There’s a point in every home design journey when you realize: this space could be so much more. For designer Ashley Whiteside, that realization struck in her 2014 version of a Craftsman she shares with her husband, their 13-year-old and River, their retired greyhound. It wasn’t that the home lacked charm—it just needed a little drama. “There was no personality, no feeling, just lots of messes,” she says. “Flat gray walls, horrible patch jobs and too-white trim that had been crummily painted. It was a sad state.” 

But one perfectly moody paint color and a clever role reversal later, this forgotten bedroom now channels major boutique hotel energy—and it all started with a simple question: “Why not make this the guest room?” 

A Room with a New Role (and a New Vibe) 

Originally painted for her husband’s home office, the room was first envisioned as a masculine, moody den. “He wanted something interesting where he could add lots of lighting and wood, and where his guitars would look awesome,” Ashley recalls. After swatching a few contenders, he landed on Nearly Navy over Current Mood, and color-drenched the whole space. 

But after a few months, they realized the room swap made sense: he took the larger bedroom across the hall, and she was left with a freshly painted room in a color she loved. That’s when inspiration struck. “The prompt became quickly apparent: Boutique Hotel vibes.” 

Leaning Into the Dark Side 

With just one north-facing window, natural light was in short supply. But instead of trying to fight the shadows, Ashley embraced them. “I definitely wanted warmth, and I leaned into the dark,” she says. “It is very dark, don’t get me wrong—but I wanted that. It’s so much more interesting now, and so enjoyable to be in. IT IS THE COZIEST SLEEP COCOON, oh my goodness.” 

Plus, the color-drenched effect—walls, trim and ceiling all painted in Nearly Navy—gives the room a rich, enveloping feel that’s equal parts bold and serene. This dark bedroom now radiates a level of comfort and luxury that invites relaxation. 

A DIY Headboard and Some Rosé Season Throwbacks 

While the paint set the tone, the details brought the room’s story to life. A DIY headboard made from leftover fabric adds a layer of luxe texture, while the pink silk curtains and sculptural sconces—both repurposed from a previously painted Rosé Season dining room—add just the right amount of whimsy.  

“The color play of the pink silk and warm navy is sooo pretty,” Ashley says. “The sconces are a must at every bedside I design, but these are even better because of the shadows they cast.” 

A midcentury bedside table and red-piped bedding bring in a layer of intrigue, while a luggage bench and cheekily overstuffed “guest” closet (currently doubling as her decorating closet) give the space personality and practicality. “Oops,” she laughs. “But it’s true.” 

A Favorite Vignette 

Ashley’s favorite view? “The bedside table where you see the luscious headboard fabric, sconce, midcentury table, and paint all playing together,” she says. “IRL, the side where the curtain shows too is even better.” 

Mission accomplished. With bold color, thoughtful details and a space that’s anything but basic, this dark bedroom proves that sometimes the most unexpected spaces can become the most inspiring and cozy.