Guest Bedroom Reveal: 5 Ways For A Quick Budget Makeover

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As I settled into my new home, I prioritized creating a versatile guest bedroom that could adapt to changing needs using the resources available. Inspired by my nana’s wise words ‘do with what you got,’ I set out to transform this space within our limited budget and time constraints.

Two and a half years later, after dedicating attention to other areas of the house, I felt it was time to bring warmth, color, and life to this welcoming space through a budget-friendly makeover.

As evident from our before photos, this room required attention, warmth, and vibrancy. My aim was to create a bright, cheerful atmosphere that harmoniously blended old and new elements. While there’s always room for minor improvements over time, I’m thrilled with the final result!

In reflecting on my experience, I realize I’m not alone in seeking to quickly revamp a bedroom while keeping costs in check. To achieve an eclectic mix of vintage and modern pieces within your budget, focus on five key areas:
Art
Curtains
Bedding
Antiques
Accessories

The Before

The After

What We Did:

Within the next fortnight, we successfully brought to life a refreshed and revitalized guest bedroom by accomplishing a plethora of tasks. Our creative endeavors included introducing fresh artwork, crafting custom-made curtains that add a touch of elegance, upgrading the bedding with plush materials, and thoughtfully incorporating antique pieces to create a unique and inviting atmosphere.

Art

Watercolor Prints

To further enhance the family wedding artwork flanking our bed, I embarked on a treasure hunt at local antique stores in search of simple yet elegant gold frames. Once found, I transformed a few cherished travel photos into watercolor masterpieces, infusing the space with personal significance and visual interest. The result was nothing short of impressive, and I was thrilled to have done so for just $20 – a small price to pay for artwork that held sentimental value for both my partner and me.

Original Artwork

To further elevate the space, I introduced a large-scale original art piece above the washstand, serving as a focal point upon entering the room. This addition had a profound impact, effectively bridging the light teal and cornflower blue tones that permeate the space, while also injecting a modern touch in contrast with the antique furniture below. While original art may require a greater investment, it brings an unparalleled level of interest and personality to a room.

One can seamlessly integrate original art by creating the piece themselves (as I did here), scouring antique or secondhand stores for pre-loved pieces, or sourcing from an artist’s market. Among my favorite original artists, I appreciate the unique styles of Lucy Reiser, Lucy White, and C. Brooke Ring Fine Art.

Curtains

I deviated from my usual neutral curtain choices to inject a pop of color and pattern into the space. The impact was significant – the drapes instantly brightened up the room! Curtains offer an easy way to make a statement, and I felt that this addition did just that. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option or want to customize your curtains, you can find great deals or even DIY them yourself.

What impressed me most was how a simple change like this could drastically alter the ambiance of the space – all for around $100 (covering four panels). I’d make this swap again in a heartbeat. To replicate this look in your next room transformation, check out our DIY Bed Sheet Lined Curtain tutorial or explore similar finds.

Bedding

To bridge the neutral bedding with the soft teal and cornflower blue hues from the curtains, I used the center lumbar pillow as a connection point, incorporating both colors through embroidery. This DIY project not only added a fun touch to my space but also allowed me to repurpose an existing pillow without purchasing another. The embroidered design cleverly mirrors the floral patterns on the curtains and provides visual interest against the abstracted velvet pillows behind.

Even if you don’t plan to update your curtains, updating your bedding is a cost-effective way to introduce new colors, textures, or patterns into your bedroom. For added depth at the foot of my bed, I used an existing duvet cover from my closet. If you’re starting from scratch, scouring secondhand shops for unique quilts or blankets can easily inject a pop of color and cozy warmth into your space.

Regardless of the magnitude of your changes, be sure to layer in elements of interest to give your bedroom a transformed feel.

Antiques

When it comes to updating a bedroom on a budget, embracing antiques is an often-overlooked yet effective strategy. The rise of grand millennial, transitional, eclectic, and curated styles has led the interior design industry to celebrate unique, one-of-a-kind pieces with character. Not only can antique furniture add depth and visual interest to a room, but it’s also an excellent way to stretch your budget further.

While some antiques may be pricier than others, local shops often offer more affordable options that surpass the quality of big-box store finds. As I’ve discovered by scouring local antique stores and online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace, hidden gems can be found for under $50. In my case, a trip down memory lane led me to incorporate family heirlooms from my great grandmother – intricately carved wood and needlepoint details added a touch of elegance that elevated the entire space.

Accessories

I made some deliberate changes to the accessories in the room, reflecting our love for books by reorganizing them into smaller display units. This modernized approach was achieved by incorporating a unique black iron and marble bookend from TJ Maxx, priced at just $9.99. Not only did this quirky addition bring a touch of whimsy, but it also harmoniously tied in with the lamps’ black hue.

In addition to reimagining the books, I added two vintage-inspired urn planters, now housing fresh magnolia branches and my cherished Christmas cactus. This blend of old and new elements effectively bridged the gap between our nostalgic and contemporary decor.

Final Thoughts

With the transformation of our guest bedroom, we’ve finally been able to infuse it with our unique vision and personality. The result is a space that’s not only beautiful but also tells the story of our family’s history and travels. From antique pieces passed down through generations to photos of special moments, every element has been carefully curated to create a truly unique atmosphere. And the best part? We were able to achieve this look without breaking the bank, all for under $250!

The sense of accomplishment and joy I feel whenever I walk into the room is palpable. I’m excited to share it with our loved ones and enjoy many happy memories together. This project has been a labor of love, and I hope it inspires you to transform your own space and create a haven that reflects your personality.