Photography: Martina Gemmola / Artwork: Kate Sharples
Jingle bells are chiming and they’re only getting louder as the holiday season fast approaches. There’s still plenty of time to prep but if your festive plans involve hosting friends and family overnight, now is the time to ready your guest bedroom. The goal is to create an inviting, comfortable space that feels considered but never precious, a home away from home for your loved ones where their needs are anticipated, and comfort is prioritised. We spoke to interior designers Sarah McPhee of Sarah McPhee Interiors and Melissa Balzan of Melissa Balzan Design for expert advice on how to create the ultimate retreat for your visitors, so that they can relax in style and comfort from arrival to the final farewell.
Wake-up call
As the hero of the guest room, the bed is the essential key to restorative sleep. Mattress firmness is a personal preference, so take the Goldilocks approach and choose a medium-firm style – not too soft, yet not too hard. “It’s best to select a good-quality mattress that offers an all-round level of comfort,” Sarah suggests. For summer, use lightweight bedding with washable mattress and pillow protectors. “Sheets should always be made from quality natural fibres, such as cotton or linen, to ensure they are breathable,” says Sarah, who chooses classic white bedlinen for a fresh, timeless look. “I like to layer a bedspread or quilt across the foot of the bed to introduce colour or pattern,” Melissa adds. Natural light will make a room feel more welcoming, but not everyone enjoys rising with the sun. “A room that receives strong morning light is better suited to block-out curtains,” warns Melissa.
“When designing guest bedrooms, we always ensure that nothing is too feminine or masculine, too young or too mature, but that sweet spot in between”
SARAH McPHEE, INTERIOR DESIGNER
Room service
Tripping over luggage or constantly fumbling for phone chargers can ruin a holiday vibe, meaning convenient storage options are vital in any guest suite. Compact bedside tables ensure essentials such as lamps, water glasses, jewellery dishes, and phones within arms reach. Easy access to charging outlets is the cherry on top. “We often opt for a simple bedside table, such as one with an open shelf or a single drawer, rather than something more substantial,” says Sarah. When it comes to luggage, built-ins allow your guests to fully unpack and tuck their vacation gear neatly away. Melissa likes to include joinery with a mix of hanging rails, drawers and shelves, while providing space to stow suitcases. “If space is limited, then I try to include a chest of drawers and some hooks on a wall for guests to hang items,” she adds.
“Having a phone charger already plugged in beside the bed, along with a carafe of water, a small posy of flowers, and some slippers, are lovely little touches for any guest”
MELISSA BALZAN, INTERIOR DESIGNER
Suite life
With the essentials covered off, you can add beautiful, purposeful pieces that elevate the room’s cosiness levels. A comfy reading chair invites relaxation, “and if there is space for a floor lamp beside it, even better!” says Sarah. “A bed-end ottoman or bench provides another lovely opportunity for layering fabric, as well as somewhere for your guests to sit and put their shoes on.” A full-length mirror will always be highly appreciated, as will extra throws for those cooler evenings. “I love adding rugs for warmth, and artworks always bring personality and interest to a space,” Melissa shares.
Checking in
Thoughtful styling will make your guests feel cared for and appreciated. A vase of happy blooms, a scented candle and a stack of fresh, fluffy towels speak volumes. To give the full five-star treatment, provide guests with a small ‘just in case’ kit that’s packed with toothpaste and toothbrushes, paracetamol, plus a spare phone charger. Ultimately, being the host with the most is simply about curating a relaxed feeling in your guest suite. As Melissa advises, “A beautifully dressed bed, fresh flowers, a soft throw and a pair of slippers are often all you need.”
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