I just wanted to mention this since we are going into the Thanksgiving/Christmas Holiday season. You all have probably noticed that I have been doing a few more sponsored posts lately and likely that will continue on this month at least. I have always tried to do only one per week, but as this season approaches, there are more and more opportunities and I take the ones that are a good fit for me and my blog, so I hope that you all will understand that. I haven’t had too many complaints about sponsored posts, but there are always a few out there who voice their opinion on the subject in a negative way, so I wanted to throw this out there beforehand. My sponsored posts are a combination of product reviews/giveaways, contest promotions, brand events, or projects that I do being a brand ambassador for a few companies. I work as a brand ambassador with Lowes, FrogTape, and Payless decor, support, like, and use those brands in my home, so you will see one post per month for Lowes and FrogTape and a few along the way with other brands. That’s the nature of blogging in 2013 and working with brands is a huge part of how I make a living at this. Believe me, I turn down a lot of things I could take, but don’t simply because they are not a good fit and I don’t want my blog to turn into nothing but endorsements. So, this is just a note to say please bear with me during this season as I will be having a few more than normal sponsored posts. Most of them are project related and I think you’ll enjoy seeing them too. And I’ll have plenty of Thanksgiving/Christmas decorating posts and sharing family events too, so there will be lots more to enjoy. Thanks for listening and for reading and supporting me! I appreciate you all SO much!
Now on to a fun bedroom makeover!
I’ve shared lots of rooms from my sister’s house and if you missed her master bedroom makeover that we did 2 years ago, hop over and take a look at that. It turned out fabulous! Today I’m sharing some guestroom makeover ideas.
The latest thing that we’ve been working on is updating 2 of her guest rooms. They have a big house with lots of rooms, but no kids still at home, so their empty nest home is mostly just them until family comes into town, then it’s nice to have all those spare bedrooms. The last update on these bedrooms was about 8 years ago, when Tuscan and darker jewel tones were so in style. We loved that heavy look back then, but now things have lightened up a lot, so she decided to lighten up those guest rooms too, with color as well as fewer accessories and stuff.
We’ll look at the before and then I’ll show you the after shots. I think you will agree, that they changes are welcome and the room is much more appealing now. It was fun helping her put this room together. We went shopping at a few places, like Homegoods and TJ Maxx and picked up lots of things for the makeover there. I’ll share the other guest room/nursery makeover a little bit later and it turned out so cute too, as well as the guest bath. All those spaces got a makeover.
She took all these BEFORE shots with her iphone, so bear with me here. Lots of jewel tones, which we all thought was the bomb back then and I’m sure you did too. Why do we start disliking what we chose several years ago? It happens every time, doesn’t it?
I’m sure there is a psychological answer to this question, but the fact is, styles change and evolve and so do we. Of course, manufacturers and brands are behind a lot of this with trends, they WANT us to WANT something new. And it’s really OK to want something new and fresh. It would be nice to figure out how to get that without having to change everything out. Notice the heavier use of accessories in this room and in the after, she pared those way down. The room gets to breathe more and just feels so much cleaner and calmer.
Paint colors and colors in general come and go and these jewel tones aren’t that desirable anymore. If you still have them and love them, then you keep them. Everyone should do what makes them happy in decorating. Sometimes I talk about things being in or out, but really I just like to give ideas on how to update and freshen things up. It’s certainly not up to me to decide that for anyone else, we all have to figure these things for ourselves in our own homes. I’ve found that generally I enjoy rooms for a good 7-10 years before I’m ready to completely change things up and I am learning that keeping big things neutral will go a long ways towards having a classic home. I’m still trying to get there in my own house in evolving and using trends without going overboard with them.
Classic is good!
OK, now let’s see the AFTERs in the guest room.
Almost forgot, the paint color is Sherwin Williams Sea Salt, one that’s been used all over blogland, but really is such a pretty color.
Wow, much more calming, don’t you think? She got a new bed off Craigslist and it looks wonderful in this room (king bed). The round drum table was my old one that I wasn’t using anymore.
I had it in my old living room and one leg fell off, so my brother-in-law fixed it and we decided to paint it for this room and it turned out so good, now I want it back. Just kidding, I really don’t have any place for it, so I’m glad it worked out for my sis’s room.
She found the folded crewel duvet at the bottom of the bed at the Ballard Designs outlet, for a great price. I love the tones in this piece and it really sets the mood for the space. The matelasse coverlet set is from Tuesday Morning and the burlap Euroshams are from Ballard Designs. We found the accent floral pillow at Homegoods.
