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.

Dreamy Baby Girl Nursery: A Whimsical Retreat for Matilda Mae

Lisa Gilmore Design’s Baby Girl Nursery

Designing a magazine-worthy home might come naturally to Lisa Gilmore, but when it came to her own baby girl nursery, the challenge was surprisingly tough! For an interior designer, one of the most exciting parts of pregnancy is creating that special space for your little one. Yet, when Lisa set out to design Matilda Mae’s nursery, she hit a creative roadblock.

Matilda Mae’s Modern Baby Girl Nursery

“As many people know, my style is all about layers of color and pattern. Naturally, I started with that same aesthetic for the nursery, but something just didn’t feel right,” Lisa explained.

Thankfully, she had plenty of time to find her groove before baby Matilda made her grand entrance. The first piece she fell in love with? The crib.

Baby Girl Nursery Green Crib– A Dreamy Centerpiece

Lisa found the perfect crib—the rattan Palm Crib by Nestig, in a lovely shade of green. “It was the only thing I had saved for months that I knew I absolutely wanted in the room.”

photo: Lisa Gilmore Design

Moroccan-Inspired Baby Girl Nursery Rug

Then on a recent trip to Morocco, Lisa stumbled upon a soft lambswool rug with stripes in cream, terracotta, and blush. “It was so far from what I had in mind, but I couldn’t resist. I pictured telling Matilda one day how I picked out her rug in Morocco when I was five months pregnant!”

And that’s when the magic started to happen—the nursery design began to bloom.

photo: Lisa Gilmore Design

Floral Meets Modern in Matilda's Baby Girl Nursery

Knowing Matilda's birth flower was the daisy, Lisa fell in love with a whimsical daisy wallpaper from Nestig. It paired perfectly with the modern rug and the charming green crib. This playful backdrop set the stage for the room’s stunning artwork: a watercolor Parisian map hanging over her crib gifted by a close friend, the special mama leopard and cub art created and gifted by dear friend and artist Rebekah Lazaridis, and the original Madeline art by Ludwig Bemelmans gifted by her uncle and found at an auction in Peru. 

A Chandelier with a Story

Lisa’s love for antiques brought another touch of whimsy to the room: a vintage French palm leaf chandelier she found years ago while antiquing in Atlanta. “I didn’t know where it would go at the time, but when I pulled it out for Matilda’s room, I knew it was perfect. It casts such lovely light, and I could imagine her gazing up at it! And now she does!”

And the cozy Crate and Kids glider with a cute little lumbar pillow in Willow Mint with pink piping by Pepper Home is the perfect place to cuddle. 

photo: Lisa Gilmore Design

A Sentimental Baby Girl Nursery Mobile with a Family Connection

The finishing touch? A mobile of tiny ballerinas, hand-stitched by Lisa’s great-grandmother in the 80s. “These delicate dolls hung in my room as a baby, and I was so happy to use them for Matilda’s nursery.” 

The mobile looks so sweet against the Pepper Home custom-made-to-order pink drapery with green tassels. (These were so easy to order online with everything Lisa wanted– blackout lined and pinch pleated with the beautiful tassels that tie everything together.)

Lisa’s dreamy design for Matilda’s nursery is a blend of stories, sentiment, and stunning design—perfect for a little one’s first adventures.

photo: Lisa Gilmore Design

FAQs: Everything You Want to Know About a Baby Girl Nursery

1. What age should a baby have a nursery?

There’s no hard and fast rule for when a baby should have a nursery. Many parents set one up before their little one arrives, but some wait until the baby is a few months old. Ideally, the nursery is ready when you want your baby to start sleeping in their own room—typically around 6 months, according to many parenting guidelines. It’s all about when you feel ready for that transition!

2. What are the best colors for a baby girl nursery?

The best colors for a baby girl nursery depend on the vibe you're going for! Soft pastels like blush pink, lavender, and mint are classic choices, but modern nurseries are branching out with neutrals like cream, taupe, and sage green. If you want a bold pop, deep mauve or peachy coral can add a fun twist. 

3. How do you make a girly nursery?

Creating a girly nursery can be a delightful mix of soft colors, charming patterns, and sweet accents. Think floral wallpaper, plush rugs, and maybe a chic chandelier for a touch of whimsy! You can play with feminine touches like ruffled curtains, pastel-hued decor, or delicate wall art. The goal is to make it cozy and pretty, but also functional and comfortable for you and your baby.

What a dreamy nursery for little Matilda! Before you know it, Lisa will be looking at big kid room ideas for her darling daughter, and we’ll be ready to see her next design adventure

Interested in hiring our team for your design project? Simply fill out our design inquiry form and we’ll contact you for more details.

