When our client asked for help transforming their neutral guest bedroom, they had one thing in mind: color and pattern! They adored the timeless look of a classic Jenny Lind bed, and that became the foundation of our design. We wanted to keep things cozy, charming, and quintessentially cottage-inspired, with a touch of modern functionality.
Before:
After:
1. Reworking the Layout with Classic Cottage Pieces
We started by reimagining the space, anchoring the room with two white Jenny Lind beds and flipping the layout of the bedroom so that the focal point was opposite the entryway. These beds, with their spindle design, add a sense of whimsy and timelessness that’s perfect for a cottage aesthetic. To maximize functionality without overwhelming the space, we incorporated a wood chest of drawers as a nightstand between the beds. This allowed for plenty of bedside storage while adding warmth with natural wood tones.
2. Adding Texture and Storage with Woven Elements
Texture plays a huge role in cottage style, and we brought in several woven elements to soften the room. At the end of each bed, we placed woven trunks—not only do these provide extra storage for guests, but they also add a layer of texture that makes the space feel more lived-in and inviting.
Additionally, the client already owned a beautiful woven jute rug, which we were thrilled to integrate into the design. This natural material ties everything together, grounding the room with its warm, earthy tones.
3. A Gallery Wall That Tells a Story
To add character and make the space feel uniquely personal, we designed an asymmetrical 5-piece vintage-inspired gallery wall above one of the bed frames. The mix of artwork and vintage frames adds a layer of visual interest to the room, and balanced out the wallspace to the right of the window.
4. Repainting with a Soft Blue-Green Palette
The walls were repainted in a soft blue-green—a color choice that brings both serenity and sophistication to the room. I love pairing blues and greens, the pop of yellow with the bolster pillow added an extra pop of color.
5. Adding Thoughtful Details
Soft lamps created a cozy, welcoming glow in the evenings, a cream swivel chair added a cozy spot to sit and and small accents like the framed black and white photos in brass helped bring the space altogether.
By mixing classic cottage pieces with personalized details, we were able to create a space that is both functional and full of character. The guest bedroom now feels vibrant and fresh, without losing the cozy, timeless charm that makes cottage style so beloved.
Below is the design board we created for this project through our design services:
How to Add Color and Pattern to Your Own Bedroom:
If you’re looking to update your guest bedroom with cottage-inspired charm, here are a few tips:
- Start with a classic furniture piece as your base: Jenny Lind beds or spindle furniture are a great base for a cottage feel.
- Incorporate textures: Woven elements like jute rugs, baskets, and trunks add warmth and interest.
- Play with color: Blues and greens work beautifully together to create a serene yet vibrant space.
- Personalize with vintage touches: A gallery wall or vintage-inspired decor can bring personality and history to your design.
