Christmas is a time of family and togetherness, and as many of us prepare to welcome our loved ones over the festive period, now is the perfect time to give your guest bedroom a fresh update.
The guest bedroom serves as a sanctuary for your guests. It’s a space that reflects your hospitality and attention to detail, setting the tone for their entire stay. Whether you’re welcoming family members or friends, creating a comfortable and inviting environment where they can unwind, relax, and recharge is paramount, particularly if they’ve travelled far and wide! Carefully considered colour schemes, soft furnishings and accessories are all fantastic ways to transform the look and feel of the space. To help get you started, we’ve pulled together some styling inspiration and tips to help create a bedroom that your guests will love staying in!
Morris & Co. Image: Lifestyle from the Wardle Velvets Collection
Paint
Begin your scheme with a fresh coat of paint. Neutral palettes are a great choice for restful retreats with tones such as off-white and beige offering a timeless and serene backdrop for a guest bedroom. These hues promote relaxation and create a sense of spaciousness, making the room feel larger, brighter and more inviting. In addition, the simplicity of neutrals allows you to add pops of colour through cosy accessories, bedding, and artwork without overwhelming the space, helping your guests to feel at home. We particularly like the Little Greene Portland Stone family of paints, as shown in image 1 below.
If you’d prefer to get experimental and add a splash of colour to your walls, consider soft yet indulgent tones such as pinks that can promote calmness and warmth. The Little Greene Split Pink 341 paint from the Sweet Treats collection (image 2 below) is a beautiful example, combining stone and pink hues for a luxuriously warm alternative. You could even align your scheme with the seasons, opting for warm browns, rusts and terracottas in autumn / winter (see image 3 below for inspiration) and refreshing greens or pastel blues in spring / summer. Shop our full paint range here.
Little Greene Image: walls – Portland Stone Pale (155) Paint, woodwork – Portland Stone Dark (157) Paint and Portland Stone Deep (156) Paint.
Little Greene Image: walls – Split Pink (341) Paint, skirting & architrave – Attic II (144) Paint, ceiling – Roman Plaster (31) Paint.
Little Greene Image: lower wall – Tuscan Red (140) Paint, upper wall – French Grey (113) Paint, ceiling – French Grey Pale (161) Paint.
Wallpaper
Equally, for an added layer of interest and character, you may wish to decorate a feature wall with a stylish textured wallpaper. The Harlequin Textured Walls collection comprises an array of tactile designs enriched with raised texture and metallic detail. We particularly love the Lisle wallpaper, available in 5 stylish, neutral shades. The Clarke & Clarke Vivido Dritto wallpaper is also a great choice with its intricate detail and versatile palette (image 1 below).
If you’d prefer something a little more statemental and glamorous, the Clarke & Clarke Vivido Effetto wallpaper in Ivory (image 2 below) or Sahara could work well. You could even get creative and add a small amount of printed wallpaper above a picture rail to incorporate an element of pattern in a subtle and understated way, as demonstrated in the main image at the top of the blog post. Shop our full range of wallpapers here.
Clarke & Clarke Image: Dritto Wallpaper in Linen from the Vivido collection.
Clarke & Clarke Image: Effetto Wallpaper in Ivory from the Vivido collection.
Window Treatments
Window treatments are an important part of dressing your guest bedroom. They can bring warmth and comfort in a way that softens the entire scheme, whilst providing practical benefits such as privacy and shading.
Guest bedrooms should aim to provide a restful sleep space for your loved ones who come to stay, so blackout options are a good consideration when selecting your window dressing. As part of our bespoke, made to measure curtain and roman blind making service, we offer a range of premium blackout and thermal linings, designed to reduce light ingress for a comfortable and uninterrupted night’s sleep. Layering window dressings can also work well to help block out the light whilst reducing draughts to help keep the room warm (see image below).
