Space. Sanctuary. Special.
When you have a shore house, overnight visitors are always a certainty. If you want to provide a restful sanctuary for family and friends to feel at home, you’ll need a guest room that’s artfully designed.
There are many ways to turn a guest room into a great room. Coastal Living LBI asked Princeton artist Fay Sciarra who summers in Harvey Cedars, NJ for some of her how-to tips and suggestions.
Decorating Begins with the Bed
“Without question, the most important thing in the room is the bed. Start with the bed and build everything in the room around it. Make it the focal point of the room. A decent bed with maybe an upholstered headboard.”
Focus on the Fabrics
“Really nice bedding is critical for a guest room. Choose bedding, accent pillows, and coverlets that are high quality and soft. Try layering the bed linens in different colors and textures. I would do natural fiber, soft cotton. You’ll never go wrong with washed linen quilts and a light-colored blanket. Sheets are always white percale. Brooklinen makes nice sheets.”
Create a Shore Vibe That’s Subtle
“Don’t try too hard when it comes to putting together a coastal guest room. No beach signs, no surfboard rugs. No kitsch. Here’s one that could be hard. Try to limit the seashells! Personally, I would veer away from too many seashells. It can be overdone in beach houses. Look for the more surprise elements that speak of the nature of the beach.
A single piece of artwork grounds a coastal guest room better than a million tiny accessories. I would try to steer away from things that are too blatantly beachy. My esthetic is it shouldn’t scream beach house but if there are going to be beachy accents then don’t be obvious.”
Invest in a Desk
“Make space for a desk. Give your guests a place to set up a laptop, read and relax while they take private phone calls or catch up on emails. Also provide a place for guests to lay out clothing.”
Go with Color
“Watch the colors you choose from the walls to the bed linens. An all-white or neutral palette works well. Keep accents in cream and sand but avoid beige. Choose colors that echo the natural environment. Go with light soothing ocean colors. Light grey, blue or celadon green but nothing harsh.”
Mirrors
“Avoid having accents match. Dressers and mirrors that match are too much. Maybe accent a dresser with a cool antique Sailor’s Valentine mirror. They are expensive but they are gorgeous.”
Keep Furnishings Simple
“To make a small guest room seem less tight limit your furnishings. Resist clutter. No furniture you don’t need or wouldn’t use. Every furniture piece needs to have intention, a reason for being there. Modern is great in a guest bedroom. I have an antique store, and I deal in midcentury antiques and modern pieces. To me, modern is more interesting than brand new. I would be eclectic with the pieces I put in a guest room. I always lean in the direction of more unusual pieces than traditional.
Have a very simple comfortable modern bed with a beautiful headboard that is covered with fabric that’s plush looking or even a pattern but nothing bold. I would keep it soothing and then maybe add a pair of modern club chairs or a pair of swivel club chairs that are covered with a complimentary fabric to the headboard.”
The Right Light
“Provide bedside lamps and table lamps that people can read by. You could incorporate any style, whimsical, modern. Or just very simple bell jar shaped lamps in white porcelain. Think restful. Overhead lighting is not restful in a guest room.”
Mix in Signature Touches
“Art is important. It gives soul to a house. It gives soul to a guest room. You want the artwork to reflect who lives in the house.
Think of local artists when you are choosing a piece of artwork for the room. But the art doesn’t have to be a beach scene. Maybe an abstract. I have done a lot of three-dimensional collage pieces for rooms using objects that I have found through my antique business. Most of my work right now is reverse painting on glass.
Keep your coastal accessories to a minimum. One special thing, one beautiful shell, one piece of art is better than lot of accessories. Be creative, do a mix of fun, weathered vintage antiques.”
Above All be Intentional
“Don’t make your guestroom an afterthought. You can go in so many directions when it comes to its design. Your guest room should be more of a reflection of you rather than what you see in other people’s houses. Make sure everything you select for it has intention behind it.”
Images provided by Fay Sciarra and ABC Home Furnishings.
Contact Information
Fay Sciarra
Umbrella Antiques and Modern
2 Somerset Street
Hopewell, NJ 08525
609-466-2800
sa***@***********or.com
Brooklinen
ABC Home Furnishings