spend some tlc on your spare room

Undated Handout Photo of Manhattan bedding collection, black, from £3.99, Dunelm. See PA Feature INTERIORS Spare Room. Picture credit should read: PA Photo/Handout. WARNING: This picture must only be used to accompany PA Feature INTERIORS Spare Room.Undated Handout Photo of Manhattan bedding collection, black, from £3.99, Dunelm. See PA Feature INTERIORS Spare Room. Picture credit should read: PA Photo/Handout. WARNING: This picture must only be used to accompany PA Feature INTERIORS Spare Room.
Undated Handout Photo of Manhattan bedding collection, black, from £3.99, Dunelm. See PA Feature INTERIORS Spare Room. Picture credit should read: PA Photo/Handout. WARNING: This picture must only be used to accompany PA Feature INTERIORS Spare Room.
Tired, a little personally neglected and overwhelmed? No, that’s not us all - it’s a description of the average spare room.

Around 54 per cent of us have an ‘unloved’ room in our houses, according to recent research by B&Q, and most often that’s the spare.

It’s commonly a dumping ground and at the bottom of the list for decor attention, with the result that it ends up groaning with clutter and, style-wise, is way past its sell-by date.

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Panic can set in with the impending influx of visitors, but there’s still time for a revamp which can transform it into a welcoming space.

“For me, guest bedrooms should always be welcoming, comfortable and cosy,” says Jenny Blanc, designer and owner of Jenny Blanc Interiors.

“I often create a small seasonal display with berries, fir cones, dried oranges and holly to decorate the dressing table.

“This year I’ll place decorative and scented candles around the room to create a festive glow and on the mantelpiece or window ledge, a small artificial tree, with reindeer, robins, and glass angels.”

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Be inspired by hotel room luxury, she suggests, and as well as choosing classic bedding, decorate the bed with beautiful, plump cushions, and soft cashmere or faux fur throws.

“In the wardrobe, I always make sure there are soft towelling robes, slippers, thick, fluffy towels and bath essences smelling of winter spices, such as pine, orange, bergamot and ginger.”

This neglected nook can be saved, and making a few small changes to get it guest-ready could inspire you to lavish further TLC on it later and transform it into a sanctuary you’ll love visiting.

Follow the step-by-step guide to spare room style...

Fast fixes

Pick up the paintbrush, splurge a few accessories, sprinkle some seasonal touches and hey presto - you’ll conjure a room that’s festive and fresh.

Sparkling ideas

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Create privacy and a charming festive feel by decorating a window with snowflake or bauble design Frostbrite film, from £25, from The Window Film Company.

Smart solutions: Take advantage of post-Christmas sales to bag bargains, especially in beds and bedding.

If you want the room to double as a home office or hobby space, a sofa bed is an ideal solution. Cosiness never goes amiss and a throw could be a welcome addition on a chair or bed.

For a final touch, display photos (including those of regular visitors ideally!).

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