Our serene neutral guest room is open for business! One of the good things about this house is that there is a downstairs guest room with a large bathroom so that guests can feel a bit secluded.
You may recognize the furnishings from different rooms in our San Francisco apartment. Here’s how we used them (without buying anything new) to create a serene neutral guest room.
Guest Room Before
It seemed to me that the bed should go on the far wall to make more space in the room and show off a pretty bed. But the previous owners had it on the right wall. If we put the bed where I thought it should go, you wouldn’t be able to see the television.
So I made two phone calls. “Hey Cindy, where would you put the bed in this photo?” She gave me the answer I wanted. Next to our daughter, “Alie do you need a television in the guest room?”
“Not really, Mom, we can use our laptops or watch television with you.” Dilemma solved.
Classic Neutral Guest Room Side Tables
If my measurements were off even just a tiny bit, the configuration in my head was not going to work (so naturally I let that keep me up at night). WHY do I do that? It’s so unproductive!
Good news! It’s tight but the bed and side tables fit perfectly! There are some affiliate links at no extra charge to you.
I purchased the Noir side tables years ago and put new bone and brass knobs on them. The driftwood lamps (similar) I had loaned to my sister. She gave them back when she downsized recently. The drum shades are from Cruel Mountain on Etsy.
Indulgent Neutral Bedding
We are getting a king-size bed for our bedroom since the room is so big. And the good news for our guests is that they will be sleeping on the luxurious Frette percale cotton sheets or the Coyuchi white organic linen sheets.
The sand linen quilt is from Pottery Barn and the white quilt and striped pillows (similar) are from Serena and Lily. The round bolster was custom made by my good friend, Liana. She also made the bed curtains. Unfortunately for me, she is no longer in the soft furnishings business.
You may also like The Best Luxury Bed Sheets For Your Budget.
Black And White Rug
The plush wool rug is by Serena and Lily. It used to be in our living room. An 8′ x 10′ rug works nicely with a queen-sized bed (going perpendicular to the bed).
Coastal Art
We won the oil painting at a fundraiser for Newport Harbor High School back when our kids were there.
Four Poster Bed And Benches
We’ve had this black four poster bed for close to 20 years. It pays to buy what you love. The rope benches are from Serena and Lily (20% off right now) and are handy for putting on shoes.
Well, it’s nice to have one room finished. I just want to make some minor changes to the bathroom and purchase a couple of sturdy luggage racks for the closet. The last one we had fell apart when a heavy suitcase was lifted on to it!
We already have guest robes in there!
Shop For A Classically Relaxing Bedroom:
I am packing for our trip to Paris, Tuscany and Puglia with family and friends. Limiting shoes is always my problem. Please follow along on Instagram!
Your guest bedroom is magnificent! No matter one’s personal style, this guest room would be everyone’s favorite, I’m sure!
That is such a sweet comment, Gwen!
WOW!! It looks FANTASTIC!!
beautiful…what a difference a bed made
Thanks!
How lucky will be your guests to enjoy this serene and inviting room. And how jealous I am that you’re going to Puglia, that will be an utterly inspiring trip. Safe travels snd don’t limit yourself, bring the shoes, drink the wine, eat the Pizza. Life is short!
Well, we are eating a lot already, L!! 🙂
Mary Ann,
The guest room came together beautifully. Doesn’t it feel good to have one room finished after a move? I love your black nightstands and hardware. The linens and lamps are wonderful! Congratulations on your move.
xo,
Karen B.
Beautiful room!
The guest room is beautiful. And I love that you removed the light kit from the ceiling fan!
Another beautiful room! I don’t think I’d ever leave! Can’t wait to see the rest of your new digs! Question….did you paint the molding in the same wall color? I’m likely going with Simply White in my home as well but conflicted on the woodwork? 🤷🏼♀️
Your guest room is just beautiful but I’m not surprised you were able to pull it together so quickly because you have exquisite taste and so many wonderful furnishings and decor items from your many gorgeous homes to choose from. Your guests will love staying in this wonderfully appointed guest suite, in fact they may never want to leave!
Have a fantastic time and safe travels on your upcoming trip. You always take the best vacations and I can’t wait to see and hear all about it when you return.
Oh, Mary Ann, I feel you … shoes are the biggest packing dilemma. They require separate luggage. I’ll never master the one-pair-of-shoes for everything that some swear by. What an amazing guest room … very spacious! And the bed feels so luxurious. I have a feeling this room is going to get a lot of use! Very excited to follow your travels. Bon voyage! xo
It’s a lovely guest room. The neutral colours are calming and just what visitors need. I agree on the tv. Your company will want to spend their time with you or have quiet time in the room reading or streaming ( my kids do ).
Have a wonderful vacation!
Mary Ann this looks fabulous! I just love it. Love the neutrals with the dark floors and love that rug even more in that space. You must be so happy it is all coming together beautifully!! I love your new home!
