Blogger Sarah Stewart splits her time as an insurance executive and home decor/DIY enthusiast in Omaha, Neb. Her blog, Life on Virginia Street, chronicles the gradual makeover of her home — including the guest bedroom, the transformation of which she shares with us.
When we first moved into our home, it was in great shape but lacked personality in most of the rooms. This was our guest bedroom shortly after we moved in just more than three years ago.
I moved rather quickly with my design plans at the time, and before I realized it, the room had become much more modern and cold than my usual light, airy, beachy style. Admittedly, the room was pretty, but it just felt too stark and cold in our home — not exactly the vibe you want for your guests.
But now, after a few changes, the space is so much more in tune with my style and flows so much better with the rest of our home:
Shop the full look on the Serene Blue Guest Bedroom Idea Board.
I planned my entire design around this hickory and linen-like nailhead bed I found at Hayneedle. It had the exact polished-beachy vibe I was going for, and I knew it would make a beautiful focal point.
The next piece of furniture I selected was this open back bookcase. I love the industrial style paired with the bed’s coastal vibe. The wood shelves are beautiful and remind me of driftwood. The bookcase also adds extra storage, holding baskets for storing additional blankets and fresh towels for our guests upon their arrival.
I always select my textiles early on in the planning process. I typically include a floral pillow in my spaces because it can be a great source of inspiration for pulling out accent colors for accessories in the room. Most of our home is decorated in shades of neutrals, blues, greens and aquas, so I knew this floral pillow would be the perfect starting point for the other accessories in the room. I love the somewhat preppy addition of the white and navy Euro shams.
The nightly temperatures in Omaha can vary quite a bit, even over a short weekend stay, so I like to add layers to the bed that can easily be removed or used as necessary. Crisp, white sheets always feel clean and cozy, and the white duvet helps allow the gorgeous headboard to take center stage. I’m a big fan of coverlets at the end of a bed (both functionally and practically), and this navy and paisley set was the perfect addition to the room. As an added bonus, it’s reversible and can quickly change the look in the room with a simple flip.
Because the bed is such a statement piece, I didn’t want to hang anything over it. In an effort to add a little more height to that side of the room, I added two of these gorgeous mirrors above each of the nightstands. They help to reflect additional light in the room and add a touch of glam over the industrial tables.
I’m a huge fan of statement lighting in every room in our home, and I love the unique shape and design of this gorgeous cage chandelier. The antique bronze finish ties in well with the bookshelf, and crystals add a bit of bling and femininity to an otherwise masculine vibe.
The addition of a graphic artwork canvas helps make the blue and white theme more cohesive.
I’m a believer in adding a bench in guest rooms, when possible, as I find they provide an easy spot for guests to set their bags or sit and put on their shoes. I loved the linen-like tufted fabric and the metal x-legs on this bench. I topped it with a few DIY pillows and this cozy, chunky navy throw, helping to add a homier feel to the space. The window coverings are simple, white drapes to which I added grosgrain ribbon to in order to add a more custom touch. Functional bamboo blinds help darken the room at night but also add texture and warmth to this otherwise stark area of the room. I was also happy with how well they mimicked the wood tone on the bed.
The room is now the perfect, cozy retreat for our guests to enjoy!
–Sarah Stewart, Life on Virginia Street
