Great guest rooms are comfortable, clutter-free and slightly reminiscent of the guest’s home with simple and tasteful decor.
Furniture in a guest room should be functional. If tight on space, place a dresser on one side of the bed and a small desk on the other. Each piece acts as a nightstand and simultaneously creates storage and a small work space for visitors.
If you don’t have an extra room, invest in a sofa bed or high-quality air mattress. Create privacy in a living room, office or basement with vintage screens. Or put a double bed in a children’s bedroom and let the kids sleep in your room for a night or two.
Storage is a must when designing the space. Many guest rooms turn into catch-all spaces when visitors are not in town, but guests still need a place for their things. Add wall hooks for family and friends to hang coats and small bags at the end of the day. Move aside extra clothes and place empty hangers in the closet. If space allows, tuck an ironing board and iron or steamer inside the closet.
Light preferences vary widely from guest to guest. Include sheer light-filtering curtains behind blackout curtains to accommodate without sacrificing style. Hang curtains just below the ceiling so they slightly graze the floor to make the room appear larger. Put a dimmer on the overhead light switch and add lamps to nightstands or small tables for ambiance.
Tip: Put an assortment of packaged snacks and drinks on a small cart with an electric kettle, carafe or small coffeepot for guests to serve themselves.
Start with a quality mattress to provide a restful night’s sleep. It should be firm yet comfortable and the correct height for guests to slide right into bed. Add a feather mattress topper, if needed. Layer in pillows and throw blankets for accents and function. Include options of firm, medium and soft pillows with down and down-alternative filling. Store extra blankets, pillows and linen in a visible closet or basket to accommodate different temperatures and sleeping preferences.
In the bathroom, place extra toiletries on the counter and a hair dryer in the top drawer. Set out an extra house key and a notebook giving the Wi-Fi password, alarm code and emergency contacts. Include an itinerary for the weekend or a few activity ideas. Place an alarm clock and reading materials on the nightstand. Lean a full-length mirror on an empty wall or hang it inside a closet door. Add a seasonal flower arrangement for an inviting pop of color.
