Turning Our Upstairs Bedroom into the Perfect Guestroom

Every weekend, we welcome family and friends into our home. Whether it’s for a quiet dinner or a fun weekend party, the house comes alive with laughter and conversation. 

But as much as I loved hosting, our upstairs bedroom remained unused, more of a storage space than a welcoming retreat for our guests. 

It wasn’t until one particularly busy weekend, when we had friends over for a celebration, that I realized just how much better the room could serve our needs.

That weekend, everyone was having such a great time that I thought, “Why not transform this space into a guestroom right now?” 

We had a few long weekends coming up, and with holidays approaching, I could finally create the kind of room where guests could stay comfortably. It was time to get to work.

Fixing the Roof: A Tale of Old Materials and Unexpected Challenges

The first order of business was the roof. Our house is a 1970s fixer-upper, and while it has a ton of character, it also has a few quirks. 

The roof had suffered from years of wear and needed some serious attention. The shingles were beginning to show their age, and there were spots that looked like they might be prone to leaks.

I remember one weekend, when we were about to start on the roof, I had a good look at the materials used back then. 

The roof was originally made from asphalt shingles, a common choice in the 1970s, but over the years, some of the sections had curled up, revealing the underlayer. I researched the materials available today, knowing I wanted something that would last longer and look modern. 

We decided to go with architectural shingles for their durability and long-term performance. We spent hours scraping off the old shingles, preparing the surface, and carefully installing the new ones.

It was hard work, but the reward was instant. The room felt more secure, and I couldn’t help but smile when I saw the fresh, dark shingles against the clear sky.

Updating the Windows: Matching Modern and Classic Styles

Next, I turned my attention to the windows. They were functional, but definitely outdated. The blinds were worn, and the window sills had accumulated years of dust. I wanted to update the windows without losing the room’s character.

After a bit of searching, I found a style of shutters that felt both timeless and modern, perfect for this space. 

I chose a white, plantation-style shutter that would blend seamlessly with the room’s neutral color scheme. The shutters immediately brightened up the space and gave the room a fresh, polished look. 

As I installed them, I was surprised by how much more open the room felt, even with the heavy-duty material of the shutters. 

They not only served a practical purpose, blocking the bright sun on summer afternoons, but also gave the room a level of sophistication I wasn’t expecting.

Creating the Perfect Guest Space

When it came time to furnish the guestroom, I needed it to feel both comfortable and practical. 

We’ve hosted a lot of people over the years, and I wanted our guests to feel like they had their own little sanctuary when they stayed. I spent a good amount of time searching for the perfect bed. 

After a lot of browsing on Amazon (I’ll admit, I spent hours comparing options!), I decided on two twin-sized beds. They were the right fit for the space and made it feel inviting without crowding the room.

Choosing the right bedding was just as important. I wanted it to look elegant but be cozy enough to make anyone want to relax. I ended up with soft white sheets and plush, gray blankets that were both stylish and practical. 

The pillows, oh the pillows, were the real showstopper! I chose a mix of plush, down-filled pillows that added a luxurious feel without being too fancy. 

I carefully picked each piece, knowing it had to tie in with the room’s neutral tones while also adding texture and warmth. It felt like the bed was finally something I could be proud of.

Adding Storage and Personality

It wasn’t until one Thanksgiving, when two of our closest friends came over, that I realized something about the room was still missing. After a long, cozy dinner, one of them asked, “So,where do we put our coats and bags? We don’t want to clutter up your living room.”

That question stuck with me. Of course, I could’ve just said, “Anywhere,” but I knew they’d feel more comfortable with a little more organization. 

So, I decided to add a stylish storage unit next to the beds. I found a beautiful, rustic wood chest that worked perfectly as both a decorative piece and a storage solution. 

It gave the room character while also providing space for guests to store their belongings. It was one of those practical solutions that turned out to be exactly what I needed.

While adding storage, I also turned my attention to the walls. The old paint had begun to chip and peel, leaving the walls looking tired. 

I decided on a light, muted gray for the walls, which felt fresh but didn’t overpower the space. The new paint, combined with the fresh furnishings, gave the room an entirely new look. 

It was amazing how a coat of paint could breathe new life into a space that had felt stagnant for so long.

Bringing the Holiday Spirit Into the Room

Once the room was looking just right, it was time to add a little holiday magic. Christmas was just around the corner, and I couldn’t resist bringing in a few festive touches to make the room feel even more special. 

I added a string of twinkling lights above the beds and a small garland across the window.

For the bedding, I swapped out the regular throw blankets for ones with a subtle red plaid pattern, which felt cozy and seasonal without being too much. The pillows were topped with small holiday-themed covers that brought a cheerful vibe to the space. 

And of course, a tiny Christmas tree sat in the corner, its lights glowing softly throughout the night.

Especially when our friends came to visit for the holidays, they commented on how much the room felt like a cozy retreat. They couldn’t believe how much had changed in such a short time.