Your Guest Room is NOT a Storage Unit
That often-neglected, frequently beige, soul-sucking purgatory that many of you inflict upon your nearest and dearest.
Okay, gather ‘round, design disciples, because we need to talk. We need to have a come-to-Jesus (or whatever deity/design icon you worship) meeting about the GUEST BEDROOM. That often-neglected, frequently beige, soul-sucking purgatory that many of you inflict upon your nearest and dearest.
Your Guest Room is NOT a Storage Unit!
Let’s be brutally honest. Most guest bedrooms are an afterthought. A dumping ground for the Peloton you swore you’d use, the furniture that didn’t quite make the cut elsewhere, and a general air of “well, at least it has a bed.”
WRONG. SO. WRONG.
This isn't just a spare room, people. This is an embassy of your home. It's the space where you extend your hospitality, your taste, your very essence to people you (presumably) care about.
And what are you telling them with that sad, mismatched lamp and the comforter from 1998? You’re telling them they’re an afterthought.
I hereby decree: THE REIGN OF THE VANILLA GUEST ROOM IS OVER.
Whether you’re working with a palatial queen setup or carving out space for chic twin king singles (which, by the way, offer incredible versatility and a touch of boutique hotel swagger), your guest bedroom deserves – nay, demands – intention. It demands personality. It demands a little bit of your glorious, no-vanilla soul.
The No-Vanilla Guest Room Commandments:
THOU SHALT NOT ABDICATE DESIGN RESPONSIBILITY. This room is a reflection of YOU. Treat it like one. No hand-me-down energy unless it’s a cherished antique with a story, not just Aunt Mildred’s cast-off dresser.
THOU SHALT NOT WORSHIP AT THE ALTAR OF BEIGE UNLESS IT’S PART OF A LARGER, INTENTIONAL, TEXTURAL SYMPHONY. Beige on its own is a surrender. If you must go neutral, make it a rich, layered, considered neutral. Think creamy boucle, nubby linen, warm woods, a whisper of mushroom. But for the love of all that is stylish, inject some life.
THOU SHALT CRAFT AN EXPERIENCE, NOT JUST A BED. Think boutique hotel, but with more heart and less generic art. What’s the vibe? Moody and enveloping? Bright and energising? A quirky cabinet of curiosities? Pick a lane and commit.
THOU SHALT LAYER LIKE A DAMN PRO. This is where the magic happens. Sumptuous bedding is non-negotiable. Think high thread counts, linen that gets better with every wash, a velvet quilt, a chunky knit throw. Multiple pillow options – some for sleeping, some for propping. Don’t forget a rug to warm up those toes.
THOU SHALT ILLUMINATE WITH INTENTION. That single, harsh overhead light? Banish it. We need pools of light. Bedside lamps (matching or artfully mismatched) with dimmers. A sculptural floor lamp in a reading nook. Maybe even some sexy, low-level accent lighting.
THOU SHALT PROVIDE THE ESSENTIALS, ELEVATED.
Space for their damn suitcase: A luggage rack isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity. Or a clear bench.
Actual hanging space: A few nice hangers, not wire ones from the dry cleaner.
A mirror: Full-length, if possible.
Bedside table(s) with surface area: For water, a book, their phone.
Accessible outlets: Bonus points for a charging station.
Fresh water carafe and glass.
Good Wi-Fi password, clearly displayed.
THOU SHALT INJECT PERSONALITY, NOT CLUTTER. A curated stack of interesting books. A single, stunning piece of art that sparks conversation (or quiet contemplation). A beautiful plant (if you can keep it alive). A unique scent diffuser with something subtle and welcoming.
THOU SHALT REMEMBER IT’S FOR GUESTS, BUT IT’S YOUR STATEMENT. Even if it’s a departure from your main living space style, it should still feel like it came from your creative brain.
This is your chance to be a little bolder, a little more playful, perhaps. Dark, moody walls? A dramatic wallpapered ceiling? Go for it.
Forget "calming" if calming means "boring." We're aiming for "calmly captivating." "Intentionally inviting." "So damn good they’ll never want to leave (but will, eventually, because… you know… boundaries)."
Your guest bedroom is a gift. Wrap it beautifully. Make it memorable. Make it anything but vanilla.
Now go forth and design like you mean it. I’d love to see your results if you’d like to share here.
Love, Penelope xx
Chief Anti-BLAH Officer
This is a FREE publication so please feel free to share. In fact, I’d love it if you shared my posts.