Drapes and artwork here are also from Homegoods. The chair she found online at Wayfair and it’s a really cute piece for this room. I love the drapes! Homegoods is starting to carry a lot more drapes now and she found these for like $39 for the pair.
Looking outside this window, her guests will get this beautiful view of their backyard, which I’ve shared several times before. It’s gorgeous back there!
The desk is an old piece she has had for a long time and painted black. The new round mirror is from Homegoods, as are the accessories on the desk.
Little stool is from Tuesday Morning.
I really love how the drum table turned out. I’ll share the details on painting this in another post, but you can see we used FrogTape Shapetape on it in Chevron. That and Annie Sloan chalk paint.
It’s totally updated now and so cute.
The other side has a plain nightstand found on Craigslist and originally from Target. It was black and we just painted it up too with the same method and it really looks so much better. I’ll share all of that later too. We did a whole day of painting one day to get all of this done and what a great way to update old things. My sis loves shopping on Craigslist and has found some great things.
Lamp is from Homegoods, love it!
So, that’s a guest room update, hope you got some good ideas for yourself on how to update on a budget. It was fun finding all these pieces to work together and to freshen up old furniture with a new paint job. That’s such an easy thing to do!
My sister’s friends did a wonderful baby shower for my niece, Lauren, this weekend, so I’ll be sharing that with you soon! She got so many cute girlie things and we are all just so excited to welcome this baby girl to our family in February.
Arli says
Wow, that’s a gorgeous re-do. Both versions are beautiful, but the new one is definitely much fresher and calmer. Great job!
Pinky at Designs by Pinky says
Rhoda, what a WONDERFUL transformation! The room looks so pretty. We have bought ALOT of things for this new house from Wayfair, and haven’t been disappointed. Thanks to you and your sister for shring this.
Victoria says
As always, your transformations are beautiful and fresh. It is interesting how many of us have to update at least every five or so years. I can barely get things done and then seem to start over driving my sweet husband nuts with repainting and updating. But he ends up loving it too. And thanks to HomeGoods, Wayfair, Ballards, Craigslist and thrifting, we have a much more economical way of doing it all, don’t we? I have that same round mirror that your sister has from HomeGoods. Can’t wait to see the next room transformation!
Cyndia Montgomery says
Rhoda, wow! This room looks worlds different and so much fresher! Question though; have y’all thought about painting that brown lamp on the round table? And that brown candlestick on the dressing table? I just think a turquoise or a cream would be such a nice look. And change the shade too. The brown just looks dated with all the other fresh finishes.
Rhoda says
HI, Cyndia, she was using the lamp she had to keep costs down and we didn’t want to bring in all turquoise accessories, so left some things brown to flow with the dark bed and all. Good points though!
Jnny@thelavendermagnolia says
Love the makeover. My friend’s home is completely decorated like the “before” photo and I so wish I could give it a makeover. She always says it doesn’t feel calming to her and wonders why!
The makeover is perfect. Soothing and with the beautiful view, a perfect place for guests to relax!
Jenny
Karen Marie Kedzuch says
I have been following your blog and really enjoying it. I was wondering how long you have been blogging? I love the calm effect the new design has to the guest room. Please check out my blog if you have time. I am new to this and would appreciate any feedback. Thanks for the inspiration.
Rhoda says
HI, Karen, I’m going on 7 years (in Feb.) of blogging. Welcome to blogging!
Melanie says
Beautiful room! your blog is very, very enjoyable to me, even with the sponsored posts. You are so faithful to post often and to post great stuff. I am happy that you have so many opportunities.
Betsy(@coastal-colors) says
Rhoda, I value your opinion on products; I have no problem with your reviewing and writing about them. I learn so much from these posts. Your sister’s guest room is lovely! I love the palette; it’s very relaxing. The drum table is so cute! What a great idea to use the new FrogTape for the top. I just wish we had a Home Goods near us; I have to drive to the “northside” to find one. I really miss so many of their great items. Great job on the guest room!
Valorie says
So beautiful!!
You also make such a good point about living with things and colors YOU love. I have built a collected dining and living room around my chintz drapes and wouldn’t give them up. The rest of the rooms have grown and been updated and my chintz makes me happy!!
Beautiful details in this room! Any guest would be delighted!!!
V
Helen says
Love the colors! The picture over the bed seems a little heavy. Could you swap and put the trees there instead and put the framed piece over the chair?
