Color-Drenching Room Makeover (Cozy, Moody + Guest Favorite Design)

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Posted on April 21, 2026 by Roeshel

Comfort is always my goal when designing a space.

I haven’t had the chance to fully try color drenching in my own home yet, but it’s been sitting at the top of my “can’t wait to try this” list… and after this project, I’m completely sold.

color drenched blue bedroom with four poster bed, cozy fireplace and layered blue and green bedding

Check out the full property here: Suite Retreat BnB – bookmark if planning a trip to western PA!

What “Color Drenching” Means

Color drenching is when an entire room is painted in one color tone.

Walls, trim, ceiling, doors. Everything stays within the same color family (or even the exact same shade).

Instead of contrast, the space becomes immersive, cohesive, and intentionally calm.

Why It Works

At first, it might seem like painting everything the same color would hide architectural details.

But interestingly, it often does the opposite.

Without sharp contrast, your eye relaxes… and that allows details to stand out in a softer, more subtle way.

The result:

A moody, cozy atmosphere
A clean, uncluttered look
A space that feels intentional instead of busy

It’s bold, but in a quiet, grounded way.

moody blue bedroom makeover with painted walls, wood floors, bench seating and soft natural light through curtains

How To Try It

If you’re curious but hesitant, here’s how to ease into it:

1. Start small
Try a powder room, bedroom, or office first.

2. Rethink light vs. dark

Bright room? Don’t be afraid of lighter tones
Low light? Go deeper and moodier (this often works better than fighting it)

3. Use tones if you’re unsure
Same color family, slightly different shades = softer version of the look.

4. Layer in texture
Wood, linens, rugs, metal accents. This keeps the room from feeling flat.

My First Color Drenching Experience

four poster bed styled with layered blue and green pillows and quilt with a wall canopy of green sheet curtains, curtain lights and floral garland

This project was for a short-term rental bedroom.

The space had all the charm of a traditional bed and breakfast.

Traditional before

This is going way back to previous owners and the traditional B&B called “A Step Back in Time”. It was very traditional.

Updated Before

Transitional style
Worn finishes
No headboard
Ready for a refresh

The Bantam Bungalow showed a huge improvement, but in person, it felt a little tired and outdated. It was time for an update. Shelby (the owner) was upgrading to a four-poster bed and wanted to create a canopy-style feel.

That decision naturally led to:

Fresh paint
Updated accessories
A more intentional design direction

We wanted something moody, cozy, and memorable.

That’s when we decided to try color drenching.

After: A Cozy, Immersive Guest Experience

And the result?

Completely transformed.

The room now feels:

Comfortable
Unique (not your average rental)
Immersive in the best way

It’s one of those spaces that feels good the second you walk in.

And based on guest response right away, it quickly became a favorite.

blue painted fireplace with brass surround, floral arrangement and cozy seating in a color drenched moody bedroom

The twinkling lights behind sheer curtains and topped with garland gives this moody space an enchanted forest energy.

carved wood headboard with blue and green pillows and soft string lights in a wall canopy cozy bedroom setting

Is Color Drenching Right for You?

moody cozy layered design ideas for blue color drenched bedroom

If you love a cozy, slightly bold look (but still want calm and simplicity), this is absolutely worth trying.

It works especially well if:

You want your home or rental to stand out

Your room has character you want to enhance

You’re tired of playing it safe with neutral contrast

Paint Color Used

Color name: Sherwin Williams Regatta
Finish: Eggshell
Brand: I believe it was color-matched in Behr. Because in this space, it reads as a rich deep blue with subtle teal undertones depending on the light. So it’s “Regatta” but color match + lighting. Opinion: In this full room application, it reads more like a historic color than a water-inspired color to me.

