Friday, August 5, 2011

Then and Now

This was my guest bedroom when I moved in.  Paint and wallpaper courtesy of the previous owner, not at all what I was after.

My first makeover - I really wanted to experiment with a dark paint color (I'd never dared go dark before.)  I loved this at the time - and even found a comforter on clearance at Kohls that matched, giving me a tone on tone look for the entire room.

Guest Room
Lately, it felt old and dated and I knew that putting dark carpet under the dark paint just wasn't going to work for me.  What I really wanted was board and batten, but I'm not super handy, don't have the proper tools, or the budget right now for what I want.  So I decided to "fake" it the best I could with a little paint.  Two coats of primer and a coat of paint later the room is so much lighter and brighter.  Best of all, this makeover cost nothing (except for the new carpet that was going in anyway.)  I already had the paint and the linens.  You can't beat that price.

Guest Room 2
Please ignore the fact that I haven't gotten around to moving the large map (of Paris) up above the headboard, I plan to get it done eventually, I swear.

I'm a week late, but I've decided to join Susannah Conway's August Break.  For the rest of the month (and maybe into the first week of September) I'm just going to post a photo, no words, no songs.  I think it is a brilliant way to spend the last month of the season focussed on life and less on blogging.

I'd better make this last song a good one.  Matt Bauer is a new discover of mine this week.  He's a bearded guy (you know me and scruffy musicians, swoon) with a beautiful voice, who sings songs that make me stop everything just to list.  Take a listen to his Don't Let Me Out:
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30 comments:

Maegan said...

I so want to be a guest at your place! What a gorgeous and inviting room! You are quite a decorator, Jamie! And honestly, I was thinking of much I loved the map behind the headboard before you had mentioned it.

ELK said...

B E A U T I F U L !! enjoy your august break too!

Hyacynth said...

Wow, Jamie! I think it looks beautiful!

Dagmar said...

Jamie,you did a wonderful job..it looks so fresh and inviting..love what you did...have a great weekend!
xo

Clare B said...

Yeah! Happy August break. The room transformation is great - especially love all the art on the walls

Justine said...

love your transformation, looks lovely and comfortable

tinajo said...

It looks absolutely cozy and great - you´re good! :-)

urban muser said...

you have quite the decorating flair! i like the song too. enjoy august break, i am doing it (sort of) too.

R Montalban said...

I am sure you will not be short of people wanting to now stay over :-)

Ms. Becky said...

it's inviting and comfortable. plus warm. nice job Jamie. I like how high the bed is. my own is low - one of those Japanese Tatamis - and now I'm seeing higher beds that make me long for one. the colors are peaceful and very nice. and I was looking at the map above the headboard admiring it before reading what you wrote! I really like it.
oh, and Matt Bauer has a real honey-like voice. thanks for sharing! wishing you a fun weekend.

Rosie Grey said...

I's so amazing, what you did to that room, Jamie! I'm also participating in August Break, so it's great to be in there together! Thanks for the music - a great choice for the last one before the break!

Marcie said...

Beautiful!! What a wonderful makeover!!!

Laura lok said...

bdeautiful. i love teh new colors so warm and inviting

Penny said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
bethany said...

Oh my GOSH, Jamie! This seriously looks like something from a magazine...or an amazingly chic B&B!

Of course I love the Paris map (I used one like it for a school project a few months ago!), and every single detail is gorgeous.

Totally loving all your remodeling. I wish I were as "can-do" as you. I get rolling on an idea and peter out pretty fast. Please send some of your magical decorative pixie dust my way. :)

Penny said...

Hey Jamie, I can tell everyone first hand how amazing the guest room is! The room is beautiful, the bed is comfy, the carpet is the softest I have ever felt and the company is amazing. Thanks again for letting me stay with you. The week was great and as always I love spending time with you. Thanks for making me feel so welcome in your gorgeous home. Hope you will let me return the favor soon! xoxoxox

Carrie @ Hazardous Design said...

Looks great Jamie!
Careful though...your guests aren't going to want to leave :)

Diana Joy said...

I love the new room look. You actually helped me a little....I'm going to be painting our kitchen cupboards soon and was thinking of doing top lighter/bottom darker...or reverse... looking at your room with the switcheroo is interesting.....

Happy August break...mine is coming up soon also.

~Kristina said...

You have such a knack for awesome. I am trying to find the energy to paint our livingroom but haven't even entertained any of the details. Perhaps I should hit the drawing board again. Where do you start?

Lisa Gordon said...

You mean you did not keep those little bumble bee sticker thingys???

Jamie, this is just beautiful. What an amazing transformation!

So glad you will be doing The August Break, and this song is wonderful!

The Felix Family said...

I love the "board and batten" look and that corner shelf is super cool. I am noticing you really have a knack for decorating, so I have an idea...I'll come assist you in all you projects in St George if you will at least give me ideas for mine. I have ideas of what I love, I just don't know how to go about executing them. Sound like a deal? :)

Simon said...

You have such great taste. I would love to be a guest in this room. I love the look of the lighter paint below the chair rail. This transformation came out great. Everyone of these "make overs" your house looks so tidy. I'm not taking pics of my house...no way.

Suki said...

This room looks so lovely and inviting.
Everyone who can stay there is real lucky.

blue elephant photography said...

i love it lighter!

Melanie said...

Looks great! You are really on a redecorating kick! can't wait to see what room is next!

Anonymous said...

i love what you did! especially the shelves on the wall, very cool! redecorating is fun!

Gilding Lilies said...

Everything is looking so great Jamie!

Tat @ Mum in search said...

I love your new colour, it looks so much cozier than the blue.

Anonymous said...

What a transformation! I LOVE the new look, and have been enjoying catching up with all I missed here while I was on vacation!

Tezzie said...

I'm loving your room makeovers!! Great job, my friend! :D

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