Janie says
It’s amazing what editing accessories and changing color will do, isn’t it? Beautiful, serene room. And I always read your product reviews; it’s good to learn of products that make projects easier/more successful!
Mary Ann says
Dearest Rhoda, you are definitely a true southern lady! I love the fact that you have taken the time to post about your sponsored post. Since I have followed your blog from the beginning I know where you have come from and I am following you wherever you go. You are doing what so many of us wish that we had the nerve to do! Most of all you are doing something to make a living and enjoying it at the same time! Go Rhoda, (I just love telling you that).
Lisa J. says
What a great makeover! The room is so soothing and relaxing for guests! The only thing I’m not a huge fan of is the artwork over the bed. I know the colors are there, but maybe it’s the scale. I love the new painted trees on canvas. I also like the mismatched lamps. I have gotten rid of most of my jewel tones as well, except for one bedroom done with deep reds, my favorite color. Otherwise, I am mostly neutrals.
Janet says
Love the re-do. I have to admit I still love the rich jewel tones. Ah, well. I really enjoy your blog and get quite a few ideas and inspiration from it. The sponsored posts are neat because I get to learn more about a product I will actually use. If the negative people don’t like it, they don’t have to read it, do they? It must make life very interesting and fun to work with sponsors.
Kathy says
Very pretty! Makes me want to go clear off something! I also learn from your sponsored posts. I can’t wait to try that chevron frog tape. You just keep on doing what you are doing, GF!
Paula says
~Rhoda~
Just wanted to say I enjoy your blog site, you seem so kind and thoughtful that is for sure ! And working with sponsors is something you do, that is fine with me! 🙂 I think that some bloggers have gotten big headed with some fame, but you certainly have not !! Anyone with sweet parents like yours will always stay grounded !! I like the fresh make over, but I must admit I like the warm cozy jewel colors, maybe because I live in the cold north and its fall ! 🙂 I am really liking the plaids and hunter scenes again, ohh so English!! Can’t wait to see the baby shower pictures !!
Have a blessed day !
Paula
In.
Becky in says
Beautiful redo. I have to agree with a couple of posters: the framed picture over the bed feels a bit ‘forced’ and unnecessary (dark frame/dark bed). With that heavy headboard, may go for something more smaller and rectangular or a collection of three small prints. Since the headboard has the ‘circle’ effect on it maybe try three creamy vintage plates hung closer to the headboard. The picture being hung so high takes to the eye to the ceiling, and who wants to look at a ceiling? 🙂 But overall very nice and love the chair. I desperately need a new chair for my bedroom but cannot justify the purchase so close to Christmas.
Rhoda says
The framed print above the bed was my sister’s idea, but I agree I think 3 smaller prints or plates would be better, so we’ll see if I can talk her into that.
Terri says
The room looks very nice. Since you brought it up, I too don’t really care for all the sponsored post, all the bloggers have. I am new to the blogging world, but it seems like everytime I go to a blog it is sponsored so its like watching a commercial on t.v. And what makes it worst is when I go to something in the sponsored post I like, and it is astronomically price. Such as a small ottoman that was 2,175.00 dollars, and drawer pulls that were 75.00 a piece! So what I really turned to reading blogs for, was to see people like me, show me how they use low price or no price Ideas to decorate there houses. But I do understand you have to make a living. So do you kinda of get where I am coming from?
Rhoda says
HI, Terri, yes I totally get where you are coming from and I do have to think twice about the cost of things that I’m promoting. I have always been a frugal blogger and try to keep those roots always. Sometimes a splurge is nice, but you won’t find me paying that much for an ottoman, that’s for sure. I totally get that!
Edith says
Hi Rhoda,
I’m glad you touched on the subject of sponsorship because I had noticed the increase in sponsored posts and wondered if that was going to be a new direction for you. I think we all got a little spoiled when you moved into your new house and we got to accompany you through the exciting transformation. But now you’re back to a normal posting pattern and sponsored post are simply necessary to keep you going. I have no problem with that. I’m just so happy for you that you got to hit the “reset” button in your life and now get to enjoy it. You have a whole lot of people cheering for you and a few extra sponsored posts aren’t going to get in the way. We know why they’re there.
Janet says
Wow…great job on the makeover or should it be a make under. So much more calm and soothing than the old color scheme. IMHO…I’d paint that desk in a silver metallic and throw some Annie Sloan on that bed.