apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

I like the blue color. Why not paint the shelves bright pink and accessorize the room with a bunch of cheap candles and prints of saints ... the ones you can get at latin grocery stores?

you could get some more ideas from "lori's latin lair":
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/la/2008-fall-colors-southwest/southwest-21-loris-latin-lair-066443

I like it! I think a tufted headboard in a cool graphic print incorporating orange and white would fill the space nicely.

And maybe a reading light or two above the bed?

A white retro alarm clock and a simple radio like this http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0001HYEM2/helloimage (thanks www.doorsixteen.com) would help to fill the shelf space.

I think the first thing you need is a pair of bedside lamps. A clock would be nice. If this room is really meant for overnight guests, then I'd recommend not adding much in the way of decorative objects - a guest will unpack and want a place for his or her own stuff.

I would switch the bed and bookshelves to the long wall and get a headboard for the bed so that it isn't totally dwarfed by the high shelves. The wall with the recessed portions, that you currently have all the furniture against, is more visually interesting and would feel complete with a nice armchair in one recessed portion, by the window, and a little desk in the other.

The room is really nice! That orange pillow against the light blue is great - maybe play that up the complimentary colors even more. The bare wall could just use some art - maybe four small/medium framed pieces (also with some bright colors) hung horizontally across it. I bet if you shopped around on etsy you'd find the perfect series. Hang the art you already have lower on the wall (around a 66-inch center eyeline), add a bedskirt to hide the metal frame and wheels, and put a few more things on the shelves, and you're pretty close to done. For guests, you might consider two small lamps on the shelves at bed level for when people are actually staying in the room.

You could put a credenza or a long, low dresser on the empty wall. I would bring some more color in through the bedding and a bigger picture above the bed. Add a lamp for reading, a place to put a glass of water, some tissues, and an extra blanket.

You're off to a good start! I would focus on function instead of strictly decorative elements. If you have guests stay more than one or two nights, they would probably like a place to hang or store their clothes in a dresser. A dresser could also be a good place for them to unpack makeup, jewelry, etc. You'll also definately want a mirror, bedside lamps, and alarm clock for your guests. I also like the idea of an arm chair. If you have an extra TV or radio, that could be a plus as well. This all depends on how you use the room of course. Have fun!

Very cute room--light and airy. To fill the shelves, color baskets on the lower shelves would be great so guests have places to put their things if they need to unpack. But dont go overboard with vintage pieces. And reading lights above the bed are a great idea. Headboard is a must...how about a fabric headboard maybe matching the curtains? And the armchair idea in one corner would be a nice idea to complete the room too.

paint the sticking-out wall behind the bed a one or two shades darker blue to create a headboard. add two bedside lamps, either on the shelves or the wall-mounted variety with the swing arms. put a large mirror on the blank wall across from the bed. the picture over the bed is nice but it's too high and too small, strike it or move it to a new location in the room. you need a small scale upholstered chair in the corner along the blank wall near the foot of the bed. if orange is going to be your secondary color then go with orange for this. also a small table for your guests stuff would be nice under the large mirror.

paint the shelves pink?! i think not.

You can make this work without a headboard: I suggest painting a second color around the room at 42" and below for the perception of a head board behind the bed, yet it sill ties in with the rest of the room. You do not have to paint the wall across from the bed either, just the three walls should suffice. I would place a narrow credenza on the wall across the bed in the dark wood color. Also find a taller piece of artwork to hang above the bed.

I think two brush aluminum desk/articulating arm lamps on each of the shelves would be useful and look great. And maybe just get a larger picture for above the bed if you don't want to drop a lot on a headboard.

Maybe I'm merely stating the obvious, but the room looks very empty. The bookcases look like a half-hearted attempt to throw in some furniture because they are too small for the nooks and you don't seem to really need them. I'd replace them with one or two shelves instead that fit the width of the nook. Then I'd put a dresser in the left nook and a bedside table in the right nook. The dark brown (black?) colour goes well with the blue walls. An armchair could go in the corner by the other window plus a reading lamp. Consider a hat rack and some hangers for your guests. A mirror is also a good idea. Regarding things to put on the wall - maybe you already have something in another room that could go here? Something a little more personal than what you get when you go out and buy a small collection of "matchy art for the guest room".

