Today’s post was supposed to be all about the awesome thrift store I went to in LA. Buuuuuut, I had to leave my laptop with my mom in LA because suitcase exceeded the weight limit (go me!). She’s shipping it to me, but all of my trip photos are on that laptop! Boo!

overweightluggage READER RENO: CARRIES GUEST STUDIO

Don’t fret, though! The LA thrift store post has been moved to Wednesday and today we’ve got a fun Reader Reno from Carrie. She set out to transform her guest room/studio – which I have deemed a “guest studio” – into a creative space with feminine touches. As we all know, rooms come together in phases. Carrie’s first phase for this room included some bold, rich colors. While it definitely had personality, the room didn’t have the soft feminine look she was going for. So what did she do? She decided to use the most powerful force known to DIY’ers everywhere… a gallon of paint! Painting is a great way to get a lot of bang for your buck, and the reason I love this Reader Reno. Enough chat from me, here’s Carrie’s email…

 Hi, Ashley and Greg! 

I just wanted to share with you one of our recent room redesigns – Namely, our studio/guest room. As an artist and avid crafter, I knew I wanted a space that was calming, feminine and inspiring to get my creative juices flowing. To achieve the relaxed look, I painted three out of the four walls in “Icy Mint” by Valspar. The light color transformed the boring beige walls into a milky, happy oasis that I now look forward to working in. The remaining wall was given a bold pop of pure black paint to give the space a little graphic appeal. Lastly, we layered in the furniture, adding a drafting table and paper storage cabinet that my dad built me, an old vintage desk and a twin bed for guests topped with an antique brass head board. The happy new color, family-made furniture and eclectic collection of prints and accessories finally make this a room that I’m proud to show off!
Hope you enjoy it!
Carrie 

First off, here’s Carrie’s space before before…

carriebefore2 READER RENO: CARRIES GUEST STUDIO

And here’s Carrie’s “phase one” and the after… and a perfect example of the power of paint!

carrie beforeafter READER RENO: CARRIES GUEST STUDIO

I love the little vintage stool (and the yellow polka dot fabric!) next to the bed. I also like how the curtains have been hemmed to give the windows a more clean modern look. Also, the dark rods really show up against the lighter paint color.

carriedesk READER RENO: CARRIES GUEST STUDIO

Every “guest studio” needs a desk and inspiration board. The floating Ikea shelves add some visual height as well as practical storage.

carriedraftinpaperstorage READER RENO: CARRIES GUEST STUDIO

Speaking of storage… Carrie’s dad built the paper storage cabinet and drafting table!

carriedraftingdesk READER RENO: CARRIES GUEST STUDIO

I have a newfound love for black walls (more on that next week!). Painting a wall black gives the room some depth as well as a fun modern graphic vibe. I love the contrast between the minty green/blue and the rich black. Makes me want to break out the paint bushes… hopefully Greg doesn’t see that note! (I saw it. You asked me to proofread ; ) -Greg)

So what’s your favorite part of Carrie’s “guest studio” makeover? I’m totally digging the minty fresh wall color and the graphic black wall. You? For more information about this before and after and other DIY project tutorials, check out Carrie’s blog here.