This compact room has been transformed into a luxurious guest bedroom that proves size doesn't matter
The compact layout didn't deter this homeowner, who created a beautiful spare bedroom that's both homely and cosy
Spare bedrooms often aren't as roomy as the master and it can be a challenge to get everything you want in there, but there are some clever ways of making sure even the smallest of spaces has everything you need. Whether you're looking to revamp a junk room or spruce up your guest bedroom ideas, we've got a makeover that might just give you some inspiration.
Pink guest bedroom makeover
Having extended her two-bedroom chalet-style house in Surrey, Michelle Skerman was keen to turn one of the new rooms into a guest bedroom. 'We didn't have a spare room before,' she says, 'and I really wanted to make it feel luxurious and homely for family and friends when they stayed over.'
Large enough to comfortably fit a double bed, the room didn't allow for much extra furniture. 'I knew I wouldn't be able to get wardrobes in there without making it really cramped, so I had to put my thinking cap on as to how I could make best use of the space,' says Michelle.
Before
Freshly plastered, the room was a blank canvas. 'It needed everything, from curtains to furniture and carpet,' Michelle recalls. 'I didn't have lots to spend on the room, though, so I had to pick and choose what we went for carefully. I knew I wanted it to feel light and bright and soothing.'
After
The new-look room is beautifully decorated, with light walls (painted in Fenwick & Tilbrook's Dry Earth) and lots of soft furnishings that make it feel tactile and cosy. The star of the show, however, is the Teddy Ottoman bed from Dunelm which Michelle chose for its storage and snuggly material.
'I love the boucle-style material of the bed and it just feels really luxurious – plus I thought the high headboard would be comfortable to sit up against with a cuppa in the mornings. We got the mattress from Dunelm too and everyone has said it's really comfortable.'
Keen to stick to their budget, Michelle and her partner laid the carpet themselves, having watched how-to videos on YouTube and buying a carpet-laying kit. 'Because the room wasn't a tricky shape, it was easy enough to do,' says Michelle.
Get the Ideal Home Newsletter
Sign up to our newsletter for style and decor inspiration, house makeovers, project advice and more.
With no space for wardrobes or a chest of drawers, Michelle knew the ottoman bed would be a key bedroom storage idea. It allows her to store bedding and towels for the spare room. 'You could pick this bed to open up in different ways, such as at the side, but I went for this version as it's easy to access from the end,' she says.
Having a place for guests to hang clothes was essential and a full-length mirror doubles as a hanging rail on the back. 'I've put some hangers so guests can hang up an outfit if they need,' says Michelle. 'There's also some wall hooks and I've added in a tiny footstool for them to sit on to take shoes off, or place clothes or a bag on at night.'
The finishing touch was some luxurious curtains and blinds from Hillarys in an Abigail Ahern fabric. 'We went for remote-control blinds, so that guests can open and close them while laying in bed,' says Michelle. 'They're in a boucle fabric to match that of the bed. And the curtains have a black-out lining to make sure they get a good night's sleep. I made the tie-backs from lengths of ribbon and beads as I couldn't find any that I liked.'
Thrilled with the new room, Michelle has already had good feedback from guests. 'Everyone who's stayed has said how cosy it is,' she says, 'which is exactly what we wanted. I'm really pleased with how it's turned out.'
Laurie Davidson is a professional stylist, writer and content creator, who lives and breathes interiors. Having worked for some of the UK’s leading interior magazines, styled homes up and down the country and produced sets for TV shows, adverts and top brands, it’s safe to say Laurie has had a pretty exciting career. Find her on Instagram at @lifeofaninteriorstylist or over at lauriedavidson.co.uk
-
How to check your electric blanket is safe to use - experts reveal the tell-tale signs your blanket may be faulty
Get the most out of your electric blanket by ensuring it's maintenance is up to scratch.
By Kezia Reynolds
-
I use this £16 non-electric dehumidifier to tackle the damp in my small bathroom – it's a cold-weather saviour
It's a total gamechanger
By Jullia Joson
-
The absolute worst place to put a toaster in a kitchen, according to experts - and the other locations to avoid
If your toaster is in any of these spots, it's time to relocate
By Katie Sims