Guest Bedroom Makeover Ideas: From Drab to Fab with Color + FREE Printable
The best guest bedroom makeover ideas start with one simple goal: make your overnight guests feel like the most welcome people on the planet. Here’s exactly how I did it: with color, pattern, and a little creative magic.
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Key Notes
- Start your color palette with wall art. It’s an easy way to build upon your personal inspiration
- Layer your bedding like a pro: duvet, sheets, throw pillows, and extra blankets
- Even a tight budget can deliver a stunning guest room makeover with a little creativity
- A reading nook turns a spare room into a welcoming retreat your guests will never want to leave
- The best part? Spend a night in your own guest room before visitors arrive!
- P.S. Grab your free printable Guest Room Essentials Checklist at the bottom of this post — your overnight guests will thank you!
The Guest Bedroom Makeover Begins
Any great guest bedroom makeover has to start somewhere. And for me, that somewhere was… well, not exactly inspiring.
The “Before”: A Blank Slate Waiting for Color
Let’s all yawn together.
It’s ok. You won’t hurt my feelings.
The room was pretty boring and bland: white walls, nothing on them, and a ceiling fan doing its best to be the most forgettable thing in the entire room.
It has been waiting for a make-over for a couple of years.
But in good news, the navy velvet headboard is a keeper!
And the marble and gold side tables are perfect as bedside nightstands.
Best yet, the entire room was a blank slate ready for an infusion of colorful personality.
Blank walls can feel intimidating, but think of them as a gift. A fresh canvas just waiting for your best ideas.
Quick Tip!
Before you buy a single thing, spend a few minutes putting together a simple mood board. Pull paint swatches, tear out magazine pages, or create a Pinterest board. A mood board helps you stay intentional and avoid impulsive purchases that don’t fit the space. It’s one of the best things you can do before starting any guest room makeover.
Yes, You Can Start Your Makeover with Wall Art
And the very best place to start? Your wall art.
How to Choose Art That Drives Your Color Palette
When choosing the color palette of a room, artwork is a really good place to start.
Wall art is very personal.
The subject, the orientation, the color…these are all very personal choices. It is why artwork is so very important in a room.
You may choose a figurative piece…
or photography…
or a textured abstract.
Whatever you choose, take the colors, mood, and vibe to give you direction in decorating the room. This approach works whether you have a small guest bedroom or a large spare room. Great art sets the tone for the whole space!
In this case, I fell in love with this canvas by artist Windy O’Conner. This particular piece is full of bold blues, silvers, a hint of orange and a healthy shot of fuschia pink.
Design Tip – The Art First Method
Choose your wall art before you choose your paint color. Matching paint to art is far easier than finding art to match paint, and you’ll end up with a much more cohesive room. The best guest bedroom makeovers start with one piece you truly love and build outward from there.
Let the Art Lead Your Bedding Choices
Here’s how to make it work…
Layer Your Bedding Like a Pro
Because the canvas was frameless, I gave this wall art a little glow-up with a “make-it-work” framing moment.
A bold piece of wall art needs some strong bedding to balance it out.
Be intentional and pull colors from the artwork. Get creative with bedding layers.
I mean it! Layer it on!
The navy blue headboard is the perfect backdrop for this colorful Marimekko bedding set that is full of blues, pinks, oranges, yellows, and greens.
Hello personality!
Buying a duvet cover and pillow sham set is a great way to get good value with your bedding.
But, we need more layers…
I added the coordinating navy and white stripe Marimekko sheets, some pillowcases, and another duvet cover with a thin navy stripe from Ikea.
Stripes on stripes work when they are a different scale from each other.
Two abstract blue and white lamps completed the all-important bed for this colorful, cozy guest bedroom.
I just want to jump into this bed and start reading my current novel!
Build a comfortable bed your guests will rave about
A comfortable bed is the single most important element of any guest bedroom. Don’t stop at one duvet layer. Think cozy bedding first, as in a quality duvet or comforter, then add plenty of pillows in varying sizes, and always have extra blankets and throw blankets folded neatly nearby. Your guests will feel like they’re staying at a boutique hotel. This is truly one of the best things you can do for out-of-town visitors.
