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

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Comfort is always my goal when designing a space.

blue color drenched bedroom makeover

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.

traditional B&B bedroom before

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.

cream and gray bedroom

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

crowned oval bird art

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

Canopy Look (Behind the Headboard)

Helpful Tools

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

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Finishing What You Started (Even When It Gets Frustrating)

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.

woman reading instructions

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.

Confident Room Method cover with interior design flatlay

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.

woman assembling navy pantry cupboard

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.

adding a knob to a drawer

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.)
navy pantry cabinet

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.

woman unsure about room renovation

You can get it here: CONFIDENT ROOM METHOD

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The Part No One Shows Before a Room Comes Together

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.

woman reading instructions

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.

woman overwhelmed with DIY

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.

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.

Confident Room Method cover with interior design flatlay

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.)

roeshel with pantry cabinet

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.

woman wanting to give up

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Bathroom Makeover Before and After (From Dated to Fresh & Inviting)

Featured

There’s nothing “wrong” with a dated bathroom…until you start to notice how much it affects the way a space feels.

Save this for later:

Bathroom makeover before and after showing a dated bathroom transformed into a fresh, inviting space

This one had good bones, but it felt tired. The finishes were outdated, the wallpaper peeling, the lighting was flat, and it didn’t reflect the kind of warm, welcoming environment I’m always trying to create, whether for everyday living or for guests.

Instead of a full renovation, we focused on simple, intentional updates that would make the biggest impact.

This bathroom is part of a project I worked on for Suite Retreat BnB & Micro Event Venue, where the goal was to refresh the space while keeping it warm and inviting for guests.

Before

The layout worked. The function was there. But visually, it felt disconnected and a little forgotten.

outdated bathroom with peeling wallpaper and worn fixtures
  • older finishes that didn’t feel cohesive
  • lighting that wasn’t being utilized as a complimentary feather
  • no real sense of style or personality

It wasn’t terrible. It just wasn’t inviting.

striped wallpapered bathroom with window

The Plan

The goal wasn’t to over-design the space.

timeless blush bathroom makeover design
Wall paint: Sherwin Williams White Dogwood

It was to:

  • warm it up
  • simplify the look
  • create a clean, cohesive feel
  • add subtle touches that make it feel finished

The kind of space that feels timeless… not overdone.

This post may contain affiliate links. I only share sources for items I’ve used or genuinely love.

What Changed

1. Updated Finishes

Small changes here made a big difference.

Swapping out dated elements for cleaner, more timeless finishes instantly modernized the space without a full overhaul.

2. Better Lighting

Lighting changed everything. We kept the original pendants but now they’re a lovely feature.

Warmer, softer lighting helped the room feel more relaxed and flattering instead of harsh and flat.

3. Simple Styling

This is where a space really comes to life.

  • fresh towels
  • a small tray for organization
  • a touch of greenery

Nothing complicated but it makes the room feel complete.

4. Intentional Details

Instead of filling the space, I focused on just enough. Every piece has a purpose, whether it’s functional or adding warmth.

After

The difference isn’t just how it looks, it’s how it feels.

It’s calmer. Warmer. More put together.

blush bathroom with green trim and gold fixtures

And most importantly, it now feels like a space someone actually wants to spend time in…not just pass through. Swapping out the gold pedestal/console sink/vanity and mirror instantly updated the space and gave it a more cohesive, finished look.

white dogwood bathroom makeover

It’s the kind of space that feels calm the moment you walk in, simple, but thoughtfully finished.

Short Takeaways

If you’re updating a bathroom without a full renovation:

  • Focus on lighting first, it changes everything
  • Keep finishes simple and cohesive
  • Add just a few intentional accessories, not clutter
  • Think about how the space feels, not just how it looks

A Note if You’re Refreshing Your Own Space

This is the exact kind of transformation I help with through my Style Thyme refreshes—looking at what you already have and making simple changes that create a big impact.

Sometimes you don’t need a full renovation.
You just need a fresh set of eyes and a clear plan.

What’s Next

Styling! Decorating! I’ll be sharing more details on the finishing touches and styling in an upcoming post!

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Feeling stuck with your own space?

If you’ve ever started a room and then… stalled out, second-guessed everything, or didn’t know what to do next —, you’re not alone.

I created something to help with exactly that.

Decorate Without Doubt: Confident Room Method™ is a simple, step-by-step way to move forward when you feel stuck, whether you’re starting fresh or trying to finish what you already started.

It walks you through:

• actually finishing your space

• getting clear on your vision

• narrowing down choices

• making confident decisions

START HERE: CONFIDENT ROOM METHOD

Grand-Moments: Planner-Devotional-Journal Grandmother Gift

Becoming a grandma (“Nanny!”) changed the way I look at time. I don’t just want to remember the sweet moments with my grandsons, I want to CREATE them. I want to be present, intentional and part of the childhood memories they carry forward. I want to impact their lives in a positive way.

Grand-Moments grandmother planner devotional journal - Christian planner to help grandmothers create meaningful moments with grandchildren.

