Suffolk &amp; Cambs


<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="720" height="1080" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/08/Guest-bedroom.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-34851" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/08/Guest-bedroom.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/08/Guest-bedroom-533x800.jpg 533w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/08/Guest-bedroom-667x1000.jpg 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/08/Guest-bedroom-267x400.jpg 267w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/08/Guest-bedroom-350x525.jpg 350w" sizes="(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px" /><figcaption>Image: Jonathan Bond Photography</figcaption></figure>



<p>Making up excuses not to have guests stay because your spare bedroom is a glorified dumping ground and looks like something from an episode of <em>Hoarders</em>?<em> </em>Or is it so soulless and neglected that you&#8217;re too embarrassed to let anyone across the threshold? Getting the balance right between a room that you&#8217;re proud to show off, but that&#8217;s still homely, reflects your style and is most importantly comfortable and practical is a real art form. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1080" height="1080" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/08/four-poster.jpg" alt="four poster guest bedroom" class="wp-image-34868" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/08/four-poster.jpg 1080w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/08/four-poster-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/08/four-poster-1000x1000.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/08/four-poster-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/08/four-poster-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/08/four-poster-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" /></figure>



<p>Thankfully we know just the company to help &#8211; Cambridgeshire-based <a href="https://katiemalik.co.uk">Katie Malik Design Studio</a>, who can turn unused and unattractive spaces into instagram-worthy, intelligent and luxurious rooms in an instant.</p>



<p>We picked Katie&#8217;s brains for how to turn a guest bedroom into a gorgeous and usable space that&#8217;ll wow now and for years to come, without costing you the earth. Just be warned, you&#8217;ll be inundated with guests once they get wind of the palatial digs on offer&#8230; </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-where-do-you-start-when-designing-a-guest-bedroom">Where do you start when designing a guest bedroom? </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1080" height="1080" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/08/guest-bedroom-2-1.jpg" alt="guest bedroom with desk" class="wp-image-34870" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/08/guest-bedroom-2-1.jpg 1080w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/08/guest-bedroom-2-1-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/08/guest-bedroom-2-1-1000x1000.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/08/guest-bedroom-2-1-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/08/guest-bedroom-2-1-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/08/guest-bedroom-2-1-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" /><figcaption>Image: Maciek Platek Photographer</figcaption></figure>



<p>The best place to start when designing a guest bedroom is the list of requirements, which needs to be mapped against realistic aspects of the space and budget. Of course, the style is important too. It’s very easy to get inspiration from Pinterest and Instagram for the style and colours, but be careful not to get caught up in unrealistic ideas &#8211; that’s why it’s worth creating the list of expectations and map it against the budgetary and space constraints. The next thing would be to focus on the layout (again against your list of requirements/wishes). Once you&#8217;ve prepared a layout, you can start sourcing.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What are the key things to think about when it comes to guest bedrooms? </h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1001" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/08/guest-bedroom-with-storage.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-34901" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/08/guest-bedroom-with-storage.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/08/guest-bedroom-with-storage-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/08/guest-bedroom-with-storage-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/08/guest-bedroom-with-storage-400x267.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/08/guest-bedroom-with-storage-787x525.jpg 787w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /><figcaption>Image: Maciek Platek Photographer</figcaption></figure>



<p>The approach to designing a guest bedroom is exactly the same as an everyday bedroom, but the scope/requirements might change depending on the circumstances and constraints. For example, you need to think whether your guests will need a small wardrobe and a place for a suitcase when they come and stay. Would you like your guests to have a small TV? Is your guest bedroom just for one type of guest or does it also need to work for you as extra storage or office?</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">How do you create a design that doesn’t need updating too often?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="720" height="1080" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/08/guest-bedroom-2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-34852" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/08/guest-bedroom-2.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/08/guest-bedroom-2-533x800.jpg 533w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/08/guest-bedroom-2-667x1000.jpg 667w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/08/guest-bedroom-2-267x400.jpg 267w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/08/guest-bedroom-2-350x525.jpg 350w" sizes="(max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px" /><figcaption>Image: Jonathan Bond Photography</figcaption></figure>



<p>I think it’s important not to follow trends, but stick to what really stands out for you as an individual. If you really love a particular colour or you find a particular style appealing chose that over trends, then you won’t need to update it too often.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What are the main things people overlook when designing a guest bedroom?</h2>