Spread the Color Around the Room
The bed was looking fabulous. But one colorful corner does not a guest room makeover make. Time to spread the joy!
DIY Storage That Doubles as Decor
While the wall art and the bedding serve as the most important focal point in the room, spreading the colors around the entire room will help to give the space balance.
I didn’t have a dresser for the room and really didn’t want to buy one…especially on a tight budget.
So, I created my own!
This “dresser” was created from a bench, a piece of beveled glass, and two storage baskets. Storage and counter surface in one fell swoop!
The natural elements are, for the most part, quite neutral in color. Adding the brightly colored lotus flowers brings some “pop” into the setting and references the colors in the duvet.
And, just like the layered bedding, I layered the mirror against a framed crewel embroidered art piece.
Layers…equal cozy…even with hard surfaces!
Not wanting to forget the opposite wall, I had to give some thought on how to fill this awkward spot between the bathroom door and the entrance door. Small rooms can feel tricky that way.
A simple, metal and glass etagere fills the space and gives an opportunity to add more interesting and colorful artwork. Guest necessities like extra blankets and open shelves (Always want a spot to put your jewelry!) are a thoughtful touch for visitors.
Small Guest Bedroom Ideas
Small rooms don’t need to feel cramped! Here are a few tricks to make your guest space feel more open and welcoming:
💙Use vertical space – A tall etagere draws the eye upward.
💙Maximize natural light by keeping window treatments light and airy.
💙Keep closet doors tidy and offer a few empty hangers. Guests appreciate the gesture.
💙A queen bed with a slim bed frame takes up less visual weight than a bulky platform.
💙Mirrors reflect light and make any small bedroom feel larger.
💙Fresh flowers or a plant in a beautiful vase add life without adding clutter.
Wall Art can take all sorts of forms. A simple palm leaf branch is a great way to fill a tiny wall space that “just needs something!”
Do you notice how the green of the palm branch ties in with the framed green cheetah wallpaper as well as the spot of green in the duvet pattern? Sort of a subtle triangle of green!
And, don’t you love how the orange-red coffee cup really “pops” from the etagere because of the orange-red in the duvet?
Color cross-pollination!
Every Guest Bedroom Makeover Needs a Reading Nook
Here’s something I feel strongly about: every guest room needs a reading nook. It’s the detail that takes a spare room from simply functional to genuinely welcoming.
The Details that Make Guests Feel at Home
Pardon the toes…
..and the yellow overhead lighting!
This is me (many moons ago) trying to figure out what to do with this sitting area that is opposite the bed.
Love the chair. But it looks pretty lonely all by itself!
Every reading nook needs a great chair, some fluffy pillows, and a cozy, textured throw blanket!
There is strong color pulled into this area as well.
However, it is the texture and pattern that make this spot so welcoming.
From the fur pillow to the tasseled throw blanket to the zebra faux fur rug…this space just invites you to have a seat and get cozy!
Adding something really unique to a room is important! It’s a fun reminder of the personality of the host…you!
I think I have tried yoga twice in my lifetime. But I love this sculpture of the yoga lotus position. Yoga might not be my thing, but interesting sculpture is!
This lotus pose sculpture is a unique addition to the room and looks great beside these triangle color blocked curtain panels.
Plus, it references those colorful lotus blossoms on the dresser!
A little blue velvet ottoman is a great place to prop your feet!
The best part? Stay the night in your own guest room!
Here’s an idea you absolutely should try: spend the night in your guest room before your first overnight guests arrive. You’ll quickly notice anything the room is missing: a bedside table lamp that’s too dim, a hook for a robe, a missing glass of water. You’ll also appreciate all the good things you’ve already included. It’s one of those simple tricks that takes a spare room from fine to the best guest bedroom on the block.
Go Ahead, Keep Snooping Around
inspiring cozy bedroom reading nook ideas
styling a nightstand: decorating tips and ideas
How a Wallpaper Mural transformed this bedroom
Guests aside…I plan to spend some time in this room myself!
Yes, there are bold colors in this room. Yet, when paired with luscious layers of pattern, natural wovens, and soft, comfy materials, this guest bedroom delivers a cozy, peaceful respite for any guest.
