Many homeowners have a room they use for guests. Some of those rooms are dedicated guest rooms. Since those rooms do not get used very often, it is sometimes difficult to know what to do with them. It is very tempting to make them overflow storage spaces or office spaces. If you intend to use the room as a guest room, we suggest that you only use it for guests and not as a giant closet or home storage facility. Try not to use it for a home office as that can make for awkward situations when you have guests. Once you have the room dedicated to guests only, there are a few things you can do to make it feel like home!
Declutter
While pictures of your family, wedding, and kids may be fine for the rest of your home, try to keep the clutter in this room to a minimum. Do not put extra trinkets or bric-a-brac in the room just because you have them. Not everyone has the same style, and for a guest room, minimalism is good. Get rid of anything that seems out of place or “too much” for the room. Collections of model cars, dolls, or even a library are not necessarily the best idea for a guest room, though one or two of these things could help create a theme. Do not skip the cleaning, either. Make sure that the room has recently been deep cleaned and linens and bedding are fresh. Wash everything after a guest leaves and every few months between guest stays. Keep pets out of the guest room too!
Functional
3D elevation
Make sure to have all the essentials. They should have some purpose for being in the room. Some great additions are a coffee maker or Keurig, small desk or table, notepads, and pens. These things would all be found in a hotel room, and you want your guests to feel like they are at home. Comfortable furniture is also a must. A comfortable chair and bed can make all the difference in the world. Some guests will enjoy reading or spending time winding down before bed or even getting up early and easing into the day. Guests often do not want to do this in bed. Providing a comfortable chair can tie a look together in a room and give guests a space to relax before emerging in the morning or before retiring for the evening.
Coordinate with the Bathroom
Provide guests with towels and linens, and make sure that their bathroom needs are met. You can create a single look with spaces where they can easily locate extra supplies or simply make things color coordinate and make the bathroom like a mini spa. Guest baths may be used by other family members, but make sure that your guest does not have to hunt down an extra roll of toilet tissue, hand towels, or washcloths. Consider adding some travel-size toiletries in case the guest stay is unexpected or they forget something. A bar of soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, shaving cream, and razor can be kept in a cabinet under the sink for emergencies.
Be sure that the guest bathroom remains clean during their stay, and if other family members use the bathroom, make sure that they clean up after themselves.
Comfort
Comfort goes a long way in making your guest feel welcome. If their needs and comfort are being met, they will feel more cared for and welcomed. Offer them comforts they may not have at home. A plush robe, extra soft comforter, and additional pillows add those extra touches that make the room feel delightful. In addition to these luxurious offerings, put extra blankets, sheets, towels, and other necessities in an easy to access area. This way, if they need something, they do not need to ask. Don’t forget the lighting. A bedside lamp can be invaluable. Guests will not want to navigate in the dark to find light switches. A few of these creature comforts will help your guests feel valued.
Final Thoughts
There are many things that you can do to make your home more inviting. Be sure to keep your guests in mind when planning the room. If you have parents or siblings who are likely to visit frequently, think about the things they would find inviting. Do they enjoy reading? Set up a small library on one shelf. Do they have certain shows they like to watch daily? If they interfere with your shows, consider a small television in one corner. This room should not be an extravagant expense, but it should be designed with the needs and wants of potential guests in mind. Do you have a guest room? How is yours set up? Do you have things in it you want to change? Let us know what your advice is in the comments.
Our guest writer Elizabeth Shields is co-owner of house cleaning company HappyCleans. She is passionate about interior design, construction and family life.
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