How to decorate a guest bedroom

Walls
When designing your guest bedroom avoid choosing a style that is overly masculine or feminine as you don’t want to alienate guests of either gender. If you use patterned wallpaper keep it to the bed head wall and if you choose a floral design keep it bold so it is does not end up looking like your grandmother’s spare room. When choosing a colour scheme go for either warm hues to create an inviting feel or calming neutral tones. A coastal style can work very well for a guest room as it is peaceful and unobtrusive. Pick out accent tones in the wallpaper or bed linen and find one or two decorative objects such as a vase or candle to place on the bedside table or dresser. If you have a statement piece of artwork or photography that you want to be the focal point, use this as the palette for your colour scheme. Beware of using a family photograph though, as you don’t want your guest to feel like an intruder in somebody else’s life.

Bed
The bed should be instantly seductive with different textures and tones of fabrics that make you want to jump straight in. A couple of plumped up cushions make a bed look well-dressed and inviting. Fold a silky quilted throw over the foot of the bed to create a luxurious feel and also give your guest an extra layer of warmth that they can choose to take or leave. A couple of extra pillows in the wardrobe mean your guest can make themselves completely comfortable without the awkwardness of having to ask you for anything. Pile up a selection of fresh towels in a matching colour scheme to the room on the bed or chair. A thick pile rug by the side of the bed is a treat underfoot when your guest first wakes up.

Furniture
A bedside table and reading lamp or spotlight are key items and, if you have space, have one either side of the double bed so that couples can choose to read or sleep independently. Stock the wardrobe with padded hangers as they may not be practical in a normal bedroom but your guest probably won’t have too many clothes and they are much better for keeping suits and jackets. Both a full-length mirror and a dressing table mirror with a good light for putting on make-up are a must, as if you really want your guest to feel at home you need to provide all the essentials that you wouldn’t do without in your own room. An arm chair gives your guest somewhere to put clothes for the next day and somewhere to sit and read. A small table for writing and a dressing table will give your guest a little extra surface space to spread out their belongings.