Sometimes all it takes is a gallon of paint to spark inspiration within you. At least that’s what happened to me when I finally decided to paint over the cold white walls that plagued our guest bedroom. This bedroom makeover started with a rich wheat paint color, and it ended with new bedding, decor, curtains, and a renewed sense of joy for interior design. I’m thrilled to share the transformation of this room and the little details that make it feel special.
As always, sources are linked at the bottom of this post!
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As mentioned above, this project started with a fresh coat of paint – Tarnished Treasure by Sherwin Williams. I love the saturation of this hue and how it shifts in the light. At times, it is a strong yellow wheat color. Other times, it leans olive green. But at all times, it has a strong historical feel, which was the ultimate goal.
The walls are a satin sheen – Sherwin Williams’ Emerald satin is much like eggshell. The trim, doors, and windows are semi-gloss – a historically appropriate sheen for millwork. I chose to brush the doors and trim because I want to see brush strokes. The semi-gloss sheen highlights brush strokes, which ultimately makes the room feel older.


I was adamant about finding antique tables, chests, or cabinets that could double as nighstands. With some luck, I scored this primitive dry sink and a 1-drawer stand in a matching wood tone. Mismatched nightstands aid in making this room feel collected, and I adore that.
Chris has been dabbling in watercolors recently, and this was one of his first paintings! Displaying his original art in an antique frame makes me so happy and proud.


This room doubles as our home office, so a working corner with stylish storage was a necessity. I sourced the antique black desk years ago for $100 and have adored it ever since! The Hitchcock chair was another antique score!



The antique hutch has been with me for years, and despite being somewhat fragile, it survived our move across the country. In it, I store fabric samples tucked in thrifted baskets, mounds of paint swatches, and a few sewing supplies.
The table lamp, which I purchased from a friend, pairs wonderfully with the pleated lamp shade I made. (Sharing a DIY tutorial for that soon!)

I purchased this large, original oil-on-canvas painting at Goodwill for $60 years ago. I never did find a spot to hang it, so it sat in our basement closet for years. I nearly re-sold it, but that seemed a shame, so I kept it just in case. Lo and behold, blue sings against the wheat colored walls in this bedroom, and the painting found its home.




As I write this, I’m realizing just how many pieces in the room are either antique, thrifted, or handmade. The headboard is no different. I found this headboard on Facebook Marketplace for $50, but it was upholstered in a drab gray fabric. I reupholstered it with a cotton block-printed shower curtain, and it has new life! See that tutorial here.



The curtains were a bit of a DIY project. I sourced readymade curtains and sewed pleats into the header for an elevated look. The ruffle top is a charming little detail that can’t go unnoticed, and the brownish plum floral motif is a perfect color complement to the room. (Sharing a tutorial for pleated curtains soon!)
The windows were missing their grids, so we purchased custom replacement grids. That alone makes a world of difference for the charm of the room.


This bedroom makeover didn’t require much. The bones were great, and the potential was at the tip of our fingers, but a few intentional changes transformed the room from dated to warm and historic.
Many of the furniture and decor are antique or handmade, but I’ve linked all shoppable sources below!
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It’s stunning! I would love to know where you got the fabric for the lampshade that you made.
Oh Danica, the room looks great ✨👌I love the wall color and the pops of blue are just right !
The curtains , the painting , lampshade , all so good ! So glad you shared ! 🩵😊
Ohh thank you so much Nadine!! ☺️ We’re smitten with it!
The historic feel to this room is spot on! Both simple and beautiful! And your husband’s painting is so cool!
Thank you so much Jean! His painting is such a treasure to me!
Hi Danica,
Your bedroom looks amazing. Very cozy & comfortable. I was intrigued that you had some short curtains. I’m currently working on finalizing my plan for curtains in my guest room. The way the furniture will be arranged & a cold air return vent placement has me considering it.
I pulled out a fabric sample that I got several years ago to verify if it was still available & noticed the price has gone up dramatically. Now I realizing short curtains would be much more affordable.
I’ll need to see more examples before I can decide.
I love me a short curtain when the setting is right! Saves lots of money on fabric too!