Every room has a story…..

As some of you know, I spent some time in my youth in New England.

I have some very fond memories of weekends on the boat in the Sound, driving through quaint little seaside towns, and loving the feeling that came over me when I was near the ocean.

So when I first decided that I wanted to redo the guest bedroom, I picked out this beautiful blue (which is surprising because even though I love all things nautical, I’m not really a fan of blue rooms).

The color jumped out at me and invoked all those feelings from childhood.

A completely blue room would be tooooooo much for me. So I decided to do a board and batten treatment also.

Just for kicks, let’s take a little look at what the room was like before…..

As often happens with spare rooms, this one became a “catch all”. It’s located right off the family room, so it’s easy to toss things in and shut the door and forget about it.

You can read about the painting here and here and board and batten here.

Most of the items in this room are gathered from throughout my house.

This is from my grandfather - “Pop-Pop”. It’s a Plank Owner Certificate from his time in the Navy. Pop-Pop is gone now, so I hang this in every house in his honor.


Plank Owners: Original Crew
The tradition of the plank owner reaches far back into history. As a member of the Navy crew serving on board the ship at the time of commissioning, the plank owner receives "a clear, free, open and unencumbered title" to a plank of the deck of the ship, thus signifying his participation in this special day. This privilege will not be given to any future member of the crew of that ship. More than just a title, crewmembers feel they have grown with the ship. When each was ready they came together as a team, the ship and crew at sea.http://www.orionsquest.org/plankowners.pdf

Here are my very cheap end tables, painted and looking nice and bright. I left the hardware as is – I think the old faded brass fits in with the room.

My father in law found this old, beat up trunk at an auction. It’s been in the basement for years, so I pulled it out and wiped it down. It’s very “distressed” (ahem) – OK, it’s a hot mess, but I love it…..

This dresser can’t stay in here, but it’s all I have right now. This was Brian’s dresser from his childhood and it too, is feeling it’s age.

Both of my children used it when they were babies and I never took out the drawer liners that my mother in law used for Brian (circa 1972)

I haven’t found any bedding that I love, so for the time being, a white down comforter and these pillow shams will have to do.



The collection of light houses is mine – people have given me every one of them and every picture on the walls were gifts….



And yes, that’s my JHU degree propped up in there. I really need to get a frame for it…..




I knew I wanted a round mirror in here and was lucky enough to find one for less than $25. It’s not gorgeous, but it definitely works.



I put out an APB for old wooden oars on Facebook and within ten minutes had a message from a friend that he had some he didn’t want and I could have them. SCORE!!



Ok, here’s the almost finished room……

The window seat which still needs its window treatment and seat cushion….



Hook for robes on the back of the door….

The oars, round mirror and too-small dresser….



Some of these were taken last night, which is why the light is different in every one….

Well, that’s it for now. I definitely still have some work to do, but it’s at least livable now.

Linking up to the Lettered Cottage - there are so many great guest bedrooms on there - you can get some great ideas!!

Linking up to Met Monday at BNOTP...I LOOOOVE Met Mondays!!!!

POST EDIT (10/29/10): Linking up to Show Us Your Life at Kelly's Korner too!!