My husband and I converted our desert home in Tucson, Arizona, into a bike-themed vacation rental. I loved this process, especially painting the murals throughout the property.
Objective: To create a modern desert-themed vacation rental for Tucson visitors interested in having an active vacation with close access to the famous Loop Bike Path, which connects 136 miles of paved river routes and bike lanes around and throughout Old Pueblo.
Concept: We named our stylish property "Bikehaven." This home is located in the "Riverhaven" community because of its proximity to the Rillito River. By combining this neighborhood name with our bike theme, we have made it clear that it's a perfect spot for cyclists to stay. We also offer four beach cruisers for guests at "Bikehaven."
We incorporated the desert and bike theme throughout the entire home. I chose to create a monochromatic scheme accent wall for the four bedrooms - each highlighting desert features:
• Saguaro Master Bedroom
• Mountain Bike Room
• Desert Dwellers Sanctuary
• Sunrise Room
Execution: I sketched the concept for each mural beforehand, considering each room's size and layout. Then, I used chalk to illustrate the images. Finally, I used interior paint from Behr on the accent walls. To create the tints and shadows, I used our leading light gray wall color, "Swirling Waters," mixed with the saturated accent wall hue.
• Saguaro Master Bedroom
• Mountain Bike Room
• Desert Dwellers Sanctuary
• Sunrise Room
Execution: I sketched the concept for each mural beforehand, considering each room's size and layout. Then, I used chalk to illustrate the images. Finally, I used interior paint from Behr on the accent walls. To create the tints and shadows, I used our leading light gray wall color, "Swirling Waters," mixed with the saturated accent wall hue.
Another huge part of this renovation was our many design choices throughout this two-month process. We immediately modernized the space by replacing the upstairs carpet with luxury vinyl plank flooring. This, along with upgraded ceiling fans, furniture, decor, and the murals I painted, created the aesthetic we planned and hoped for!
Desert Murals in Bikehaven
The "Saguaro Master Bedroom"
The Saguaro Master Bedroom incorporated a monochromatic mural highlighting Tucson's saguaros in an impressionistic style. The modern industrial furniture pairs well with the neutral gray palette in the flooring, wall color, and decor.
The "Sunrise Room"
Although the "Sunrise Room" was the smallest square footage, the sun mural, tall bed frame, and tall ombre curtains brightened and elongated the space.
The "Desert Dwellers Sanctuary"
I incorporated southwest animals from my original Desert Dwellers educational flash cards. I also painted a prickly pear pattern on the teal accent wall to create a more youthful room with two twin beds.
The "Mountain Bike Room"
The view of the Catalina Mountains extends onto the wall in this layered mountain range in tints of blue.
The "Office/Loft"
After ascending the stairs, you see this bike quote painted in the office/loft space.
Before and Afters
Saguaro Primary Bedroom Transformation
Before: Primary Bedroom
After: Primary Bedroom
We can't believe this is the same room! We knew it was important for our guests to have a comfortable king-sized bed in a luxurious environment. As you can see, the only decor that stayed was our curtains. It's hard for us not to want to stay now.
Progress Photos
New flooring!
Brand new modern industrial furniture.
The beginning of the mural.
Office/Loft Transformation
Before: Office/Loft
After: Office/Loft
Before this renovation, we worked together in the office/loft during the pandemic. It was a combination of our desks and my art products from my Julie Originals business. It was cluttered and not the ideal creative space.
Progress Photos:
My desk fit perfectly in this window nook!
Determining the curtain height.
Working on the bike mural.
My original desk fit perfectly in this nook and is the perfect spot for remote workers now. We have high-speed internet, lots of natural light, and a printer for guests.
Mountain Room Transformation
Before: Guest Room
After: Mountain Room
The highlight of this upstairs room is the view of the majestic Catalina Mountains. I wanted the accent wall to reflect this mountain range and enjoyed the process of transforming this room.
Progress Photos
Our son helping out!
Adding fresh paint really makes a different.
My sketch before painting.
The tints of blue create this mountain range.
Painting in progress.
Adding the furniture to the space.
Desert Dwellers Room Transformation
Before: In the process of moving
After: The Desert Dwellers Sanctuary
Progress Photos
Trimming with the teal accent color.
Using chalk to create the prickly pears.
Painting with a tint of the teal.
View of the Catalina Mountains.
The entire prickly pear pattern I painted.
Besides the prickly pear mural, I enlarged my most popular Desert Dwellers animals and had them printed on wrapped canvas. This Elf Owl was one of a series of 26 desert animals.
The Desert Dwellers Sanctuary also features five of my Desert Dwellers on the wall.
Sunrise Room Transformation
Can you tell this was a teenager's room originally? Although it's not the largest room, I wanted to play off the beautiful natural light in the morning and the high ceiling. The Sunrise Room was one of my last murals in the home.
Before: Not a Sunrise Room
After: The Sunrise Room
Progress Photos
Tall walls to play with!
Old school string trick
Painting early in the morning
Stay at Bikehaven in Tucson, AZ
Our guests receive a Bikehaven-branded bike bottle!
This has been the most rewarding project we've completed together.
We hope our guests love "Bikehaven" as much as we do!
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