subject: Decorating A Guest Room With Distinction [print this page] You will create a warm and welcoming guest room if you think like a guest before you begin decorating. What would like in a guest room if you were visiting a friend or family member? Of course, you would like the room to be clean and comfortable. You also would want to feel like you were not imposing, so what amenities and consideration would make you feel most welcome? Jot down your ideas and refer to our suggestions for creating a guest room that is overflowing with hospitality.
Ideas for Style and Comfort
Keep the room as stylish as the rest of your home and let it reflect your general style, such as traditional or modern. Choose relaxing colors like pale green or blue or a subdued muted pastel. It is fine to express your personal style but do not make the room too dramatic, frilly or overly masculine. For example, a vegan friend probably would not feel comfortable in a room full of stuffed mounted animal trophies.
Choose good quality bed linens, comforter and pillows to make your guest feel pampered and coordinate the colors of bedding and accessories. Throw pillows on the bed invite a nap or some time spent reading. If there is room, a side chair is a welcome addition and provide bedside lamps so that you are guest will not have to rely on overhead lighting.
A nightlight in the hallway and bathroom are also good ideas. Every bedroom should have mirror either over a dresser or a full-size mirror. Then accessorize with a few tasteful items, like a series of botanical prints or an attractive canvas art. Do not overdo it by housing a gift shop full of collectibles in the room.
Say Welcome by Providing Space
Provide a place for luggage and personal items: A clear chest top or foldaway luggage stand are thoughtful additions to a bedroom. A ring dish and an available electrical outlet gives your guest a spot for jewelry and recharging a cell phone or laptop.
Empty at least one drawer of personal items and provide closet space and empty wood or fabric wrapped hangers. Wall hooks or hooks behind the door add convenience for your guest. If your guest is sharing a bathroom with other family members, place a stack of clean towels and wash cloths on a side chair or hang them from a quilt rack or towel rack in the room.
Adding Amenities
A short stack of books or a few magazines are nice to include for your guest. If they are new to the area, local or regional magazines will be enjoyable. Also include an alarm clock, tissue box, pen and notepad, a candle tin and a little goodie basket stocked with bottled water and snacks will make your visitor feel special.
Extra pillows and blankets in the closet or chest are also welcome and remember to provide toiletries and a hair dryer in the bathroom. Finish off your inviting guest room with a vase full of fresh flowers and your guest will never want to leave!
