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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Boho AirBnB Bedroom Makeover

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Eclectic Guest Room Makeover

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DIY Luggage Rack

Project #18 – Boho AirBnB Bedroom

Ready for a beautiful boho bedroom before and after makeover? Well, the before is just an empty room but the after is a sweet relaxing retreat!

before…

DIY craft studio // workshop - before room makeover @diyshowoff DIY craft studio // workshop - before room makeover @diyshowoff DIY craft studio // workshop - before room makeover @diyshowoff DIY craft studio // workshop - before room makeover @diyshowoff DIY craft studio // workshop - before room makeover @diyshowoff DIY craft studio // workshop - before room makeover @diyshowoff

Good-bye blue carpet!

hardwood floors before  Hello, beautiful hardwood floors!Shaw Monterrey Grandview rustic hardwood

The goal for the Suite Thyme sleeping arrangements is to sleep 6 in this luxury apartment. There’s a queen sleeper sofa in the living room and the bedroom is spacious enough to accommodate two queen beds. 

After…

boho airbnb bedroom makeover suite thyme diyshowoff boho airbnb bedroom makeover suite thyme diyshowoff boho airbnb bedroom makeover suite thyme diyshowoff boho airbnb bedroom makeover suite thyme diyshowoff boho airbnb bedroom makeover suite thyme diyshowoff boho airbnb bedroom makeover suite thyme diyshowoff boho airbnb bedroom makeover suite thyme diyshowoff boho airbnb bedroom makeover suite thyme diyshowoff

I love the boho vibe and how two completely mis-matched areas still have a cohesive feel. So pretty, so peaceful! Plans for a sliding barn door to separate the bedroom from the livingroom/dining room/kitchen area in the near future. 

Share your thoughts! 

What do you think? Ready for a relaxing get-away?

Next up:

Saving the best for last: A stunning before and after bathroom transformation! 

More about #helloredreno

The building has so much historical charm. It’s about one block from our town’s Main Street. The bus stop is literally steps away. There’s a gorgeous Butler, PA Bed & Biscotti across the street called Suite Retreat (how cute is that?!) and an antique shop nearby. There are breweries, the YMCA, shops, restaurants, salons, florists, candy/coffee shop, holiday parades and festivals within walking distance. So fun! If renovation from blah to ahhhhh is your thing, stay tuned!

Ready to book a stay away at a home-suite-home for a Suite Thyme? Book Suite Thyme! Mention DIYShowOff and we’ll include a special gift with your stay. 

So subscribe and be reminded of updates as the renovations progress! I’ll share before and after photos, projects underway and updates, plans and design boards, sources and links as they relate as well as fun events going on in and around the downtown area. I’ll be using a specific hashtag on social media to keep things all neat and tidy and organized.

#helloredreno and #suitethyme

I welcome your thoughts and ideas! And as always, thanks for your encouragement and support and for sharing in my joy and vision! 

The #helloredreno project diary:

Project Diary Entry #1 – Hello Red Reno!

Project Diary Entry #2 – Efficiency Apartment

Project Diary Entry #3 Color Passive Paint

Project Diary Entry #4 – Full Bathroom Demo Day

Project Diary Entry #5 – Sealing A Wood Plank / Shiplap Wall

Project Diary Entry #6: Bathroom Flooring

Project Diary Entry #7: Sealing Brick

Project Diary #8: Hardwood Floors

Project Diary #9: Carpeted Stairs

Project Diary #10 Vinyl Floor Tiles

Project Diary #11 – Living Room Before & After

Project Diary #12 – Christmas at the Studio

Project Diary #13 – Wallpaper Mural

Project Diary #14 – Entryway, Stairs & Landing Before & After

Project Diary #15 – Apartment Living Room Before & After Reveal

Project Diary #16 – Dining Nook & Coffee Bar

Project Diary #17 – Apartment Kitchen Reveal

Project Diary #18 – Boho AirBnB Bedroom

Sauder Experience

With a nursery project in the works, purchasing a dresser is near the top of the furniture list.

As a part of a fun campaign, I recently shopped at Sauder.com to choose a dresser that fit our space and needs. The Expedition Design tool makes choosing a piece that fits your style easy!

I ordered the a dresser from the Shoal Creek Collection (gorgeous jamocha finish) from Sauder that will coordinate beautifully with the crib that Ali has chosen. I love the extra attention to detail.

