Big Before & After: My Guest Bedroom

Over the summer, I shared my intention of making some permanent changes to our rental, all of which were permitted by our landlord. Today, I'm happy to report that my guest bedroom is happily redecorated, thanks in no small part to new shelves that my husband and I built!

Before you can appreciate the "after shots" (like the one above), I have to focus your attention on the 'before' state: a trio of shelves that weren't symmetrical or centered on the wall of guest bedroom. They were terrible. I don't know how I tolerated them for three whole years!

The shelves were too deep, so as a result, they cast dark shadows on anything below them.

I removed the shelves piece by piece all by myself one afternoon and I felt such pride!

My husband and I (with some very helpful guidance from my father-in-law Ed) installed two rows of shelves that ran from corner to corner and were 8" deep. I painted the shelves the same bone white color as the walls in the guest room. 

Here are the after shots!

What do you think?

It may seem strange for a renter to make permanent changes to her apartment like I did here, but I believe that every place my husband and I live is our home--whether we own it or not. I'm happy to have a special spot to display my collection of vintage pottery from our wedding, but I know the shelves will come in handy for whoever lives here after we move on.

Tomorrow, I'll be focusing on more details in the room, so please check back!

Who wants to stay over? You're all welcome!