Ooh, very nice! Can you post the paint color please?

Hi all!

Thanks for the suggestions! They are all great! I like the idea of incorporating reading lamps and the arm chair as well as a clock and a few functional items. As far as a dresser goes, we might not have enough space; to the left of the room there's a pretty big closet (not shown in the photos!), so there's definitely space for clothes, etc. I've also thought about making a tuffed headboard, so I think I'll raise to the challange. Someone suggested switching the layout of the room and putting the bed and shelves to on the empty wall; this was something we had definitely thought off but my one concern was that when you come into the room the first thing you'd see is the bed... so I wasn't sure about it. It kind blocks the whole room I think.

Thanks so much for all the comments I'm definitely going to try a few!!

Corina

I love Tricky's idea...then you could put vertical art on the protruding middle portion.

fancy headboard for sure.

Just say no to the pink shelves, but I love the idea of a long, low credenza on that empty wall. Instead of lots of color over the bed, why not move the art that's already there down a bit (right now it's hung *way too high*) to pull that wall together a bit visually, and then add color to the room by exchanging the beige curtains for bright ones? I love the idea of a mirror over the credenza on the empty wall, as it's both decorative and useful to your guests when they get dressed in the morning. It also avoids the 'matchy-matchy prints for the guest room' cliche.

Very nice suggestions! I like a lot of them! I would maybe try a couple of different things for the "headboard" area. I like really big canvases for headboard with either stretched fabric, etc. Did you also think about maybe hanging curtains in a cool fabric there? i know it sounds little odd, but it could be cool. I think it would also draw your eye upward.

Perhaps a small bench with a top that opens up at the end of the bed would be good for guests...they could use it as storage or you could use it to store extra blankets, etc.

http://www.carinagardner.com

Good start, I love the wall colour and the print. Yes to a headboard-- bed needs it-- poppy/cherry red ---maybe tufted -- would go really nicely with the blue.
Rule of thumb for organizing shelves is heavy things go on the bottom. For example your green magazine organizers. They should be on of the bottom shelves. Big books low. Small books higher. And yes you need some more 'stuff' to fill them out but I like when things are compiled naturally...just select accessories that you like.. Maybe start with two small lamps on either side for your guests to switch off when they are already in bed. Or scones but that is more complicated...

In front of the bed-- a low console would be nice...somewhere to perch, drop ones suitcases on, etc. ie) ikea's PS cabinet http://www.ikea.com/ca/en/catalog/products/80100190. Yes! More red. And another large piece of art. Random suggestion....http://lumas.com/?id=723&artist=741&motiv=2502...but something big...40 x 40 inches or so.

Alternately, a desk and a full length mirror.

Looks great so far. I would recommend what others have already stated: bedside lamps, an alarm clock, perhaps some furniture and or artwork near the empty wall to fill up the space and a nice headboard would really help to finish the room off.

Pink shelves? No.

I really like what you have going on here. The shelves create a good symmetry. I would make a good neutral headboard, maybe a linen color. It would make the walls stand out more and then you could change out accents as you want. The DIY contest had some great instructions for that.

I would work with the symmetry and add lamps (maybe on the shelves?) that would bend down and not take up floor space. Then add something colorful to the shelves such a vintage collection or artwork.

You definitely need a dresser or credenza. IKEA white hemnes dresser (the long low one) would look good there, I think, if you didn't have something in mind. I would think a small seating area would be very appreciated by guests. A neutral chair with a colorful throw and pillow with a small table and a piece of artwork on the wall nearby, maybe?

I like the idea of a console on the wall across from the bed, for a tv or just space for a guest to spread out. Here's one that comes in red: http://www.moderndose.com/product_info.php?cPath=22_39&products_id=66

Since this is a guestroom - you need to make it comfortable and inviting for your guests.

First off, I'd move the shelves from the niches on either side of the bed to the opposite wall - and place a small TV or at least an iPod docking station and a small lamp there. A small armchair in the far corner for reading would be nice as would a rattan folding luggage rack with a tray to use as a side table or where guests could place luggage.

