about the room The biggest challenge with this room redesign was space -- and how to get more of it.
Canteen's guestroom has an entire wall comprised of closets. To make it appear larger, Gilliatt suggests removing the middle set of closets, something that will require a good carpenter. This leaves space for a 4-foot-by-5-inch double bed. By doing this, Canteen will be left with two 3-foot-by-6-inch closets for storage space.
With closets on either side of the bed, there is no room for night stands. To give Canteen a place to put books and a glass of water, Gilliatt suggests installing shelves on the sides of the closets. She also recommends fixing swing arm brass lamps to the wall for lighting, which will brighten up the room without taking up space needed for furniture.
In the "before" photo, there is a corner desk by the window. In that same area, there are vertical louver blinds, which Gilliatt says give the room no personality. To make it seem lighter and more open, She suggests replacing them with white shutters and added plants. There is also still enough space for a regular-sized desk and chair, as well as a slipper chair next to the bed.
Gilliatt recommends using shades of blue, white and cream throughout the room: Her design featured walls painted sky blue with white trim and a blue and white accent rug at the foot of the bed. She felt this would bring a sense of calm and relaxation to the room. 
audio from the designer  Interior designer Mary Gilliatt discusses the challenges she faced while redesigning this small guestroom.
Press play to begin
| |  |
FEATURED ADVERTISERS