Guest Room Makeover: Multi-Colored Houndstooth and Budget-Friendly Upgrades

Jess and Monica completed an eye-catching, budget-friendly redesign of their friends Connie and Mark’s guest room. The update blends a modern take on houndstooth with rustic, repurposed details to create a welcoming, polished space without a big budget. Below they describe what they did and why each choice works so well.

The concept

The goal was to transform a plain, bubblegum-pink guest room into a layered, inviting retreat that feels both fresh and lived-in. The duo focused on one bold focal point — a multi-colored houndstooth wall — and built the room’s aesthetic around it. Mixing contemporary pattern with vintage and repurposed pieces helped them strike a balance between bold and comfortable.

The houndstooth stencil

The standout feature is a multi-colored houndstooth stencil that updates a classic motif with a playful, modern twist. Creating the stencil pattern was a labor-intensive process and required extra hands, but the bold graphic instantly sets the room’s tone and makes a big visual impact. The pattern guides the room’s color choices and gives the space a strong personality.

Repurposed shutter headboard

To introduce texture and character, the headboard was constructed from old shutters (or narrow doors). The reclaimed wood piece provides vertical interest against the patterned wall and anchors the bed visually. Repurposing found materials like shutters is a smart way to add unique character without spending a lot.

Painted dresser and hardware update

Connie and Mark already had a solid dresser, so Jess and Monica refreshed it with new paint and updated hardware. This simple makeover gave the piece new life and kept costs down. A painted dresser with modern pulls can instantly refresh a room while preserving the quality and storage of an existing piece.

Family photos and a simple gallery wall

To make the space feel personal and homey, they arranged Connie’s collection of old family photos into a curated gallery wall. A thoughtful layout allows treasured images to become art without overwhelming the design. The gallery complements the stencil and repurposed elements, adding warmth and narrative to the room.

Function and hospitality

Because this is a guest room, functionality mattered. An $8 industrial cart was stocked with extra towels and a spare blanket so visitors feel welcomed and comfortable. Practical touches like readily available linens, bedside lighting, and accessible outlets make a guest stay more convenient and restful.

Finishing touches

Small details complete the room: stacked suitcases at the foot of the bed add travel-chic charm and provide extra storage, while a small plant stand and carefully chosen accessories bring life and scale to the design. These finishing touches make the space feel thoughtfully layered rather than simply decorated.

Final thoughts

The project proves a dramatic transformation doesn’t require a large budget—just a clear focal point, a few repurposed pieces, and practical hospitality details. The multi-colored houndstooth stencil sets the playful, modern tone while the shutter headboard and refinished dresser add warmth and character. For anyone planning a guest room refresh, this makeover is a great example of balancing bold pattern, thrifted finds, and comfort-driven functionality.

If you want more behind-the-scenes photos and project details, check the designers’ blog for additional images and tips on recreating elements like the stencil and shutter headboard. Which detail would you copy for your own guest room: the stencil, the painted dresser, the repurposed headboard, or the practical hospitality touches?