In the niches, I'd search for a pair of 3-drawer dressers - or one 3 drawer dresser on one side and a round pedestal table on the other. A pair of nice large matching table lamps go on these, and fill the drawers with extra blankets, kleenex, extra down pillows, a map of the local area, etc. A vase of flowers and a bedside carafe for water go on top. The picture that's above the bed now goes in the niche above the dresser - and more artwork for the other niche.

For the bump-out behind the bed - I'd find a coordinating geometric/trellis patterned wallpaper or fabric and wrap that bump out: This is your new "headboard" Nothing else goes on this space.

You've gotta cover up that metal bedframe - so get a nice tailored neutral bedskirt for the bed. 2-3 Euro pillows and Euroshams that will coordinate with your wallpaper would be good as well.

Finally, pick up some spa slippers and a spa robe and hang them in the closet on wooden hangers for your guests.

Sorry if anything I say is a repeat...don't have the attention span to read through all the comments.

I really like what you've started with here, though! The room is nice and comforting...all things a guest room should be.

You should maximize the architecture -- what you've already started to do by putting the bed against the raised wall -- the idea to paint that wall as a focus wall is a great one! Perhaps the color that you want to be your accent color - a brown/tan or orange? This is cheap and easy to do, and will definitely make that wall feel less bare. Then, lower the print so that it's closer to the bed and not in the middle of the wall and I think it'll look great.

One other option is those little Ikea wall-mounted lamps that they have in, like every single picture in their catalog. I was a bit turned off by them at first, but bought them for alongside my bed and LOVE the way they look. The shades are glass and they give off a nice glow. Would look nice right underneath the print and might give it a bit more of a "headboardish" look.

Anyway, I like it! And please, don't paint the shelves pink. Yikes!

I like the curtains, are they Ikea?

This room looks great already! You have some nice colors and basic pieces going. I think a nice bold swath of fabric, like a marimekko, behind the bed could make a bold statement without adding clutter.

Check out some pics of our bedroom (and some other rooms) that we Mochi'ed. May be inspiring to visualize the changes.

http://mochihome.com/?p=87

Good Luck!

Don't make it too nice -- your guests will never leave!

Honestly, even though it's a bit bare, it's still a much nicer guest room than most (actually, I don't know many people who have enough bedrooms to dedicate one solely to guests).

I think a mirror, a place to put clothes (but not too many clothes!), and a chair are pretty much all you need. Perhaps some more artwork.

A lot of good ideas already, but the main things that stand out to me are:

* the picture over the bed is hung WAY too high and it's not visually powerful enough to have any impact.

* the symmetry of the shelves is nice but they are not useful to someone who wants to read in bed. Remember, guests want a table lamp to read by and a place to put a glass of water--so if that means moving the furniture around, you may have to do that.

I really like bepsf's idea of wallpaper on the wall behind the bed, and I'm not usually a wallpaper person. Maybe something like this, but a little bolder.

http://www.ballarddesigns.com/Wall-Decor/Wallpaper-Designs/Neutral-Wallpapers/Trellis-Wallpaper-Pearl-Double-Roll/p/7661

beautiful room! i love the color combo!

i think you could use the 2nd to bottom shelves of the bookcases as the "nightstand" area, with lamp, alarm clock, a place to put a glass of water, etc. the blue walls remind me of the beach so perhaps fill the glass canister on the left bookcase with some pretty shells. maybe a basket for the left bottom shelf that matches the right.

i think if you add a headboard then the art above the bed won't seem so high anymore. i think someone mentioned a white and orange pattern, which i totally agree with. and i definitely like ppl's suggestions of a chair and low dresser/credenza across from the bed.

azkathy, the curtains look like they're from west elm?

Use the colors of the curtains, pillow, any metallics, and other accesories to stencil or paint a sun behind the bed as a focal point. The width, including rays, should be about 90% of the bed width. Hang a reading light in the middle.
Since this is a guest room -- Clear a bottom shelf as a place for guests to put their luggage. Put spare blankets and a pillow or two on the other side. Add a basket of toiletries, a water carafe and glasses, tissues, clock, pen-and-paper, power strip, towels, disposable ear plugs, on the bed level shelves. Put some light reading, local crafts, local guide books, flowers, candles and matches, fruit above. Add a note about how to connect to the Internet (wifi or a local coffee shop with free Internet)

I love what you've done so far! I think that bump out is calling for some kind of dramatic wall treatment. I'm thinking maybe some cool wallpaper on just that bump out, so it would almost seem like a headboard. Maybe you could find one with orange in it to go with your other accents, or even just a darker blue like your other throw pillow.

