Moving into a new home can be overwhelming, every room needs attention and often, the spare room just isn't at the top of the list. However, when weeks turn to months and even years, it's time to make that space useful again.
We've all used the spare room as a dumping ground for boxes and old furniture and there's no shame in making good use of a space you wouldn't use otherwise. But, if you finally want a place to sleep or study, there's going to have to be some changes! First, remove all the clutter and rubbish from the room. Chuck anything you won't be needing again but keep anything you think you can salvage. A bit of sandpaper and a lick of paint can go a long way with that outdated dresser! Strip back the main features of the room, all cupboards, furniture and even curtains should be removed before you even start redesigning. A personal touch is important, so keep your personal style at the front of your mind as you start to refill the room.
Often, the spare room is smaller than the other bedrooms, so keep the decor light and forgiving. Don't be afraid to go all out on storage, full-length wardrobes or shelving is a perfect way to store all those things you used to store in the middle of the carpet! Shh, we won't tell if you don't! ;) Not got any full-sized wardrobes knocking around? No worries, make your own by combining simple wooden boxes to fake the inbuilt look. Decorate with paint and stick-ons and you'd be surprised how far you can get without the professionals!
Colour-wise, go for bright shades, pastels or whites and try and open the room to as much light as possible. Funky patterns are fun and add personality, but tone them down in this room to keep a light and airy vibe. Instead, try textured wallpaper, small detailing or paint effects. Stick to simple looking furniture, practical is best and dual purpose pieces are ideal for a multi-use spare room. Fold away beds, desks and seating saves a fortune on individual pieces of furniture and is super convenient for an unspecialised space.