Ready for a wow-worthy makeover? Jess and Monica transformed their friends’ guest room with a fresh, budget-friendly redesign that blends vintage charm and modern flair. The standout element is a playful, multi-colored houndstooth stencil that gives the room personality and sets the tone for the entire space. Here’s their note about the project:
Hi John and Sherry! We just finished a fun and affordable room redesign for our friends Connie & Mark, so we thought we’d share it with you. When a close friend asks you to help re-do their bubble-gum pink, nondescript guest room, you can’t say no.
Our favorite part of the room is the multi-colored houndstooth stencil. It feels like a modern twist on a classic pattern. It took patience and teamwork to complete (we even called in backup), but the impact is huge. That stencil really guided the rest of the design, helping us mix old and new pieces in a cohesive way.
For the headboard we repurposed vintage shutters (or maybe old doors) to create a strong focal point that adds texture and character. It needed to stand out from the patterned wall and anchor the bed—and it does exactly that.
Connie & Mark already had a dresser with great bones, so we updated it with paint and new hardware to save money and add fresh color. To showcase Connie’s collection of family photos, we created a simple gallery wall that feels personal and warm without competing with the stencil pattern.
Functionality was important since this is a guest room. We added towels and an extra blanket neatly organized on an economical industrial cart, so guests have easy access to essentials without cluttering the space.
We’re already planning a sleepover at Connie and Mark’s. Thanks for letting us share! – Monica & Jess
Beyond the stencil, the design relies on rustic, subdued touches that ground the room: the worn wood elements, a muted color palette, and carefully chosen accents that feel collected rather than staged. The blue-painted dresser, the stacked suitcases at the foot of the bed, and the handmade headboard all contribute to a welcoming, lived-in vibe. Which detail stands out to you most — the bold stencil, the refreshed dresser, the vintage suitcases, or the repurposed headboard? There are plenty of charming features to love in this affordable redesign.