Get the Look

green glass pendant light glowing against blue color drenched walls and framed forest artwork in moody bedroom

This cozy, color-drenched bedroom came together with layered texture, soft lighting, and a few simple elements that make a big impact.

moody color drenched blue bedroom collage

Bedding & Comfort

Oversized Luxury Quilt Set – (it’s not the one shown, it’s in laundry rotation), it’s a rich texture and cozy layering (we’ve even had guests ask to buy it!)
Sheet Set – soft, neutral base for contrast

Lighting

Green Pendant Light – adds warmth and a subtle pop of color
Curtain String Lights – soft glow behind the canopy for ambiance

Canopy Look (Behind the Headboard)

Sheer Curtains (2 panels) – creates that soft, draped canopy feel
Curtain Rod – simple structure to frame the bed
Greenery Garland – adds depth and an organic touch
Peony Garlands (2) – softens the look with subtle color

Helpful Tools

Safety Pins – easy, hidden way to secure fabric
Floral Twist Ties – great for attaching garland and layering elements

The Confident Room Method

If you’re staring at a space and thinking “I know I want change, I just don’t know where to start…”

That’s exactly why I created this.

The Confident Room Method™ is a guided decorating workbook that walks you step-by-step through creating a space you love, without overthinking every decision.

Think of it like having a design friend sitting beside you.

Get it here: Confident Room Method – Decorating without Doubt

Confident Room Method cover with interior design flatlay

Want More Personalized Help?

I also offer remote design consults through Style Thyme.

If you want:

A second set of eyes
Clear direction
Help pulling everything together

…it’s exactly what I do. Learn more here: Style Thyme Design Consults

Before & After Reveal

Boho AirBnB Bedroom Makeover

blue orange and gold eclectic guest bedroom at diyshowoff.com

Eclectic Guest Room Makeover

DIY Luggage Rack

Finishing What You Started (Even When It Gets Frustrating)

Posted on April 12, 2026 by Roeshel

In part 1 (Wanting to Quit), I shared the messy middle of this cabinet build, the part where the instructions felt overwhelming, the (too many) pieces all looked the same, and I hit that familiar moment of wondering if I should just give up.

But this part matters too: what happened next.

Not because everything suddenly got easy, but because I kept going.

This project reminded me that progress usually doesn’t happen in one big breakthrough. It happens one small step at a time.

Picking Back Up (Even When You’d Rather Walk Away)

After taking a break and stepping away for a bit, I came back with fresh eyes.

Feeling stuck like this? Start here.

Projects like this always remind me that creating a home you love doesn’t happen all at once. It happens one small choice at a time, one project, one corner, one room. If you’ve ever second-guessed every decision in a room, you’re not alone. That’s exactly why I created the Confident Room Method. It’s not about getting it perfect, it’s about finally having a simple plan so you CAN move forward with confidence. Get the Confident Room Method printable guide here.

That helped more than forcing myself through frustration ever would have.

Instead of thinking about the whole cabinet, I focused on the next step in front of me: assembling the drawer.

Sometimes that’s really the difference between quitting and finishing. Just choosing the next step instead of trying to carry the whole project at once.

Assembly: Slower Than Expected, But Worth It

Assembly took patience.

There were a lot of pieces, hardware to sort, instructions to double-check, and plenty of moments where I had to slow down and make sure everything was lined up correctly.

A few things that helped:

laying out all pieces first
keeping hardware sorted by label
hand tightening before fully securing screws
checking alignment before moving on

It wasn’t glamorous, but seeing it come together made the whole project finally start to feel real.

Knowing When to Ask for Help

One thing I’ve learned over the years… whether it’s home projects, decorating, or life in general, is that doing things yourself doesn’t have to mean doing everything alone.

I handled the bulk of the cabinet build myself, but for the heavier lifting and final adjustments, I was glad to have an extra set of hands.

That’s not giving up. That’s finishing wisely.

There’s strength in starting something. But there’s also strength in knowing when support makes sense.

The Best Part: Seeing It Come Together

There’s always a moment in a project where things finally shift.

The parts that felt random start making sense. The hard work starts to look like something.

That moment happened when the cabinet was fully assembled and in place.

Suddenly, all the frustration from the beginning felt worth it.

navy-pantry-cabinet, brown wingback chair

Just now noticing it needs a wipe down from assembly smudges. lol BUT seriously, I love the deep blue color against the warm wood tones in this room. It adds storage, function, and a finished look without feeling bulky.

A Reminder for More Than Just DIY

This project was a good reminder of something I come back to often:

You don’t have to finish everything all at once.

You just have to keep going.

One drawer. One hinge. One step.

Sometimes the middle feels messy because that’s what building looks like.

