dramatic guest room makeover

There are certain times of the year–Thanksgiving, Christmas, Fourth of July–when we shouldn’t be surprised by a steady flow of guests. Truth is, if you’ve got a spare room, it’s smart to always be prepared for visitors: both the invited and the unexpected drop-ins. That’s why we put the challenge of redoing this guest room–bedroom and bathroom–in the hands of the ultimate tag team: Traci Zeller and Laura Ashley. See for yourself how a tired and dreary space turned into a bright and welcoming spot.

BEFORE

When it comes to decorating a space, it’s important to think about function and feeling. How will the room be used? How do you want to feel when you’re in this space. Zeller told us she was dreaming of a “home away from home” vibe. Her goal was to make this a space a guest would never want to leave.

Let’s start with the walls. Wallpaper is the wrapping on a room, the tweak that brings everything together. Florals are back in style, and Zeller believes they’re a natural choice for this space. She chose this Laura Ashley Aviary Garden Wallpaper in apple green for making the major statement. Everything else came together from there. When not occupied, typical homeowners use that guest space for storage. (Fair enough.) Just be sure to have a piece of furniture, like a chest of drawers, for guests to unpack their stuff. No one likes to live out of a suitcase.

Laura Ashley Aviary Garden Wallpaper in apple green

• Let’s be honest, sometimes we just need a space to sneak away to. A place to sit and relax–that’s not on the bed. Zeller is all about textures in this nook. A chair was reupholstered in a Laura Ashley fabric and window treatments were layered to block light. The Laura Ashley woven wood shade is a blackout shade for those who need darkness to sleep. (Miracle workers in our book.)  

• Buy it now:

  Laura Ashley Aviary Wallpaper in apple green  Laura Ashley “Hackett” Lamp, available at lauraashleyusa.com
 Chair is covered in Laura Ashley Corby Woven Check in Chamomile, available at lauraashleyusa.com
 Laura Ashley Natural Woven Wood Shades in Serene Chimney Sweep, available at blinds.com

For a surprising touch in the desk drawer, Zeller lined it with a vintage Laura Ashley paper she purchased on etsy.com. 

Laura Ashley Raspberry Rhubarb Royal Hobnail Glass Candle, available at lauraashleyusa.com

When it comes to the bedside table, put some thought into it. Think fresh flower arrangement, jewelry catchall, candle, and carafe filled with water.

Euro Shams custom made of Laura Ashley for Kravet Pippin Stone, available at kravet.com

Layering is the true trick to making a space inviting for a guest. To keep the yellow and pink palette grounded, Zeller sprinkled in neutral details like white linens, an ivory Loloi rug, and monochromatic window treatments. A bench at the base of the bed acts as another conversation zone. This bedroom is begging for us to dive in and never ever leave. Mission accomplished.   Loloi Sahara Rug in Ivory, available at loloirugs.com Quilt custom-made in Laura Ashley for Kravet Calliope Honeysuckle, available at kravet.com  

BEFORE

Small bathroom. So what. Give every space some thought when it comes to decorating. Pink is a popular hue for bathrooms, so it’s time to make this color work.

Occasionally all a bathroom needs is an amazing curtain. Along comes this Laura Ashley Aviary Garden Cotton Curtain fabric to pull it all together. A fresh coat of paint turns the vanity from ordinary to mod and chic. Don’t forget to add some guest essentials like fresh, fluffy towels, luxurious toiletries, and all the little things guests might forget (cotton swabs, cotton pads, etc.).  

Shower Curtain and Valance custom-made in Laura Ashley Aviary Garden