Curtains and Roman Blinds
If choosing a curtain or roman blind, we would recommend a beautiful plain or subtly patterned fabric enriched with natural texture and charm for a calm and serene look. A subtle fabric can bring a sense of neutrality to the space for a calming and relaxing feel. We absolutely adore the Clarke & Clarke Corallino fabric, shown opposite on one of our client’s guest bedroom curtains in the Mineral colour way. If you’d prefer plain, the Prestigious Textiles Nordic fabric is simply stunning with its natural 100% linen composition and tactile finish.
In terms of curtain headings, contemporary eyelet curtains (shown opposite) work well for a stylish finish. The popular wave curtain heading is another fantastic addition to guest bedroom settings. Smart and sophisticated, a wave curtain can deliver a luxe, hotel chic at home look, perfect for accommodating those who come to stay.
Roller Blinds
Alternatively, you could opt for a blackout roller blind. Silent Gliss offer some superb choices, expertly designed and carefully developed for effective room darkening. Their advanced dim-out roller blind systems are an innovative option, using side profiles, brush strips and a unique zip tensioning feature.
We also offer some beautiful, made to measure blackout roller blinds from Prestigious Textiles and Clarke & Clarke, perfect for complementing current interior design trends. Choose a plain roller blind to coordinate with your scheme, or if your walls are plain, add an element of pattern and colour with one of their design-led prints for an accentuating window dressing.
Curtain Poles and Tracks
If you choose to opt for a wave curtain, you will need a curtain track to complete your window treatment. The Silent Gliss Metropole is a popular option, offering a sleek and smart solution with the functionality of a curtain track and the aesthetic of a curtain pole. Choose from an array of design-led finial styles and finishes, from muted neutrals such as warm taupe and ochre, to metallics and cooler greys, silvers and white.
If you’d prefer a more traditional curtain pole, we would recommend a wooden curtain pole to build on the theme of natural textures and materials. The Hallis Hudson Eden curtain pole range is a beautifully natural choice in rustic tones, as is the Laura Ashley wooden curtain pole with ribbed ball finials in the cotton white, pale dove grey, soft natural, steel and truffle colours.
Silent Gliss Image: curtain track – 23mm Metropole in Ecru with Ellipse Finials, curtains – Colorama Multicolour with Swiss pleat heading.
Hallis Hudson Image: Eden curtain pole collection
Accessories
Accessories and finishing touches add personality and style to the guest bedroom to help make them feel welcome. Here’s a few ides below to help tie the look together.
Bedding
Providing a comfortable bed is paramount in a restful guest bedroom, so why not invest in some luxurious bedlinen to complete the look. Plain or subtly patterned white bedding sets are a versatile addition that can bring a touch of hotel chic to any bedroom scheme.
Consider the sophisticated 200 thread count cotton bedding sets from Luxe & Wilde, featuring classic checks and stripes. The Arla design is a beautiful example, shown below. Laura Ashley’s Shalford and Phoebe Waffle designs also work well in guest bedroom settings. Layer up with a sumptuous bedspread for added warmth and style.
Cushions
Cushions are a great way to add a warm and inviting feel to the bed. Providing depth and interest, they are a pivotal part of completing the look. A cushion can also add a pop of colour in an otherwise neutral bedroom and, as an interchangeable element, can even be updated seasonally.
Consider a luxe plain cushion in a complementing accent colour. The Laura Ashley Nigella and Rosanna cushions are a fantastic go to, available in a range of stylish shades. If you’d prefer a patterned cushion, we offer a wide selection from the likes of Clarke & Clarke, Wedgwood, Clarissa Hulse, Graham & Brown and many more.
Throws
Introducing layers of texture adds visual intrigue and depth to the guest bedroom. Combine plush bedding with textured throws and knitted blankets for a touch of home comfort that will really welcome your guests.
Faux fur throws are a superb choice. Soft and indulgent, they bring warmth and cosiness in a way that enhances the overall design scheme. For a real cosy feel, you may wish to consider the luxurious Laura Ashley Berwyn and Heaton throws. Finished with a velvet reverse and embroidered Laura Ashley signature, these accessories can bring charm and elegance to any guest bedroom.
