Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Now Accepting Reservations


Somewhere between the St. Regis and Motel 6 lies a nice little place to spend the night. It's a cozy spot I affectionately refer to as "our guestroom."

Our guestroom has recently undergone a makeover, turning it from a mishmashed catchall into a proper bedroom fit for guests.

Come on in...



I acquired a beautiful French Provincial armoire and headboard when my Nana downsized to an apartment. Those pieces were the inspiration for the room's new look.



Nana is still using the other headboard, so I only have one. Guests will have to draw straws for the bed on the right :)



I'm still loving the needlepoint pillows that came from a blog reader. The nightstand was a garage sale purchase from years ago. You can read about how I transformed it here. The bedding is from the Simply Shabby Chic line.



The mantel was taken out of our living room which is currently undergoing a makeover of its own. I put two corbels underneath it for visual interest.




On one side of the mantel, I have a framed baby photo of my Dad (isn't he cute?) and two jars filled with lavender.


I have a portrait of my Nana that I found while "shopping" in my parent's attic. The two silver bowls are trophies that my Nana and PopPop won in ballroom dancing competitions. The little basket has no sentimental value :) It's from World Market, and I will fill it with essentials for guests.




From this view you can see a few of the accessories I purchased for the room. The mirror came from an antique store, and the clock is the closest thing to a Mora that I could afford.




The rug came from my parent's attic. (I should shop there more often.) I love the raw silk woven drapery panel. It has great texture, but let's the light shine in. Very important, as this room only has one window!


A tole tray and candlesticks that I was no longer using found a new home on top of the armoire. (Yes, I know I need new candles!)


In the entry alcove, I hung a tole chandelier which I purchased on ebay years ago. I hung a large, heavy mirror that I recently updated with chalk paint. I'll do a post on that soon, so you can see how the mirror started out.  




The bench came from Home Goods, and is a great spot for guests to put their luggage.


Isn't this a great chair? I need to find the business card of the guy who refurbished it. I think his name was Marcus. Anyway, he has some incredible pieces that he sells all over the country. I know he has space at the Randolph Street Market in Chicago.


I know every before and after should include a "before." I'm embarrassed to show you this picture, as the room didn't really look this bad before. I had already started pulling it apart at this point. However, it was the only picture I could find. Here it goes...


Quick! Let's look at the "after" again...



So there you have it! Of course, I haven't painted the walls as I had planned to do, and I still need some art over the beds, but the sheets are clean and we're ready for visitors.




Come see us. We'll leave the light on.



Linking up to...

42 comments:

  1. What sweet touches - everything from the mantel with the painting and photos to the pretty beds and armoire. I don't think the guests will want to leave.

    ReplyDelete
  2. So are you booked yet LOL! WOW it is so pretty, and so special to have all your Nana's special pieces. Love the portrait too. You did a fantastic job.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Very pretty room and love the bedding. I am packing my bags.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Your after room is just beautiful. I love the family treasures you have displayed.

    ReplyDelete
  5. What a gorgeous room. We're will be arriving tomorrow - all 6 of us! I've booked the bed with that beeautiful headboard. I don't mind where the rest sleep - on second thoughts - I think I will leave them at home - it will be more relaxing that way. See you soon! :) x Sharon

    ReplyDelete
  6. Everything in the room is just lovely! I think the frilly bed linens just top the whole look off...great job of re-decorating.

    ReplyDelete
  7. So beautiful--a guest would feel so welcomed in that room!

    ReplyDelete
  8. What a pretty, elegant and inviting guest room. Love how soft and ethereal it feels, great job!

    ReplyDelete
  9. It's beautiful!!! How lucky you are to have such a bountiful attic to shop in. One question - where did you get the comforters on the beds? I love them and have a bed they would be perfect on!! Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Hi Jo,

    The bedding is Simply Shabby Chic from Target. Hope it works for your room :)

    ReplyDelete
  11. It's just gorgeous! I adore everything that you inherited from your Nana. that was very nice of her to let you have it. I think you should just buy her a new headboard and you keep the one she's using now so you'll have a matching pair. Hmmmm.....food for thought. Ha! Love that clock too! That's one of my favorite things in your room aside from that darling french style chair. You have made a lovely guest room for anyone that comes over. You should be proud.

    ReplyDelete
  12. very nice. i like the finishes.

