Why We Turned a Guest Room Into a Dressing Room (And You Should Too)
A Guest Room to Spark Your Inner Maximalist
Let’s be honest. Your guest room might be a bit.. boring.
Unless you're hosting friends and family like it’s a bed and breakfast, your guest room probably spends most of its time doing one thing: collecting dust (and maybe your holiday decorations and ironing board). But what if it could do more? What if it could become your favorite room in the whole house?
In our Parisian Retreat condo project, we gave a bare guest bedroom the ultimate glow-up, turning it into a glamorous dressing room that feels like stepping into a French fashion fantasy.
The Best Guest Room Ideas Start With YOU
We love our guests, truly. But your home should work for your day-to-day life, not just the occasional visitor. So instead of letting that extra room sit empty 360 days a year, why not reimagine it into something you’ll actually use? Like…
A dreamy dressing room
A chic home library
A zen meditation nook with a disco ball (we don’t judge)
In this case, our client had the wardrobe of a style icon and a guest room that was just begging to be fabulous. We took it from bland to bam, and we’re walking you through every sparkling detail.
Before: A Diamond in the (Very Stylish) Rough
Let’s set the scene: beautiful natural light, sky-high views, and the unmistakable energy of potential. What the room didn’t have? A clear identity or functional flow.
It had all the bones - it just needed the flair.
After: Boutique Dressing Room Energy Activated
Enter bold pattern, custom millwork, perfectly curated lighting, and just the right amount of sparkle. We transformed this room into a walk-in wardrobe and personal sanctuary. Imagine a space that inspires your outfits, your mood, and maybe even your next spontaneous dance party.
A few favorite highlights:
Snake-print wallpaper on the ceiling - because a room this fabulous deserves drama from top to bottom
Custom closet storage all around - a place for everything (and then some)
A moveable island - perfect for staging outfits, styling accessories, or twirling dramatically while holding a glass of bubbly
A chic daybed that pulls out to a queen-size bed - because your dressing room can still moonlight as a guest room if it needs to
Dramatic drapery, layered lighting, and those personal touches that make it unmistakably her
This isn't just a closet, it's a full-on vibe. And a strong argument for making bold, unapologetic design choices that center you.
It’s Not Just a Closet. It’s a Daily Experience.
Why save the pretty stuff for special occasions? This dressing room brings the drama in all the right ways and makes even picking socks feel like an act of self-care.
Of course, you might still be wondering how to make the most of your own guest room, and what it really needs to be a magical getaway for your guests.
FAQs: Your Guest Room Questions Answered
1. How do you make a guest room special?
Start by thinking beyond beige. A memorable guest room blends comfort with a little magic: think layered lighting, plush bedding, a signature scent, or a surprise feature like a reading nook or vanity. A space that whispers you’re welcome here, but with a wink.
2. What should every guest bedroom have?
Comfort is queen: a cozy mattress, fresh linens, a spot to stash a suitcase, and light that doesn’t require an engineering degree to turn on. Add a few elevated extras - a robe, a candle, a cheeky local guide - and you’re officially hostess of the year.
3. What are common guest room mistakes?
The biggest? Designing it only for “just in case.” If you only use the space once or twice a year, it’s time to let it pull double (or triple) duty. Whether it’s your home gym, crafting haven, or a jaw-dropping dressing room, let it earn its keep.
Moral of the Story: Your Home Should Spark Joy AND Be Smart
We’re all about spaces that reflect your life, your habits, and your style - not someone else’s Pinterest board. So if your guest room is gathering dust, it might be time to give it a new job title.
At Lisa Gilmore Design, we believe in designing spaces that feel like you: bold, personal, and a little bit unexpected.
If this makeover has you eyeing your guest room with fresh curiosity (and maybe a little mischief), we’d love to help you dream bigger. Fill out our design inquiry form to get started, and we’ll be in touch with next steps.
Want more tips, project reveals, and inspiration for adding livable glamour to your home? Follow us on Instagram or sign up for our newsletter - it's like a virtual glass of champagne delivered straight to your inbox.
