This week, I’m launching a new series on the blog called MY HOME REFRESH. Come along this year as I tackle one space at a time, updating, organizing, and (of course) crafting and decorating, starting with today’s Guest Bedroom Refresh!
~The following contains affiliate links at no extra cost to you. See my Disclosure Policy. For the Full Source List, scroll to the bottom of this post. ~
The Story Behind MY HOME REFRESH
It’s been 10 years since hubby and I moved into our new-build bungalow.
A decade!
We moved in with hardly a thing except what could fit into a teensy-tiny 1-bedroom apartment. We had NO appliances – yikes.
So, for the first few weeks, we had to purchase essentials like a stove, fridge, washer and dryer, and then slowly began to furnish our home over the next couple of years.
By the time I started this blog in 2015, we had already settled in so that decorating and making things cozy was uppermost on my mind.
(See my FIRST Home Tour on the blog – excuse the low light and ‘yellow’ tinge to my pics 🙁 I was still very ‘green’ to the world of photography.)
Sometime last year, after my Craft Room Renovation was complete (in case you missed it, take the Facebook Live Tour here), I realized that the rest of the home was starting to look a little worn, outdated, and still worse, damaged by a couple of fur-babies who shall remain nameless 😉
So after a decade in our home, I decided it was time to begin updating my space. Namely by selecting key areas to:
- Declutter
- Re-organize
- DIY AND
- Re-decorate
But with a LOW BUDGET, my aim is to SIMPLY REFRESH OUR HOME to match our current needs and home style tastes.
…starting with the guest bedroom.
GUEST BEDROOM REFRESH
(See the Full Source List at the bottom of this post)
Our guest bedroom remained hardly changed since moving in 10 years ago. Seriously – all the furniture, bedding, and decor was virtually untouched since my first home tour on the blog.
This is what it looked like for nearly 10 years. Sweet – to be sure – but slightly outdated.
So what spurred on my guest bedroom refresh?
Early this year, I had the opportunity to collaborate with Opposite Wall, a Canadian-based company that produces the most stunning and affordable modern art prints.
This gave me the nudge I needed to finally work on updating our guest bedroom 🙂
My aim? To change – not transform – the bedroom by keeping things serene and cozy.
I decided to keep the same colour-palette of grey, white, and tan, while adding a few subtle hits of black for a little extra punch.
So with just a few swaps and additions, our guest bedroom got a subtle refresh that felt just a little more modern and up-to-date.
Here is what our guest bedroom looks like now.
The Breakdown:
New Artwork
These art prints are the piece de resistance of this space! In keeping with our home’s Scand-meets-farmhouse-with-a-pinch-of-mid-century-modern, these abstract and minimalist prints were exactly what this serene space needed.
(For the full source list of all my art prints, frames and picture ledge, go to the bottom of this post).
New (& Old) Accessories & Bedding
I also focused on affordable side table accessories to finish off the bedroom. I did this by:
- ‘Shopping’ my home
- Shopping Amazon
What is new below?: The analog alarm clock and leather catch-all. The lamps, planter with faux succulents, and wire metal bird were all items I already owned.
Also new to the space were the pillows, duvet cover, and grey cotton bedspread – all affordable additions from Amazon and Home Sense.
This beautiful mud cloth patterned throw blanket was another ‘shop my home’ addition. I just love the hit of black here.
What Else Did NOT Change?
These IKEA curtains feel classic and I still love this whimsical, botanical pattern on them.
What also remains unchanged is this 6-drawer IKEA Malm dresser. Accessories, too!
BEFORE & AFTER
So after two solid weekends of DIYing our wall decor and swapping out a few key bedding pieces and accessories, I managed to update our space while still keeping the same serene colour palette.
With just a few updates and swaps, our guest bedroom got a subtle face-lift that gave it a fresher, more modern feel.
KEEPING YOUR BEDROOM REFRESH AFFORDABLE
Here are my best tips for keeping your bedroom refresh affordable and attainable:
Tip #1: Keep Your Bedroom Furniture
None of our furniture changed – not a jot! You can refresh a space and give it new life without spending a dime on furniture.
All pieces were originally from IKEA, including the bed, the side tables, and the chest of drawers.
If you are really desperate for a change, consider painting the furniture for a fresh, new look.
Tip #2: Purchase a Duvet Cover
You don’t need to change out all your sheets and bedding. Just adding a duvet cover will create a whole new look.
My little secret in this bedroom? I kept the comforter and simply purchased a new duvet cover 🙂
Tip #3: Layers
Create a feeling of coziness using layers.
Pillows, coverlets, and lightweight bedspreads offer much when trying to create a new look for your bedroom.
Not to mention, it elevates the feeling of serenity in this space.
Tip #4: Decor & Wall Art
This is where you can have fun and add personality without spending much.
As I’ve mentioned, some of this bedroom decor came from ‘shopping’ my own home. I have collected a lot of nick-nacks over the years, so I simply brought in items from other parts of my home and then added a few new pieces.
Of course, I also changed out my wall art completely and I LOVE how it turned out!
You can see how I created TWO DESIGNS for this same wallspace on my YouTube channel by clicking on the link below:
But you don’t have to buy new!
You can also find amazing thrifted pieces in any thrift store or charity shop to refresh a space! I have thrifted decor pieces peppered all throughout my home and love just how much personality this adds to my space.
FINAL THOUGHTS
I hope you enjoyed taking a tour of the ‘Before’ and ‘After’ of my Guest Bedroom Refresh.
Stay tuned for more from the MY HOME REFRESH Series this year 🙂
SHOP THIS POST
*In cases where items are no longer available, I’ve listed similar products below.
FURNITURE
- Ikea Malm Bed Frame (Queen)
- Night Stand – Ikea does not seem to carry the ones we originally bought, but they have loads of similar, affordable ones to check out here.
- 6-Drawer Malm Dresser
BEDDING & PILLOWS
- Duvet Cover in off-white (Queen)
- Linen Pillow Case (in greige) or similar one here.
- Grey Cotton Bedspread (similar one here and here and other lightweight cotton bedspreads here– make sure to find the appropriate size for your bed)
- Cable Knit Pillows (similar cable knit pillows here or striped pillows here)
- Brown Lumbar Cover (12″ X 26″)
OTHER TEXTILES
- Ikea Curtains (they no longer carry the ones I have, but there are plenty of other gorgeous ones here)
- Black and White Throw Blanket (here or here)
PRINTS & FRAMES:
- All Prints & Frames featured in this tutorial were sent to me by Opposite Wall. Each come in a variety of sizes. I selected the following:
- “Movement” (I chose 12 X 16 inch)
- “Target” (I chose 8 X 10 inch)
- “Figures” (I chose 12 X 16 inch)
- “Contemplation in White” ( I chose 16 X 20 inch)
- “Blowing Grasses” (I chose 8 X 10 inch)
PICTURE LEDGE:
ACCESSORIES
Side Table Decor:
- Small Leather Catch-all,
- Decorative Metal Wire Bird
- Alarm Clock (or similar one here),
- White Table Lamps (no longer available at Canadian furniture company Structube, but they have plenty of other stunning table lamps to choose from),
- Planter (this was a discount find, but check out these other quirky planters).
Dresser Decor:
- Grapevine Root Decor (similar one here),
- Glass Candlestick Holders (similar ones here),
- Tapered Beeswax Candles.
- Tom Thomson‘s ‘The West Wind’ Framed Print (other versions available on Amazon).
If you enjoyed this post, check out these other simple, affordable decor ideas:
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