I dream to have the ultimate guest room. The other night as my husband was snoring I wanted one even more! We had a great guest room in our old house that was just half this size. Here we have 4 bedrooms, all used, and an office which is also used. We could conceivably have the office serve as a guest room-slash-office, for the rare guest, but my dream is to have a beautiful room for my guests to come and relax after I entertain them and feed them and refill their glasses of wine. I want a room where they can feel relaxed and rested. A room that is private... filled with inviting pictures... a soft, comfortable bed. I'll have fresh flowers, and up to date magazines on fashion and food and decor. I will have travel books about my home town and some great fiction. On the dresser will be a large pitcher filled with ice water, some folded towels and some little soaps. On the bedside table I would have a lamp, a clock and a radio. There would be a small dish for jewelry, a watch and a cellphone. The remote control will be in the drawer. I want my guests to feel as though they are on vacation, even if for just one night...
What would add or do to have your dream guest room? What other tips do you have that you currently put to use?
above photos courtesy Apartment Therapy
Photos courtesy Better Homes and Gardens
Guest Room, Elle Decor
Guest Bedroom, Jeff Andrews
Guest bedroom, Decor Pad
How to create a warm and inviting guest room:
- Choose colors for the walls and linens that are soothing, not jarring
- Create a comfortable bed with plenty of pillows and blankets if needed
- Make sure climate and temperature are comfortable even on the warmest and coolest of days
- Leave a pitcher with cold water and a glass on dresser or bureau
- Provide fresh towels and wash cloth, a prettily wrapped bar of soap adds a nice, personal touch
- Make sure there is a working lamp by the bedside table for those who wish to read in bed
- Provide plenty of reading materials -- include some bestselling paper backs, home decor, food and fashion magazines (depending on the interests of your guests) as well as local guide books
- Make sure that your guest room has been freshly cleaned and dusted, especially if it is a room that is not often used (Guests often provide us with the perfect opportunity to clean up and clear out our guest rooms -- and our homes for that matter!)
- You may want to leave some pretty note paper and a pen or pencil in a bedside drawer
- Flowers add personality and fragrance
- An aromatherapy candle left on a dresser with some matches will make your guest feel at home
- Provide shades or drapes that can be drawn so that your guest has privacy
- I always leave a battery operated or electric clock on my dresser -- I always have to know the time
- Your guest will need some place to put her bag or suitcase if she is staying for a night or two, and a drawer or room in a closet if your guest will be staying for a few days
- Make sure the bathroom your guest will use has been thoroughly clean and that the toilet paper supply won't run out!
What would add or do to have your dream guest room? What other tips do you have that you currently put to use?