The Spare Room

What makes the ultimate spare room? What is the art to creating a guest room where visitors love to stay or the dream home office that inspires creativity? Think about function. That's my number one tip. Some spare rooms are multi-functional - an office, guest room and storage space in one. Others focus on one distinct function and do that well. I recommend the latter for cohesion in your scheme. I've seen too many spare rooms as an after thought; a place to dump clutter and styled with pieces that don't complement each other like they should. The Study If having a home office completes your home, it is imperative to have a study space that inspires you. The head buyer for Coco Republic and Max Sparrow offers his top three desk designs in this recent post. With that in mind, a bed often doesn't work within the size limitations of the room yet many still want to be able to offer a place for guests to stay. Create flow, not clutter. A sofa bed, such as the Ashley Sofabed by Coco Republic, combines practicality and classic design whilst uncompromising on space. Mix productivity and comfort but complementing your office space with an oversized occasional chair in a spare corner. Place it near a tall étagère and you have a comfortable chic reading spot. The Guest Room I've turned my second bedroom into a guest room as I love having family and friends visit from interstate. And bedrooms are my favourite room in the house to style! For a classic look, select a tufted bedhead or for a contemporary interior, opt for a light oak timber design, like the Max Sparrow Manhattan Light Oak Frame Bed. Pair with bedsides for symmetry and beautiful table lamps. Use fresh, light colours for a dreamy space and hotel-esque feel. If you do have the space for a desk, select one with a beautiful mirrored or metallic surface such as the Delphine Desk by Jonathan Adler. It can transform into a luxe dressing table - just stand a statement mirror on top. [gallery columns="4" ids="30099,30105,30104,30103,30102,30095,30096,30097,30101,30100,30098,30090,30091,30092,30093,30108"]