    ReplyDelete
  13. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Knock, Knock, let me in. The room is gorgeous and so me LOL. You did a great job putting it all together. It is so inviting. I will even bring you a little pressie,,,pralines from South Louisiana,,,how about that?

    ReplyDelete
  15. Such a pretty room! Love your nana's furniture!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Your guests might never want to go home! What a beautiful, welcoming space you have created. Happy visiting! God bless x

    ReplyDelete
  17. This is drop dead gorgeous!
    You did a wonderful job-
    don't you love keepsakes from special family members?

    Enjoyed visiting

    Laura
    White Spray Paint

    ReplyDelete
  18. Why don't you come and work that magic at my house?! What a wonderful job you have done!

    ReplyDelete
  19. WOW! Love the transformation. What a great portrait in there too!

    ♥Linsey at Farmhouse Porch

    ReplyDelete
  20. It looks so peaceful and relaxing...perfect for your guests!

    ReplyDelete
  21. oh, and you mentioned being interested in my paintings. Honestly I've been selling them faster than I can paint! Anita at Cedar Hill Ranch just bought 3, my best friend bought a big one and another big one sold today. I'm about halfway done with a really big one of crushed soda cans...it's on my blog. Let me see if I can send you the link. Let me know what you're looking for.
    Thanks!♥
    Linsey at Farmhouse Porch

    ReplyDelete
  22. That is a wonderful room, love the portrait of your NANA!

    ReplyDelete
  23. That room is so elegant yet cozy. I would never want to leave! Thanks for stopping by - Vermont really is a wonderful place to visit isn't it?
    -Shelley

    ReplyDelete
  24. I'll be right over!
    It looks so pretty and welcoming and I love how you "shopped" for family pieces and used so much of what you already had. It really makes the room meaningful and not just decorated. xo

    ReplyDelete
  25. Wow! What a lovely guest room. Lucky guests when you have them over :) Thanks for adding your link to Beach Cottage Good Life Wednesdays.

    ReplyDelete
  26. That's a beautiful makeover - bravo! I was wondering where you bought the great clock - I LOVE it! -Whitney

    ReplyDelete
  27. I think it's perfect! And perfectly beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  28. So pretty! Your guests may not want to leave...:)
    -Revi

    ReplyDelete
  29. Knock, knock... can I come in??? :-)

    What a beautiful and calming space, sweetie. I love the bedding, the colors. It's a very special place to be.

    Have a blessed weekend, Carolyn!

    xo

    Luciane at HomeBunch.com

    PS: Thank you so much for your support. You're such a great friend and I appreciate your words. :-) Oh, I'm trying to take it easy lately. It will be soon!!! :-)

    ReplyDelete
  30. What a beautiful room! Are you taking reservations? lol Thanks for coming by my little blog and leaving kind words I appreciate it.

    ReplyDelete
  31. It's gorgeous! I am still working on my guest room, started over a month ago, but I havent been consistent, so it's not done. Your's turned out great. I looooove that french chair! And the mantle is something I want to try. Most awesome!
    Can I check in for 2 nights?

    ReplyDelete
  32. Carolyn, you've created such a lovely space here! The room definitely has a European vibe to it now and I'm sure it will be well-enjoyed by your guests.

    Take care,
    Erin @ Carolina Country Living
    (visiting from Feathered Nest Friday - link #34 - stop by, I'm holding a candle giveaway through Sunday--they'd be perfect in your guest room!)

    ReplyDelete
  33. Sweet, cozy, and oh so inviting, Carolyn! You did an amazing job! :)

    xoxo laurie

    ReplyDelete
  34. Sweet, cozy, and oh so inviting, Carolyn! You did an amazing job! :)

    xoxo laurie

    ReplyDelete
  35. The room is beautiful :) motivates me to finish our guest room.

    ReplyDelete
  36. OK, I'll come see you and stay in that beautiful guest room! It looks so serene. Nice, big room for a guest room, too.

    ReplyDelete
  37. What a beautiful room. How sweet of Nana to share those beautiful pieces with you. Thanks for linking up to Share teh Love Wednesday!
    Mary

    ReplyDelete
  38. Ahhhhhh!!! I am in love!!! So pretty!

    ReplyDelete
  39. Just popped in from Kelly's -- your space is LOVELY! Bet you're booked up for the holidays. :)
    Heidi @ Decor & More

    ReplyDelete
  40. Stopping over to pin that clock. It's a great inspiration, and quicker job to give my husband than making me a whole freestanding clock.

    Bliss

    ReplyDelete