When Kera and Karl came to us with the vision for their cozy guest room remodel, they described a space that felt like an escape. They wanted to offer their guests the feeling of a boutique stay right in their home, all while honoring their own story and making room for future memories.
A Cozy Coastal Cottage Vibe
The design direction was rooted in a modern cottage feel with coastal undertones – think whites and soft blues paired with warm wood tones and delicate gold accents. We wanted to capture the breezy, calm atmosphere of a seaside stay, layered with the charm and warmth of a lived-in cottage. We landed on four guiding words: cozy, cottage, personal, and coastal. These touchstones shaped every selection in the design process.
Designing With Longevity in Mind
This wasn’t just a guest room. It was a multifunctional space that needed to adapt and grow with their family. We prioritized pieces that are both beautiful and versatile. From the addition of a comfy upholstered swivel chair perfect for late-night feedings or morning reading, to layered bedding that can easily be refreshed seasonally, every choice was made with both form and function in mind.
Anchored in Personal Story
Kera and Karl also had two meaningful heirlooms they wanted to keep in the space: a beautifully aged antique dresser and a carved wood chest. Rather than working around them, we made them centerpieces and balanced their traditional character with soft, modern elements. These pieces add soul and a sense of legacy to the room, making it feel personal without being overly specific.
Bringing the Mood Board to Life
To translate their vision into a tangible concept, I created a mood board that captured the space’s color palette, textures, and tone. Here’s how we brought the cozy, coastal cottage vibe to life:
- Artwork & Decor: Vintage-inspired coastal prints, a striped flag textile, and personal accents, such as an old film camera, add personality without overwhelming the space. These elements help tell Kera and Karl’s story while making guests feel like they’re part of it.
- Color Story: The palette blends muted sky blues, sandy taupes, warm creams, and ocean-inspired grays. These shades are echoed in the linens, upholstery, artwork, and accessories. Kera and Karl weren’t afraid of color, so I encouraged a few pops of peach and orange throughout the space.
- Textiles: Layers of pattern and texture give the room depth—gingham checks, floral pillow covers, and a fringed throw help create that collected, cozy cottage feeling.
- Furniture: We added a light, open spindle bed and a timeless nightstand to complement the vintage dresser and chest, tying in warm wood tones throughout.
- *Designer note: Don’t be afraid to mix wood tones! It can be intimidating, but this is how you achieve the curated, built-over-time look you’re aiming for.
- Lighting & Fixtures: A mix of brass and woven textures in lighting added subtle coastal cues, while providing functionality and warmth.
Laying the Groundwork: Determining the Floor Plan
When it came to the room’s layout, I presented two options for Kera and Karl to consider. The first option was to center the bed on the wall of windows—this would highlight the natural light and offer a picturesque, symmetrical backdrop. The second option placed the bed against the far interior wall, allowing us to make the cozy reading nook the star of the space.
Ultimately, Kera and Karl chose the latter. Positioning the bed on the interior wall gave them the freedom to create a beautifully layered focal point with statement bedding and art above the headboard. More importantly, it allowed the wall of windows to remain visually open and accessible, giving space for a comfortable reading chair and layered drapery that draws your eye in. This orientation not only maximized function but also gave the room a peaceful rhythm.
A Guest Room That Feels Like Home
In the end, this guest room became more than just a place for visitors to stay. It’s a soft landing spot, a memory maker, and a bridge between old and new. By embracing character, versatility, and the couple’s personal story, we created a space that feels intentionally layered, warm, and welcoming, just like Kera and Karl themselves.