Lisa Gilmore Design is a full-service luxury interior design firm based in Tampa Bay, Florida. We serve fabulous clients in St. Pete, Clearwater, South Tampa, Hyde Park, and wherever in the world glam may take us. From concept to champagne reveal, we manage new construction and renovation projects for busy professionals who want their home to feel like the most inspiring place on earth.
5 Ways to Embrace Timeless Interior Design in the New Year
TIMELESS INTERIOR DESIGN - LGD TAMPA
Timeless Interior Design for the Year Ahead
January always brings that craving for a reset. You’ve reorganized the pantry, bought a new planner (that you’ll forget about by March), and maybe even signed up for a yoga class. But what about your home - the space you actually live in every day?
This is the perfect moment to look around and ask: Does this space still reflect who I am and where I’m going? Instead of chasing the latest trend (hello, mushroom-inspired everything), consider investing in something with staying power: timeless interior design. The kind of design that makes your heart skip every time you walk through the door, even years later.
Why Timeless Interior Design Works Year After Year
At Lisa Gilmore Design, we believe your home should tell your story, not echo the latest trend carousel. Timeless interior design, to us, means creating spaces so rich in personality, soul, and craftsmanship that they never feel outdated - just you, elevated. We’re talking layered textures, bold choices, thoughtful details, and a design so good it still makes you smile 5 years from now.
photo: Mid-Century Modern Reno - Lisa Gilmore Design, St-Petersburg
What Makes a Design Timeless?
At Lisa Gilmore Design, we believe timeless doesn’t mean tame. It means tailored. It’s a design that evolves with you, not one that begs for a makeover every time a trend fizzles out.
Here’s what timeless interior design means to us:
Quality over quantity. Think natural stone, real wood, and fabrics that feel like a hug.
Color with purpose. Whether it’s deep emerald or soft blush, the palette is curated, not chaotic.
Details that delight. Custom millwork, architectural interest, layered lighting—things that make a space yours.
A strong point of view. Cookie-cutter isn’t our thing. A timeless home reflects you, not Anthropologie’s greatest hits.
photo: Parisian Condo Reno - Lisa Gilmore Design, Tampa
With good design bones - balance, harmony, proportion - you can add, tweak, and refresh without losing the magic.
How Lisa Gilmore Design Approaches Timeless
We don’t do one-size-fits-all. We do you, dialed up to “wow.”
At LGD, timeless doesn’t mean playing it safe. It means designing a space that feels like the best version of your life - now and in the future. That starts with getting to know what you love, how you live, and where we can stretch your comfort zone just enough to make things exciting.
We’ve worked with clients over years and across homes, designing spaces that grow and evolve with them. From bold wallpaper in a powder room to a dream kitchen years in the making, the common thread is always this: design with staying power and serious personality.
BRITISH LIVING ROOM - LGD ST-PETERSBURG FL
BOLD POWDER ROOM - LGD FLORIDA
Timeless Doesn’t Mean Trendless
You can still have fun. You just don’t need to redo your entire home every time a new “it” color drops.
Timeless design gives you the foundation - trend touches are the sprinkles. Want to test out terracotta tones or try curved furniture? Let’s bring that energy in through pillows, art, or a fabulous accent chair.
It’s all about knowing where to be trendy and how to keep it flexible. Your space stays current without becoming a time capsule.
Photo: Bold, Colorfull Interior Design - Lisa Gilmore Design, Clearwater Fl
FAQs: Timeless Interior Design, Decoded
1. What is a timeless interior design style?
It’s style that sticks - in the best way. Timeless interior design means choosing high-quality materials, classic shapes, and thoughtful details that always feel relevant. At Lisa Gilmore Design, that could look like bold jewel tones paired with traditional molding, or vintage accents layered with luxe finishes. It’s not about being bland or beige - it’s about being brilliantly you, with staying power.
2. What is the 3-5-7 rule in interior design?
This little styling trick is all about balance. Odd numbers are naturally more dynamic to the eye, so when you’re arranging items - say, on a shelf or coffee table - group them in threes, fives, or sevens. It keeps things feeling curated, not cluttered. At LGD, we love using this rule to make accessories feel intentional, not accidental.
