Mid-century style, moody walls, and cozy details for a warm welcome
When I first moved into this Chicago home, the guest bedroom was painted a pale yellow that never really felt right to me. It didn’t reflect the moodier, more curated aesthetic I’m aiming for in the rest of the house. So I decided it was time to give the space a much-needed refresh—something that felt intentional, comfortable, and stylish for the friends and family who come to stay.
Going Moody with Salemander
For the walls, I went bold with Salemander by Benjamin Moore—a rich, dark green-black that instantly elevated the room and gave it the sophisticated vibe I love. It’s one of my favorite moody paint shades, and it works beautifully with the mid-century modern touches I’ve been bringing into the home. The deep tone sets a cozy atmosphere without making the room feel closed in—especially when paired with crisp white trim and natural light.
Contrast is Key: Bedding & Textures
To balance the darkness of the walls, I went with high-contrast white and black bedding—modern, minimal, and fresh. I added a pop of warm yellow through the sheets. The clean lines and color palette help keep the space feeling cheerful and welcoming, even with the dramatic wall color.
I also wanted to layer in a few contrasting textures to keep the space feeling warm and intentional. The standout for me is the rattan bed frame—it adds natural warmth and dimension against the moody backdrop and plays perfectly into the mid-century feel I love. It brings just the right amount of earthiness to the room and helps soften the darker tones.
The Persian Rug That (Almost) Got Away
One of the most unexpected pieces in the room is a Persian rug that my partner brought into the space. It’s rich, detailed, and not something I would have picked on my own—but it’s grown on me. That said, our dogs are hardly allowed on it, and I have a strong suspicion it’ll migrate to his office eventually. But for now, it anchors the space beautifully and adds a classic layer to the otherwise modern mix.
Always in Host Mode
As someone who also hosts on Airbnb, I’m always thinking about what makes guests feel comfortable. One thing I never skip? Hooks. Hooks for robes, for bags, for towels, for coats. I believe every guest space needs plenty of them, and I’m making a mental note to do a full post on this very topic soon. Speaking of robes—I always provide them, whether I’m hosting strangers or close friends, and these are the robes I always provide. It’s just one of those little touches that makes a space feel more like home.
Guest Bedroom Ideas for a Stylish, Comfortable Stay
This refresh has me excited about the rest of the home and the direction it’s headed—moody, thoughtful, and layered with pieces that feel personal. Whether it’s bold paint, high-contrast bedding, a touch of natural texture, or the unexpected addition of a beloved Persian rug, even small updates can make a guest room feel like a true retreat.
Looking for guest bedroom inspiration or tips on how to create a welcoming space in your own home? Start with color, texture, and a few intentional details—and don’t forget the hooks.
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