The Block 2024: The perfect guest bedroom needs to be adaptable

As simple as bedrooms can be, they can also be painstakingly tricky to get right when you’re not sure of the ever-changing needs of the people using them. This is even more apparent if you’re planning to sell the house after renovation, or rent it out as short-term accommodation.

To remind you of the importance of meeting the market (or your guests) when it comes to bedrooms, just think about the outcry when past contestants on The Block have butchered these rooms: “Too big”, “too small”, “too masculine”, “too feminine”, “OMG there’s a TV in here”, or “Umm, where is the TV?” But who could forget the barb thrown at Matt and Kim by Neale Whitaker on The Block Sky High in 2013: “This is not a bedroom, this is a crime scene.” Ouch.

Here’s what I know about bedrooms: Styling should be considered, thoughtful and comfortable. Cover as many bases as possible and ensure the room can be adapted to whomever ends up hanging their hat in there. 

Think about whether it could be converted to a welcoming guest room or a work-from-home study space. Is it comfortable enough for visiting grandparents, or your 17-year-old’s girlfriend? Can it double as a games’ room for the kids if it’s raining all day?

The Block contestants have, over the years, tended to skew bedrooms towards what might be an imaginary au pair or the out-of-town in-laws staying for a weekend.

I think a more useful target market might be considering the needs of those people who often have large and very loud opinions diametrically opposed to that of their parents – teenagers. 

Here’s what I suggest keeping in mind when fitting out a room for teens:

• Wi-Fi accessibility and strength is a Big Deal. Be mindful of this when selecting the location of this room. I’ve had many surprisingly great holidays when my teens’ rooms are upstairs and a million miles away from the Wi-Fi modem and mobile phone tower. I can’t lie, the initial first hour is horrendous, but after they’ve stopped whinging, they inevitably enter the phase of acceptance and can then become surprisingly resourceful – and pleasant. 
• Having said that, do consider the ramifications of having a room that is so far away that they decide to bring their girlfriend or boyfriend along and they’re living it up like they have their own little love shack with a “Do not disturb” sign on the door.
• Have some nice art or photography on the wall (you can find some interesting, affordable up and coming Australian artists here), a deck of cards, a pile of books and a speaker (love this one). Don’t have black-out blinds – teenagers will sleep non-stop if allowed.
• Have a super-comfy armchair with a bit of personality. Something cheap and cheery might be more appropriate than the original Ball Chair that is probably more suited to the family heirloom category.

In short, you want to make the space comfortable, but not too comfortable they never leave it. Think about it as a pad for them to retreat to when they need some time alone; a place for them to unwind and relax, but somewhere that makes them feel connected to the rest of the family. 

Teens are a bit like overgrown toddlers and sometimes making their environment fun and simple can be a great antidote to the angst and mood swings.

And if the above advice fails, keep the room for yourself!