<p>I think people overlook the comfort and storage &#8211; just because it’s a guest bedroom, it doesn’t mean you shouldn&#8217;t buy a super comfortable mattress or forget about where your guests can unpack their suitcase when they come to stay.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What are your favourite palettes for guest bedrooms?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/08/colour-palette-1000x1000.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-34862" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/08/colour-palette-1000x1000.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/08/colour-palette-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/08/colour-palette-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/08/colour-palette-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/08/colour-palette-500x500.jpg 500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/08/colour-palette.jpg 1080w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>We&#8217;ve designed so many guest bedrooms over the years with so many different palettes it’s hard to chose my favourite. I think calm neutrals are best, with a pop of colour, and plenty of textures to make your guests feel like you’ve actually thought about the design and want them to feel welcome. It’s important that the design of the guest bedroom/s are cohesive with the design of the remaining spaces in the house or apartment.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Talk us through one of your recent guest bedroom design processes from 3D layout to completion.&nbsp;</h2>



<p>We start from the brief &#8211; we take very detailed notes of our clients likes/dislikes, requirements, budgets and considerations. Next steps are the drawings (we either survey or we outsource to obtain the overview of the existing situation). Once we have those, we can start designing. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/08/Katie-interior-design-process-1000x1000.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-34861" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/08/Katie-interior-design-process-1000x1000.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/08/Katie-interior-design-process-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/08/Katie-interior-design-process-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/08/Katie-interior-design-process-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/08/Katie-interior-design-process-500x500.jpg 500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/08/Katie-interior-design-process.jpg 1080w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption>Image: Maciek Platek Photographer</figcaption></figure>



<p>Then we show our clients the layouts, proposed finishes, furniture, fittings and equipment, electrical and lighting plans. We also like to show sketches based on those in the first presentation, after we take the feedback, show physical samples and we go back to the drawing board &#8211; make all necessary changes, and our visualiser works to turn sketches into photorealistic visuals.&nbsp; </p>



<p>We repeat the process until our client is happy and then we prepare a technical package &#8211; we produce schedules needed for procurement and different types of drawings that allow different tradesmen to execute the designs. There’s also a big part of the process which is procurement &#8211; it involves buying everything, ensuring it’s delivered in time for the installation, checking the quality, organising replacements if needed, sometimes re-specifying items, which may go out of stock by the time we start procuring. Once everything is ready and installed, we use accessories to finish the look and the clients can start enjoying their new space.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Where are you favourite places to shop for furniture pieces for a guest bedroom?&nbsp;</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1080" height="1080" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/08/guest-bedroom-1.jpg" alt="guest bedroom design in calm neutrals" class="wp-image-34864" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/08/guest-bedroom-1.jpg 1080w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/08/guest-bedroom-1-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/08/guest-bedroom-1-1000x1000.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/08/guest-bedroom-1-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/08/guest-bedroom-1-525x525.jpg 525w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/08/guest-bedroom-1-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px" /></figure>



<p>We have our favourites but as every project is so different it largely depends on the style and budget. Some examples of shops we&#8217;ve used for guest rooms are: Andrew Martin, Olivia’s, La Redoute, Perch and Narrow, Time4Sleep, Oliver Bonas, Original BTC, sofa.com, John Lewis, Sklum, Kave Home, Sweet Pea and Willow, Not On The High Street, Dusk and The White Company.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Any top tips for adding personality to a guest bedroom and making it homely?</h2>



<p>It’s important to finish the look of your bedroom, i.e. add accessories that will make the room feel inviting and homely. You can do that by introducing plants, meaningful artwork, photos, candles, books and/or magazines to read, personal notes or signs if appropriate. I personally find extra throws and blankets really cosy and cocooning.&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong><em>Still feeling overwhelmed by the task of transforming your room or too time poor to project manage the overhaul yourself? For more ideas or to enlist the help of Katie and her talented design studio <a href="https://katiemalik.co.uk">click here</a> or follow her on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/katie_malik_design_studio/">Instagram</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KatieMalikStudio/">Facebook</a>.  </em></strong></p>


How to design a stylish and timeless guest bedroom

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