Hi MaryAnn,
The room is beyond beautiful. Love every touch you put on it. Can you share what is the wall color?
Thanks1
Laurie
Thanks!! It’s Benjamin Moore Simply White.
I love everything about your guest bedroom. So warm and inviting. I also love the floors in your new home and exactly what I have in mind. I would love to know more about them. Thank you.
Thanks!! They are hand scraped. I will look up the info when I’m home.
Mary Ann,
Lovely guest room and great decorating tips!@
Just a heads’ up: we returned from France and Italy last night and had to extend our stay a week when I came down with Covid in Lyon on our anniversary and my husband tested positive one week later on his birthday! I thought one needed to be a bit careless to catch it, but not really. We are vaccinated and single-boosted, and had planned to boost again prior to a second trip to Italy in a month (husband’s family and our apartment in Northern Italy), but perhaps the 2nd booster might have been helpful. So I do suggest wearing a mask indoors in close quarters or when staying in one spot for any length of time. The weather was below 60 at night initially, so there was no outdoor dining, and now that will be entirely different w/ lots of outdoor options. It is quite tedious to quarantine at a hotel and know what one is missing!
Would love to get to Puglia where my husband’s father grew up! Enjoy your trip!
Dear Mary Ann,
Lovely guest room with a soul because the elements tell the story of your life and family. The warm neutrals with your classic layered look invites restful stay.
You will love Cortona! Meandering it’s ancient winding lanes will leave you charmed.
How will Samplize know you recommended their product? I’m scrambling to choose paint colors for our retirement condo.
Love, love, love this room! You had me at the lamps. There is so much texture going on with the calming color scheme, just right for your beach environment. I would agree with Cindy and your daughter about the TV; how do you hide the cords anyway? You will probably need to take reservations after friends see that room! I’m also in a quandary about shoes to take when I go to Paris in 3 weeks. Always my biggest issue to look stylish but have comfort.
Such a lovely room. Loved that you kept many of your original furniture. You really know home to put a beautiful room together. Know your trip will be wonderful. Such beautiful areas. Enjoy.
Thank you, Carmee!!
What a perfectly arranged guest bedroom. Your guests will feel like they’re at a 5-star hotel! I love the shades you chose for the driftwood lamps.
Thanks so much, Deanna!!!
Bonjour Mary Ann,
I love what you did with your guest room and especially the adorable accessory on your master bed. Have a great trip!
Regards,
Deb Bruna
You created such a beautiful quest bedroom using a calming neutral color scheme. Inspirational as usual.
Your trip sounds wonderful. Enjoy!
It looks beautiful, Mary Ann! Definitely has your touch!!!! How wonderful you were able to tie-in little touches from different places you have lived. I love the lamps. They are perfect for Florida decor. We can’t wait to stay in June. 🙂 Have a wonderful trip. We love you.
looks gorgeous and inviting Mary Ann 🙂 can’t wait to see what you pack for your trip!
Thank, Nancy!!
Beautiful room. We are traveling to the Puglia region in September. Looking forward to hearing about your trip.
I’m so excited about Puglia, Marina. We’ve never been there.
Looks very welcoming and relaxing! What you would suggest for a wall color for my living room/dining room. What’s a good shade of soft white? I need to order some of those stick-on paint samples you featured recently. My retired husband is ready to paint! Thank you, Mary Ann!
I think you could use the search bar on my site for Samplize to get the link. I get a tiny commission 🙂
Why not test BM White Dove, BM Simply White, BM Chantilly Lace and BM Swiss Coffee.
Your guest room looks great, very inviting.
I would love to see your packing list for this trip. Also, where are you going in Tuscany? We’re planning a trip to the Val D’Orcia (south of Siena, notable for Iris Origo’s book War in Val D’Orcia) and Rome in late August-early September.
Bon voyage and buon viaggio!
I was going to show my packing list and tips on Sunday! We are going to Cortona (from Under The Tuscan Sun). Have a wonderful trip!!
lovely guest room! Have a wonderful time on your family vacation! Sounds like a great trip! I always enjoy the pictures of everyone. Safe travels!
Thanks so much, Cheryl!! I’m so excited for the trip!
Hi Mary Ann,
Wow, you created such a beautiful guest room for your family and friends. I’m so impressed that you have finished the room so fast. You have such exceptional exquisite taste. I can imagine how challenging it is to create and design your own home versus a client’s. Is that true. Anyways you “nailed it.” give yourself a big pat on your back, I’m.
Oh, how exciting that you will be traveling to Italy and sharing your holiday with friends and family. Great memories to tuck away. We have been to Italy as well, my grandfather was born
in Sicily. We stopped in at Sicily for a wine tasting event. It was so nice to see family roots. I look
forward to seeing pictures of your traveling adventures.