Caroline Quinn gives her junk room a makeover

By Jimmy Loughran 05-08-2010

Lot of houses have one... a junk room that starts life as a spare bedroom but some how ends up as a depository for golf clubs, unwanted clothes and furniture.

Caroline Quinn decided it was time to reclaim her guest bedroom back and came up with a gorgeous restful and charming interior on a budget.

Before:

The bedroom had turned into a storage room that attracted clutter.

After:

Although the room is predominantly white, the soft furnishings help create a look that is neither stark nor cold. 

The white side table gives guests somewhere to put their toiletries and cost €16.99 in IKEA.  It was important that the bedroom was functional as well as pretty.  Using plants and flowers is a great way to decorate a room without costing too much.

Caroline and Raymond picked up the timeless looking reading lamp for €60 in Vobe Interiors on the way to a weekend in Mayo.  The clock was €4.99 from IKEA.  Caroline recycled a bottle that sweet chilli sauce came in and used it as a bud vase.

Caroline wanted a small chandelier that would not dominate the room.  She sourced this one for €60 in Homebase.

The antique armoire which was bought at an auction, creates a contrast to all the white in the bedroom and creates a beautiful focal point.

The rug breaks up the whiteness of the floor and is nice and cosy underfoot also.  Caroline paid €100 for this one at an auction. The birdcage, that was a gift, was also bought at an auction.

This chair was being thrown out on a Corporation collection day.  Caroline picked it up on a path in Glasnevin and all it needed was a wash down!  The fabric on the cushion was an end piece that a friend gave to Caroline and the sheepskin rug was €24.99 in IKEA.

It’s always handy to have a hook on the back of a door, especially in a guest bedroom.  This one cost €12 from Maison.

Be inventive!  A friend of Caroline’s used this timber to sit her roll top bath on.  This was a cut off piece that Caroline salvaged and said that she would find a use for it some day!  The candlestick holder was a gift.

What do you think?

We love how Caroline has used subtle accessories to give this room a sense of serene comfort. What is your favourite accessory in this makeover? Tell us in the comments!

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