Or resident!
If you’re looking for a way to add some life and color to your guest bedroom, don’t be afraid of using bold hues. A pop of color can really make a room feel cozy and inviting.
I suggest layering different textures, patterns, and colors to create a visually stimulating space that your guests will love.
And don’t forget the personal touches. A handwritten note, a carafe of water on the nightstand, or a beautiful vase with fresh flowers. It’s the little details that make overnight guests feel truly welcome.
Remember to grab your FREE printable guest room checklist below!
Cheers!
A Little About Me
Hi! I’m missy. So happy to meet you!
“Decorate with Joy! Live with Happiness”
I truly believe that your home should be a reflection of your personality, a space where you feel free to express yourself and create a sanctuary that feels uniquely yours.
I love creating mood boards, hunting down unique home décor treasures, tackling easy DIY projects, and gathering with family and friends. Homes are meant to be enjoyed, filled with laughter, and shared with the people you love!
– cheers –
Don’t Forget to Pin It!
Pin the image below to your boards on Pinterest (just click the Pin button in the top left corner). You can also follow along with me on Pinterest!
🖨️ FREE PRINTABLE — Guest Room Essentials Checklist
Want to make sure you’ve thought of everything before your overnight guests arrive? I’ve put together a free printable checklist covering every little detail — from cozy bedding to bathroom basics to those little extra touches that make guests feel truly at home.
Your Guests Called. They Want All of It.
Missy, your guest room looks fabulous! I absolutely love how you created your dresser! What a creative idea!! This bedroom will be such a treat for your guests!
Thanks, Kim! I really appreciate your kind words! I came very close to buying a dresser but just did not want to spend the money. The bench and glass were “orphans” in our basement and, thankfully, the glass was long enough. I just bought a couple of baskets to finish it off. I saved a lot of money on it! Thanks so much for reading, Kim!
Wow! Missy this is gorgeous! I really love how you created ‘something from nothing! The dresser is amazing and any guest would feel so cozy and comfortable here! ✨️
Yoga is not my thing either, however, color is!! I love what you’ve done here, Missy! So pretty!
I’m always so glad to find another home decor “color-lover”! I always admire neutral decor and have often tried it in our home. However, bit by bit, color always manages to creep in! Thank you so much, Kim!
Wow! I cannot wait to stay in this room. I adore that duvet and those shams. It really ups the game in this guest room. Susan and I just may fight over this room.
I better buy more chocolate! Oh, how much fun we would have! Thanks, Wendy! ~Missy
Missy, Your guests are going to be so thrilled with such a fabulous room to lay their heads in! Your creativity is so inspiring! From the dresser to the reading nook, and all the amazing pops of color! It’s such a fun space! Happy day, Donna
Missy this room came out so good! I love the color palette! So cheerful!
Hi Nicolle! I really appreciate that! The project kind of evolved in stages but we got it done!
Your guest bedroom looks so pretty, Missy!! You use color so well in your home!! The bedding is gorgeous!
Thanks so much, Rachel! I fell in love with bedding immediately and knew I wanted to use it in one of the bedrooms!
Hi Missy, Coming over from FH Friday! Love the colors and pattern mix and match. Have a great week.!
Thank you so much, Amy! I really appreciate it!
What a colorful retreat! Super nice guest room — thanks for sharing at Vintage Charm! xo Kathleen
Thank you so much, Kathleen! I love your link party!
Honestly when I saw your first photo—I didnt’ want to scroll further—another boring white/gray/blah room. And then you POPPED it to the MAX…how fun. Color is my favorite thing in the whole world and you definitely made this a great room! Just bet you smile every time you walk in. Hugs, Sandi
You made my day, Sandra! I love decorating with color and love connecting with others who do as well! Thank you so much for your kind words! Have and awesome (and colorful) day!
What a colorful, cozy room. I love the artwork. You’re being featured at the Home Matters Party tonight at Love My Little Cottage. I hope you can drop by! https://lovemycottage.wpengine.com/home-matters-link-party-466/
Thank you so much, Kristie! I am honored!