The Well-Appointed Guest Room
I love having overnight guests - there's nothing as much fun as a sleepover. It's important to me, too, that my guests are as comfortable here as they are in their own homes - even more, if that's possible. After all, who likes feeling awkward as they tiptoe around the kitchen in the morning?
In the race to make guests feel at home, a great guest room is key. It doesn't have to be big, or even a permanent room, as long as its thoughtfully arranged. Here are some of my guest-room must-haves:
In the race to make guests feel at home, a great guest room is key. It doesn't have to be big, or even a permanent room, as long as its thoughtfully arranged. Here are some of my guest-room must-haves:
Great linens. First and foremost, guests rooms are made by really wonderful, comfortable beds. I love this quilted headboard and the crisp white and green of the linens. Piles of pillows are nice, too.
Great bedspread. On top of fantastic linens, a pretty and soft bedspread makes a welcoming bed. I love this fuzzy, soft spread.
I also love the extra sink in this room. Key in a vacation house, where 10 people might be lining up to brush their teeth in the morning.
I also love the extra sink in this room. Key in a vacation house, where 10 people might be lining up to brush their teeth in the morning.
Tons of color. I love the vibrancy of this room - it would be so much fun to stay here, and I'm sure I'd bounce right out of bed. I'm not usually a floral girl, but the outrageous patterns and colors here are irresistable. Plus, I love the comfortable-looking chair in the corner. It's nice for guests to have an extra spot to sit (or to throw their clothes).
Natural light. Sure, most guests rooms aren't going to have windows THIS fantastic. But the best guest rooms will allow for plenty of natural light and fresh air.
Flowers. A simple bouquet on the side table or dresser is a really nice, sweet touch. Pick something that's colorful but scentless - tulips and daffodils are my favorites. That little bit of effort will make guests feel wanted.
Something funny. Nothing makes me feel as comfortable as a little joke. Whether it's a crazy painting on the wall or, like here, a silly little stuffed animal perched on a very feminine bed, throwing a little humor into the room's design is disarming and welcoming.
Great use of space. Just because a room is tiny doesn't mean it won't suffice. This is a very realistic guest room - it's a loft, space that might not otherwise be used often. But it's got great light, a comfortable bed and a nice chair tucked in the corner. It feels private, too, which is very important.
Private space. If it's available, giving guests a little oasis of their own is awfully nice. This room's private patio is so pretty and a a wonderful extra.
A side table. Guests do more than sleep, especially if they're staying for a few days. A little table for applying makeup and writing letters (OK, checking email on the laptop) is a useful addition to a guest room.
Books. What better way to immerse guests in your home than to provide them with something to read. It helps them feel like a part of the family right away - and gives them a way to entertain themselves. This is especially great for guests who are staying more than one night. As an added bonus, books are a great design element - don't they look great stacked on these bright tables?