Crafting a Cosy Guest Bedroom
As the weather warms up here in Sydney, the chatter about Summer, Christmas and holidays begins, and very often, that means the imminent arrival of guests. Whether you’ve got in-laws coming for several weeks, or some revellers outstaying their welcome after a New Years Party, having the perfect Guest Bedroom set up is a must to make them feel comfortable and well rested.
As always, we begin every room makeover with a Mood Board. See our tips on how to make one here. Once you’ve chosen a calming colour palette and an aesthetic direction on your Mood Board, follow our formula for getting guest-ready in the spare room.
1. Colour and Cleanliness
Begin with stripping out as much as you can from the room and giving it a good deep clean, right down to the skirting boards, window sills, wardrobe interiors and the walls. Spare rooms are a magnet for dust and dankness so a good once over will do wonders.
Nothing will lift a room quite like fresh paint, so if time and budget permits, consider painting the room a new colour - taken from your Mood Board palette. If you’re cautious with colour, consider a neutral tone that contrasts to the white skirting board and ceiling. This will help the room feel instantly more inviting and cosy.
The Gable House Guest Bedroom Before
We stripped the room ready for a fresh coat of paint.
2. The Comfort Corner: Bed and Bedding
The key ingredient of a guest bedroom is of course, is the bed. Opt for a comfortable mattress and fresh, quality bedding. Consider neutral colours within your chosen colour palette for a serene vibe, and don't skimp on the pillows. A mix of soft and firm pillows will suit various sleeping preferences. We love to layer a duvet with an oversized quilt across the bed - both for layered textural styling, as well as to give options to dial up or down the blanket factor according to the temperature.
3. Seating and Surfaces
Sometimes we all need space from each other and when it comes to quiet retreat, your guests will appreciate having a place to sit other than the bed, whether it’s for reading or catching up on emails in private.
An occasional chair, end of bed ottoman or a small sofa will add major functionality to the room if you can fit it. Top it with a soft throw blanket and a couple of cushions for an inviting touch. If space permits, a side table and lamp next to the chair will make it even more functional as a private retreat.
3. Storage Solutions
To make your guest's stay feel more like home, offer storage options for their belongings. A wardrobe with hangers or dresser and drawers is ideal for keeping clothes tidy. You could also include some empty shelves or a luggage rack so they’re not tripping over their suitcase on the floor. If space is tight, opt for bedside tables with 2 or 3 drawers, so they can store clothing in there, and if there’s no robe to speak of, consider a simple wall mounted rail in beautiful brass finish as a decorative hanging solution.
4. Balanced Bedside Bliss
Nighttime reading is a joy for many people after a long day, so provide two bedside tables and lamps if space permits. This creates a balanced, symmetrical look and also allows more moody lighting options in the room. Make sure there are accessible power outlets for charging devices.
5. Thoughtful Touches
Towels and Toiletries: Place a set of clean towels in an easy-to-find location, along with travel-sized toiletries like shampoo, conditioner, soap, and lotion. Your guests will thank you for the extra thoughtfulness and convenience.
Water Jug and Glass: A small gesture that goes a long way. Leave a filled water jug and a glass on the bedside table. A box of chocolates never goes astray too!
Jewellery Dish: A beautiful dish on the bedside to store watches and jewellery is a handy way to keep valuables taken care of overnight.
7. Fancy Footwork
If the flooring is cold and hard, such as floorboards or tiles, place a large rug beneath the bed, with enough soft surface for the guests feet to land on when they wake. Alternatively, a set of guest slippers is a lovely touch in colder months.
8. Privacy and Window Dressing
If your spare room has large windows, make sure to provide window treatments for privacy and to block out early morning sunlight. Curtains, shutters or blinds will help make the room feel more homely and soft too.
9. The Final Flourish
A vase of fresh flowers on the bedside table or dresser adds a burst of colour and a delightful fragrance. It's a simple yet effective way to make the room feel special. Opt for some beautiful artwork that complements the bedding colour scheme. Inject some live greenery if you can, to help with air purification and to liven up the space.
Need help?
Are you in need of some guest bedroom bits and pieces? Book an in-studio Styling Session and we’ll help you get guest-ready with furniture and furnishings. Fill in the contact form below and choose ‘Studio Styling Session’ from the Project Type dropdown options.