Theme rooms: not just for the kids

Guest rooms are good for letting loose your inner creative, as most guests won’t spend more than a few nights there. Spare rooms, bathrooms or the garage are also easy targets. Here are some themes you could adopt:

Retro kitchen

Get the look with black and white floor tiles, lime green walls or splashbacks, then furnish the kitchen with vinyl chairs and a laminated table. You can find brand new ‘retro’ appliances in major appliance or department stores, but genuine treasures abound in op shops, auction rooms and antique stores.

Zen bedroom

The soothing minimalist traits of Japanese design can create the perfect bedroom escape. Choose muted natural tones for the walls and furnishings with touches of green – create a tasteful statement with Japanese art. You want the room to feel light and bright with simple decorations.

Garage band

The garage has long been a place for young musos to sharpen their talents, but if you want to do it properly, start by soundproofing at least the external walls so that the neighbours don’t go crazy. Carpet the floor and install a ‘stage’. Attach guitar stands to the wall, store leads in milk crates and throw in some stools.

The library

If you are a bibliophile, build bookshelves around the walls with some glass doors for your first editions. Use the gap around the windows to add a window seat with fabric-covered foam seating and cushions. Furnish it with an old wooden desk and leather chair, and large comfy winged chairs for curling up with a good book. Finish the look with a ladder for reaching the top shelves.

Parisian powder room

You can paint the walls dark red, hang Matisse prints, posters or wallpaper, and add a wrought iron chair and antique lamps.

Balinese patio

Use heavy wooden furniture with lots of cushions and drapes. Fill every space with lush plants, water features and stone statues.

When you’re thinking about creating a themed room, just remember that you have to live with it. Bedrooms are for sleeping in, and that’s not easy if it’s also the place where you’re displaying your Great White Hunter trophies. Likewise, a retro kitchen looks great until you leave a non-retro appliance out on the bench.

If you want to create theme rooms with extra personality, do it properly and with confidence, then enjoy the ambience.