Gender Neutral Guest Room & Home Office Makeover {$100 Visa Gift Card Giveaway}
Several years ago I removed the bed and all its accessories from our guest room and turned it into my home office. It worked for a period of years as just my office but this summer we started renting out our guest house and needed a place for guests to stay in the main house. So we brought the bed up from the basement, moved my office into the dining room and had my parents stay a month with us this summer. It all worked out just fine, but I started to think and that turned into a room makeover.
After they went home I knew I needed to make that room have a dual purpose so with the help ofmy vision started coming together. I wanted the space to be gender neutral, cozy, inviting and be a home away from home for our guests. My parents now plan on spending a month with us every summer and I’m no longer stressing over what the room looks like. My best friend came over after the makeover, looked the room over, crawled onto the bed and said she’d move into the space right away if we had no guests.
Here are the two looks the guest room/office had before. Yikes right? It certainly didn’t scream cozy and inviting that’s for sure. Oh, and I forgot to mention the space also needed a piece of furniture for the dog to sleep on. If you’re anything like me your pets are pampered just like your guests.
For inspiration I started looking at photos on Pinterest trying to see how people make the space work by combining everything that’s needed in a bedroom and office.
Before I headed toI made a list of the staple items I was looking for; desk, curtains, and an area rug. If you’ve ever been toyou know their stylish selection changes often, so every shopping trip is like a treasure hunt. I’ve learned not to hesitate on making a purchase, if I think too long and go back for the item it’s normally not there any longer.
There’s so many unique and fashionable things atbutI had to keep telling myself to stay on track and find the staple pieces I wanted first, and then I could start finding all the amazing accessories to pull it all together. I certainly suggest making a list when decorating a room, and bringing along an inspirational photo to help. I had two photos on my phone and referred to them several times while shopping. It’s easy to get off track, and put things in your cart that don’t fit the look you’re going for.
I had a budget and needed to stick with it that’s why I chose to shop at, they have the designer look pieces for reasonable prices. I kept myself on a strict budget, only spending $370.
Here’s the breakdown. $199 on the fabulous hairpin leg desk (love it and actually had it pinned to my Pinterest board), $79 on the area rug, 2 pair of curtains $60, 2 white faux fur throw pillows $19, and an animal print faux fur throw $14.
The items I chose to shop my house and reuse: Queen bed (turned sideways to mimic a day bed), nightstand, small dresser, bedding, black and white artwork, the dog’s piece of furniture, and the industrial shelving unit.
Did you happen to notice the loveseat is now gray where it was turquoise in the before photo? I painted the piece again, and must say the paint holds up beautifully and I love that I can change the color and make it work with whatever colors I’m using at the time.
I’m still using the Instagram wall I created and enjoy looking at all the photos while I’m at my desk. I’ll be back soon to show you how to create your own black and white artwork that’s on the picture rail for FREE and give you the downloads to the prints I’ve already created.
Once again: thank you,for making my shopping experience so enjoyable and having just the right piece to create the look I wanted.
and check out this video with HomeGoods and Sutton Foster teaming up to make her dressing room feel like home!
i love the wood. natural wood has always been a favorite of mine. its a nice look.
Angela it fits right into our cabin and I love that I never have to paint.
I love the look of the gender neutral room. For my tastes, I would not want as much wood, but in a cabin or lake house it would be perfect.
Lisa lucky me all that wood is in a cabin.
I’d move in…in.a.heartbeat! Your home is one of the coziest ones I’ve EVER seen!
Denise, stop on by 🙂
I always love what you do with your home. And I sooooo miss having a Home Goods store close to me. Used to live near one and was there all the time shopping for cute things.
Diane I didn’t know what I was missing until one moved in about an hour from me. I never go in without coming home with something.
Fantastic job on the makeover of this room. My home office also is the room most in need of redecorating.
Gayle I think we always make that room last on our list of rooms to make pretty for some reason.
I love the desk! Would be perfect for my rustic style. The bedding is great as well, you always have great bedding choices. Homegoods is definitely one of my go to places.
Thanks for sharing.
Trena I have a thing for hairpin legs so I was in love when I found it.
I need to redo my husband’s office to make room for bunk beds for when my grandkids spend the night. I love Homegoods!
Diane well luckily bunk beds take up less room so that’s a big help. I think the next thing I purchase will be a loveseat that pulls out to be a bed that way it will take up even less space in the room.
