From Storage Dump to Stylish Sanctuary: Transforming a Guest Bedroom in a Rental
Rental properties often present unique design challenges. It's easy for spaces to become catch-alls for clutter, especially guest bedrooms that rarely see guests. We recently worked with a couple who had fallen into this trap. Their guest room had become a dumping ground for storage, laundry, and anything without a designated home. They longed to transform it into a welcoming space but felt overwhelmed by the task. Their challenge? Create a stylish and inviting guest room primarily using their existing belongings, while also implementing long-term strategies to prevent the clutter from creeping back in.
Initially booked for a "Designer Half Day," the couple quickly realized the project's potential and expanded the brief to include a mood board, sourcing, and an additional half-day for styling. This allowed us to fully realize their vision and create a truly transformative space.
Our Design Approach:
- Defining the Vision: The Designer Half Day: Our initial "Designer Half Day" was all about understanding the couple's needs and aspirations for the room. We discussed how they envisioned using the space and explored the reasons it had become a storage room. We identified the items that absolutely had to stay due to storage constraints (primarily the bed and a white gloss chest of drawers) and spent valuable time decluttering and organizing. This hands-on approach helped us lay the groundwork for a successful transformation.
- Setting the Mood: Mood Board Inspiration: We presented the couple with two distinct mood boards, each brimming with character and a luxurious feel. Both options beautifully complemented the room's south-west facing aspect, maximizing the natural light. The mood boards provided a clear visual direction, allowing the couple to choose a style that resonated with them.
- Curating the Look: Sourcing and Styling: Once the mood board was finalized, we assessed the couple's existing furniture and accessories to identify pieces that could work within the chosen scheme. We then developed sourcing recommendations, providing a range of budget-friendly options to fill any gaps. This ensured the final design was something the couple could take to their next home!
- The Finishing Touch: Styling and Sustainable Systems: Our second half-day was dedicated to styling the room and, crucially, implementing strategies to maintain its newfound order. We worked with the couple to arrange furniture, incorporate textiles, and add decorative touches that brought the space to life. We also focused on establishing practical systems to prevent clutter from returning. This included suggesting storage solutions, decluttering routines, and tips for mindful purchasing.
Our Services: Full FF&E Design
- Floor plan, Mood board, and Final Presentation
- Sourcing of All Materials & Fixtures
- Styling