Empty Nest Bedroom Makeover: Coastal Guest Retreat Part 3

So here we are — the final stage of this budget-friendly mini home refresh: transforming what was once my daughter’s bedroom into a cute and cozy coastal guest retreat.

In Part I, I anchored the room with a bed that felt inviting, comfortable, and layered with soft coastal tones.
In Part II, I turned my attention to the bookcase and desk area — bringing in personality while keeping the space functional for guests.

But one important element was still missing: a place to sit, relax, and truly enjoy the space.

Enter…the sitting area.

Here’s how I pulled together the final piece that transformed this from simply a guest bedroom into a full coastal guest retreat.

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This Post is Part of My Empty Nest Bedroom Makeover Series

If you’re just joining the makeover, catch up on the earlier phases:

Part I: Creating the Bed
Part II: Styling the Shelves and Desk
Part III: Creating the Sitting Area (You’re here)

Sitting Area

To keep costs down, I tried to work with items we already owned as much as possible.

Free is for me. 😉

Two larger pieces were already available to build around: a loveseat and a coffee table.

Loveseat

Despite a small stain and our cat’s occasional use of the arm as a scratching post (because of course), the loveseat itself was still in good shape.

The solution? A simple textured slipcover.

Instant refresh.

It covered the wear and tear and gave the seating area a clean, neutral base that fit right into the relaxed coastal palette of the room.

Coffee Table

I “shopped the house” for this one and pulled a coffee table from another bedroom that wasn’t being used.

Is it a bit large for the space? Yes.
Would I eventually prefer something lighter? Also yes.

But for now, it works — and the price was unbeatable. Free. 😉

One of my favorite budget-friendly decorating tips is to use what you already have first. You can always upgrade later once you know how the space actually functions.

Area Rug

The cream-colored rug was a lucky early find at Costco — one of those “grab it before someone else does” deals.

I actually bought it before the redesign even began, hoping it would work in the room. Thankfully it did.

The rug helps define the sitting area while adding softness and a little extra playfulness to the space.

Art With Meaning

One of my favorite decorating principles is incorporating pieces that have personal meaning.

Honestly, I’d rather have a blank wall than hang something that just feels…meh.

So I was thrilled when I came across these beautiful maps by Virtual Map Co. They were a perfect fit both aesthetically and sentimentally.

We chose maps of Laguna Beach and Nantucket — two places that hold special memories for our family.

The calming coastal blues worked beautifully with the palette in the room, and I framed them in natural oak frames to keep that relaxed beachy feel.

They may look simple, but they carry a lot of story. Those are always my favorite pieces.

Finishing Touches for the Sitting Area

Once the larger pieces were in place, it was time for the little details — the layers that make a space feel finished.

A few decorative throw pillows in tones that echo the bedding helped tie the sitting area into the coastal boho palette without feeling too “matchy-matchy.”

On the coffee table, I added a rattan scalloped tray to corral a few accessories:

A coastal blue blown-glass vase (similar to this)
A white coral piece I already owned (similar to this) to bring a little beach energy indoors
A candle — because every retreat deserves a cozy glow

These small touches help the space feel welcoming without overwhelming it.

A Few Things I’m Still Looking For

While the room is about 90% there, there are still a couple things I’m keeping my eye out for.

First up: a small nightstand.

Ideally something with a little personality — enough space for a lamp and a few guest essentials. For now, I can always “borrow” from another room if someone stays before I find the right piece.

But I’ve learned not to buy something just to fill a space. The right piece always shows up eventually.

I’m also still debating the coffee table. Do I:

Sand it down to a more neutral wood tone?
Paint it a soft accent color?
Or replace it entirely with something lighter, slightly smaller, and maybe with a bit more curve to it?

I’m open to ideas. Tell me in the comments — what would you do?

Wrapping Up This Empty Nest Bedroom Makeover

With the sitting area complete, this room finally feels finished.

What was once my daughter’s bedroom — and a reminder of our newly quiet house — has become something new: a welcoming coastal guest retreat.

Will it miss the giggles, late-night chats, and everyday life that once filled it?

Of course.

But now it’s ready for its next chapter — welcoming friends and family, hosting visits, and creating new memories here at Casa Padilla.

And the truth is, that feels pretty special too.

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