I love everything you’ve done in the room, Dawn – it looks fantastic and I’ve pinned several photos for future reference. I want to have a nice guest room, also. Right now it’s in shambles due to removing the old drywall, putting up new insulation and drywall. It’s been taped but the rest remains undone. Even the windows are bare due to taking down the window trim. Right now the two upstairs bedrooms and the landing are being occupied by our adult middle child…bedroom, t.v. room, and sitting area. The t.v. room is the one that I’d like to also be a guest room. I have a futon for the guest bed. He’s an artist so his art is everywhere in the upstairs, but I’d really love to make that room more neutral. I love the colors that you used – perfect for a neutral guest space. And thanks for a chance to win such a nice prize! 🙂
P.S. The sofa makeover looks amazing!!
Jen for a dog’s bed it works out perfectly 🙂
Jen I know how you feel when a room isn’t finished you just can’t even begin to decorate. I hope you win the gift card!
Awww…that’s so sweet of you, Dawn!!
🙂
A question, Dawn. The fabric on my futon looks like a velour. Do you think chalk paint would work on that, too? And when you repainted the sofa, did you use chalk paint again or something else the second time? I also love that gray shade of paint and wonder what it is.
Jen I’m not sure the piece I painted was leather. Yes I used chalk paint both times, that stuff sticks to anything and covers. I don’t remember the colors name I found it at JoAnn’s on the clearance rack so that’s what I used.
I rarely get to a Homegoods store, too far away for me, but seeing all the goodies you have picked out it may be a good thing. 🙂 I will be sure to visit a Homegoods the next time I am in the Valley.
Pam we got a Homegoods about an hour from me 2 years ago. I only get there about twice a year but when I do I always find things I love.
I am looking forward to redecorating my bedroom. I want a cool beachy feel.
I am looking forward to redecorating my bedroom, I want a cool beachy feel.
A most beautiful guest room that lends to the definition of beauty and function!
Thank you Shirley it was nice to get the room back to a functional space I actually wanted to be in. I hate it when my surrounding make me feel agitated because the decor just doesn’t suit me. This is working and will work well when we have guest.
Love that rug in particular!! Yummy.
I love your cabin, I have always wanted to live in one. Your blog is awesome.
Mary, how sweet of you. It’s more work than a normal home but we love it.
I would LOVE to redecorate my kitchen! I would love to add a back splash, put up new artwork, install granite counter tops and add decorative pieces.
Natalie the gift card would be perfect for new artwork.
https://twitter.com/yarbr012/status/786636686532804608
I am updating my family room now. It’s coming along, but there’s still a few item I’m lookin for. Love shopping at HomeGoods. Just bought one of their throws. It feels like bunny fur! Great idea to use bed as daybed.
Debra the throw I purchased is so soft and fuzzy too. I’ve already been using it, it’s cold here in the north already.
I would say my family room or guest room is the room that I would like to redecorate. I am sad to say I have never been to Home Goods store because we do not have one.
Angela you’re missing out, it’s a fantastic store. We didn’t have one in our area until recently either, but I’m so glad we do now.
My home office could use a makeover.
tweet–https://twitter.com/mami2jcn/status/786648861880246274
Looks beautiful Dawn. Your guests will love staying in this bright and cozy room.
Kris
Thank you Kris are you getting the cold temps at your place yet? We’ve already had frost.
I want to redo my living room. I am saving up money right now to get new furniture, rug lamps, and I want to paint the walls. It really needs to be spruced up!
Julie that all sounds so fun, especially the new furniture part.
tweet-https://twitter.com/JewelWood/status/786674108100730880
I want to redecorate our room the most.
groogruxking40 @ gmail dot com
Steve it always seems our own rooms is the last on the list to decorate.
I would LOVE to redecorate my living room 🙂
Patty, that sounds like a great choice.
I would like to redecorate my dining room, and add more color.
Kelly do like a certain color to decorate with?
Shades of blue are my favorite!
Beautiful 🙂
tweet
https://twitter.com/Kellydpa/status/786696987676643328
I can’t believe how close the hairpin desk matches your wood. We always have a tough time trying to match- there are so many variations because of stain and light, etc. The room looks much softer now thanks to all the touches, nice work!
Marisa I didn’t even think about the desk matching when I purchased it, I was just in love with it’s legs, lol.
I would really like to redecorate my kitchen.
Jessica, kitchens are always the best place to decorate. It’s a spot I always notice the biggest changes in.
I would love to work on my living room!
chambanachik(at)gmail(dot)com
Erika Homegoods would be a great place to shop too, they have so many things that fit into living room decor.
