Guest Room Makeover: Stylish Update for $300

Shannon’s recent guest room refresh feels familiar—especially if you’re anything like Sherry—because she completed the makeover while eight and a half months pregnant and spent only $300. Here’s a closer look at the simple, effective update she sent our way.

She transformed a large, awkward space above the garage with slanted walls into a warm, inviting guest room without painting or replacing existing flooring and light fixtures. The result is comfortable and welcoming—perfect for post-baby visitors.

Details of the makeover:

  • Most of the furniture and accessories were already on hand; Shannon “shopped” her garage and basement first to reuse pieces.
  • Because of the room size, the short time frame, and her sensitive pregnancy nose, painting the walls wasn’t an option. The builder berber carpet and basic light fixtures remained, too.
  • She kept costs low by sourcing items from Craigslist, IKEA, HomeGoods, TJ Maxx, and Target.
  • Shannon made her own headboard and created no-sew throw pillow covers. She also used free artwork found online and completed several other DIY projects throughout the room.

It took roughly three to four weeks to pull everything together, and with six weeks left before the baby arrived, she felt much more prepared. For more photos and a few extra details, she shared the full project on her blog, Shannanigans.

Let’s give Shannon credit for pulling off a cozy, paint-free refresh on a $300 budget. The room reads warm and inviting, and it’s proof that a meaningful makeover doesn’t have to be physically demanding or expensive—especially when time and comfort are priorities. Congratulations in advance to Shannon and her growing family, and a special nod to the sculptural bedside lamps, which are an especially nice touch.

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