We finally painted the guest room, and Burger is clearly thrilled with the update.
The over-spray marks from painting the door that had accidentally formed an “accent wall” above the bed are gone. Huzzah!
We painted the room in Sparrow by Benjamin Moore. It’s a shade we’ve liked for a long time, and the guest room—flooded with natural light from a large triple window along the back wall—felt like the perfect place to try it. The color reads warm with gray and brown undertones depending on the light.
Because Sparrow is relatively deep, we started with a tinted primer to help the topcoat go on more smoothly and with better coverage. As is our usual routine, I did the cutting in while John handled the rolling. We also painted the ceiling first in Simply White (the same shade as the trim) but used a flat finish on the ceiling instead of semi-gloss. That small step makes touch-ups easier later and keeps the focus on the wall color.
After painting, we were ready to add art and mirrors to warm up the space. We searched the storage room and pulled a few old Ikea frames and a gold mirror that had been tucked away. A grid of frames went up across from the bed, and one framed piece hangs above the bookcase to the left of the bed. The frames contain some of our favorite photos mounted on linen-like mats for added texture.
We added a picture hanging knob and a length of gold ribbon to coordinate with the gold mirror above the bed. When John held the mirror in place we both liked how it read against the Sparrow walls. We considered adding small sconces or ledges on either side, but for now the single mirror keeps the arrangement simple and elegant.
To make the bedside area feel more substantial, we swapped the luggage-tray-turned-side-table for a sturdier vintage table that includes a drawer and a cubby for books and magazines. We found two of these at a yard sale a few years ago and brought one back into use here. The larger surface allowed us to add a bigger lamp that’s more in scale with the bed and the room.
A grocery-store bouquet that survived a recent celebration now brightens the nightstand—alstroemeria are the real MVPs for longevity, often lasting three to four weeks with a little care.
We still have a few projects planned: adding crown molding for a finished look, converting the seating area into a sewing nook so the room gets more regular use, and designing a new, more substantial headboard with an interesting shape. Over time we’ll likely update some furnishings and textiles—art, bedding, rug, and curtains—to better complement the Sparrow walls. But for the cost of a gallon of primer and paint plus pieces we already owned, the transformation feels fresh and intentional.
The guest room sits at the top of the stairs, so we both get a little “ooh!” moment whenever we head upstairs now. It’s amazing how quickly you can become accustomed to small eyesores, and how satisfying it is to tackle them. A new coat of paint can truly feel like a breath of fresh air.
We spent the holiday weekend balancing work and family time, reflecting on what Memorial Day means to us, and enjoying the refreshed guest room. What did you do this weekend?
MORE PAINT COLORS WE LOVE
If you’re exploring paint options, here are some go-to colors we reach for often. These shades work well across a variety of rooms and lighting conditions:
- The 12 Best White Paint Colors (a curated selection of reliable whites)
- Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray (a warm, versatile neutral)
- Benjamin Moore Simply White (clean and classic for trim and ceilings)
- Sherwin-Williams Pure White (a soft, approachable white)
- Sherwin-Williams Extra White (a bright, crisp option)
Psst— looking for sources for items in the room? Check the images and descriptions in the shop section of our site to see where things came from.