3. What is the most popular decorating style for 2026?
2026 is leaning into earth tones, organic shapes, and laid-back luxury, but timeless interior design still reigns supreme. Why? Because it plays well with trends and transcends them. Our clients don’t have to redo everything when the style winds shift. They just swap in a few new accessories and voilà - their home still feels fresh, and totally theirs.
Start the Year with a Space That Lasts
This is the year your home should rise to meet your life, not the other way around. If you're ready to create a space that feels like you, and keeps feeling like you for years to come, Lisa Gilmore Design is here for it.
Reach out to book a consultation or explore our portfolio for a little eye candy and bold design inspiration. Let’s make timeless look anything but typical.
Lisa Gilmore Design is a full-service interior design firm based in Tampa Bay, Florida, known for creating bold, luxurious spaces with a strong point of view. We work with busy professionals across the globe - designing and managing renovations and new builds from concept to reveal. Whether you’re in St. Petersburg, South Tampa, Hyde Park, Clearwater, or beyond, we’ll help you create a home that feels as fabulous as you are.
A Bold Primary Suite Renovation in This St. Petersburg Home
ST PETERSBURG HOME - LISA GILMORE DESIGN
St. Petersburg Home’s Bedroom and Bathroom Design Reveal
As part of a bold, full-home renovation by Lisa Gilmore Design, this primary suite was designed to stand apart, while still playing beautifully with this St. Petersburg home's overall midcentury modern spirit. Inspired by the polish of a New York hotel suite and infused with fashion-forward flair, the bedroom and bathroom were reimagined as a masculine retreat full of architectural edge, artful layers, and meaningful personal details.
Tailored Tranquility in a St. Petersburg Home: Midcentury Style Meets NYC Hotel Chic
What a difference a vision makes. Take a look at how this St. Petersburg home went from sleepy to statement-making.
ST PETERSBURG HOME MOOD BOARD - LISA GILMORE DESIGN
Before: St Petersburg Home’s Primary Bedroom With All The Right Raw Materials
This dreamy St. Petersburg home bedroom had all the architectural charm you could ask for - vaulted wood ceilings, a wall of windows, and space to stretch. But the vibe? A little too mellow. The furniture felt heavy, the palette leaned dark, and the room lacked that signature sparkle we love to bring to a primary suite. It was begging for a bold refresh to match the sunny, style-forward personality of the home.
After: A Tailored Bedroom Retreat in This St. Petersburg Home
This isn’t your average nap zone. From the graphic wallpaper to the custom ottomans and rug - designed by Lisa and brought to life by local artisans - every inch of this bedroom was made to dazzle.
The teal velvet headboard adds drama without taking itself too seriously, while layers of playful patterns keep your eyes dancing around the room. The gallery wall features pieces that trigger the clients’ memories, including old photos of a grandparent’s trip to New York.
The striking angled windows flood the space with Florida sunshine, making the whole room feel like a chic treehouse for grown-ups. With seating areas for lounging, reading, or just admiring your fabulous taste in this freshly reimagined St. Petersburg home.
Before: Average St Petersburg Home’s Primary Bathroom
The bathroom in this St. Petersburg home was spacious and full of potential, but it felt more like a time capsule than a tranquil escape. With dated tile, bulky cabinetry, and a dim layout, it lacked the personality and polish that the rest of the home was leaning into. While the footprint was generous, the finishes didn’t quite live up to it. This space was clearly ready to swap “blah” for spa.
After: Unapologetically Luxe: A Bathroom That Elevates This St. Petersburg Home
Let’s be honest: this bathroom didn’t come to play - it came to indulge.
The sculptural tub takes center stage against a bold charcoal wall, perfectly framed by a minimalist nude sketch that whispers art gallery meets spa day. Just to the side, a cozy wooden stool stands ready with a good read, a glass of wine, and a candle because... self-care, darling.
The adjacent shower feels like a luxe retreat carved from the earth itself - draped in richly veined marble and grounded by a pebble-stone floor that gives your feet a gentle massage as you rinse off the day.
And those walnut vanities? They’re the dashing co-stars, flanked by graphic wall tile and arched mirrors that say, “Yes, you do look fabulous.”
