A stunning bedroom transformation inside a Savannah blogger’s historic home.
For the past year, Monica Lavin of Lavin Label has been lovingly renovating and redecorating a historic home in the heart of Savannah. (Yes, we’re living vicariously.) Since first reading Monica’s guest bedroom interior design plans back in March, we’ve been breathlessly awaiting the arrival of her guest bedroom reveal. Well, guess what? It’s finally here, and more beautiful than we could ever imagine. Let’s take a look inside this southern charmer.
Designer Dreams: Create the Guest Room of Your Dreams in 6 Steps
Sleep Sanctuary: Guests are invited to relax and recuperate in Monica Lavin’s serene spare bedroom.
For residents of Savannah, entertaining is almost a birthright––“In the south, we’re always entertaining guests.” Monica believes southern hospitality is about exuding a “genuine warmth” when guests come to call, greeting visitors with a chilled bottle of white wine, or whipping together a tasty cheese board. How else does she prepare for company? By having a warm and welcoming guest bedroom ready for any impromptu sleepovers.
1. Preserving Good Character
When Monica purchased her home in Savannah, Georgia, she resolved to preserve the original floor plan, originally constructed in 1852. The guest bedroom, in particular, captured Monica’s heart with its wide plank floors, natural light, courtyard view, and cozy fireplace. Monica has kept renovations minimal in order to preserve the historic character and charm––”we didn’t want to mess with the original soul of the home.”
2. Start with the Centerpiece: The Bed
Finding the perfect bed was Monica’s first step. After falling in love with Gabby’s upholstered Aria Bed, Monica began to look for fabric, considering plenty of patterns and colors before finally selecting ‘Bennett Glacier’, a shade of pale blue. She softened the space with a bright area rug, a design choice that anchors the room while allowing the original hardwood floors to shine.
Monica carefully selected her guest bedroom textiles. The Sophia Bench is covered in Caesar Spa, while the Aria Bed features Bennett Glacier.
3. Choose the Palette, Paint, and Textiles
The guest bedroom is filled with beautiful shades of blue and green. Monica says, “For this room in particular, I wanted something soothing, calming and serene.” After selecting Gabby’s Aria Bed in ‘Bennett Glacier’ upholstery, she painted the ceiling with ‘ Borrowed Light ’ from Farrow and Ball, a barely-there blue that echoes the bed’s delicate fabric. Monica tells us that the “multi-dimensional colors change throughout the day.”
4. Indulge in Luxe Linens & Bedding
From sheets to shams, Monica is the queen of luxurious bedding! She typically begins with a foundation of white sheets and quilts from Garnet Hill, then adds decorative shams from Biscuit Home. For this guest bedroom, Monica found embroidered pillowcases at Courtland & Co. in Savannah. Monica says bedding quality is key, so choose a brand you can depend on. If nights get chilly, lay an extra duvet across the bottom of the bed––it’s pretty and practical.
5. Curate Attractive Artwork
Monica always seeks meaningful artwork, often sourcing pieces from local artists and dear friends. Photography by Anne Rhett, a Charleston-based artist, hangs above the guest bed. Monica was drawn to Anne’s dreamy palette of pale pinks, blues, and greens, which reminded her of memorable moments in France last year. Monica also chose paintings by Kate Scriven, knowing the colorful birds would be great for “mixing and matching” with the bedroom decor.
Local Love: Monica sourced home decor from local boutiques, artisans and visual artists.
6. Add ‘Suite’ Necessities
What amenities should every great hostess provide? Monica says her guest bedroom staple is crisp white bedding––”There’s nothing better than getting into fresh bedding.” She also ensures overnight guests have enough room to get settled, clearing the closet for their luggage and clothing. She keeps nightstands tidy, leaving enough room for guests to “layout books, their phone and a glass of water.” Finally, Monica turns on the lights. Guests love to be greeted with a warm ambient glow!
Easy Does It: Simple yet beautiful accessories enhance the bedside tables.
4 Steps to Fabulous: Get the Look with Gabby
To complete her guest bedroom makeover, Monica selected four unforgettable pieces from Gabby.
#1 Aria Bed
The showstopper. This upholstered bed commands attention with a wingback frame, aged brass nailhead, and tapered legs. “I love Gabby because all of their pieces have incredible details,” says Monica.
#2 Alexis Chest
Since the guest bedroom is asymmetric, Monica was able to place a larger nightstand on the left. The detailed Alexis Chest features brass accents and ample storage space.
#3 May Nightstand
On the right, Monica chose the small-scale May Nightstand, a bedside beauty in white with brass accents. The color and height effortlessly complement the Alexis Chest.
#4 Sophia Bench
“I wanted something skirted to make the room feel soft,” Monica explains. She placed the Sophia Bench at the end of the bed to provide space for luggage or a seat.
The post Monica Lavin’s 6-Step Guest Bedroom Makeover appeared first on Gabby.