Crisp Blue and White Guest Room

We are lucky to have two guest rooms in our house.  One is pretty large with a great view.  But the other guest room is a little on the small side, so I wanted to make it a really cozy space that guests would enjoy.  

The original plan was to have closets on either side of the front window, with a window seat below.  But once we started framing up the room, we decided that would make it too cozy!  So we settled for one closet. That leaves room for this chest with basket storage.

A key design element was to install wainscoting.  I wanted bright white woodwork with bright color above it.  But I was a bit worried that installing narrow bead board would be too busy in this room.  So to give it simpler lines, we did something a little different.  Richard and I installed simple 1x3 strips of wood around the room, added a plate rail above and then painted the entire space a white semi gloss.  It makes the room seem nice and bright – but adds some architectural interest as well.  And it give us a shelf for artwork, to provide pops of color in the room.  

Speaking of color, inspiration for this room started with the multi colored rag rug.  I loved the different hues of blue, green and orange and thought it would make a great starting point for the rest of the design. I found the comforter and shams on sale with their bright green dragonfly motif.  I bought an extra king sized sheet and made the coordinating roman shades for the windows.

The headboard was a bright 80’s style brass, with lots of tarnish spots on the finish.  I picked it up for a song at a second hand furniture store, sanded it down and spray painted it this bright blue.  I love how it pops against the white wainscoting.

The chair in this room started life at IKEA.  And after my DIY upholstery experience, I learned my lesson and hired an upholsterer to recover it for me in this custom green polka dot print.  That cost a lot more than the chair, but I’m pleased with the way it came out!

I added this curved cabinet - one of my favorite pieces!  And it gave me the opportunity to add some colored accents that compliment the rug.

Living in Maine, we get a lot of houseguests.  And I think they really enjoy spending time in this cozy room!






Sources:  
Rug - Crate & Barrel
Chest - Pottery Barn
Chair - IKEA - Ektorp Tullsta 
Curved Cabinet - Ballard Designs - Chilton Cabinet
Pillows:  Company C and HomeGoods
Shams and Comforter - Company C

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