I want to redecorate my kitchen
Elena, that’s a great space to redo.
https://twitter.com/ElenaIstomina/status/786763042289623040
I’d like to redo our bathroom and hallway. The color and sink are terrible and old.
Dawn it’s always fun to get new bathroom pieces, have you ever tried to have the sink refinished (with paint). My parents used it in their guest bathroom and for $20 the olive green shower was made and white and looked fantastic.
I just noticed I’m allowed two entries. Here’s a link to my Twitter comment: https://twitter.com/JenD83
I most want to redecorate our living room.
tcarolinep at gmail dot com
Jessie good luck with the giveaway!
Jessie Homegoods would be a great place to shop for a makeover.
tweet-https://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/786995428290093057
my bedroom needs a makeover
Mine could use one too, I may have to work on that area next.
https://twitter.com/raggammuffin/status/787256375776800768
Our computer room could use a makeover, especially since I’ve been thinking about getting a standing desk for it.
Madeline that’s a great choice.
Tweet link: https://twitter.com/shala_darkstone/status/787311977408278528
What a lovely retreat you created for your guests.
I need to look into the Instagram wall idea. I visited my daughter and friends at a VRBO they had rented for a weekend and the family had a huge wall of Instagram photo of 8″ square enlargements that was so cute.
Carol it’s such a fun way to display several photos at once. They actually make instagram cameras now too. The prints are print off square like the old polaroid cameras.
I love what you have done with this room. I would love to update our guest room and also the living room.
Thank you Heather it’s a neglected space that certainly needed an update.
my tweet
https://twitter.com/myway070/status/787401202614931456
Your room looks fashionable, cozy, and functional. Wish I had a room like this. Great job.
I’d love to redecorate our master bedroom. Thanks so much.
Tweeted: https://twitter.com/peg42/status/787739568699244544
Thanks so much.
https://twitter.com/OneFrugalGirl/status/787841319674806272
That’s an easy one. My living room. It’s long and its hard to figure out what kind of furniture to buy and where to put it.
I would love to redecorate our living room — we spend a lot of time in there and it needs some sprucing up! 🙂
Dee good luck with the entry!
I tweeted for an addition entry – thanks for the chance! https://twitter.com/DeeGee13/status/788077128789012480
additional*
our living room
https://twitter.com/sweetums82/status/788734742774550528
I would love to redecorate my Family Room.
Susan that sounds like a fantastic place to give a facelift.
https://twitter.com/susan1215/status/788796636507975680
I would like to redecorate my living room! definitely need a new sofa. I love the selection at Home Goods.
amy [at] utry [dot] it
Amy I’m in need of a new sofa right now too. Good luck with the entry!
tweeted:
https://twitter.com/uTry_it/status/788838604365705216
amy [at] utry [dot] it
I would love to redecorate the living room 🙂 Maybe a nice rug? 🙂
Tweeted 🙂 – https://twitter.com/Enter_Now/status/788970783624138752
I love the desk!! It would go with any style.
The family room desperately needs a makeover and I would love to redecorate it. It is more functional than a fashion statement. It doesn’t really have a cohesive style at all and the whole room is pretty worn out from lots of daily use.
https://twitter.com/AmandaNawlins/status/790281694137966593
I really want to redecorate my bedroom.
tweeted
https://twitter.com/rubylorikeet/status/790298370724069376
I would love to redecorate our youngest son’s bedroom. He just turned 16 and has had the same room design for so long.
Kari that would be fabulous for him.
I would love to redecorate our master bedroom! We haven’t really done anything with it since we moved in. Your room looks so cozy! Love it!
Andysavi.Mom@gmail.com
Thank you Angela:)
Love it beautiful floors and the ceilings are so unique and gorgeous!! The photos add a nice touch too.
Ali, I live in a log cabin 🙂 Thank you for stopping by!
My spouse works from home, and his office is one room that really could use a makeover. Storage, seating, lighting–pretty much everything. I love how you took an industrial shelving unit and softened it up; something like that might work well for him.
I shared your dual-purpose room makeover and the HomeGoods giveaway on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/NotherAnneOther/status/792062918221242368
Thanks!
I would so love to redecorate my living room, its filled with hand me down couches and old end tables… we are slowly replacing the furniture with new pieces but our kids are little destroyers!
I would love to redecorate my bedroom!
tweeted https://twitter.com/stephcouponsxx/status/793226647319314432
I would love to add some life and color to my bedroom. it is pretty bland right now.