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know Before Buying a St. Petersburg Home
Have questions before you pack your bags and move to paradise? We’ve got answers - St. Petersburg style.
1. Is it expensive to live in St. Petersburg, FL?
St. Pete living isn’t exactly bargain-bin cheap, but it’s not luxury-label exclusive either. Think of it more like a fabulous boutique find: stylish, sun-drenched, and worth the splurge if you know how to shop smart. Housing is the biggest budget item, especially in neighborhoods near the water or downtown. But Florida’s no-income-tax policy does give your paycheck a bit more wiggle room. If you’re willing to live a little farther from the action (or you’re not picky about having a Gulf-view balcony), you can still score a stylish spot that doesn’t drain your savings account.
2. What salary do you need to live comfortably in St. Petersburg, Florida?
Ah, the magic number - how much do you really need to live your best life in the Sunshine City? If you're imagining morning coffee on the porch, a few dinner dates each month, and enough left over for a Target run and your Spotify Premium, a salary around $60K to $90K should do the trick. A single person might get by with a little less, but if you’ve got expensive taste (or a love for local art, boutique gyms, or beachy cocktails), a bit more cushion is nice. Like most things in life, comfort here is all about balance - sunshine, savings, and just enough space for a spontaneous weekend getaway.
3. Is St. Petersburg, FL a good place to live?
In a word: yes. But let’s unpack it, because St. Pete isn’t just good - it’s glow-up-worthy. With more sunshine than you’ll know what to do with, a thriving arts scene, delicious food, and beaches that feel like postcards, it’s easy to see why people fall in love with this place. You’ve got charming bungalows, vibrant murals, and a calendar packed with festivals and farmers markets. Sure, traffic can get a little cranky and housing prices are climbing like a vine on a pergola, but if you’re looking for creative energy, coastal beauty, and community vibes, St. Pete delivers - sparkle and all.
Whether you're dreaming of a midcentury modern oasis or a hotel-inspired retreat, we’ll help you create a St. Petersburg home that reflects your boldest design goals.
Ready to turn your bedroom and bathroom into a bold, beautiful escape? Whether you live in St. Pete or across the globe, our team would love to bring your vision to life. Fill out our design inquiry form, and we’ll be in touch. For more inspiration and glam-filled ideas, follow us on Instagram or sign up for our newsletter.
Lisa Gilmore Design is a luxury interior design firm based in Tampa Bay, Florida, known for creating bold, artfully tailored spaces for busy professionals. Recognized as an Architectural Digest Leading Southwest Florida Designer and named a Top 25 Design Firm in Florida by Design + Decor, our work has also been featured in top publications like Florida Design, Aspire Home, and Rue Magazine. We proudly serve homeowners in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Hyde Park, South Tampa, and beyond—bringing one-of-a-kind designs to clients around the globe.
Master Bath Design: 4 Jaw-Dropping Sanctuaries You Have to See
MASTER BATH DESIGN - LISA GILMORE DESIGN
Get Inspired by These Elegant & Elevated Master Bath Design Projects
When people think of showstopping interior design, they tend to zero in on kitchens, living rooms, and primary bedrooms. It makes sense - these are the rooms we gather in, unwind in, and start and end our days in. But there’s one space that’s equally worthy of the spotlight: master bath design.
A beautifully designed bathroom doesn’t just support your daily routine, it transforms it. And when done well, it becomes a personal retreat that rivals any five-star hotel.
Soak in the Style: 4 Inspiring Master Bath Design Projects
We believe that your master bath design should be just as intentional - and joy-filled - as any other room in the home. From statement lighting to dreamy vanities and artful tile, every detail should reflect your personality and style. These four projects do exactly that.
