As the holidays approach many of us will be hosting family visiting from other places. Guest rooms often become a catch all for everything that does not fit elsewhere. In anticipation of house guests this was very much on my mind this month. I had out of season clothes crowding the guest closet. Shoes stacked up along the wall and extra bedding that I now have no room for since we downsized a few years ago. I started painting the room 2 years ago so there is a wide patch of warm grey on one wall and the green that was there when we moved in still remains on the other 3 walls. This gave me reason to wonder about what I needed to do to get this room guest ready. It also got me to thinking about all of the things that make us feel welcome when we are a guest in someone elses home. The Best Guest Room Designs are varied and offer a wide range of solutions depending upon your own space.
Carve Space From The Attic
One thing that I often hear from others is that they do not have an extra room that can be used for guests . Many of us don’t. Guest rooms used to be common but have fallen off in new home design in recent years as extra space has been dedicated to home offices, walk in closet rooms, larger master bath spaces, and playrooms. If you love your home but wish you had a room that could accommodate guests look to the attic. Carving out a nook in the attic can be a great way to make space for guests. The photo above is a good example of how that can work. The warmth of the wood is complimented by the simple white duvet and can provide privacy for guests away from the rest of the home.
Add A Sitting Area
If you are lucky enough to have an extra large room offering space for your guests think about what would make them more comfortable. Seating and ottomans next to the bed can offer your guest the opportunity to kick back and relax in their private space after a long day of family gatherings. A sitting area can be a space to watch T.V, read, or listen to music. Adding a few books and magazines is a nice touch too.
Small Spaces Can Be Cozy
If you have a smaller room that could work as a guest bedroom there are a lot of tricks that can turn that into an opportunity to provide a cozy space. Take a tip from hotel rooms. When space is tight make that work in your favor. You can create a really cozy room for your guests with luxury bedding, drapery, calming colors, and quite patterns. Because the space is small electrical outlets are easily accessible above the end tables so your guest won’t have to reach low in such a tight space. Utilize hanging lights that enhance the ambience while saving space. Who wouldn’t want to stay here?
Help Keep It Organized
Another small space tip. No closet? No problem. You can add a rolling garment rack like this one above or make space in a dresser. It really matters to be able offer a way for your guests to hang clothes or at least be able to lay them out in a dresser so they don’t feel like they are living out of a suitcase. That can go a long way toward enhancing their experience while visiting.
Integrate Nature Into The Space
Simple touches can make your guest room more inviting. Adding a floral bouquet or even one simple plant can make your guest feel that the guest room is a living part of your home.
This might also be a way to integrate a wallpaper or paint that is unique and perfect for a guest get a way, very spa like.
Wallpapers ,like this one from BobbiBeck Wallpaper, that mimic landscape scenes are a great way to do that.
For that same feel, Farrow and Ball has a really beautiful collection of paints that are soft, subtle, and true to nature that I love too.
Who doesn’t love a little bit of nature?
Accessories and Small Luxuries
Many years ago I was a guest in a friends home. She had extra toiletries-soap, lotion, razors, hairspray, shampoo, etc, -really everything I needed in my home away from home and a private coffee bar. A simple tray like above with two cups and a pot of coffee can serve as a simple coffee bar too! It doesn’t need to be elaborate. It was so thoughtful and something I have never forgotten. It is such a nice way to make your guest feel special. Small Luxuries!
Extra pillows and blankets are a must. Everyone has their own comfort level when sleeping. Some like pillow all over, others just one. If you keep the thermostat set at a different temperature than you guests are used to they may be cold- or hot. Keep your guests comfortable by making extra blankets and pillows accessible in the room. A fan might be good too. Throws are a great way to accent the color scheme of the room while providing enough comfort as well.
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