A Small Space Makeover That’s All About Those Vacay Vibes

Katie Bond
Updated

Everybody loves the idea of a spare room. But figuring out what to do with said room can be a bit of a challenge. Whether it’s a large space or a teeny-tiny one like in our makeover, you want to make sure it adds a little flavor (and function) to your home. Our Branded Partnership Manager Ashley Fischer Stern’s San Francisco apartment had a spare room with a wall of windows and a whole lot of potential that we couldn’t wait to get our hands on. On this edition of Make It Over, we’ll show you her Palm Springs-inspired, cocktail-ready transformation (along with some easy DIYs) that will have you dreaming of warmer weather and a beverage or three.

The Before

Fischer Stern’s spare room started off as a pseudo-office with blank walls and not a lot going on. The room overlooks a shared garden and was basically begging for some jungalow/greenhouse vibes. When asked what she envisioned for the room, Fischer Stern said, “…Something fun, modern, and colorful. We entertain a LOT, so it would be nice to have a space that can work well for cocktail parties, girls nights, or just weeknight chill sessions.”

The After

Fischer Stern’s bright and modern style came out in all of the little changes — from the vacay-inspired temporary wallpaper (a la Chasing Paper) to the gilded and pink velvet bench *made* for lounging. The Palm Spring vibes are strong in this room and will set the scene for many a cocktail mixings to come.

Fischer Stern said she was ready to “go big” with this makeover so we decided to add a statement wall covered with palm fronds. The temporary wallpaper was easy to install and instantly transformed the spare room into a mid-century mod lounge. We also added that signature glam style with plenty of metallic accents via the bar cart, starburst mirror, hanging planters from Article, an easy DIY window/wall hanging, and a shiny side table.

To achieve jungalow vibes, we added a plant corner with both hanging and floor planters near the bar cart and a few other plants as well. Just how amazing is this Jonathan Adler vase and snake plant combo?!

Mixing metallics with bold textiles and plenty of texture really helped bring that Palm Springs style home. If you’re going for the same vibe, be sure to include leather, faux fur, rattan, and velvet.

“I can’t wait to have friends over and mix up some cocktails!” Fischer Stern says. Even her pup Kramer approves!

The DIYs

To make this tiny room shine, we really needed to bring in some statement-making wall and window accents. These DIYs would look amazing in a bedroom, nursery, etc.

PALM FROND TEMPORARY WALLPAPER

Temporary wallpaper is all the rage these days, but it can also be overwhelming if you’ve never done it before. Our girl Cassidy tackled the install like a boss. Her recommendation? “Take your time lining things up. If you have uneven walls, just make sure your pattern matches and don’t stress too much over the rest!”

Before ordering your paper, make sure you measure the wall and allow for a few extra sheets in case of errors or extra patchwork for uneven walls. Once you have the correct amount, just hang each panel as straight as can be. Use an X-Acto knife and a ruler for patch pieces (like we had to do on the bottom layer here).

ANTHRO HACK WALL OR WINDOW HANGING

Believe it or not, there’s no need to pay major bucks for a wall hanging. All you need are some materials, a steady hand, and some dedication! We hacked this Anthro piece for Stern’s window and will likely be hacking a few more for our friends too!

Materials

  • wooden beads

  • 1” copper pieces

  • 12″ gold metal macrame ring

  • 4” gold metal macrame ring

  • leather cord

  • hot glue gun

  • scissors

Instructions
1. String wooden beads and copper pieces in the middle of your leather cord and tie a knot at the base of the bottom wood bead.
2. Wrap the copper end of the cord around the smaller ring.
3. Then place the smaller ring on top of the large ring and wrap the same cord around the larger ring, attaching the two.
4. String more wooden beads and copper pieces to the top of the string and tie a knot at the top.
5. Take the end pieces of the cord and wrap them up and down once around the small ring. Then tie the end of the cord up and down around the two rings, attaching them.
6. Tie a small knot at the base of the smaller ring and adhere to back with hot glue. Leave flat to dry and hang the next day.

Start by stringing your beads and copper piece in the center of your two leather cords. Be sure the make them flush and tie a knot at the bottom of the wood beads. Then place your rings together and wrap the leather cord around them to attach.

Next, add your beads and copper piece, tying a knot at the top.

To attach the two rings at the bottom, wrap the leather cord once around the bottom of the small ring. Then, wrap the end of the cord up and down around the two rings, attaching them.

Tie a small knot at the base of the smaller ring and adhere to back with hot glue. Leave flat to dry and hang the next day.

Shop the Look

AllModern Elmwood Upholstered Bench ($180), Article Lanna Sheepskin Throw ($89), AllModern Cherise Round Pouf Leather Ottoman ($150), World Market Basket Weave Bamboo Pendant Shade ($70), AllModern Mure Dora Maar Decorative Bowl ($295), Wayfair Willa Arlo Interiors Metal Wall Mirror ($192), World Market Asher 2-Tier Gold Rolling Bar Cart ($150), Article Myria Large Silver Pot ($99) Article Myria Large Gold Hanging Planter Set of 2 ($59), Article Myria Small Silver Hanging Planter Set of 3 ($59)

Photography: Brittany Griffin

Styling and DIY production: Cassidy Miller

Model: Ashley Fischer Stern

Are you looking to make over your own home? Follow us on Pinterest for more inspo!

Products provided by Article, Wayfair, AllModern, and Cost Plus World Market.