I want to redecorate my bedroom
jslbrown2009 at aol dot com
tweet-https://twitter.com/LuLu_Brown24/status/794521391236190208
jslbrown2009 at aol dot com
Our bedroom!
tweeted: https://twitter.com/KerryBishop/status/794719319246704641
I really want to tackle my sunroom for next spring
tweeted
https://twitter.com/fairydancer35/status/794985436305199104
My bedroom needs some serious work
https://twitter.com/mkjmc/status/795248382046601216
I love their baskets and organizers. truckredford(at)gmail(Dot)com
https://twitter.com/eliza_elliott/status/795311519449972736
My kitchen really needs a makeover.
I’ve been wanting to redecorate my bedroom for a long time now. I think I’ll be able to get to make progress with the project this month!
pixelberrypie at yahoo dot com
Tweeted! https://twitter.com/pixel_berry_pie/status/796526868866408449
I would like to decorate my living room
We have a room above our garage that is kind of a catch all. We have out computer and the kids’ toys in it and we would really like to make it into a family room. It needs to be a bit more inviting!
I shared on Twitter: https://twitter.com/FireRunner2379/status/797218253202452480.
I would love to redecorate my living room and the dining room!
I tweeted
https://twitter.com/my4boysand1/status/797590258703540224
I’d love to redecorate my bedroom.
I want to do over my guest room, which has devolved into being a hideous room full of extraneous junk!
I posted a tweet too: https://twitter.com/AnnaZed/status/797711338462056448
I need to redo my office space but I really WANT to work on my bedroom. Both areas have been virtually untouched for several years and it really shows.
Tweet – https://twitter.com/willitara/status/797947952656449536
I would most like to makeover my living room.
Tweeted
https://twitter.com/eswright18/status/797956586299756548
I want to redecorate my bedroom.
tweeted
https://twitter.com/thomasmurphy40/status/798050182248050688
I would love to makeover our kitchen.
The style is so outdated.
thank you
This was to say Barbara Montag.
Tweet https://twitter.com/JalapenoMama/status/798055124853624832
My bedroom needs to be redecorated.
I would love to redecorate our bedroom
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
tweet https://twitter.com/ChelleB36/status/798175887632035840
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
I would love to get new curtains for my entire house and paint every room. Have had the same paint and curtains for over 14 years! bleh! hahaha!
I tweeted here: https://twitter.com/MsTofuFairy/status/798195268634058752
The room in my home that I most want to redecorate very soon would be my greatest living area, the kitchen.
I publicly Tweeted this giveaway: https://twitter.com/versatileer/status/798216346555203584
My kitchen needs a makeover! I would like to install granite counter tops, a ceramic back splash and ceramic tile flooring.
https://twitter.com/myfolly/status/798279976739016704
my bedroom need alot of help
https://twitter.com/purplelover04/status/798294252199563264
I’d love to redecorate our home office. It’s just a mess!
tweeted – https://twitter.com/dmarie824/status/798296526665777160
I’d have to say my bathroom!
Tweet https://twitter.com/Lindiac/status/798321399848837120
I would like to update my dated family room. It lacks character.
I would like to update my dated family room. It lacks
https://mobile.twitter.com/arress83/status/798359574797570056
I need to update my “office”….by “office” I mean a small corner in my room dedicated to organising, planning and adulting.
I need to redo my office space
I would love to make over my living room. I have so much stuff in it right now that it looks like I am a hoarder when I really am not! I need organization!
I tweeted on Twitter – https://twitter.com/christygeorge10/status/798384234557739008
I tweeted
https://mobile.twitter.com/saverang/status/798393683271892992
Andysavi.Mom@gmail.com
My bathroom really needs some attention. I would love to get some new towels, rugs and accents.
Tweet
https://twitter.com/clc408/status/799218000716918784
I need this guest room in my home. Love, love, love it!
Thank you Jeannett, it’s an easy one to recreate with all the neutrals.
Dawn, love what you did in the office/guest room. I would love to redo our office my husband and I share. I definitely need help with combining both of our needs int room.
I would love to do our guest room as well. Your home is beautiful.
I love Home Goods! It’s about 70 miles away so I don’t get there often but such fun when I do get to go. I’m currently updating my laundry room with new paint and some additional shelves. I’m also looking to replace my sink with a sink and vanity. I would love to receive a gift card to help with some of these things.
My bedroom needs some help for sure!
I love Home Goods and always find something amazing. Bed rooms always tend to give me problems. It is not just a place to sleep anymore. Office space, sewing room the list goes on.
I would like to redo our family room in the basement! Your new styling looks great in that room, btw!