Bedroom makeover: Guest room made great

This once featureless bedroom (above left) had served its owners for many years without glory. As a depot for transient furniture, the walls had been badly marked, while the curtains were old, unattractive and way too short. The panelling that lines the walls up to picture-rail height was in good condition, but it was well overdue for a good wash and a fresh coat of paint. The plan was simple: turn this dreary space into a haven for guests – so now, a subtle grey, Dulux White Pepper, covers the panelled area (centre), with the upper part of the walls and the ceiling painted in Dulux Whisper White, giving the room the illusion of height and providing contrast. Charming dragonfly motifs with white porcelain tips are fixed to the wall to hold guests’ jackets when the room is being used (right), and embellish the room when not – a pretty yet practical touch.

 

“The prettiest things in the original bedroom were the louvre doors, so they were used as inspiration”

Dulux Whisper White was also used to highlight the window frames, tying the scheme together. Two reclaimed louvre doors have been given a new role as a unique bedhead, echoing the existing cupboard doors while a handsome lamp alongside two sweet hurricane lanterns adds a touch of romance to the appealing ensemble. The floral quilt cover from Myer helps lighten the room and continues the pretty palette. With space at a premium and storage of secondary importance in a room that is used infrequently, an elegant ladder doubles as a towel rail when needed, with its height and colour also balancing nicely with the cupboard doors. New eyelet curtains, 'Halley' in blockout Charcoal from Freedom, add the finishing touch.

 

Giving the room a secondary focal point and the illusion of extra space, a stunning vintage mirror with a white antique washed frame is the pièce de résistance. It brings light into the room, and gives an incredible sense of space. Leaning a mirror as big as this against the wall, rather than hanging it, loosens the look.