We all know that the spare bedroom should be for guests. But how often are they simply filled with clutter? It’s easy to do. However, with many of us planning to have relatives visiting soon, now is a good time to undo the damage and tackle that spare bedroom. Turning it from a dumping ground into a welcoming guest bedroom.
But what makes a bedroom welcoming? Is it the color-scheme, a comfortable bed, or the little thoughtful touches? Well, it’s a combination of all those things.
Start with a blank canvas
The best way to start decorating a bedroom is by clearing everything out. This allows you to see what space you’ve got to work with and gives you plenty of room to decorate without needing to shift furniture or boxes around. It also gives you an opportunity to check the true condition of the walls and flooring.
Once you’ve cleared the room this would be a good time to check for any repairs or improvements you want to make. For example, you may want to plaster a ceiling while the room is empty and nothing can get damaged.
Prepping walls is essential if you’re planning to introduce a new color scheme with paint or wallpaper. Old paper will need removing and cracks will need filling and sanding. This will create a bit of mess, which is another good reason to clear everything out first.
If you don’t fancy getting your hands dirty, then call in the professionals and you’ll have the fundamentals of the room sorted in no time.
Making the right color choices
Colors should be warm yet have a calming effect, to aid a good night’s sleep for your visitors. And it’s a fine balance to get it right. Bright colors such as red or orange are probably not ideal. Subtle tones such as blush pink and beige work better.
Coordinating two or three colors rather than sticking to one single color is also a good idea. And the cooler, calming hues of sage green and light blue can work well when mixed with warm neutrals such as taupe, cream or beige.
Patterns aren’t a complete no-no either. But you want to use them in moderation, so you don’t have a busy room that’s impossible to relax in. That’s why wallpaper is best kept to the wall behind the headboard, so you’re not looking directly at a patterned wall when you’re trying to sleep. But another alternative is to only wallpaper the bottom or top half of the walls, leaving the rest painted in a single relaxing shade.
Getting the bedding right
If you have a semi-functioning guest bedroom, no doubt you already have a bed for it already. However, there are ways to make it more comfortable.
Bedding layers are useful, so that your guests can choose the right level of warmth for them. So, use a combination of flat sheets, quilts, and blankets. Layering a bed also gives you the opportunity to coordinate plain colors and vibrant patterns. Creating a stylishly made bed that looks inviting to sleep in. Do make sure your bottom sheets are of good quality and feel soft, to offer the highest level of comfort.
Adding to the comfort
Of course, your guest’s comfort doesn’t end with the bedding. And if you’re redecorating then it’s worth getting the accessories right too.
So, what makes all the difference? Well, a nice bedside lamp that fits in with your new color scheme is top of the list. It’s not just a nice finishing touch though, as a bedside light makes it easier getting in and out of bed. Especially when you’re in unfamiliar surroundings.
A soft rug by the bed is another nice way to add some comfort. As your visitor gets out of bed, their feet will be touching a warm and cozy surface rather than a cold or hard one.
Dressing the window properly is important too. And curtains offer a softer, cozier feel than blinds. But you do need to make sure they’re lined, so guests won’t be rudely woken by outside lights or dazzling morning sunshine.
