GUEST ROOM MAKEOVER & CONTEST

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One of the best things about our new home is that it has plenty of space to host friends and family. I've always dreamed of creating a hotel-worthy guest room that made our guests feel welcome and rested. Living Spaces helped make my dream a reality with some of the most beautiful and affordable furniture around, and I'm excited to share it with you (P.S. you can win this whole space).

We all know that pineapples are a pin-worthy subject lately, but did you know that the pineapple is a symbol of hospitality that dates back to Christopher Columbus (see more here)? Well, as a woman that loves a good dark wall and one that loves pineapples, when I saw this Hygge & West ebony pineapple wallpaper I knew that this was perfect for my guest room and source of inspiration for the rest of the room.

The color palette was set by this wallpaper, but to avoid it feeling too matchy, matchy I wanted to introduce some natural textures, grays and other patterns. I selected a full sized, gray upholstered bed. It was only $370, and looks like it costs over one thousand. A crisp white duvet is always something you find in hotels these days, but these black and white accent pillows accompanied by a soft black throw made the bed feel even more luxurious.

I then picked an area rug to anchor the space, and I fell in love with this jute rug with black lines. Other elements that added this natural quality were an outdoor rope stool doubled as a side table and a woven basket used as a planter.

When I think about the different elements that make up a comfortable hotel room a cozy reading chair always comes to mind. This black, brass studded, leather chair is so classic in design and the perfect reading chair for my guests. I added a brass reading lamp next to it that could also be turned if someone decided to read in bed. Of course, being able to put your feet up and relax is important and this printed ottoman called my name.

The room is 11 ft wide and 8 ft deep, so I didn't have too much room for side tables. Instead, I opted for the small rope stool on one side and a brass and marble bookshelf for the other. I decorated the shelves with elements that you would often find in a hotel room such as a clock, books, bottled water, wash cloths and flowers (or in this case palm leaves to continue the tropical flair). You'll also always want a mirror for your guests to check their hair and makeup without having to go down the hall to the bathroom. I love this 44 inch gray mirror. It has an island feel to it and the color softens the room.

Last, but not least, I made sure there was a tray of welcome gifts and small design accents to make the space feel homey. A pitcher, a notebook for messages, a good smelling candle, wrapped soaps to enjoy, lavender body lotion and even brass keys to make it really feel like a hotel. I even had my friend Katie Sterbenz design a sign for the room showing wear to go to enter the oasis. On the right, the guest room, and on the left, Elle's room.

I hope you love the room as much as I do. I'm considering inviting all tired moms who need some sleep to come and use it. haha! But seriously, if you love this room you can WIN it. Living Spaces is doing a Pinterest contest where you can win a $2,500 gift card to shop this room or buy other elements that make up your dream space. Click here to enter. Be sure to check out their 4th of July sale to find amazing deals too!

To shop the space be sure to visit my Pinterest board with all of the items. 

Photos by Rennai Hoefer

MASTER BEDROOM REVEAL

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Master Bedroom Reveal - AVE Styles

It's finally finished! This project has almost been a year in the making, but we finally have a gorgeous bedroom retreat thanks to Decorist.

We moved into our new home in August, I had Levi in September and then we just slept on a mattress on the floor for about three months until we got our bed. Haha! Priorities, right?! 

Historically, our master bedroom has never been a priority for home design. You know me, I love decorating spaces, and I had such fun with Elle's room and Levi's room, but with there being so much to do as a mom and business woman, I usually prioritize our bedroom to be at the end of the list. After-all, we just sleep there, right? 

So, when I was introduced to Decorist and had the opportunity to work with them on a design of any room in my home, I actually picked my bedroom. They were able to give me a beautiful design within a week of submitting photos and answering questions. 

It was a wonderful experience because, Jessica, my designer, asked me questions that I would never ask myself. Such as, "What would your dream bedroom look like?" "What do you want the space to feel like?" If it was left up to me, I probably would have found a simple king size bed and I would have put two simple chairs for my reading area in the room instead of this insanely awesome hanging chair that I found at Home Goods.

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I'm a lover of modern design, contemporary design and eclectic textures, but Jessica pushed the design to create a modern boho experience that has become a refuge and retreat from the world outside. It is so much more than a place to sleep. We now hang out all morning in our bedroom. In fact, I spend a lot of days working in my bedroom instead of an office. It's such an inspiring and enjoyable space that I can't stay away from it. It really has showed me what good design can do for a space.

I have never loved going to bed more in my life than now, and waking up feels like I'm living in a bird's nest in paradise thanks to this amazing bed from Anthropologie. I never would have picked this bed if it wasn't for Jessica, but now this space feels so special because of it.

What is also great about Decorist is that they give you an idea to run with, but you don't have to buy everything that they suggest. You can work off of the inspiration to find similar items. 

The bed, bedside tables, lamps, pillows, wool stools, pendant light, animal skin rug, juju hat and curtains are all from the original design. However, I found my area rug, bench, table-side accents, plants, hanging chair, side table and art work on my own. Decorist was there to affirm my choices, but it gave me the freedom to easily stay in my budget. (See a full list of sources below).

If I have any advice to give after this experience, it's to prioritize your bedroom design. Once you fully decorate your space you will end up spending more time in it and finding more enjoyment and rest in your home.

Look below to see a full source list of everything in the bedroom and where to buy it. Also, check out Rue Magazine for a full feature on the design process with Decorist.

Photos by Rennai Hoefer