And sometimes the most satisfying part is simply proving to yourself that you can stay with something long enough to see it come together.

Cabinet Details + Sources

For anyone considering a similar project:

cabinet source: Kitchen Storage Pantry (affiliate link)
color/style: Modern, Navy Blue, Gold Hardware
total assembly time: It took me about 4 hours total (split into 2 days).
tools used: Phillips screwdriver, level
size: approx 41″ wide by 68″ tall by 16ish” deep
difficulty level: For the most part I found it tedious but overall not too challenging. (Difficult parts mentioned below.)

Helpful Tips:

• Particle board is not forgiving. I had a few pieces assembled, probably only at around step 1 or 2 and decided to move to a more open area. TIP: Do not shift or attempt to move what is partially built. It will shift, shred the “wood” and screws will pop out. I was able to continue to build but do have to address a weakened damaged area.

No shame in asking for a second set of hands and help:

• Assembly begins upside down and is separated into top and bottom of the unit. It will require 2 people to flip and place top section on top of bottom assembled piece.

• Remember to hold your screwdriver straight. Screws in the drawer slider kept going in at a bit of an angle. However, those specific screws need to be flush so the drawer glides on the slider/track.

• The door hinges are adjustable which is super helpful. It’ll take some small adjustments with the screwdriver to get doors level.

• For this cabinet, all pieces were included. However, on the last door with storage shelves on the door, one section of pilot holes was missing. And one of the metal dowels for the door shelves was 1/2 inch shorter than required. Just keep in mind you may have some minor troubleshooting and fixes to address.

Would I do it again? Yes. Just with snack breaks, lots of patience, and a second person on standby.

How to Finish a DIY Project when you want to quit

Feeling Overwhelmed?

If you’re feeling stuck on where to start in your own space, that’s exactly why I created the Confident Room Method. It’s a simple, step-by-step guide to help you make progress without the overwhelm.

You can get it here: CONFIDENT ROOM METHOD

The Part No One Shows Before a Room Comes Together

Posted on April 9, 2026 by Roeshel

The moment everything feels harder than it should

I hit the point where I wanted to quit and honestly, I know I’m not the only one who’s ever wondered how to keep going when you want to quit a project.

Not because I couldn’t do it. But because nothing was making sense.

The instructions.
The pieces.
The constant second guessing…
“Did I mess this up already?”

It felt like too much.

This is where most people stop

And this is usually the part where people stop. Not at the beginning when everything feels exciting. And not at the end when it all comes together.

But right here. In the middle.

Just do one step

So I paused… and told myself something I’ve learned to come back to again and again:

just do one step.

Not the whole project. Not perfectly. Just one step. One step at a time. Not because you’re avoiding the bigger project but because that’s how you actually finish it.

woman assembling furniture reading directions

Feeling stuck like this? Start here.

Why this matters more than the design

That small shift? It’s what moved me forward.

This is exactly why I approach every space the way I do.
Not all at once. Not overwhelmed.
But with clarity and one doable step at a time.

Because creating a space you love isn’t just about design.
It’s about getting through this part without quitting.

I’m not finished yet

(And I’m not done yet… finishing it tomorrow.)

If you’ve ever felt stuck halfway…

If you’ve ever started a space and felt stuck halfway… you’re not alone. Keep going. One step at a time. The next step.

This is the part I help people move through inside my Confident Room Method but it starts here.

Build a Beautiful Pallet Flower Planter + Blog Updates

Posted on April 30, 2025 by Roeshel

Vertical pallet garden full of colorful flowers.

A Quiet Comeback + A Favorite DIY Revisited

There’s something comforting about returning to familiar places. Especially the creative kind and I’ve missed this space. After a little time away from blogging, I’m finding my rhythm again and thought I’d start by dusting off a simple, cheerful project from the archives: a DIY pallet flower planter. It’s a reminder that sometimes beauty blooms best when we revisit what we’ve already begun.

