Home is where the heart resides and every space in your house should reverberate with warmth and comfort. One such space that often gets overlooked is the guest room. However, a well-designed guest room can serve multiple purposes and add value to your home. This article reveals the secrets to designing a guest room that doubles as a home library, creating a versatile, functional space that combines hospitality with intellectual stimulation.
Assessing the space available
Your journey to designing a dual-purpose room begins with an assessment of the space available in your guest room. This is crucial because it will influence the design decisions you’ll make later. A large room offers more flexibility in terms of furniture placement and the overall design scheme, while a smaller room requires more strategic planning to ensure it doesn’t feel cramped.
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Your guest room doesn’t have to be the largest room in the house – even a small room can serve its dual purpose effectively if planned well. Measure the room accurately to know how much space is available. The key here is to balance the room’s function as a bedroom and a library without compromising on the comfort of your guests or your reading experience.
Choosing the right furniture
The next step is picking the right furniture. This will be a crucial aspect of the design process, as the right furniture can make or break the functionality of this dual-purpose room.
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The bed is the focal point of any bedroom. When choosing a bed for your guest room, consider options that can save space and double as storage. For instance, a Murphy bed, also known as a wall bed, can be folded up when not in use, freeing up floor space. This type of bed also gives the room a more library-like feel when it’s not being used for guests.
For the library portion of your room, bookshelves are non-negotiable. The design and placement of these will depend on the room’s size and layout. Floor-to-ceiling bookshelves are a great option for smaller rooms as they utilise vertical space. For larger rooms, consider freestanding bookcases that can be used as a room divider, offering privacy to your guests while keeping your books accessible.
Incorporating design elements
Once the furniture is sorted, it’s time to focus on the overall design of the room. To create a room that is both welcoming and conducive to reading, pay attention to the colour scheme, lighting, and decor.
The colour scheme plays a significant role in setting the mood of a room. Opt for colours that are calming and inviting. Neutral shades like white, cream, and beige are always safe choices. However, don’t shy away from using bolder colours like navy blue or forest green for a more dramatic effect.
Lighting is equally important. It’s best to have a mix of overhead, task, and ambient lighting. This way, you’ll have bright, direct light for reading, and softer, warmer light for a cosy and inviting atmosphere.
Last but not least, decor plays a pivotal role in tying the room together. Choose decor that complements the dual purpose of the room. For instance, art pieces featuring literary quotes or book-related items such as vintage typewriters or old globes can add a touch of character to the room.
Creating an inviting guest space
While it’s important to create a great library space, remember that this room will also serve as a guest room. Therefore, it’s equally important to make it comfortable and inviting for your guests.
Ensure there’s enough space for your guests to move around comfortably. Besides the bed, have a side table with essentials like a lamp, alarm clock, and a space for their belongings. If space permits, include a comfortable chair and a small table, creating a reading nook for your guests.
To make the room feel more like a hotel, have fresh linens and towels readily available. Also, consider leaving a little welcome basket with toiletries and other essentials. This small gesture will show your guests that you’ve thought of everything to make their stay comfortable.
Balancing the office space
Your home library can also serve as a home office. To create a seamless transition between the two, consider integrating a desk in your design. This can be placed against a wall or even under a window to take advantage of natural light.
Ensure the desk area has good lighting, comfortable seating, and ample storage for office supplies. If the room is small, consider using a compact desk or even a wall-mounted one to save space.
To keep the office area well-organised, use bookshelves or cabinets for storage. This way, you can keep your books and office supplies separated and the room clutter-free.
Designing a UK guest room that doubles as a home library requires careful planning and thoughtful design. But with these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a space that’s both functional and aesthetically pleasing. So roll up your sleeves and start turning that spare room into a cosy library-cum-guest room today!
Integrating Personal Touches in the Design
A space that functions both as a guest room and a home library should showcase your personal style while being welcoming and comfortable for guests. This room is an opportunity to display your unique personality through the selection of books, choice of furniture, and decorative elements.
When selecting books for your home library, include a range of genres and authors. You might be a fan of classic literature, but your guests may prefer contemporary fiction or non-fiction works. Have a good mix of titles to cater to varied reading tastes.
The image credit for the room should go to you. Choose wall art, rugs, and knick-knacks that reflect your personality and interests. Just be mindful of not making the room too cluttered or overwhelmingly personal, as it’s supposed to be a comfortable space for your guests as well.
The library section can also double as a home office. In such a case, the desk can function as a study or workspace. Invest in a comfortable chair and ensure there’s appropriate task lighting. For the office supplies, consider using the bookshelves for storage, helping to keep the room clutter-free and well-organised.
If you have a larger guest room, you can also think about setting up a small kitchen dining area or even a home gym. Remember, the goal is to make the most out of your spare room, and these additional amenities can significantly increase its functionality and appeal.
Conclusion: Tying it All Together
Creating a UK guest room that doubles as a home library is a unique and stylish way to maximise the potential of your spare room. The key is to create a balance between the room’s dual functions so neither feels compromised.
Remember, the bed, whether it’s a Murphy bed or a traditional one, should be comfortable and inviting. The bookcases should be well-organised and reflect your reading preferences. The colours should be calming, and the lighting should suit both reading and relaxing.
You can even extend the functionality of the room by adding a home office, a small kitchen dining area, or even a home gym. Just ensure that the room remains clutter-free and comfortable for your guests.
In the end, your guest room should be more than just a room; it should be a haven of comfort and intellectual stimulation. With careful planning and thoughtful interior design, you can turn your guest bedroom into a multi-functional space that you and your guests will love and appreciate.
With these room ideas at your disposal, your guests will not only feel welcomed but also impressed by your creativity and attention to detail. So, don’t wait any longer, start transforming your spare room into a fantastic guest bedroom-cum-home library today!
