Step 1: Getting Started

With cold white walls and bedding and a hodgepodge of furniture leftovers, this small guest bedroom was less than inviting. Plus, it served no purpose when there weren't any guests. Placing the bed against the one blank wall seemed like the logical choice, but that layout didn't leave room for much more than the bed. Finally, the mismatched furniture just looked orphaned. Here are our big-impact ideas for the short term and a plan for adding details down the road.

• Make the room pull double duty so it doesn't stand empty when guests aren't visiting.
• Lose the boring all-white color scheme.
• Create the perfect retreat for guests.