Overnight Success

How to create a guest bedroom that really makes your guests feel welcome.

by Trisha Kemerly

Preparing a stylish guest room is a snap when you keep in mind the amenities that you enjoy when you’re staying in a new place. If you’ve ever wondered what makes an extra bedroom standout as a special place to stay—it’s in the details. The little touches are what transform an ordinary room into something special.

Be Thoughtful

“I like to place a pretty, etched water carafe/tumbler set next to the bed, along with some good quality bottled water and a few superb after-dinner mints,” says Jamie Johnson, partner and designer at Eden Interiors in Buffalo, N.Y.

“Before guests arrive, I spritz a little freshening spray on the linens, and I leave one of those tiny books on quotes, inspirations or whatever the interest of the guest happens to be—dogs, dreams, witticisms—so that they can take with them a little remembrance when their stay is over.”

Delightful Decorating

Let your guests know you have their comfort and enjoyment in mind by considering these suggestions for your guest bedroom: 

• Resist the temptation to use all your extra or unwanted furnishings—the result can look cluttered and thoughtless. Aim to make the room look and feel like a top-notch hotel or bed and breakfast.
• Remove any unnecessary furniture or clutter that makes the room feel crowded, even if you just have to move it until your guests leave. No one likes to stay in a room where they can barely make a path to the bed or unpack a suitcase.
• Create an environment that promotes a great night’s sleep. Make the bed super comfy by adding a thick duvet and lots of fluffy pillows. Don’t skimp on the linens—give your guests the comfort, textures and luxuries you would want.
• Provide guests with extra pillows and blankets, regardless of the time of year.
• Have a nightstand and reading lamp beside the guest bed. Stack a few recent magazines or books there, along with a small candy or snack bowl for your guests to enjoy.
• Offer an area for clothing storage, such as a chest of drawers or closet with extra hangers and bare shelves.
• Hang a small mirror in the room to provide a spot for putting on makeup or jewelry. A long dressing mirror is also a nice addition.
• Update the lighting by replacing the lamp or overhead light. Old lighting can really date a room, and an inexpensive new lamp can do wonders to bring your guest bedroom up-to-date.
• Add a few fun photos that show off your personality or time spent with family and friends to enhance the homey feel of the space.
• Other items to provide in the room include a clock radio, a notepad and pen, wastebasket, ironing board, iron, sewing kit, window treatments or shades for privacy, and facial tissues.
• To freshen a seldom-used mattress, sprinkle baking soda all over the mattress. Let it sit overnight, then vacuum it up the next day. Throw already-washed sheets back into the dryer to freshen them up. Freshen pillows by air-drying them in the dryer with a fabric softener sheet.
• A vase of fresh flowers is the perfect finishing touch.