To get more tips, see our projects, and find ideas for adding liveable glamour to your home, follow me on Instagram or sign up for our newsletter.

Lisa Gilmore Design specializes in luxury design services for busy professionals. Our full-service, interior design firm, based in Tampa Bay, Florida, creates exclusive spaces through artisan-crafted pieces, antique elements, and personalized designs. Lisa Gilmore Design serves homeowners in Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Hyde Park, South Tampa, and worldwide.

Pink Sofa, Green Sofa, Teal Sofa! Colorful Sofas Everywhere!

Alternatives to Boring White Sofas

One design choice that many people are scared of is a colorful sofa. Everyone wants gray, white, or beige because they think it will go with anything and it will stand the test of time. 

Although that's true, we try to teach our clients a new definition of neutral. 

People commonly associate the term “neutral” with certain colors– shades of white, brown, and black. But when it comes to design, we always urge people to decorate with colors that make them happy. 

So if pink is your favorite color, don’t be scared to make a statement with it in your home. Commit and leave people in awe of your bravery!

5 Colorful Sofas That Make Typical Neutrals Pale in Comparison

If you prefer bold colors to neutral tones, there’s no reason to feel forced to choose a neutral sofa. We love eye-catching sofas, and here are a few pieces that we have selected for our client’s homes. 

RASPBERRY PINK SOFA - LISA GILMORE DESIGN

Striking Raspberry Pink Sofa

Our client’s condo had modern architecture, but they wanted the interior to have a more traditional undertone with vibrant colors. So, we turned this white, boxlike room into a showstopper with custom millwork and raspberry colors from floor to ceiling. 

The raspberry pink high-gloss paint was the perfect canvas for the raspberry sofa and abstract painting by the client’s father.

And bonus– the sofa’s fabric is a very durable performance fabric to guard against the messiest of spills. It’s also a sleeper sofa for when guests want to stay over! Attractive and versatile for a tight condo space.

This bright space made the perfect den to watch movies and entertain friends. Everyone who enters surely feels like they are being wrapped up in a raspberry hug.

HISTORIC HOME WITH GREEN SOFA - LISA GILMORE DESIGN

Lisa’s Historic Home with Green Sofa

This photo gives you a peek into Lisa’s 1920s brick rental home in St. Pete. The open living room and dining room combo was perfect for this green sectional from CR Lane.

A sectional sofa with a high back would have blocked the flow of the room, which is why Lisa chose this sofa with a lower back that offered a sightline. This allowed both the dining and lounging areas to feel connected.

Lisa paired the sofa with grapefruit velvet drapes to create a preppy pink-and-green vibe. It is an ideal combination of color and coziness for Lisa, who entertains frequently. 

GREEN VELVET SOFA - LISA GILMORE DESIGN TAMPA

PINK-ORANGE SOFA - 1920’S BUNGALOW - LISA GILMORE DESIGN TAMPA

1920s Bungalow with Pink-Orange Sofa

The Lisa Gilmore Design team redesigned four spaces in this 1925 home in the Historic Old Northeast district of St. Petersburg, including this living room space.

The homeowner wanted a colorful and happy feminine home to showcase her love of art and antiques. To create that feeling, we selected this Verellen sofa in JAB fabric, which is super special because, while it reads pink, when you are up close it has orange threading in the weave and creates an interesting dimension from different angles of viewing. 

It also adds a pop of whimsy to the room, especially when paired with the area rug from Loom + Co. 

Geometric Black-and-White Sofa in Bold Office

The client for this project was relocating from the Chicago area to a luxury condo in downtown St. Petersburg. 

Our team didn’t even meet the homeowners until the project was complete, and they had relocated to Florida. All of the client interactions occurred virtually, but the client had given us three pieces of art on which to base our design.

This office/guest room was one of the two rooms in which we didn’t use the client’s existing art. While it was intimidating to design without art for direction at first, we found that the blank canvas allowed our team to push the limits. 

This room intentionally throws color in your face.

The black-and-white sofa we chose also boasts performance fabric qualities and is a sleeper sofa. It is the ultimate complement to the violet walls and art by Erin MacIntosh from ARTicles Art Gallery in St. Pete.

photo Lisa Gilmore Design

TEAL SOFA VACATION CONDO - LISA GILMORE DESIGN FLORIDA

Teal Sofa in Beach Condo

When we designed this Gulf Coast vacation condo, our goal was to reimagine the typical coastal look with colorful accents and modern touches.

Though the adjacent dining room is high-contrast with orangey-pink drapery and black-and-white patterns, the sofa from CR Lane has a coastal vibe. And, like many of the pieces we selected for this space, the sofa is made of indoor/outdoor fabric to make beachside living a breeze.

