Remember the “Things That Are Awesome” print we picked up at a local craft fair last Christmas by an artist named Rachel (we intended to hang it in the guest room so guests could study all the things that are awesome while they stayed)?
We finally framed it and hung it up, and it feels like a small but meaningful finish to that corner of the house.
This view shows a corner of the guest room we hadn’t shared in ages. The last time we posted a real look at this space was a couple of summers ago, and a lot has shifted since then. At one point we moved a large mirror out of the room and placed it over the mantel in the kitchen, and later we held a yard sale where we parted with an old dresser that had seen better days. With those changes, this wall was left bare for a while.
Eventually we brought in a simple bookcase that had been handy for other shoots. It worked perfectly for the space — practical, clean-lined, and ready to be styled. The shelf backs had been painted in different colors for a previous photo project, so that little pop of variety made the unit feel like it belonged here right away.
All that was left was to pick up a frame for the print. We ran to JoAnn to find the right size and finish, and yes, we used a 40% off coupon at checkout. It’s always satisfying to get a good frame without stretching the budget, and these small savings make decorating feel more achievable.
From a distance the wall looks tidy and deliberate, but you don’t really get the charm of the “Things That Are Awesome” print until you get closer. Up close, the print’s details, colors, and playful typography make it a joyful focal point. We like supporting local or independent artists when we can, so it felt great to finally give this piece a proper place to live in the house.
We also made safety and longevity a priority by anchoring the bookcase to the wall. Guests with kids are a regular occurrence in our home, and anchoring tall furniture is a simple, wise precaution. Luckily the bookcase came with an anchor system when we originally bought it, so installation was straightforward and provided immediate peace of mind.
A few days after everything was in place I walked into the room and found a tiny endorsement: a small arrangement of toys and a drawing left near the shelves. That little scene felt like a stamp of approval from our own household — a sweet, everyday confirmation that the corner was now part of family life again.
It’s funny how rooms can go from forgotten to finished with just a few deliberate moves. Sometimes a space sits dormant because it feels “done enough,” so we turn our attention to more pressing projects elsewhere. Other times a room waits for the right piece — a print, a mirror, a bookcase — to bring the whole look together. When that element finally arrives, the transformation can feel surprisingly swift.
Have you ever had a room that sat untouched for months or years and then suddenly felt like the whole house had shifted? It often comes down to momentum and priorities: once you unclutter a space or add one meaningful object, you notice fresh possibilities and the rest follows. Bringing the guest room to life was a small project, but it turned an overlooked corner into a warm, intentional area where visitors can feel welcome.
If you’re considering a similar refresh, think about the simple details that will make a room feel complete — art that makes you smile, furniture that fits the flow, and practical touches like anchors and proper framing. Those modest investments add up to a finished, welcoming space that lasts.