Dreaming of a Better Guest Room

Now that I've more or less got the dining room and living room where I want them, I have my eye (well, technically both of my eyes) on my very boring guest room.  It's not horrible or anything, just sort of drab.  The bedding was custom made, but that was in 2001. 

I do know that the bed is extremely comfortable because every single person who has ever slept in that room tells me how comfortable it was and how well they slept.  I bought a very high quality mattress and added one of those toppers that's supposed to gauge your body temperature and adjust accordingly.  Not sure of the science, but it seems to work.  I also have several sets of high quality (always purchased on the cheap at TJ Maxx, Marshall's or Home Goods) super soft sheets for the guest room too.

Here it is in all it's hum drumness...

The furniture was actually purchased for my master bedroom in my second apartment.  My first apartment in Pittsburgh was so small there was only room for a daybed.  Eventually I moved on to higher quality furniture for my master bedroom and put the old stuff to use in the guest room.

That clutter under the little desk (that also serves as a bedside table) is a box of tissues and stacks of magazines for guests to read while waiting to drift off.  I try to put everything in the room that I want when I stay in someone's guest room.

And yes, that mirror is hung way too high.  I have never gotten around to repositioning it after deciding against some decorative items under it that would have made it a little less out of whack.

In addition to a matching bell jar lamp, the other bedside table has a water carafe, and two small candles.

The wicker basket next to the dresser is for a guests dirty clothes.  Yes, I am willing to do a load of laundry or two - just enough to make them want to come back, but not enough for them to overstay.

The photos at either end are of my two nieces and my niece and nephew because family stays in the room more than anyone so it makes them and me happy.

Here are some guest rooms that have been inspiring me lately...

This one from Apartment Therapy is so striking.  I can't think of any other word for it; I can't stop looking at it and keep discovering yet another thing I love in the room.

Even though this sunny yellow guest room from Better Homes and Gardens has coordinated bedding (something I'd like to get away from), I love the individual furniture pieces...the headboard...the chair...the desk.

This soothing blue-green guest room with black and white is so crisp and cool.  And best of all, guests have their own bathroom.  This is not a luxury my guests have - they have to share with me, but I always allow them to have the bathroom first.

I don't know the source of the guest room below, but love it.  I love the painted white floors, the uncovered window, the crisp white linens. 

And I've saved the best for last.  Below is the guest room in designer Joni Webb's beautiful home.  How does she get guests to leave?  I mean, you would have to pack my bags for me and pull me kicking and screaming out the door cause I would not leave this room of my own accord.

So I continue to gather ideas, but it will probably be a while before I decide on a look or pull together a budget to get my guest room where I want it to be.