Spare rooms are not just for relatives at Christmas
A timely redesign could pay off all year around, says EMMA J. PAGE
GUeST bedrooms often find themselves doubling up as offices or serving as an overflow for clothes and shoes.
But before you groan at the thought of having to clear it all out for relatives coming to stay this Christmas, why not use the opportunity to transform the room so that it is truly multifunctional, serving your yearround needs while effortlessly accommodating guests. Take note of these handy tips.
FORM AND FUNCTION
The key is to create a functional yet enticing layout. Often, a few large pieces, such as a bed, a chair or padded bench and a wardrobe or chest of drawers, will create a less cluttered look than several smaller items, so start by focusing on any surplus furniture that can be removed. Don’t be afraid to scale up — opt for the most generous bed that you can.
‘Bear in mind that a double bed frame takes up the same floor space as a king-size divan which has a neat footprint,’ says Angela Moran, Silentnight’s Bed expert ( silentnight.co.uk). ‘An advantage is their wide range of storage options, from pull-out drawers to half or full ottomans. You can fit 50 pairs of shoes in a half ottoman, and 100 in a full.’
For added flexibility, consider twin beds which can also be configured as a double.
‘Long headboards that can work behind two singles or a double are a good option,’ says interior designer Sarah Peake ( studio
peake.com). ‘You can switch the bedside table from the centre to one side, as needed.’
Choosing the right bedding is essential. The higher the tog, the larger the volume of filling. Try an allseason option, which combines two duvets, a lightweight 4.5 tog for summer and a warmer 9 tog for autumn and spring that connect together to provide 13.5 tog in winter. Go for a natural filling such as feather.
‘The higher the proportion of feather in a duvet, the cheaper and heavier it becomes,’ says Unna Pat e l , buyer at John Lewis ( johnlewis.
com). ‘Don’t confuse weight with warmth, as top quality down duvets may feel light but they have extremely effective thermal properties.’
In all bedrooms, a sense of luxury comes from a good mattress, high thread- count sheets, and a soft rug to step out of bed onto.
PRACTICAL TOUCHES
IF SPACe is an issue, make your room earn its keep. Multi-purpose furniture is a good starting point — daybeds can be used as both sofas and beds; an ornate table can serve as a dressing table and a desk if the space doubles as an office, and built-in storage can be both decorative and practical.
Bespoke floor-toceiling, wall-to-wall fitted cupboards can help maximise space too. Plan carefully to incorporate easy access, including inset drawers, which will also promote neatness.
‘Quality is key, so invest in pieces that will grow with you, whether fitted or frees t a n d i n g , ’ says Neptune’s founder
John Sims- hilditch ( neptune.
com). ‘Classically designed wardrobes, housekeeper’s cupboards or chests of drawers in neutral palettes are timeless additions. Shelving that enables use of the full height of a room is a good option where space is tight.’
Try the Toshi shelving unit from Atkin & Thyme (£ 549, atkin
andthyme.co.uk), which combines storage with a contemporary design in mango wood.
If a bed is impractical, opt for a chic daybed, sofa bed or a foldable chair bed. For tight budgets, henry Bed In A Box, from £485 ( sofa.com), works for solo guests on short stays.
For a sense of luxe, commission a Simple Daybed, £2,970, by Atelier ellis ( atelierellis.co.uk) which also functions brilliantly as a sofa.
No matter how small the room is, a chair is always practical. If it causes too much clutter, consider plumping for something like the unobtrusive Ghost chair by Philippe Starck, £260 for two, heal’s ( heals.com).
While a touch of character is important, your guests will want to feel that the space is their own, so remove personal effects and accessorise with bedside reading, foliage and a scented candle.
Clear out drawers and cupboards to provide space for your guests to stow their clothes and provide plenty of wooden hangers — John
Lewis has strong eucalyptus wooden clothes hangers, £7.50 for six. A spare phone charger, cotton pads, a full-length mirror and a carafe of water will earn extra Brownie points.
A DECORATIVE TWIST
GUEST rooms are the ideal place to opt for a bolder scheme such as vibrant wallpaper or a deep, cosseting paint colour.
‘Try introducing the wallpaper or fabric you’ve been craving that you might not be able to live with every day,’ says Sarah Peake.
‘I love using matching fabrics and wallpapers in a traditional english country house way, often with a more contemporary pattern for a fresh twist. Ottoline ( ottoline.nl) and Rebecca Atwood ( rebeccaatwood.com) have great paper and fabric combinations for curtains, walls and upholstery.’
headboards are both a decorative and practical addition. The Moorish silhouette of Trove’s Yves headboard, from £ 820 ( thetrove.co.uk), will add a touch of hotel luxe and looks sumptuous upholstered in any fabric.
Choose a petite bedside table with enough space on top to perch a lamp, such as Neptune’s Brompton, £105, ( neptune.com). And finally, don’t forget that forgiving lighting can hide a multitude of sins as well as setting the scene.