Most homes have one, a spare room that ends up being a disorganised storage cupboard, makeshift office space, or a guest room where you somehow manage to fit a single bed.
Whatever the room's purpose, the spare room is often overlooked when it comes to interior design, typically painted white in the belief that it will make the space appear larger.
It’s time to forget this common interior design 'rule' and explore new ideas to refresh your spare room, turning it into a space you actually enjoy, instead of one you quickly close the door on to hide.
Upgrade Your Walls
Panels are an easy DIY option for enhancing your walls, offering a stylish alternative to traditional paint. Not only are they simple to install, but they also require less maintenance over time. Unlike painted walls, which can easily show dirt, smudges, or marks, panels can be easily wiped clean, making them an ideal choice for high-traffic areas. Whether you choose wood, MDF, or slat, the texture will add character to the room without the constant need for touch-ups or repainting
A popular choice of panel in spare rooms, particularly home offices or gaming rooms, is slat panelling, as it adds a modern backdrop to a computer setup, making the room feel more inviting.
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Colourful Furnishings and Textures Â
If your small room is a guest bedroom, you can rely on colourful soft furnishings and the combination of textiles to add instant interest. You can add a vibrant fabric headboard, a colourful rug, and curtains. By adding different points of interest throughout the room, the eye will be drawn to these, rather than being greeted by four white walls
Inject Personality with Intentional Clutter
Every room in your home is an opportunity to reflect your personality, which is why the idea of intentional clutter has become so popular. People are stepping away from minimalist style and instead curating decorative items and trinkets to proudly display in their homes. It’s a styling approach that makes your home feel more personal, giving it a homely, lived-in appearance, rather than the feel of a showroom.
In a smaller room, you can display these items on shelves to inject personality into the space without sacrificing valuable floor area. Items like carefully chosen ornaments, decorative lamps, framed photographs, or even small plants can be arranged thoughtfully on floating shelves or wall-mounted units.
Make Your Walls a Canvas
Treat your walls like a canvas and add different pieces of art to it, whether you opt for a picture gallery or a large signature piece. Wall galleries can be a combination of prints and photographs, creating a display of your tastes and interests.
For a more unique look, be selective about the frames you use and don’t be afraid to mix styles. Whether you buy new frames or thrift for different ones, you can mix and match the shape, size, colour, or pattern to truly transform a wall.
With a little creativity and a few thoughtful updates, you can transform your spare room into a space that serves a purpose and reflects your personal style. So, whether you're turning it into a guest room, home office, or cosy retreat, embrace the potential of your spare room and create somewhere that you’ll love spending time in.
