Taa Daa: Guest Bedroom

After I did the bulk of Anna's room, I tackled turning our 4th bedroom back into a guest bedroom.  Before this you may remember we got it set up for a third child.  Since that has not turned out to be in our immediate future, it made sense to turn this room back into a guest bedroom before it turned into a hurricane of a storage room.

Job 1 was to get a queen sized bed.  We got the bare bones frame, mattress, and box spring for as cheap as we could and at just the right sale. It ended up costing a little over $300.  I realized after the fact that we could have made out better with a Craig's list purchase.  I'll know for next time.

Job 2 was to make a headboard.  I have seen a million different ways to create, fake, alter headboards.  I was open to making a fabric one using board and staples, but then I had a brilliant hair-brained idea that worked out even better and quicker.  In the back of Noah's closet we still had the front rail from his bygone crib.  I painted it brown and Josh attached it to the frame.  Instant headboard.  Free headboard.  Happy Kimmie!

Job 3 was to buy bedding.  I hunted and hunted at a ton of stores and in the end got a clean and simple design from Kohl's.  At 40% off and with my 30% coupon, I got an already inexpensive comforter set and sheets for about $80.  Not bad.  I already had the print pillow and I grabbed the solid blue one for a $11 at Kohl's, too.

Job 4 was to paint the room.  It was still a light, light pink from the previous owners.  I upgraded to a neutral taupe/beige color in true HGTV style, keeping in mind that neutrals sell a house better than not.

Job 5 was to remove all the clutter that built up in just a few months:  baby gates, stuff for the next consignment sale, extra dining table chairs, 2 giant boxes holding Anna's Christmas present, Lego table we aren't using right now, book shelf we aren't using right now, extra wood flooring, giant box of games, Sam's sized bag of paper towel rolls, etc. etc. Now all that's in there is the bed, the dresser, 2 chairs, an ottoman, and a lamp.  Ok, my tub of consignment stuff, too, but there is just NOWHERE else to put that thing.

Job 6 was to add a little splash of color.  I followed in my favorite HGTV host's footsteps and made my own wall art by stapling fabric around a couple of canvas boards I had leftover from Anna's "before" room.  I love the texture and color and simplicity it adds to the room.  I also added brown and blue paint in two spots on the lamp I relocated to this room from the living room.  The parts I painted used to be red.  I left all the other walls blank.  We'll call it my take on minimalist design.  :)  Less is more.  Creates a soothing, non-cluttered space for easy breathing and maximum movability around the room.  Plus, it's just a guest bedroom that sits empty for 90% of the year. 

 

  
Job 7 was to add my meager accessories that used to be in our living room and haven't been used in awhile.  Now they can see the light again and collect some dust between guest visits.  I also added a $5 mirror on the back of the door, hung by yours truly.  Thank you for 3M products!

Now maybe I CAN be still ... until I figure out what I am going to do to spruce up Noah's room.