How One Designer’s Modern-Boho Style Set the Tone for This Hotel Bedroom

If there’s something we never get tired of seeing, it’s a great makeover. Whether it’s transforming a retro bathroom into a modern oasis or giving a lackluster bedroom a fresh look, pros perform these design miracles all the time.

To give designers a chance to showcase their favorite makeovers—and to bring you plenty of inspiration for your own home—we’re sharing the best before and afters we’ve seen in our series, Makeover of the Week. Take notes for your next renovation.

“I’d always dreamed of designing a hotel that was a more laid-back option to the traditional hotels in the Charleston area,” interior designer Cortney Bishop says. “After touring The Ryder’s property, I realized this hotel, built in 1962, was the perfect project.”

Before:

“Everything was dark and overly formal in the hotel’s original bedrooms—including the cumbersome furniture, drab floor-to-ceiling curtains, dreary wall-to-wall carpet and outdated fabrics and light fixtures,” Bishop notes. “The goal was to create something fresher and brighter.”

After:

“I wanted the rooms to have a laid-back happy vibe but still be elegant and refined,” Bishop shares. “The renovated rooms are calming, craft-driven artisanal spaces with lots of light woods and soft textures—I describe the look as modern organic boho style.” 

What Changed:

• Color theme: Blonde oak and coastal hues capture a sophisticated but unfussy bohemian aesthetic.
• Bed: A custom white oak and rattan headboard is accentuated with crisp, white bedding, a woven blanket, and a bolster pillow. 
• Nightstand: Soft edges compliment the seafoam green fronts on the nightstands.
• Floors: Casual, wide-plank vinyl flooring runs the length of the room to create depth.
• Sconces: Structural white wall sconces cast a soft, diffused light.
• Rug: A cozy tonal rug adds a layer of visual and textural warmth.
• Mirror: A bentwood oak floor mirror stands tall in the corner.
• Wall art: The wood sculptures speak to the beauty of the local landscape.
• Curtains: Sheer mesh drapery envelopes the room’s casual warmth.
• Ceiling pendant: A round woven flush mount fixture offers a warm, subtle glow.
• Chair: Handwoven construction on the seat and back adds to the room’s boho style.
• Stool: A poppy-colored ottoman provides a resting spot for a book or drink. 
• Floor lamp: A floor lamp features a blonde wood base and linen shade.  
• Armoire: A cane-front freestanding armoire ties into the headboard and adds to the beachy decor.
• Desk/chair: The desk and chair have a midcentury vibe and play off the other rounded-edged furniture. 
• Chaise: The lounge chair is covered in a performance fabric and provides a spot to relax.

Shop the Look:

UO Home Marte Platform Bed $2,099.00

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“A rattan headboard will always make a bedroom feel more light and airy feel,” Bishop shares.

Masaya & Co. Masaya Lounge Chair $895.00

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“Thanks to its natural fibers, this chair is durable as well as stylish,” Bishop says.

Katie Gong Wall Knot $600.00

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“Steam is used to manipulate the wood, allowing it to bend,” Bishop notes.