How to Create a Minimalist Guest Bedroom

Guest bedrooms work best when they're not overcrowded, and it's important to avoid treating them like a storage room whenever they're unoccupied. When it comes to decorating, why not take a minimalist approach? Simplicity at its best, it's easy to achieve no matter what your budget. What is minimalism? Minimalism spans far beyond interiors, it can be found everywhere from architecture to music to art. However, in the world of design and architecture a 'less in more' approach should be taken. A room should be reduced to only what is necessary - this means you'll want to strip your guest bedroom back to the essentials and avoid messy, cluttered areas at all costs. Space and light play key roles in minimalism, and plenty of thought should go into selecting the objects you do decide to place into a room. They'll be taking centre stage, for maximum impact. Minimalism is tidy, clean and sleek - and by no means boring. To discover how you can transform your guest bedroom into a tranquil, minimalist space take a look at the trend's main features below. Key features Looking to create the perfect, minimal guest bedroom? Make sure you include the following: Create a neutral colour scheme Colour certainly isn't banned in minimalism, but the base of your guest room should remain neutral. White feels fresh and bright, while beige tones can add a hint of warmth. Pops of colour are welcome, despite what you might initially think. It's easy to incorporate colour through furnishings, bed linen and cushions and adding some character this way means you can switch things up easily whenever you feel like it. Popular shades include jewel tones, tan, green and even blush pink. Open space Space is everything in minimalism, and it's important to select furniture that doesn't swamp a room. Finding the perfect measurements is vital, and when you're in the process of planning the layout of your guest bedroom, make sure to account for empty space. Minimalist rooms are supposed to invoke calm and tranquillity, and open space will help your guest relax. The importance of natural light Minimalists love natural light, but it's not always practical to leave windows bare. If possible, choose thinner curtains or blinds that can easily be drawn. Assess artificial lighting in your guest bedroom too - if there are dark, shadowy areas add another lamp or change to brighter LED bulbs. White walls and floors are known for reflecting light too, and all of this will enhance your space and help the room to look more spacious. Stay away from messy patterns For the most part, minimalist bedrooms tend to avoid patterns - particularly complex ones. If you do decide to add a pattern, keep it simple. Geometric prints always work well and clean lines are vital. Declutter Mess is certainly not minimal, and decluttering is a must. This might mean removing unnecessary bits and bobs that you've placed on bedside tables and drawers, or investing in some smart storage solutions to neatly store extra bedding, towels and anything else you'd like to put away. A pared-back aesthetic defines minimalism. Take the quality over quantity approach, especially when it comes to furniture. For your guest bedroom, only purchase what's necessary - a bed, bedside table, chest of drawers and a lamp will do! Consider texture When you stick to a neutral colour scheme, it can be easy for your guest room to suddenly feel flat. Texture is key to getting the minimalist trend right, and the easiest way to incorporate it is through soft furnishings. Make sure you choose items that can add depth into a room, and play with different hues. From large woven blankets and tasselled or beaded cushions to sheepskin rugs and even velvet curtains, there are plenty of options. You certainly don't need to stick to one kind of texture either, placing contrasting textures - such as a silk, fur and knitted cushions, for example - will work brilliantly! If minimalism isn't quite up your style but you're not keen to avoid a traditional look, why not create a modern guest bedroom. You can find out everything you need to know here.