Guest Room Update: Framed “Things That Are Awesome” Print and a Safer Bookcase
We finally framed and hung that “Things That Are Awesome” print we bought at a local craft fair last Christmas from an artist named Rachel (you can see her shop in the original post). The print was always intended for the guest room—a little piece of cheerful art meant to give visitors something fun to study while they stay—and it feels great to have it in place at last.
Framing a piece you love makes a room feel more finished instantly. We picked up a simple frame at JoAnn and used a 40% off coupon at checkout (they accept coupons on your phone now, which is really convenient). The print looks right at home in the frame and gives the guest room a little extra personality.
This corner of the guest room hasn’t been shown in a while. The last time we shared it publicly was a few summers ago, and since then a few changes happened: that big mirror moved to the kitchen mantel and we sold the old Ikea dresser at a yard sale. The wall was bare for some time after those shifts, so bringing in the framed print felt like the final touch a room needs to feel put together.
To fill the empty space we moved in a bookcase we had on hand. It’s one of those practical pieces that doubles as storage and display: books, photos, and a few decorative objects make the room feel lived-in and welcoming. The shelf backs were given different colors during a past shoot, which makes for a subtle but interesting backdrop for the items we placed on the shelves.
From a distance you can enjoy the overall effect, but the charm of the “Things That Are Awesome” print really shines when you get closer. It’s the kind of quirky, handmade art that rewards a little time spent looking at the details, and we’re happy to support a fellow Virginian artist whose work brings a smile to the room.
The close-up shows why we adore this print—it’s playful and full of personality. Little touches like this are easy ways to make a guest room feel intentional and welcoming, even if other projects around the house are still in progress.
Safety was another important part of this update. The bookcase originally came from Target and included an anchor system, so we used it to secure the unit to the wall. Anchoring tall furniture is an easy, responsible step—especially with little ones around or when guests with children stay over. Installing the anchor gave us peace of mind that the bookcase won’t tip if someone bumps into it.
A few days after everything was arranged, I walked in and found Clara sitting contentedly among the books and toys on the bottom shelf. Seeing a child use and enjoy the space is the best approval you can get—the bookcase passed her test with flying colors.
It made me think about other rooms in the house that have gone quiet for months or years, then suddenly come alive when we shift priorities. Often a room is left dormant because it felt “good enough” at one point, so attention moved elsewhere. Later, a small push—framing a print, moving a bookcase, or anchoring furniture—can be enough to bring it back to life.
If you’re looking to finish a neglected room, a few practical tips that worked for us: pick one meaningful piece of art, secure tall furniture for safety, and add a few functional items that invite use (like books or a small lamp). Those small investments make a room feel loved and complete without requiring a full redesign.
What rooms in your home have suddenly come back to life after being ignored for a while? Do you have tricks for completing a space without doing an overhaul? It’s surprising how a framed print and a safely anchored bookcase can change the whole vibe of a room.