If this room feels a little familiar, that’s because once upon a time, it was our bedroom. Life has a funny way of rearranging spaces along with priorities, and since welcoming a baby into our home, this room has gone through quite a transformation. Now that we’ve added a new bedroom-and-bathroom suite to the house, it only made sense to reimagine this space as a proper guest room. With its quarter bath and separate exterior door, it naturally lends itself to becoming the perfect retreat for visiting friends and family.
I realized I hadn’t shared the finished version until now, so today feels like the right time to walk you through the details and decisions that made this room into a cozy, welcoming space we’re proud to offer our guests.
The Heart of the Room: Bed and Bedding
When it comes to any bedroom—guest room or otherwise—the bed is the main event. There’s nothing that sets the tone quite like slipping into soft sheets and layers of blankets that invite you to linger. For this guest space, I wanted bedding that felt timeless, serene, and a little indulgent without being fussy.
The color palette started with the walls, painted in Peignoir by Farrow & Ball. It’s a gorgeous purple-gray that shifts beautifully in the natural light, creating a soothing backdrop. I knew I wanted bedding that would complement this without overwhelming it, so I turned to one of my favorite sustainable brands: Pact.
Pact’s 100% organic cotton bedding comes in understated neutrals that work perfectly in this space. I opted for their Cool-Air Percale Sheet Set in a soft shell pink. Percale has always been my favorite weave for summer because of its crisp, breathable texture, but Pact’s organic cotton adds an unexpected softness. The pale pink plays so nicely against the purple-gray walls, keeping the palette calm but not boring.
For the top layers, I mixed in Pact’s organic cotton sateen duvet cover and shams in dove gray—a warm neutral that feels sophisticated but still cozy. To finish it off, I added a charcoal quilt that brings just the right amount of depth and texture. The combination is airy yet grounded, soft yet structured.
The ultimate test? Our first round of guests couldn’t stop raving about how comfortable the bed was. Hearing them say they slept better here than at home felt like the biggest win. Mission accomplished.
A Quick Note on Sustainable Choices
Part of what I love about choosing Pact for this room is knowing their products align with our values. They prioritize organic, fair-trade cotton, and their manufacturing is as mindful as it is beautiful. It’s a small way of weaving sustainability into our home, and it feels especially good in a guest space—offering our loved ones not just comfort but also a story worth sharing.
The Bed Frame: A Happy Accident
Sometimes the best decisions come from necessity rather than endless searching. Last summer, when we decided to rent our house for the winter, I wanted the room to feel polished and functional for our tenants. We needed a bed frame quickly, something sturdy and classic, but with delivery that wouldn’t take months.
Enter this white metal bed frame from Raymour & Flanigan. It was a last-minute purchase, but it ended up being exactly what the room needed. The design is simple and timeless, with just enough detail to feel thoughtful. The white finish pops beautifully against the softer wall tones, and the best part? Delivery included assembly, which saved me from the headache of yet another DIY project in the middle of a dozen others. Sometimes practical choices really do work out beautifully.
Pulling It All Together
While the bed and bedding are the stars of the show, the supporting details make the room feel complete. I kept the décor understated to let the natural light and color palette shine. A few thoughtful touches—a soft throw at the end of the bed, a pair of nightstands with warm lighting, and a small tray for guest essentials—were all it needed.
One of my favorite things about the room is how versatile it feels. The palette is neutral enough to be universally appealing, but the mix of textures and materials keeps it from feeling sterile. Guests can walk in, drop their bags, and immediately feel at home.
Final Thoughts
Transforming this space from our old bedroom into a guest room felt like more than just rearranging furniture. It was about creating a haven for the people we love most, a place where they could feel truly welcome. From the soothing wall color to the thoughtfully chosen bedding, every detail was layered with intention.
If you’re in the process of updating a guest room, my advice is to start with the bed. Invest in quality bedding that feels soft and inviting, and build the rest of the room around it. Choose colors that work with your natural light, and don’t be afraid to keep things simple—sometimes the most welcoming spaces are the ones that leave room to breathe.
This little room has seen a lot of change over the years, but right now, it feels like it’s exactly what it was meant to be: a restful retreat for our guests.
