectacular job! I had one of those rooms for 5 years!! LOL! The only reason it finally got done? My mother-in-law was coming!! This looks great! Very warm and welcoming!
View CommentCeekay- Thinkin of Home says
I think the room is gorgeous and for $87.00!!! The colors are gorgeous…I am sure your guests enjoyed it!!
View CommentKelly says
Looks like you’ve made a warm and cozy room for your guests now. Don’t be surprised if they don’t want to leave. That’s what happens when you make it too nice! ha! Your bedding is very pretty. I think I’ve seen that before at Parson’s.
View Commentchisenfam says
Beautiful room done on a budget and using what you have! That is my favorite way to decorate, probably out of necessity in my case. Im always learning things from you girls and chalk paint will be something new so I can’t wait to see what it is! Thanks for sharing!
View CommentKathy @ Creative Home Expressions says
I think you did a great job pulling this room together, Barb! All the more impressive for just $87.00! I need to get a headboard for our guest room, too. I’d love to find a Queen size for $40.00! I do have my son’s old side tables, which need paint, but that’s a job for after the holidays. There’s only so much stress we can put on ourselves!
View CommentTracey says
It looks really inviting. I like the details, little personal touches, like the stones, they make it very cozy.
View Commentmarty (A Stroll Thru Life) says
Barb. your guest room is so pretty and so inviting. I think you did an amazing job and with everything else you had going on, it is totally amazing. Love your new header also. Stunning. Love ya and hope you have a super day. Hugs, Marty
View CommentJust Stuff From a Boomer says
The bedroom is gorgeous. Being new to you, I want to say “thank you” to your son and daughter-in- law for their service. Knowing you had that little guy made their deployment easier, I’m sure.
The bedroom looks like a B & B. Your company must have loved it.
View CommentAnonymous says
I thought the final picture was actually the BEFORE pic….that room is way too dark and outdated!
View CommentP J BROWN says
Barb I know you said you didn’t paint but boy does that paint color look good and adds so much life to the room its insane what you did with only $87.00
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