We loved the rich dark color, beautiful hardware and extra deep drawers for more storage. Even better? I ordered it online and it was delivered to my back door. Much less complicated than hauling it home from the store.

Upon unpacking the box, it was noted that one of the boards had snapped during shipping. But rather than have to pack everything up and return to the store (that box is heavy!), I simply ordered a replacement part at no cost to me … online. It shipped the next day. Super convenient! There’s also a live chat option.

And while the DIY part of building may feel overwhelming, assembly was actually pretty easy with detailed instructions. Every piece is labeled and the drawings of each step are helpful. The only tools required are Phillip’s screwdriver and small hammer. The dresser was assembled in just a little over an hour. An affordable dresser! With slides and drawers…that easy!

It’s currently residing in our guest room, soon to be guest room + nursery space. Perfect for baby’s clothes, blankets and diapers but until those plans are underway, it provides great storage for extra linens, towels and “junk”.

Isn’t it gorgeous? I love the placement at the end of the bed too. How about you?

You’ve seen me use a dresser as a kitchen island, hallway linen storage and dining room buffet. I love non-traditional uses for furniture. And dressers are so versatile for use and function as additional storage for any room. What do you think?

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Sauder. The opinions and text are all mine.

Eclectic Guest Bedroom Ideas

When I shared our family room and kitchen in the What’s Your Style Series, one style those rooms (and all rooms in my home) share is “eclectic”.

Visiting from the beautiful bedroom at Shabby Love? Welcome, friends!

When you do what you love, specifically on a small budget; thrift stores, flea markets, estate sales, yard sales and Craigs List become favorite sources for unique, eclectic decor. Our guest bedroom is no exception. 

blue orange and gold eclectic guest bedroom at diyshowoff.com blue orange and gold guest room bed at diyshowoff.comblue orange and gold guest room bed at diyshowoff.comguest bedroom at diyshowoff.comeclectic guest room at diyshowoff.com

and a mix of old and new.

mixing old and new - eclectic guest bedroom at diyshowoff.com

Small budget? Wrap a canvas you already own with pretty wrapping paper to freshen up old decor. 

wrapping paper canvas art at diyshowoff.com

Layer the bed with a folded top sheet topped with a throw blanket. Cat optional. 

eclectic guest bedroom at diyshowoff

Eclectic: mismatched furniture, a mix of pattern and colors, collected-over-time gallery wall, DIY accents, a painted floor and flea market finds. 

blue orange gold eclectic guest bedroom at diyshowoff.commixed media gallery wall at diyshowoff.comguest bedroom redo at diyshowoff.comeclectic guest bedroomDIY cat window seat

I’m in the process of planning a re-do on our other guest room/dressing room. Our master bedroom is a disaster since the day we moved in but always seems to get pushed further down the priority list. What’s your style and favorite bedroom in your home?

Posts related to this room/DIY in this bedroom:

diy luggage rack

easy DIY cat window seat

chevron Shape Tape tray

painted dresser tutorial at diyshowoff.com

See more of my style in the DIY Show Off Home Tour.

Ready for some more bedroom inspiration? Check out these bedroom beauties in the What’s Your Style Series:

what's your style series

Ready for a little inspiration to get started on freshening up your bedroom? Check out the giveaway using the widget below to be entered to win a $100 gift card to Online Fabric Store. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Cottage Bedroom Before and After

Seaside Shelter blog

Dani from Seaside Shelter loves DIY and bargains. Our kind of girl! At Seaside Shelter (her blog), her objective is to share small ideas that will make a big impact on your living space. And she’s so good at it too! She recently finished a cottage bedroom makeover with an amazing reveal for only $335! Take a look:

bedroom before – boring, outdated.

bedroom before

Carpet was removed to reveal birch flooring which was refinished. Wow! Painted walls and trim really freshen up the space…

bedroom after

I love the green and navy accented with gold. Dani calls it “preppy cottage”. Perfect! There are a lot of DIY accents in this room. Pendant lights hang above painted nightstands to save on table space (great idea!) and the beautiful DIY upholstered headboard sports some gold nailhead trim…

DIY upholstered headboard with nailhead trim

Old nightstands get a new look with a coat of paint in a fun accent color…

green painted nightstand

And the stenciled wall adds interest and texture with a pretty pattern…

stenciled bedroom accent wall

Amazing budget with gorgeous results! See the cost breakdown, links to DIY details and more pictures at Seaside Shelter Preppy Cottage Bedroom Reveal.