How to... decorate a guest bedroom

HAVING FRIENDS AND FAMILY TO STAY FOR THE HOLIDAYS? TAKE THE LEAD FROM OUR DESIGN EXPERTS WITH STYLE STATEMENTS AND THOUGHTFUL TOUCHES

- JACKY PARKER

1 careful consideration

A room with fresh linens and comforts shows care for the person staying there. I like dressing tables in guest rooms, so visitors can have all their things to hand. The bed will have at least four pillows and extra cushions covered in our Flora Fantasia print. Frieda Gormley, co-founder, House of Hackney

2 snoozy hues

A good night’s sleep is at the forefront of any bedroom I design. I consider colours that promote relaxation. At Inhabit Hotel we used gentle greys and blues – studies have shown that these reduce stress. I’m a big believer in using natural materials, too; oak bedside tables and handwoven linens. Where space is limited, every inch counts including under-bed storage and open shelf bedside tables. Lastly, I hang art that has repetition or nods to the natural world. Caitlin Henderson, Caitlin Henderson Design and interior designer of Inhabit Hotel

3 see the light

Use a mixture of task, mood and accent lighting to create a layered scheme that will work at any time of day and across the seasons – cosy in winter, light and airy in summer. A good reading light is a considerate touch – it will avoid eye strain and is ideal for creating a soft intimate glow.

Charlie Bowles, director, Original BTC

4 calm and cosy