Materials I Used for a DIY Pallet Flower Planter

1 kiln-dried pallet (in good condition)
Scrap wood. Here’s what I grabbed: (1) 1×4 board, (2) 2×4 boards, (1) 4×4 block
Exterior nails or wood screws
Wood stain (optional, for color and finish)
Clear protective topcoat (weather-resistant)
Heavy-duty staples or staple gun
Fabric weed barrier or landscape fabric
Potting soil (suitable for flowers)
Seasonal flowers of your choice

How to Make a DIY Pallet Flower Planter

Step 1: Choose and Prep Your Pallet
We had plenty of pallets on hand and selected a kiln-dried pallet marked “HT” (heat-treated), which indicates it’s safer for garden use compared to chemically treated wood. We gave it a thorough scrub with bleach and water to clean off any dirt or residue (important if you’re planting anything edible or placing it near your home).

Step 2: Remove Boards to Create Planting Space
Using a pry bar, we carefully removed three of the horizontal boards from one side of the pallet. This helped open up the structure, creating more vertical room for taller flowers to grow freely.

Step 3: Sand and Prep the Wood
Next, we sanded down all rough edges and splinters using medium-grit sandpaper. I also hammered in any protruding nails to ensure the surface was smooth and safe to work with, especially important for a garden piece that’s often handled.

Step 4: Add Stability and Feet
To give the pallet a flat base, we attached scrap 1×4 boards to the bottom edges of each side, creating a shelf-like structure. This gave us a place to attach “feet” made from more scrap wood. We experimented with adding a caster to one side for mobility, but when that didn’t work as well as we hoped, we opted to secure the pallet to the side of our patio swing instead. You could also anchor yours to a deck railing or set it securely into the ground.

Step 5: Stain and Seal the Wood
I stained the pallet using Rust-Oleum Wood Stain in Kona, applying it with a brush and wiping away the excess. Although the stain dries in about an hour, I let mine cure for a few days before sealing it. Once dry, I gave the entire pallet a quick coat of clear protective spray to help it stand up to the elements.

Step 6: Cut Fabric for Planting Pockets
To create planting pockets, I used newspaper and junk mail to make a simple pattern. Be sure to account for folding the edges under and covering the sides of each pocket. Once the pattern was dialed in, I used it to cut my fabric weed barrier to size.

weed barrier planter pockets on pallet garden

Step 7: Staple the Fabric Weed Barrier
I folded under the raw fabric edges for a cleaner look and then stapled the fabric in place between the pallet boards, forming deep planting pockets. The corners were a little tricky—I used a trial-and-error folding technique and may have gotten a bit staple-happy. My final setup created 12 planting pockets in total.

Step 8: Set Up Your Planter
Once everything was secure, I moved the pallet into its final position. You can lean it, secure it to a railing, or anchor it in the ground depending on your space and preference.

Step 9: Fill and Plant
Time to get planting! Fill each pocket with quality potting soil and your favorite flowers or herbs. The fabric allows for natural drainage, helping prevent overwatering.

watering flowers in vertical pallet garden

Finished and Flourishing

Ready to bloom! I love how this project gives new life to old materials and brings a pop of color to any outdoor space. If you give it a try, I’d love to see how yours turns out! Tag me on social media @DIYShowOff or leave a comment below!

Let’s Show Off Your Creativity!

Have a DIY project you’re proud of? Whether it’s a craft, home improvement idea, seasonal decor, or something uniquely creative, I’d love to feature it here on the blog or on social media! Sharing inspiring ideas is what this space is all about and your creativity could spark someone else’s next project. Fill out the form below to submit your tutorial, photos, or story. Let’s inspire each other!

Show Off YOUR DIY!

DIYShowOff Spotlight

Have a DIY you’re proud of? I’d LOVE to see it!

Submit your details below for a chance to be featured on DIYShowOff. After submitting, you’ll receive a link to upload your project photos, share description, and complete your submission.

Please note: While I may not be able to feature every project, I read and appreciate each and every one! By submitting yours, you agree that it could be highlighted on the blog, in my newsletter, or on social media. Thank you so much for sharing your creativity with me!

Yardsale Finds and Repurposing

Posted on May 31, 2018 by Roeshel

Repurpose something old! It’s that time of year! It’s a great time to hit the yard sales and estate sales. Scoop up fun inspiration for making something old new again. Check out these repurposed, upcycled and refreshed ideas!

Chandelier – one of my favorite DIY projects from the past. It does require a lot of TLC for the plants. I also love the idea of solar lights in place of plants.

Chandelier Planter