Ashley Wilde Image: Luxe & Wilde Arla bedding set.
Ashley Wilde Image: cushions – Laura Ashley Nigella in Ruby Red and Hedgerow, bedding – Laura Ashley Winter Pussy Willow.
Ashley Wilde Image: Laura Ashley Berwyn throw.
Towels
Providing thoughtful amenities to enhance your guests’ stay are a fantastic finishing touch. Including a selection of refreshing towels (and toiletries) will help to make them feel comfortable, welcome and accommodated whilst delivering a touch of hotel luxury.
We offer a wide selection of sumptuous Laura Ashley Towels available in various sizes from hand towels to bath sheets. We particularly love the Laura Ashley Luxury Embroidered towel for a plain, versatile option (shown opposite), or add a splash of colour with the Oriental Garden or Pussy Willow designs in contemporary colour ways. Shop our full towel range here.
Accent Chair
If space allows, it’s always great to provide some comfortable seating for your guests to relax, read, or enjoy a cup of tea. A plush armchair or accent chair is a great addition that can transform the guest bedroom into a welcoming haven.
We are delighted to offer an array of accent chairs from the likes of Clarke & Clarke and Emma J Shipley, featuring stylish prints and striking designs that will add depth and interest to any space. Shown opposite is the Clarke & Clarke Dalston Botany Chair, helping to bring a touch of nature to the scheme.
Rugs
Continuing the textured theme, a beautifully tactile rug could finish the room beautifully. Simply position half way under the bed or in the centre of a clear space if the room is large enough to help distribute the softness for an all-encompassing, inviting scheme.
We offer a wide choice of rugs, from plain and subtle patterns to bold and intricate designs bursting with character and charm. Discover stunning designs from Sanderson, Morris & Co., Clarke & Clarke, Harlequin and Scion. We particularly like the Morris & Co. Pure Pimpernel Rug in Linen (shown opposite) for a neutral guest bedroom scheme. For help in finding the right rug for your requirements, please see our useful rug buying guide.
Other Finishing Touches
To complete the look, incorporate natural elements such as wood furniture / bedside tables and stone to create a calming and inviting atmosphere. Greenery is also a nice addition. Place potted plants or some fresh flowers to add a touch of life to the scheme.
As guest rooms are often vacant spaces in the home, multifunctional furniture pieces are a great choice should you wish to use the room for other purposes. Adding a desk that can be used as a dressing table or a workspace can be a practical use of space for when guests come and go (see our customer images below for inspiration).
Proper lighting is also essential for creating a comfortable and relaxing environment. Layer different types of lighting to ensure the room is well-lit for both day and night time use. Use a combination of ambient lighting such as overhead fixtures or lamps for general illumination, and add task lighting such as bedside table or floor lamps for reading or getting ready.
Other finishing touches such as clocks to keep track of time, hooks to hang belongings (if space is limited) and mirrors are useful accessories that can help to accommodate your guests’ needs. You may wish to also add some decorative wall art to reflect your taste and create a cohesive aesthetic, as well as some personal items that reflect your home’s style such as as framed photos or souvenirs to make the space more inviting. Shop our full range of homeware here.
The Home Of Interiors Customer Image
The Home Of Interiors Customer Image
Overview
By incorporating these guest bedroom styling ideas and trends, you can design a guest bedroom that is both stylish and inviting, making your guests feel comfortable and appreciated during their stay. Remember, your guest bedroom is an extension of your hospitality, so take the time to create a space that reflects your welcoming spirit and leaves a lasting impression.
For more styling ideas and inspiration, please see our trend guides. If you would like help pulling a full room scheme together, we do offer a complimentary face to face and virtual Bespoke Design Service, including paint and colour consultations, from our showroom in Brockenhurst. We can also make up your perfect window dressings with our made to measure curtain and roman blind making service. Please get in touch if we can assist with your project.
Email sales@thehomeofinteriors.co.uk or call us on 01590 615775.
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