Taking the plunge on decorating

PLACE indoor plants in dark corners, create plenty of storage spaces and go bold with “pops of colour”.

If this sounds familiar, then you are aware of all the advice out there when it comes to decorating and renovating.

My partner and I have just moved into our new home and I can’t wait to get stuck into painting and decorating our guest bedroom.

I feel like the guest bedroom can be my “practice room” before my daughter’s room and then the master.

It’s about building my confidence as I’ve never renovated or redecorated to this extent before.

Our house is 28 years old and needs a facelift, so I’ve been googling, losing sleep while spending hours on Pinterest and I’ve been searching all the popular furniture and homeware giants’ websites.

I’m fairly settled on a paint colour, now for the rest ... it’s a slightly daunting task.

According to the Fantastic Furniture blog “investing in smart storage” is key.

“Use it to stash and store messy books and toys or to keep spare linen handy for overnight guests,” they say.

“Many people are often overwhelmed by how to go about decorating and styling a guest room. One simple solution is to opt for a complete room package.

“It’s an immediate solution that creates a pretty guest bedroom that can be dressed and styled how you like with bedding, cushions and throws.”

Accessories such as cushions and artwork are quick and easy ways to dress up a spare room to make guests feel right at home, the blog continues.

“Scatter cushions in an assortment of designs are a fun way to add a touch of colour and personality to a room.”

A bedside lamp is also a “must” for guest rooms and prevents bumps and knocks as guest negotiate their way around the room in the middle of the night.

“A smart ottoman is another simple way to create an additional seat for guests that doubles up as a footstool when they’ve left. “

I’ve also been following former The Block contestant Katrina Chambers’ blog who has some handy design tips and tricks.

Chambers is certainly a big fan of mirrors, light-coloured paint and even art pieces on the ceiling.

“Mirrors can make any room feel bigger and brighter,” she said.

“Go to the ceiling with artwork. Take everything right to the top – it draws the eye right up and makes the room feel taller.”

I’m a bit unsure about the art-on-the-ceiling idea for the spare room but, hey, by the time I get to the master bedroom, I might finally get the knack.

Here’s hoping ...

SO INVITING: Cushions are an easy way to dress up the guest bedroom.