Here's a crazy idea: put some "books" on the "bookshelves."

Second the need for a bedside table (or 2) with a lamp (or 2), and a chair.

A basket with some travel-size bath goodies, tissues, and/or lotions is always nice. Throw in a bottle of water and some snacks when guests are coming over.

For the bare wall across from the bed:

People seem to be really dependent on their technology these days (I know my macbook is never absent on trips), and with more and more people handling personal and/or official business on the go, I think including a small workstation would be a very practical solution. I think a simple brown/black table to match your shelving would suffice. There's no need for drawers in temporary office spaces. You could then apply some of these other suggestions...a good accent lamp, table clock, etc...as table accents. I would consider elaborating on the accent colors you've chosen (the green and orange); they're awesome! Maybe a polished metal/silver vase with artificial grass to add some texture?

I think the wall could use some lovin' too. You could paint a decal onto the wall just behind the desk or offset to one side to fill up more of the wall. I think a tree silhouette would look very neat.

You could also play with the idea of paintable wallpaper; they come in all sorts of textures. Maybe changing the texture of the piece of wall directly behind the bed could create a very unique "headboard" and provide a nice accent from the blue (which I LOVE). Same idea could work for the wall opposite the bed, in which case I think a wall decal would be too much. A simple table/desk and a big floor plant would work very well in that case. You can find printable wallpaper here: http://designpublic.com/shop/wall-art/wallpaper

The room looks awesome, though! I wouldn't overthink many more additions. I think simplicity is what makes your room so beautiful. Kudos!

Oh, your room phoned me last night and told me to tell you it wants a headboard. :-)

I would paint that strip of wall behind the bed in a nice contrasting color, and hang a larger (rectangular) piece of artwork there. Preferably artwork is predominately orange :)

Just add a headboard! Black like your shelves. And that's all - the rest is nice as it is. Very calm, fresh and light.

Every guest room needs bedside/reading lamps, tissues, a waste paper basket (unobtrusive but htere), an alarm clock, a mirror, a surface for a suitcase or backpack (like a dresser), a chair for putting shoes on etc., and a hook for a bathrobe or clothes. Maybe a place for a towel set.

Since nobody I know can afford to have a guest room that doesn't do other things, I'd definitely add a dresser at the foot of the bed to yours for additional storage for YOU. (You could leave some drawers free for guests if you have more than overnight visitors.)

And you definitely need a headboard or something that acts like a headboard. They are cheap at thrift stores. Maybe you can find a fun shaped wooden one and paint it orange...

Am I the only one who thinks it's obvious that the bed should be on the opposite wall, where there are even two power points visible for bedside lamps? I don't think a bed works against a chimney breast if the "bedside tables" are behind the line of the head of the bed - you'd have to reach behind you to get your glass of water or alarm clock or whatever, and it would be awkward and uncomfortable. Also, I generally think very high furniture on either side of a bed is overpowering.

But I really like the pale blue with the dark wood furniture, it looks great.

Thanks for posting it's a great room.

I second (fourth) several suggestions

I think the best suggestion is to paint the part of the wall that is behind the bed. Whether two shades darker or an accent color is not important and more to do with your personal style. ( I think its better than a headboard because with the bookcases you already have a lot going on, on that wall--that said I'm sure there is a headboard out there that would look great.)

Also a good idea is that of something that will work like a bedside lamp and a clock. Not so much for decor but because it makes it so much better as a guest room. A mirror is less important but nice to have and its decorative.

I agree about the picture as well--it's too high.

As for the bedding I would go with something more colorful in orange dark blue or brown, or some thing that has some beige in it so that it coordinates somewhat with the curtains. Neither of the two I am posting would be my first choices but they will give you an idea of what I mean.
(in ivory )
http://www.westelm.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?partNumber=WE-PRODb454&storeId=17001&langId=-1&catalogId=17002&viewSetCode=E&parentId=WE-SH1BEDDUV&retainNav=true&cmsrc=WE-SH1BEDDUV
or
http://www.crateandbarrel.com/family.aspx?c=1624&f=26013

I LOVE this room so far. I love the placement of the bed and shelves and I love how the pillows and print work together.