FAQs

1. Which sofa color is trending?

Dark blue, mustard yellow, bright green, and bold patterns are popular now and are expected to continue to be in demand in 2024. And deep, jewel-tone greens and bold patterns are at the top of the list of colors we love most!

2. What color sofa is timeless?

Colors like gray, cream, taupe, and some shades of blue are timeless, neutral shades. Many homeowners choose these colors because they match any decor. However, saturated colors can also be timeless and classic, as well as more forgiving of mishaps.

3. What sofa colors make a room look bigger?

Light-colored sofas create a spacious vibe and can make a room feel more open. Choosing a sofa that is the same color as your walls is another way to give the illusion of openness. But the most important thing to keep in mind when selecting a sofa for a space is the size. A sofa that is too large for a room can make the space feel smaller. Scale, size, and profile shape play a big role in determining whether a sofa is the right fit for your space.

Though we love selecting vibrant, bold sofas for the spaces we design, we know that adding so much color can be a big risk for some homeowners. If you aren’t ready to make the commitment, less expensive items like area rugs, drapery, and pillows are also great ways to add color and fun to a room. 

To get more tips, see our projects, and find ideas for adding pops of color and luxury to your home, follow me on Instagram or sign up for our newsletter.

Lisa Gilmore Design is an interior design firm based in Tampa Bay, Florida that provides luxury design services to busy professionals. We have been named an Architectural Digest Leading Southwest Florida Designer and a Top 25 Design Florida Firm by Design + Decor. Lisa Gilmore Design has also been featured in top design publications such as Florida Design, Aspire Home, and Rue Magazine. We serve homeowners in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Hyde Park, South Tampa, and worldwide.

Formal Dining Rooms are Back in Style: 7 Grand Spaces to Inspire You

DESIGNED FOR HOSTING FAMILY AND FRIENDS, PERFECT FOR DINNER PARTIES AND SPECIAL OCCASIONS

Black & Gold Dining Room with Wine Wall - Lisa Gilmore Design

Formal Dining Room Sets Have Returned

Open floor plans have been the go-to home layout for decades. However, not all homebuyers like an open concept; an increasing number of people prefer a traditional layout with separate rooms. 

And as traditional layouts have regained popularity in recent years, so have formal dining rooms.

Where open floor plans often combine the kitchen, dining room, and living room into one large space, traditional floor plans have separate rooms for each. 

Formal dining rooms give homeowners a separate space for dinner parties and special occasions– a space specifically designed for hosting family and friends.

We are sharing a few of the formal dining spaces that the Lisa Gilmore Design team has created that illustrate how these rooms can add richness and character to your home.

7 Luxury Formal Dining Rooms

These seven dining rooms display a range of vibes from modern to traditional, colorful to neutral, and maximalist to minimalist.

Transitional Meets Modern Dining Room

Mid-Century Dining Room - Lisa Gilmore Design

This mid-century formal dining room in St. Petersburg is a great example of mixing traditional and modern elements. Traditional pieces include an heirloom cocktail cart and vintage-inspired chandelier. For a modern twist, the Lisa Gilmore Design team included a banana leaf art print for a pop of color, and we collaborated with local artist Meaghan Scalise to create this hand-painted marbled mural.

Traditional Formal Dining Room with Sparkle

Farmhouse Dining Room - Lisa Gilmore Design

At first glance, this space may look like your traditional formal dining room but don’t miss the wow elements throughout. 

Our client didn't want this room to feel too stuffy and over-decorated, but also not super relaxed. The classic farmhouse chairs symbolize togetherness and evenings filled with conversations and memories around the table, paired with the leopard host and hostess chairs for a bit of approachable glam! 

And the crystal chandelier adds elegance to this beautiful Terra Ceia Island dining room in Manatee County.

Formal Dining Room with Bold, Hand-Painted Drapery

The first thing you may notice about this Tierra Verde formal dining room is the hand-painted drapery fabric from Porter Teleo. When Lisa chose this orangey-pink fabric, she knew it would frame the windows beautifully during a warm sunset. She paired the drapery with high-contrast, black-and-white patterns for a bold look.

The other focal point of this room is the brass banana leaf chandelier that Lisa designed and fabricated locally. 

Lisa Gilmore Design photo

Neutral, Earthy Dining Room with a Modern Twist

Our team chose a neutral and earthy color palette for this dining room to balance the colorful adjacent living room. We paired a distressed wood table with acrylic chairs and bench seating covered in woven fabric. We added handmade textile art for texture and an antique, French-style chandelier for a touch of old-world glam. 

