Depending on the time of year you might be stressing about the family descending on you for the holidays, or wondering how you’re going to make a friend stopping for a summer getaway weekend feel at home. Or maybe you’re looking around at your home, doing a quick audit, and feeling a little unwelcome there yourself. The bottom line is: anyone crossing your threshold should feel completely welcome. As a designer, it’s my job to make sure you feel your home best reflects you as a person as well as your sense of hospitality. But it’s also my realm of expertise to help you make guest spaces just as cozy and homey as the rest of the house. This is my quick designer’s guide to welcoming guests in any season.
The Best Areas to Focus on for Guests
There are probably three main areas I would focus on if I were having guests stay with me: living room, guest bedroom, kitchen.
An added bonus would be the bathroom or powder room, but there are some very small tweaks that easily make the bathroom presentable and comfortable. So we’re going to focus on the other three.
Living Room.
Focus less on rearranging the furniture and more on whether there are enough throw pillows (or too many), if there’s a clean, nice blanket available. Does the carpet need cleaned or the storage rethought to cut down on clutter? The living room is where your guest and you will gravitate to for relaxing. Is there a strategically-placed side table, or do you need to find a new lounge chair? Ultimately, you want the living room to be comfortable and easy to move around in since this might become a secondary refuge for guests. A great way to add more seating in a stylish way that doesn’t crowd the room is through ottomans and stools. They’re portable, smaller, and come upholstered and cushioned for a great, versatile extra seat.
Guest Bedroom.
The bedroom is the most obvious room to be addressed, or even created. If you’re an empty nester then you most likely have a room or two that can be converted from teenager’s bedroom to guest room. A designer’s eye will help you see how to do this efficiently and even on a budget, making the most of the space and building a comfortable retreat for both your kid when they come to visit and any other guests.
If you don’t have a bedroom to work with, don’t panic. Sunrooms and offices easily transform into multi-purpose rooms where your guests still have privacy. More than anything, consider the bed, grab some new sheets, consider tables and places where they can set luggage, and ensure they have some little luxury items (see below).
Kitchen.
Kitchen renovations can be some of the largest investments any of us ever make in our homes. So I’m not pushing you to redo the entire space. Rather, I want you to consider things like breakfast bar seating, maybe a tray with glasses so guests can help themselves to a drink without snooping through cabinets, and fresh flowers. Particularly outdated kitchens, especially the cabinets, always look better with a fresh coat of paint. Small things in the kitchen make it instantly more welcoming.
Small Home Changes with Impact
If you’re like me, then sometimes you look around your house and think, “I can never let people in here!”. I’m here to tell you that yes, you can, and you should! It’s okay if your home looks lived in—you live there! And it’s okay if it’s not perfect. However, there are a few small things you can do to feel more confident in your space (and one big thing that should banish the panic for good).
- Window treatments. Sometimes, you just need curtains to pull the whole room together and make proper use of natural light.
- Throw pillows and blankets. I know I’ve talked about the seasonings before, but it’s for good reason: they are important! Change out these items seasonally or just grab some new to give the room a refresh.
- Hardware. Doorknobs, cabinet pulls, even switch plates might be background details, but you’d be amazed to experience the difference when they are updated. Go decorative or just simply new and see how the rooms feel just a little bit different.
- A plant or two. No need to go full greenhouse here. Instead, bring a little green and freshness into your space with a well-chosen, easy-to-care-for house plant. Set it on a side table or find a decorative plant hanger to display it in the window.
- Art. There’s no need to overhaul your art collection. Rather, reconsider how you display and hang art and photos. Some planning and intention behind each wall and shelf arrangement gives the room a sense of cohesion and true design. If this isn’t your forte, work with me via E-Design and we can plan together!
- Wall Intrigue. This isn’t as mysterious as it sounds. I’m talking about textured wallpaper, fresh paint (especially in the form of an accent wall), crown moldings, or even using trim pieces to create depth. Adding something a little different to a flat surface creates variance and visual interest.
Full-Service Design
I told you there was a big thing you can do, too. If I’m being honest, sometimes the little changes just aren’t enough. They can be Band-Aids on bigger problems that make your home less inviting to both you and guests. Temporary changes and small upgrades are not bad solutions, but we must address the root problem (or problems). That’s where I come in as your partner in design and we work together to create a home you love and know will always suit your lifestyle and make guests feel at home.
Designer’s Guide: Everything A Guest Room Needs
Okay, if I had guests coming to my house tomorrow (even if it is just my kids🤪), then here is exactly what I’d put in the guest room and have on-hand.
I like to create a bit of a hotel experience so there are non-negotiables for me as a host.
- Fresh towels, bath mat, and extra washcloths.
- Candles with everything they need to enjoy them (matches or a lighter, snuffer, and a clear safe place to put them).
- Snacks and water bottles. For almost all my guests, I know them well enough to get their favorite snacks, but standards like pretzels and chips are good go-tos.
- Fresh flowers. I prefer tulips, but if you know their favorite flower then go with those. If flowers are not an option because of allergies, dried greens, paper flowers, or even some herbs are a great alternative.
- New bath soaps. I replace everything from hand soaps to shower gels, shampoos, and conditioners. Consider putting some lotions in the bathroom as well.
- Tea and coffee. For me, I discovered the height of luxury when I put a coffee machine in my bathroom. There was coffee on demand and for guests it created a sort of private kitchen experience. If you don’t have the counter space, I highly recommend a bar cart where you can put not only a coffee machine, but an electric kettle, some tea options, mugs, and the other snacks and water you’re providing.
Welcome Guests in Any Season
Ready or not, you will have guests in your home at some point. No matter what season of life you’re in, or what time of year it is, your home should be guest-ready to create a positive hosting experience for both of you. Have a plan and a home designed for your needs melts the stress out of hosting houseguests. So whether you just need a few small changes or want to completely redesign your home, talk to a designer and be sure you’re ready to welcome guests in any season.