I think you are right that there should be something bigger and bolder above the bed - a poster or a tapestry would look nice.

I think a small desk or dresser opposite the bed would round it out. The print that is currently above the bed could go above it.

I think you are also right that the bed could use some different bedding. Or maybe just a nice throw or bedspread.

Really, I think you are nearly done.

I am going to steal the idea when I can.

I love this room, it is relaxing. However here are my suggestions:

1. I think a bigger picture over the bed would make it look more balanced.

2. a little bench would look cute at the foot of the bed. I got one for my room for $5 and recovered it and i LOVE it!

3. Maybe some cool funky wall decals would look good on your empty wall. I really like this site http://www.elephannie.etsy.com.

I think you could also opt for the chandelier in lieu of the photo over the bed, or do the decal headboard. I like how all her stuff has an option of color so you can do a traditional black or funk it up with some orange or hot pink :)

Good luck!!! :)

Anyone know where to get those shelves?

I love the color of your walls...can you tell me the color you used? I am sitting here surrounded by about 50 paint swatches. I am looking for something like your walls! thanks!

This looks so nice and relaxing! I think add some bedside lamps and a linen colored upholstered headboard (you could do this yourself with plywood, foam, and a staple gun--a bleached canvas drop cloth would make lovely upholstery for this).

You could add some plants on the shelves. Also, the branch on the floor would look nice horizontally on a shelf.

I don't think there's anything wrong with a blank wall, especially in a bedroom that's meant to be soothing.

Please post pics of the finished product.

You don't want to make it too nice, the guests will never leave :) All joking aside I think some artwork above the bed would be nice, it will help to emphasize the wall. I also agree with the credenza idea on the empty wall. Also maybe some side tables (with table lamps) around the bed instead of the bookcases; bookcases in the same color but different styles so there is a nice contrast.

Hi, to clarify on the artwork I meant a cluster of artwork or one large piece of artwork.

Nice headboard - tufted would be nice, but it's not necessary.

Get some nice nightstands or even better maybe two short built in dressers on either side of the bed - like 2 drawers apiece.

Place the bookshelfs on the blank wall with maybe a small seating/reading area in between them - or you could put a desk there if you need the office space.

A few nice pieces of artwork would go a long way.

Try to get a minimum of three lamps in this room - one on either side of the bed and then one across the room.

Add a few homey elements - cheap radio alarm clock, add some books to the bookshelves instead of filling them with purely decorative elements, etc. Maybe even add two or three family photos.

I do have some compliments - love the color of the walls, love the fabrics, and the carpet is a nice neutral so everyone is bound to appreciate it. I'm only going with my thoughts since it could be very easily made into a child's room eventually or into a roommate's room if needed.

Hi, your room has a cozy feel to it, well done!
Personally I'm not a fan of those shelves, they are too dark and make the room look smaller. I'm not a fan of symmetry either.
I'd put a cupboard in one of the niches (a guest would want to hang his clothes somewhere) and put some hanging shelves up in the other niche. A plant (orchid?) is the finishing touch.
Oh, and a full length dressingmirror could also be nice.

you should add a nice head board that matches the shelves for sure, it looks pretty empty above the bed there. Maybe some more art work or a mirror on the walls . and maybe a some nice lamp or a chandelier or a nice light fixture hanging from the ceiling. or a chair hanging from the ceiling.

One more comment: a headboard is as much for comfort as for looks. Something to lean against while reading in bed...

Peter Fallico had a wall like the one behind your bed and used it to make a really graphic painted headboard.

