A comfortable guest room conveys a sense of welcome like nothing else can. Taking some time to make the guest room functional and beautiful is well worth the effort.
Although a guest room seems to be nothing more than a bedroom it is so much more for an out-of-town visitor. This room represents a sitting room, quiet space, television-viewing area, dressing room, snack bar, and many other things to someone away from home. Creating space for each of these functions will make guests feel right at home.
Guest Room Basics
Since so many different people use a guest room throughout the year, homeowners have the freedom to decorate the guest room to their own design tastes. However, caution should be used when selecting a colour for such a space. Using gender-neutral tones will prevent the room from becoming too masculine or feminine.
Accenting the room with small touches of brick red or sky blue produces an enjoyable yet restful space. Colours such as calm, serene blue, and green, convey a sense of peace. Painting one of them on the walls creates a serene ambiance. A buttery yellow tone on the walls creates a warm, cosy atmosphere. Adding accents of warm tones, like gold or tan, keeps the room from feeling too cold.
Like in any room, the bed is the focal point of a guest room. In a guest room, bedding should be carefully considered. Choosing high-quality 100% cotton sheets ensure the comfort of all guests. A fluffy down comforter will keep visitors warm in the winter and cool in the summer while offering a touch of luxury.
Hosts should offer several different bed pillows, from the incredibly soft to ultra-firm, ensuring guests will find it just the right fit for their stay. The bedding ensemble can be completed with a few well-placed throw pillows for extra comfort and a luxurious look and a bed skirt to conceal any under-the-bed storage. An upholstered headboard or European-size pillows offers guests a comfortable place to read their favourite magazine or catch up on a late-night talk show.
Little Extra Details Guests Will Enjoy
If the guest room has enough space, a sitting area is a beautiful addition. A small lounge chair and ottoman, or a chaise lounge, creates an inviting, comfortable place for reading or watching a little television. A small stand placed near the chair and topped with a good reading lamp and a coaster for an evening cup of tea create a great reading nook. A basket of magazines or paperbacks near the chair gives guests something to peruse during their downtime.
Another nice touch is placing a small television nearby, so guests can watch their favourite movie without disturbing others in the home. This sitting area allows weekend visitors a place to escape from the bustle of a busy day, and they will enjoy having a quiet place to unwind each evening.
Guests who will be staying for more than just a day or two will need the option of unpacking their suitcases. Hosts should clear out a portion of the closet in the guest room and stock it with various hangers. A low dresser offers a place for guests to rest their suitcases and a place to stash their clothing.
You can use the dresser top to leave a little snack basket for guests, including fresh fruit, bottled water, granola bars, or chocolates. A small alarm clock will make a visitor’s stay easier, should they need to rise earlier than others in the home.
If the guest suite includes an adjoining bathroom, it could be stocked with fluffy towels, a robe, and slippers for an extra touch of home. Including a basket of travel-sized toiletries, a spare toothbrush, and other items a guest may have forgotten to pack is another welcome gesture. Homeowners may wish to leave a nightlight handy for visitors to use, as well.
A guest room does not be exceptionally large or elaborate. A few simple additions to the space will create a room in which anyone would love to stay.
If you do not currently own a headboard, you might be surprised at just how much difference this simple piece of furniture can make. Not only aesthetically, but also to help you feel cosier, and get a quality night’s sleep, which is when all is said and done is the most key factor we should be considering when deciding on bedroom design.
