Ever had a guest set to come over, only to realise the room isn’t ready? Perhaps it still has last year’s Christmas decor or the ironing you never got around to. Guest bedrooms take on many shapes and forms, as one of the most neglected spaces in the home.
The perfect guest accommodation should be light-filled, gender neutral and simple. A blank canvas that enhances their stay, without overwhelming it. In most modern custom homes, guest bedrooms are built in with that sole intention. But for older builds? It might be time for a transformation.
If you’re ready to upgrade your neglected guest bedroom into a welcoming, comfortable sanctuary for friends and family, follow these seven tips.
1. Decide on Your Colour Palette
If your guest bedroom is a drab white, with paint curling at the corners and undercoat on the ceiling, here is the sign you’ve been waiting for – start your upgrade. The first step is to select a colour palette that suits your space. For a small room, try to tone down expanses of bold and dark colours. Instead, leave this fearless design for your decor.
A cool blue or pale grey are contemporary and able to be paired with more furniture than a bright fire hydrant red. As you paint the walls in your guest bedroom, you set the tone for the entire space. It’s always a good idea to map out your furniture style ahead of time. Earthy colours work well with bohemian spaces, while crisp white is perfect for the minimalist.
2. Is This a Knockdown Rebuild Job?
In other words, how far are you willing to go in your room transformation? Is this a weekend spruce up or do you have custom home plans in the making? It’s important to establish a clear end goal in order to secure your budget before you begin chucking things in the junkyard. Not to mention, it’s easy to upgrade your guest bedroom for a new lease on life, without digging too deep into your savings.
3. Create the Perfect Warm Glow
There’s nothing worse as a guest than arriving at your lodgings, only to be blinded by a blinking white light. Or, left in the dark with just a single bulb lamp! Choosing the perfect guest bedroom lighting should be completely undetectable. Replace any harsh lighting or damaged lamps with a single pendant light for a simple and modern effect.
To give your guests the option of natural light or an artificial glow, consider purchasing sheer curtains to frame the window. This will allow plenty of sunlight to filter into the room, without compromising your guest’s privacy or comfort. Plus – they look lovely against hardwood floors.
4. Bed Linen and Throws Are a Must
If you’re using the same bed linen that you’ve had since 2010, it’s time to throw away the sheets and replace your guest bed set with something fresh. The rise of online shopping and global home improvement means it isn’t difficult to find beautiful bed sets, without breaking your bank. This is the opportunity you’ve been waiting for to have fun with your room!
To complement bright walls, select a pared-back cover. For crisp white spaces, why not inject some pattern or texture into the room? Ensure you have plenty of pillows propped up and if it’s more than a little chilly outside, a warm knitted throw is the perfect addition. To achieve the same outstanding quality as luxury homes it’s as simple as making the little details count.
5. Remove Any Personal Clutter
The guest bedroom is a home away from home for your visitors. As such, it’s common courtesy to remove all of your personal clutter before they arrive. Many guests feel uncomfortable staying over in someone else’s house – sleeping surrounded by your belongings could make them feel like an unwelcome intrusion.
So, start your spring cleaning early and move anything that doesn’t need to be there; think files and kids toys. If you keep most of your storage in the guest bedroom, ensure this is neat and hidden. Modern storage containers are fun and functional, keeping your life in order and your guest’s none the wiser.
6. Keep the Furniture Functional
Does your guest bedroom double as a home office? No problem. Many extra spaces maximise space in order to enhance liveability. Just, keep your furniture functional. A writing desk and comfortable seat can actually be a welcome addition for guests, but bulky couches and an unnecessary coffee table don’t hit the mark.
7. Don’t Forget the Finishing Touches!
Give your guests a wonderful experience with detailed finishing touches. A fresh bouquet of flowers by their bedside, a vanilla scented candle on the window sill or small care package in the ensuite let a visitor know you’re thinking of them. It also establishes that they are a welcome addition to your home! If you really need to convince them? A few chocolates on the counter never hurt anyone!
Author Bio
As Managing Director of Mazzei Homes, a leading custom home builder Melbourne wide, Daniel has a strong ambition to innovate the building experience for those looking to design quality homes.