That’s exactly why I created Grand-Moments, a planner, mini-devotional, journal (and so much more) designed to help make room for connection in the middle of real life! If you’re a grandmother, you get it. Grandchildren are the BEST.thing.ever and we want to encourage them in the best possible ways.

Why I Created Grand-Moments

This is so different than the usual grandmother story book. Most grandmother memory books focus on past stories, memories from our childhood and lifetime, advice, family history. Those are beautiful too but focused on the past and stories to pass down. I felt like something was missing. I wanted something for “right now”. Something that helped me:

  • Plan small but meaningful moments with my grandsons
  • Stay intentional throughout the week
  • Encourage their little hearts and to build their confidence
  • Keep my own faith grounded as I show up in their lives
  • Capture the memories we make as we go
  • An interactive mood tracker
  • With a quiet moment of reflection and intention setting for quality time

Grand-Moments became that tool. And I think you (or the grandmother figure in your/your child’s life will enjoy the results of setting intention too.

What’s Inside the Planner (and Why It Works)

Weekly Planning Pages: These are simple, doable prompts that keep connection front and center (even in busy seasons). 12 Months broken down into weekly planning pages with beautiful graphics and sweet prompts. I use these pages to jot down:

  • A moment of connection I want to create
  • Seasonal plans or events happening
  • A small activity or outing (nothing elaborate – sometimes it’s bubbles or a walk)
  • A reminder of who I want to be in their lives this week

Mini-Devotionals + Prayers: Each week includes a gentle devotional, a bible verse, prayer space. These help reset my heart and perspective so I’m showing up with patience, presence and purpose.

Journaling Space: This is where I reflect on the little things: a phrase they said, a funny moment, a moment of growth, or a small answered prayer. These are the memories we forget unless we write them down.

Simple Activity Ideas: Quick ideas you can do at home or on the go, perfect for days when your mind feels full and creativity feels far away. Broken down into seasonal inspiration with a focus on presence! Even if the ideas of activity elicits a groan, these moments can be silly and memorable in the long term, especially when it become part of a routine.

Heart Moments: Little snippets of works of encouragement to foster confidence. These are gold!

Letters: Space for writing letters to yourself, your family, any advice or stories you do want to pass down. Maybe just a recipe, maybe a heartfelt letter, or maybe just a “dear diary”. You decide.

Scrapbook Pages: For documenting times to remember. Create an album in your phone, place an order from Free Prints monthly and tape them the old fashioned way to the scrapbook pages. Keepsake!

Record: Pages for remembering birthdays and milestones. Tracking special moments.

And so much more! It’s truly a treasure for grandmas, if I do say so myself. lol Time with grandchildren is the legacy. It’s what shapes them and future generations. Leave a lasting imprint. Make a difference.

Grand-Moments grandmother planner devotional journal - Christian planner designed to help grandmothers create meaningful moments with grandchildren

How I Use Grand-Moments with My Grandsons

Every week looks a little different, but the intention stays the say. Sometimes I write before they arrive, sometimes I jot notes after they leave. I just set aside 5-30 minutes once a week week (morning tea, Grand-Moments and a favorite pen). A few examples:

  • Planning a simple treat and easy seasonal craft time
  • Talking a walk and collection leaves for “nature art”
  • Writing down something they’re curious to talk about later or something they shared that was important to them
  • A written prayer over a challenge they’re facing or a handwritten blessing or gratitude thought
  • Recording a moment that made us all laugh or cry (in the best way)
  • A note of ideas for gifts as they’re favorite things are shared…activities, interests
Roeshel and her grandsons, her grand-moments

Nanny and her love bugs…

A Thoughtful Gift for Any Grammy!

Whether you’re a brand-new grandma or you’ve been in this season for years, whether you’re local with a physical presence or virtual over distance – this planner is a gentle companion. It also makes a meaningful gift for:

  • Mother’s Day
  • Baby announcement to grandma
  • Grandma-to-be baby shower gift
  • Christmas
  • Birthdays
  • A grandmother who wants a special way to connect
Grand-Moments journal, planner, devotional and so much more is perfect grandmother gift idea!

Where to Get Grand-Moments

Grand-Moments is a keepsake devotional planner journal for the present not past for grandmothers

You can now find it on Amazon on these formats:

Classic black/white paperback

Deluxe color paperback

Gift Edition – full color hardback

*Affiliate links. Thank you for your support!

Why Intention Matters More than Perfection

Grandmotherhood isn’t about doing things perfectly. It’s about showing up with love, presence, and a willingness to grow alongside them. It’s hugs, direct eye contact, it’s making them feel seen and heard. It’s encouragement and laughs, forehead kisses and silly dances. Games and stories. It’s being present. This planner helps me do that and if it helps even one other grandma feel more grounded and connected, more grandchildren feel prioritized and loved, then the work behind this project was worth it. Acknowlegement that grandmothers have the ability to leave a lasting impact on the children in their lives. Legacy! If you want to be more present, more connected, more intentional with your grandchildren this year, Grand-Moments is a beautiful place to begin!

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Handmade keepsake handprint gift. Does anyone else love handmade sentimental gifts as much as I do?

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