The extra bedroom shouldn’t be an afterthought. True, it might not be used all that often, but when it is occupied, you want your guests to feel like they’ve been given the four star treatment.
While sticking to the very basics can make a room feel boring, swinging wildly in the other direction with flashy, statement-making decor is not necessarily appropriate either. Just imagine your in-laws in a hot pink room, or sleeping under a leopard print bedspread.
That said, a great guest bedroom should be a serene, relaxing space where your guest, no matter who they are, can feel comfortable enough to catch some “z’s.”
Neutral Colored Guest Bedroom
Neutral colored walls and bedding are always a safe bet when it comes to the spare room. Not only are they soothing, but they give you a great base to add subtle pops of color, like with a bright blanket or a patterned throw pillow.
If you love the look of all white, make sure it doesn’t come off as sterile. You don’t want your guests to feel like they’re weekending in a hospital ward. Add depth by choosing textured bedding and give the room some character with interesting bedside tables or unexpected art.
Guest Bedroom Bedroom
No one can get a good night’s sleep without quality bedding. Having a comfortable mattress, a cozy comforter and plenty of pillows and blankets on hand are all key parts to a successful guest bedroom. Keep a chest filled with extras at the foot of the bed and make sure to let guests know their location.
Guests don’t want to feel like they’re constantly in your hair. Create a sitting space in one section of the guest bedroom and the problem is solved. Even if the room is small, you can add a desk that doubles as a bedside table. Another solution is to stick a compact, but cozy chair in one corner of the room.
Great Lighting
Don’t forget to install great lighting. Combining overhead lighting with bedside lamps gives your guests the ability to change the mood. On that same note, cover windows with shades or blinds and then decorate them with a curtain. This combination gives guests options when it comes to the amount of sunlight they want to let in.
Be conscious of the little extras that make a big difference. Everyone travels with several pieces of technology — make sure your guest room has available outlets. You want plenty of closet or drawer space for guests — no one likes living out of a suitcase. Include a handful of hangers in the closet for items that wrinkle. A vase of flowers, a few candles, or a dish of potpourri are pretty finishing touches everyone appreciates.
Incorporating these elements into your guest bedroom will make even your pickiest visitor perfectly content.
By Megan Mostyn-Brown