Monochromatic Master Bath Design Masterpiece
Monochromatic Master Bath - Lisa Gilmore Design
This soothing space blends softness and sophistication with layered textures and artisanal flair. Crisp white surfaces set the stage for burnished wood cabinetry and a feminine makeup vanity that steals the show.
photo: Custom Bath Cabinet Tampa Fl
A freestanding tub takes center stage, framed by hand-painted Tabarka tile and a water-safe border that mimics aged stone. A beaded chandelier adds just the right dose of drama, while arched shower entrances hint at old-world elegance.
photo: Monochromatic Master Bath Tampa
Equal parts durable and delicate, this serene sanctuary is proof that timeless style doesn’t have to be boring.
photo: Timeless Bathroom - Lisa Gilmore Design
Parisian Primary Bath Paradise
PARISIAN BATHROOM DESIGN - LISA GILMORE DESIGN
This master bath design is a love letter to vintage glam and unapologetic romance. Inspired by the homeowner’s love of fashion, travel, and Sex and the City, this suite layers chocolate floral wallpaper, a vintage rug, and antique mirror tiles in the most effortlessly chic way. The vanity wall dazzles with a basketweave of reflective tile and gilded details. Every inch of the space, from the soaking tub to the curated candelabra, invites you to slow down and indulge. It’s a little Paris, a little sparkle, and a whole lot of personality.
photo: Vintage Glam Master Bath - Lisa Gilmore Design
Masculine Master Bath Design Marvel
Equal parts spa and sculpture gallery, this tailored retreat honors its mid-century roots while turning up the sophistication. A walnut stool, a moody figure sketch, and pebble mosaic floor bring in warmth and texture.
photo: Masculine Bathroom - Lisa Gilmore Design
We reimagined the layout to include a second primary closet, then layered in rosewood vanities, dark architectural tile, and a steam shower that means business.
photo: Custom Rosewood Vanity
With drama, function, and soul woven throughout, this master bath design is anything but standard-issue. It’s as bold and expressive as the couple who lives here.
photo: Mid-Century Master Bath Design
Earthly Primary Bath Elegance
If you could bottle up a Caribbean vacation and pour it into a room, it would look like this.
photo: Caribbean inspired Master Bath
Creamy marble floors, soft gold fixtures, and natural wood cabinetry lay the foundation for a spa-like vibe, while hanging plants, handmade tile, and palm wallpaper in the water closet bring the outside in.
The oversized shower features natural stone and brushed brass hardware for that luxury-on-autopilot feel.
photo: Brushed Brass Bathroom Hardware
This master bath design is all about balance: earthy and elevated, tailored and tropical, peaceful and full of personality.
photo: Master Bath with plants - Lisa Gilmore Design
FAQs: Answers to Your Master Bath Design Questions
1. What is the bathroom design trend in 2025?
Spa-inspired everything. In 2025, master bathrooms are going full-on sanctuary mode - think warm minimalism, integrated tech, and bold stone vanities. You'll also see a return of vintage charm (unlacquered brass! fluted cabinetry!) mixed with sleek modern silhouettes. And yes, style matters more than ever.
2. How much does it cost to design a master bathroom?
Costs vary, but most high-end master bath design projects fall between $25,000 and $80,000+, depending on square footage, layout changes, and finish selections. Custom cabinetry, plumbing, tilework, and lighting are major cost drivers - but also major value-adds.
3. What are master baths called now?
Many designers (us included!) use “primary bathroom” or “owner’s suite bathroom” instead of “master bath” to embrace more inclusive language. But no matter what you call it, it’s still the perfect space to experiment with bold design, luxe materials, and a little powder room-worthy glamour.
Whether your heart beats faster for vintage Parisian glam or clean Caribbean calm, our team at Lisa Gilmore Design will create a master bath design that reflects your needs, your lifestyle, and your unique sense of style.
Interested in working together? Fill out our inquiry form, and we’ll be in touch soon. Until then, come explore more style-forward inspiration on Instagram or in our newsletter - we’d love to have you along for the journey.
Lisa Gilmore Design is a luxury interior design firm based in Tampa Bay, Florida. We specialize in designing and managing high-end renovations and new home construction for busy professionals. Our work has been featured in Architectural Digest, Florida Design, Rue Magazine, and more. We proudly serve clients in St. Petersburg, Clearwater, South Tampa, Hyde Park, and beyond.
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Lisa Gilmore Design Interior Design trends, new projects & luxury design inspiration from your favorite Tampa Bay Interior Designer in Florida.
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