Pics here:
http://www.hgtv.ca/BLOG/archive/2008/12/11/peter-fallico-before-after-bedroom-makeover.aspx

idontdobeige, putting the bed on the opposite wall would be disastrous. Personally, I don't like having a bed right near a doorway, where anyone walking in at any given moment could easily spot you.

wall color, carpet and window treatments are nice; adios those shelves and add built-ins to those nooks for books; move the bed to the opposite wall - that bump-out is slightly too narrow which makes the bed seem narrower than it is and therefore less inviting; invest some time and/or money in a headboard (maybe one that incorporates nightstands), you won't believe the difference it makes; articulating bedside lamps are a crowd pleaser; your white bedding is nice, just add more layers and a pair of large brown pillows behind the white ones; hang art lower and add a bolder piece or two

that's what i'd do

From the look of the pictures, it seems that this was where you are "supposed" to put a bed unless you want to use two twins and let part of them push into the alcoves.

-Get new curtains (something brighter, more graphic)

-Get a bed skirt.

-Get a headboard.

Using a beautiful printed wallpaper on the wall by the bed, or the large wall across from the bed would be great! See: http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/chicago/house-tours/house-tour-summer-and-joshs-pumped-up-traditional-chicago-065851

Good luck--looks amazing so far, I agree also with posts that suggest adding lighting and storage for guests.

What about a circular mirror above the bed rather than the print? I think the space is pretty rigid and angular...a circular shape would help diffuse that feel, especially since it's reflective.

I think a couple of collections on the shelves would look really good...a row of dala horses or something like that and then something else for the other shelf.

I also think different curtains would really break the space up. You should check out the medallion curtains from West Elm! I have them and love them and I think they would work great in your space.

O.K. Here's a few ideas...

Let's start with the colors. Currently, I like everything you have in the room so we'll keep them. Your colors for the room are aqua, white, brown and orange. Anything you purchase for the room should be in those colors.

Next, if you want to keep the bed on that wall, it needs a few things:

-Add a brown wrought iron headboard (Pottery Barn has a lot I like.) to coordinate with the shelves and the breakfast tray.
-Add white drapes along the side of the bump out. The bump out is too narrow for the bed and looks awkward. Adding white drapes hung from the ceiling to the floor and even with the bump out will visually expand the space. We are talking side panels here that would be wide enough to go to the outside of that headboard; They should be full enough so you can't see through them.
-Once the side panels are up, move the shelves closer to the bed so you can use them more as side tables. Dump the green folder and add more books and more accessories. Stay in one of the four colors above. When you add them to your shelves, you need to do it in a pattern. So starting at the top shelf, if you have an accessory, it goes on the top left of the first shelf, another accessory on the far right of the second shelf, left again on the third shelf, etc. Do the books in the opposite manner, some on the top right shelf, then left on the second shelf. If you don't have enough books, then group more of them together. It doesn't look good to have two books on each shelf.
-Get a larger picture for over the bed and hang it lower. It should not be above the height of the bookshelves. Go with a thicker frame, say two inches to give it a little more weight that matches the bookshelves. If you prefer the narrower frame, go with two prints, instead of one.
-Add a tailored bedskirt so you can't see under the bed.
-Add a bench or seating to the base of the bed.
-Now that you have a headboard, set your pillows against it. Have at least two rows of pillows and then an accent pillow. Set the breakfast tray on the bed.
-Add a chair and small table in the opposite corner for reading. There should be a lamp on the table.

Be sure to do a follow up post so we can see what you have decided.

Love the paint color. Can you tell me what it is?

You could also move the bed to the larger, opposite wall. Add side tables and table lamps to each table. Then move the shelves closer to the bump out. Add two prints to the bump out or one large one. Add a tailored bedskirt and wrought iron headboard. Stick with the color palette outlined above.

I love this room! Esp how it looks in the 1st pic, facing the bed. It's so clean, simple, modern & cozy. I don't think u need to fill up the bookshelves. It's kind of nice having them spare, so your guest can put their own stuff on it. (Unless u don't want them staying too long, haha.)

My only suggestion would be to put a long dresser on the empty wall facing the bed. Then maybe you could put a big mirror above it, or hang lots of art.

I think it's a good idea to keep it simple and not fill it up too much. Your guests will need space to put their stuff as well, and you don't want them to feel cramped.

Great job so far though, good luck!

I second kimporter's and bepsf's ideas--no headboard necessary--just do something the highlight the wall behind the bed with color or pattern. An alarm clock and coll retro fan would be great accessories as would wall mounted reading lamps.

This is a very pretty room. I love the color choices you've made and the simplicity of it.