My Guest Bedroom: Before Photos

So, I'm not the only one excited about having the guest bedroom back:

They do this for hours.


The bottom of the window is perpetually covered with a smear of whatever it is that makes a dog's nose wet.  Luxurious, eh?

In order to have a dramatic "After" there's got to be an unfortunate "Before", right?  It is with great embarrassment today that I share photos of our guest bedroom in its current state. Let me warn you, these pictures couldn't be more underwhelming.

It's glaringly obvious that there was no design plan whatsoever. Even though publishing these images makes me cringe, I share them because this is the reality.

Also, I suspect I'm not the only one with at least one room in my house that is such a mishmash of DIY projects gone wrong (ahem - upholstered headboard!), impulse purchases and random leftovers from other rooms. People may think that interior designers must all have amazing homes that are completely finished and magazine ready.  Ah ha ha ha ha ha!! 

Oh I wish that were true. 

Here's the truth:

I like the shape of the mirrors but I'm not sure that above the headboard is the right place for them.  Mirrors should be somewhat functional and who's using these in their current location?  I'm undecided on whether to keep them in this room or not. 

The headboard.  Oh the headboard.  The workmanship is abysmal and I'm completely over the fabric.

The nightstands and Pier 1 clearance lamps.  These pieces have no business being in the same room. Also, there are cord management issues.

 I actually love the color of the green chest and it might stay.  Perhaps with a new base, legs or casters.  Hmm..

This chest will stay.  It's a piece that B. has had since he was small, plus the finish and shape is really pretty and it's a really functional piece.  The hardware will stay but I'm going to refresh with a little Rub 'n Buff.

 And now, the wall of shame:

Careful. If you stare too long, you'll be sucked into "The Nothing".


The chocolate brown wall is going away and will most likely become the same color as the rest of the room.  It's a good taupe that works.  Plus, I've already got some of that paint on hand which will save me precious dollars.

I've had several yards of fabric stowed away for new drapery panels:

There's also this vintage bedspread with a Hollywood Regency kind of vibe that makes me really happy. I used to detest it but lately I kind of love it:

I'd love to use it at the end of the bed but the condition of the fringe has me thinking it needs a little surgery:

It's a little "Miss Havisham" no?

These lamps are definitely moving in for good:

Imagine them with shades and light bulbs!

A bit of brass will certainly  play a role in the new design plan.  Overall I'm going for a vintage-y, regency-y, modernish look. All of these random thoughts and elements will be collected and formed into a cohesive design plan this week.  I'll have a Design board reveal to share next Monday.

Let's all head over to Pinterest and cleanse our palettes of all this "blah", shall we?

For Your Weekend

Today is a hectic day around here, with little brother moving out and all.  Yipeeee!!!!! Is it wrong that I'm not trying to hide my enthusiasm at all?  In my defense, I mustered up just enough sensitivity to talk myself out of making a paper chain to count down to moving day. 

Please. I'm not a total jerk.

Today I'm sharing some of the amazing, hilarious, touching and inspirational things I've seen around some of my favorite blogs this week. Enjoy!

The newest issue of Rue Magazine just debuted and there's so much to love!  You'll pin your little hearts out!

I made this (try to say it without a little drool escaping) DOUBLE CHOCOLATE BANANA WALNUT BREAD and it is outrageous.  Out. Ra. Geous.  Dark chocolate cocoa is perfection in this recipe.  Make it, love it, then take it to work so you don't eat all of it on the sofa while catching up on Season One of Downton Abbey.

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Speaking of Downton Abbey, a show I somehow have managed to miss despite my love for PBS, "My Favorite and My Best" blog does hilarious recaps that just might be better than watching the actual show. 

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Complete with video reenactments.  Beyond enjoyable.

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 As an animal lover who obsesses over the well-being of stray dogs to the point of not being able to sleep at night, my heart melted for Grace at Design Sponge. She found an abandoned kitten with FIV then used her big heart plus blogging and social media platform to find it a forever home.  Hero.
 

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On a completely different note, what would a recap be without some juicy, DIY-goodness? 

The Petersiks are at it again with your run-of-the-mill full backsplash of penny tile installation.  You know, nothing  major.  Seriously, these two are incredible. Not only have they tackled nearly every home improvement project under the sun, they share helpful tips and tutorials along the way.  If you love DIY and corny jokes (who doesn't!) and still haven't checked out "Young House Love", do it this weekend. 

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Have you been longing to dress up plain interior doors in your home but can't afford to replace them all?  Design Sponge features a simple yet dramatic solution.  A little trim moulding, a little paint, bada-bing, new doors!

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Turning an underused bedroom closet into a home office isn't so groundbreaking an idea these days.  Danika at "Gorgeous Shiny Things" raises the bar with a geometric wall detail that is anything but ordinary.

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Oh and the rest of her guest bedroom isn't too shabby either:

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Have a wonderful weekend folks!  I know my guest room and I will!

Guest Room Plans & Headboard Inspiration

I am thisclose to having our guestroom back in my greedy little hands.  Little brother is moving out Friday!  My guestroom and I are about to be reunited after 6 loooong months and I can only hope it will be as happy to see me as I will surely be to see it. Since the occupation began, our interactions have been limited to longing glances through a cracked door as I pass by on my way to the laundry room. 

"Paint me!", it cries out.

"I see you've rewired some lamps recently.  Can't wait to see how they look in me!"

"Did you see that tufted headboard that Jenny made?  I'm just saying..".

For years Brendon has called the guest room my "little play room" because this is where I test out DIY projects along with styles and colors that I'm not quite ready to commit to. I can't wait to get back to playing!

After painting the headboard wall, the first project will be to makeover a wood headboard my sister is giving me.  No pictures yet because I won't be picking it up until next week.  It's all wood and I'm thinking this will be the perfect opportunity to try out a new upholstery project. 

Here are a few hints on what I'm thinking:

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This picture is the best representation of what the shape of my frame looks like:

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That's where the similarities begin and end however. I'd rather be strapped down and forced to watch a "Donna Decorates Dallas" marathon with my eyes held open by toothpicks than try tufting anything....ever.

Jenny at Little Green Notebook makes some DIY tufting look tempting with her awesome tutorial but I'm a girl who recognizes and embraces my own limitations.....and I know just how little patience for something so painstaking I really have.

My plan will be to DIY the wood headboard into a simple (untufted) padded headboard with a wood frame.  Some sort of wash or paint treatment will  be applied to the frame but I still want it to read as wood.  No super glossy, bubble-gum paint here.

I'll be bringing in "new" nightstands, once I find and rescue them from thrift store purgatory, and topping them with the lamps I just rewired. 

I'm also going to rely on some sewing projects to create custom pillows and drapery panels.  I've also got a really old and fabulous quilt from Brendon's family that I hope to incorporate into the bedding scheme.  More on it next week!

I'm giving myself 30 days and a "pennies from the sofa cushions" kind of budget for this makeover.  There will be pictures, tutorials and updates throughout the process.  My goal is not just for my own guestroom to be beautiful and affordable but to show you (or anyone really) how to create a well-designed look on a budget. 

I've done a good job of talking about this "champagne look on a beer budget", now I'm going to put the pressure on myself to prove it with this guest room project. My emphasis here will certainly be on high-quality DIY that will stand the test of time. I want this room to feel luxurious, high-end and retreat-like, not "Oh, so this is the room she skimped on".

So early next week I should have the new headboard in my hot little hands and soon after the madness will begin.  I'm so excited! Stay tuned!