Hello, friends. I’ve finally started a long-overdue makeover for my combined office and guest bedroom, inspired by a relaxed nautical palette. This room has been on my to-do list for a while, but with young children and a baby in 2014, it kept getting pushed aside.
Until last weekend, it was the last room in the house still painted beige. I repainted the walls in Benjamin Moore’s Simply White to brighten the space and create a clean backdrop for photos and projects.
This room will serve double duty: it’s my workspace and a small photo studio for blogging. The desk faces away from a large window, so the natural light will be ideal for photographing small projects.
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I usually focus on one makeover at a time, but the new desk arrived and inspired me to move forward with this room now. I found my dream desk at the Ballard Designs outlet in Atlanta at a great price. The new desk is slightly wider and shallower than my old one, which fits the wall perfectly and offers much better storage.
Before I started buying accessories, I decided to create a clear design direction. To avoid a scattered look, I pulled together a nautical-inspired vision board to guide purchases and layout decisions.
I’ve already begun rearranging the room and will share the full reveal once the paint is dry, curtains are hung, and art and accessories are in place. A few items I’ll need to source or make include bedside lamps and a couple of coastal-inspired throw pillows for the guest bed.
The inspiration started with a pair of blue paisley curtains I spotted on Pinterest. They set the tone for the room’s color story—soft whites, layered blues, and warm natural woods. The curtains were an affordable find and come in a generous 95″ length, which helps frame the window nicely.
For the guest bed I’ll keep white bedding and add a few coastal accent pillows to keep the look light and airy. I’m also planning DIY nightstands, so I’ll pick lamps that coordinate with the nautical-but-not-too-thematic scheme.
Above the desk I plan to hang a framed linen pinboard to hold inspiration, swatches, and project ideas. I already have that piece and look forward to filling it with visuals that will keep me motivated while I work.
A friend gifted a whimsical sign that reads “I want to eat cake by the ocean,” which is a playful nod to the coastal influence without going overboard. I want the space to feel calm, fresh, and welcoming for both work and overnight guests.
I’m keeping the nautical elements subtle—mostly a mix of whites, blues, and various wood tones. I included a few accent pieces in my vision board, such as decorative sailboats and textured pillows, but those are only inspirations and won’t all make the final cut. The goal is a cohesive, serene space rather than a literal seaside cottage.
One decision I’m still weighing is whether to replace the current full bed with a daybed and trundle or a sleeper sofa. I like the idea of a sleeper sofa for flexibility, but comfort for guests is an important factor in that choice.
I’ll leave you with the inspiration board I assembled and get back to painting. I’m excited to share progress photos soon once the room comes together.
Office and Guest Bedroom Inspiration with a Nautical Theme
Key pieces and accents featured in the board include a comfortable slipcovered chair, brass task lamp, a rectangular desk accessory set, faux-wood curtain rod, blue paisley curtains, framed linen pinboard, subtle coastal artwork, glass table lamp, artificial greenery, textured pillow covers, a wood-bead chandelier, wooden sailboat décor, and striped and marine-themed throw pillows.
I’m looking forward to pulling these elements together and sharing the finished room with you soon. Wishing you a lovely weekend!
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