When it comes to beds, say Colin and Justin, sometimes two are better than one, especially when guest numbers are important and space is tight…
Twin beds are back – fact. As guest offerings flex to meet changing expectations, the traditional fit out for a kid’s room has become modus operandi for adult guest spaces in both cottage and city homes.
Transforming the ‘spare room’ into a valuable home-from-home for weekend visitors or siblings (who don’t mind sharing nocturnal quarters) makes entertaining a whole lot easier and provides ultimate flexibility. Two small beds, as we see it, work amply well in even the tightest of rooms, as long as you abide by some simple rules to maximise the guest experience without sacrificing style or indeed comfort.
On a recent Cityline episode, we explored the twin room phenomenon. Spurred on by a bunkie we recently designed in cottage country, we endeavoured to bring a similar guest philosophy to the urban setting. To this end, we arranged Ikea bedroom furniture (www.ikea.com) against a timber effect wall from About Murals (www.aboutmurals.ca) to add a touch of nature inspired warmth. The combo of colourful detail, offset by wooden accessories, is a sure fire winner for any guest space.
Guest room or store room?
First up, no one wants to sleep in a store room, right? Of course not – so purge. Keep everything clean and defined, and avoid stashing ironing boards, cycles and ladders etc. in guest accommodation. Delete anything the room doesn’t need, and keep space kitted out with only those aspects a guest would enjoy. Clutter is not welcome!
Respect floor space
If you don’t have proportions for two nightstands, don’t be defeated: as we often say, ‘find a fault, make a feature’. Pop a single larger unit in the centre to serve both beds. The generous drawers of larger case goods allow guests to store and arrange items close to hand. Beds and drawer unit both from the Ikea Hemnes range.
Make space for clothing and luggage
If floor space allows, add a modest closet or install hanging hooks with a drawer unit or bench below to act as a wardrobe. The trick is to provide somewhere for clothes to be hung neatly – and suitcases to be hidden – so that friends and family feel welcome and eminently less transient.
Comfort is key
One of the first things we recommend is to spend a night in your guest quarters to determine that which works and that which doesn’t. A welcoming bed (don’t forget the mattress topper) with lots of indulgent layers is essential. And hey: if you’ve tried it all for size, you can be assured your guests will be comfy. Add extra pillows, blankets and sheets so folk can tailor proceedings: the climate as changeable as it is, you can never be truly sure when it’ll be too hot or too cold.
Control light
Ensure that each guest has their own reading light and use directional lamps to avoid one guest’s focus becoming the other guest’s problem. Installing blackout blinds or drapes makes sound sense, so that room occupants can decide what time to arise rather than being awakened by the early morning sun.
Self-sufficiency
Guests don’t want to be a bother, so equip quarters with a few basics so they feel totally indulged. Add towels and simple toiletries, a welcome kit with fresh fruit, snack bars and bottled water, and make sure there are sufficient power outlets for phones and tablets. Hanging a mirror will help bounce light and allow guests to have a quick check before heading out. And don’t forget to pop in a wastebasket so no one is in any doubt as to where garbage should go.
Make space ‘pop’
Adding a comfy chair bolsters the feeling of wellbeing, whilst providing a ‘get away’ spot unto which guests can retreat so they don’t feel they’re living on top of you. Make the room ‘pop’ with bold rugs and wall art to create an ‘Instagramable’ experience. Imagine you’re an Airbnb host, diligently pulling out all the stops to attain the coveted ‘Super Host’ status. You’d go the extra mile, huh? The Tårbäk and Soderup rugs (the former slung on the floor and the latter hung on curtain hooks – attached to little bulldog clips – as textural wall scapes) all come from Ikea, www.ikea.com
So there you have it: the definitive guide to stylish guestrooms and the step-by-step requirements you need to master to become the host with the most. A little time invested now will ensure happy guests… and of course happy guests equal happy times. And consider this: if you’ve gone to all this trouble to ensure your house guests feel spoiled, then the onus will be on them to return the favour when next you visit them…
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