As the holidays approach many of you will be hosting out of town guests…. Are you prepared? It’s time to take a fresh look at your guest bedroom suite to provide your visitors with a home away from home.
Many of us don’t give any thought to this often unused room in our homes and then frantically throw some things together just prior to hosting overnight guests. With a few weeks of planning, you can create a warm, inviting, comfortable haven for your family and friends.
One of the best ways to start is by spending a night or two in your guest bedroom to take note of what may be missing—or needs to be replaced. Don’t forget to take into account the bathroom your guests will be using, and again… consider using it yourself for a few days.
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Here are some important points to consider for planning your guest bedroom suite:
Pillows & Linens –This is not the place to skimp on quality and comfort. Make sure to provide soft, luxurious feeling sheets and pillowcases. It’s worth paying a little extra for a high thread count Egyptian cotton. A soft, fluffy pillow is a luxurious treat for guests. Be aware of any potential allergy problems if you are using a down-filled pillow. Two pillows per guest are best, and you may want to consider one that is a little firmer as well as a softer option to meet personal preferences.
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Bedding- Layers work best. A medium weight blanket topped with a coverlet offers a finished look that isn’t too heavy. A duvet cover with a polyfill or down insert can be folded at the foot of the bed to offer additional warmth and style. Select bedding that fits the bed. Nothing looks more haphazard than an ill fitted bed skirt or a comforter that is either dragging on the floor or barely covering the mattress and boxspring.
Lighting- Bedside lamps to provide adequate light for reading are important. Lamps that provide the option for a 3-way lightbulb are best. If nightstands are smaller in scale, wall-mounted lamps are a great space saving option.
Seating- If space allows, consider adding a comfortable chair or two that provides guests with a cozy place to read. Even a bench at the foot of the bed allows for one to have somewhere to sit to remove shoes or lay extra pillows.
Window Treatments- In addition to a shade or blind to provide privacy and light control, a decorative treatment can help create a softer more inviting space. Custom window treatments always work better than the ready-made store bought variety to ensure a proper fit.
Storage- A nice chest with empty drawer space is the ideal way to give guests the opportunity to unpack and relax. If space is limited, offer a standing luggage rack at the very least. Also, make sure to free up closet space and provide plenty of extra hangars (no wire, please).
Bath Accessories- Provide plenty of fluffy towels and washcloths along with essential toiletry items (this is where using the bathroom yourself for a few days will help). Items such as cotton balls and q-tips in decorative containers are often overlooked but widely used. A nightlight is another small detail that provides subtle lighting at night for a space that may be unfamiliar to the guests.
The idea is to make your guests feel special! By taking a little time to review this area you can create a haven for your visitors that lets them know they are welcome.
Love Where You Live!
Allison Havill Todd | AHT Interiors | 770-887-7612