Lisa Gilmore Design photo.

Black and Gold Dining Room with Wine Wall

Wine Wall Dining Room - Lisa Gilmore Design

Luxury Dining Room Details - Lisa Gilmore Design

This Snell Isle formal dining room’s details make it simply unforgettable. Your eye may be initially drawn to the room’s wine wall with lighted glass discovery boxes. 

But don’t miss the custom walls and wainscoting by T2TheS, a local millwork company, and the Currey & Company chandelier. 

Our team upholstered the dining chairs in Kelly Wearstler Graffito for Lee Jofa fabric and commissioned this large round dining table from Stine Custom Woodworks. The finishing touch was a gold corkboard-wallpapered ceiling. 

Colorful Formal Dining Room with Vintage Elements

Colorful Dining Room - Lisa Gilmore Design

This dining room has so many small touches that add character and glamour. The chairs and striking royal blue sideboard were vintage pieces our team had restyled locally. 

Another dazzling piece is the table, which is a beautiful black cheruse. The eye-catching chandelier is from Arteriors, and the majestic side lamps are vintage from the 1940s. The drapery, which is a beautiful chartreuse green silk with a hot pink grosgrain, pops against the room's black walls and white wainscoting.

Maximalist Formal Dining Room

Colorful Formal Dining Room - Lisa Gilmore Design

Maximalist Formal Dining Room - Lisa Gilmore Design Tampa

This ranch-style home’s dining room is a visual feast for the eyes. The Lisa Gilmore Design team mixed old and new elements to create a space filled with conversation starters. 

Lift your eyes to the leopard-inspired wallpaper on the ceiling, then the blush-hued grasscloth wall coverings and chinoiserie drapery. For wall hangings, we added the client’s vintage plates gifted from her daughter and whimsical watercolor art for a bit more color boldness. The vintage Italian Murano glass chandelier illuminates the chartreuse performance fabric-covered host and hostess chairs and the client’s reupholstered and repainted dining chairs. 

Lisa Gilmore Design Tricks of the Trade

When our team of experts designs a formal dining room, there are a few things we like to keep in mind:

1. Consider the seating.

Different seating styles offer different energy and add personality to a dining room. Mix-and-match seating, matching chairs, and bench seats each add a distinct vibe to the space.

2. Dress the walls.

Interior designers are artists and each space is a canvas for us to create. That includes a room’s walls. We intentionally select a particular wallpaper, hand-painted details, and art to enhance a space’s aesthetic. If you really want to take it to the next level, don’t forget the ceiling!

3. Drapery is art.

Drapery is another way we had an artistic element to a formal dining room. Some homeowners want to save money by avoiding custom drapery, but this is one of those areas that make a significant impact on a space. It is an easy way to add color and visual height to a room.

4. Lighting can take a dining room to the next level.

Formal dining rooms often feel incomplete without a statement light fixture. Beyond its functional uses, the right light can add a unique element to the room, whether through its history, modern or traditional feel, funky shape, or custom design.

FAQs

1. What’s considered a formal dining room?

A formal dining room is often a separate room that is used for special occasions, dinner parties, and other entertaining. It may have doors, like pocket or French doors, that close it off from other rooms in the house. Formal dining rooms usually have a more elevated design than casual dining spaces and include a formal dining room set and high-end linens and dinnerware.

2. Are formal dining rooms still a thing?

Formal dining rooms became less popular when the demand for open floor plans increased, but in 2023, traditional floor plans and formal dining spaces are becoming more popular. In fact, a Rocket Homes survey found that nearly 50% of homebuyers prefer a traditional layout. And as a luxury interior design firm, we have designed many formal dining rooms for clients.

3. What is a good size formal dining room?

According to Spruce, the average size dining room in the U.S. is 14 by 16 feet. It’s important to keep your dining room’s size in mind when selecting a formal dining room table. We recommend a pathway of at least 36 inches from table to wall, although 42 inches is best and most comfortable for walking around when guests are seated.

We are glad to see that formal dining rooms are back in style, but when we work with a client, we place much more emphasis on what layouts and designs work best for their lifestyle and personality rather than what is trendy. Trends come and go, so your spaces should be a reflection of your life and preferences. 

To get more tips, see our projects, and find ideas for adding liveable glamour to your home, follow us on Instagram or sign up for our newsletter.

Lisa Gilmore Design is an interior design firm based in Tampa Bay, Florida that provides luxury design services to busy professionals. We are a full-service design firm that creates one-of-a-kind spaces through the use of artisan-crafted pieces, antique elements, and custom designs. Lisa Gilmore Design serves homeowners in Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Hyde Park, South Tampa, and worldwide.