When we first saw Rhoda’s guest room transformation, the change was nothing short of dramatic. Here’s the letter she sent us:
I really enjoy reading your blog & congrats on the success and press you’ve gotten this past year! I know you have asked for redesigns before from your readers, so I thought I’d share a recent project with you. This is my newly redone guestroom, which I titled From Granny to Beachy Glam. In its before state, I just used some old linens that I had to make the room comfortable as a guestroom for a couple of years. Then, I found a great black/white damask comforter set (at a yard sale) and that got the ball rolling on the whole room redo. Thanks a bunch, and enjoy! – Rhoda
Here’s the before:
And the stylish after:
The difference is striking. Rhoda started with a simple, functional guest room and turned it into a chic, welcoming retreat. A black-and-white damask comforter she discovered at a yard sale inspired the whole makeover, and from that point she layered in patterns and textures to create a cohesive look.
What’s especially impressive is how budget-friendly the project was. Rhoda kept the entire refresh under $500 by combining thrifted finds, discount-store purchases, and a few DIY touches. She repainted an old bronze mirror to fit the new palette and slipcovered a corner chair to make it blend seamlessly with the updated bedding and accessories. Those small, thoughtful updates made a big visual impact without a large expense.
Rhoda’s approach shows how mixing affordable shopping with a clear design direction can yield professional-looking results. The bold damask pattern serves as an anchor, while neutral and coastal accents soften the overall feel—hence the “Beachy Glam” title. A touch of zebra pattern adds an unexpected, playful element that keeps the room from feeling too formal.
Repurposing and repainting existing items also keeps the makeover sustainable and personal. Instead of replacing everything, Rhoda breathed new life into pieces she already owned, creating a layered, collected look that feels authentic. The result is a guest room that’s stylish, comfortable, and inviting—perfect for visitors and a pleasure for the homeowner.
Thanks to Rhoda for sharing her before-and-after photos and for demonstrating how creativity and resourcefulness can transform a space. Her project is a great reminder that thoughtful design choices and a modest budget can create big changes. We love the refreshed vibe—and the dash of zebra—too.