Matt Heincker: Redesign turns guest room Bohemian

Making our way through the renovation and design of the home we moved into last fall, we eventually came to what can be the most neglected space in a home: the guest room. It is that space you need, but a room that for many weeks collects dust. Guest rooms can be the recipient of hand-me-down, misfit furniture. We were determined to make sure our guest room aimed higher.

We wanted this space to be a place of love and rest. This was the first step in designing it. The second was to create a room that could double as a "mom den" for my lovely wife Stephanie. This ensured the room's use year round.

With designing for my wife in mind, I brought in elements that spoke specifically to her aesthetic. My Stephanie is a fiery Greek woman. She loves her bohemian, global prints, and there can never be too much color. The finished result of this space is a fearless foray into "bohemian chic."

The multi-colored palette of creamy yellow, turquoise, green and tomato red was lifted from the prints of vintage travel posters framed throughout the room. The inviting bed mixes these colors in printed textiles from Morocco, India, England and Bangkok.

A small French chair was made over with green lacquer and velvet faux bois upholstery and provides a pretty perch for guests to sit and read.

Opposite the bed sits a Mid-Century desk that once belonged to my wife's grandfather. It provides a great place to work, craft or study and doubles as a vanity with the large Moroccan mirror hung above.

But I think the crown jewel of the room is the combination of the Moravian star pendant light illuminating the handpainted Moorish print on the accent wall. The over-scaled, riad-inspired motif creates quiet but beautiful visual impact upon entering the space, done in a creamy yellow just a few shades lighter than the wall.

The combination of these elements is adventurous and bold.

But the finished space is an ultra-custom jewel box for mom and all of her guests to rest and feel welcome here at the Heincker home. Missions accomplished!

Matt Heincker is a Carmel-based interior designer and can be reached at (317) 645-8015 or heincker design.com.