Setting out to create the perfect guest bedroom may seem like a lofty goal, but it’s easier than you might think to put together a cozy, welcoming space for family and friends. First, think back to your own travel experiences. “As you are setting up a guest room, think about the best hotel you have stayed in and what made that hotel room so comfortable and easy to use,” suggests Molly McGinness of Molly McGinness Interior Design. Feeling inspired? Read on for designer tips on how to style a fabulous guest room that will make your loved ones—and you—want to stay a while.
Make It Cozy
Sleeping in a new place can be challenging for some, so you’ll want to make your guests feel as comfortable as possible to promote some solid ZZZs during their stay with you. “The guest room should have layers of luxury for a comfortable stay,” McGinness says. According to the designer, you’ll want to stock up on the following: great bedding with plush pillows (and a variety of sleeping pillows in the closet as people have different preference for pillow fullness) additional blankets in the closet, a carafe of water next to the bed, a luggage rack for their suitcase, extra hangers in the closet, a few well placed hooks, beautiful art, functional window treatments and lighting that is easy to operate as you enter and leave the room. Don’t forget a rug, either, notes Savannah Stone of Ainslie Design Studio. She notes, “A rug anchors the room, adds texture, dimension, color, and helps make the space look larger.”
Pictured here: Frida Blue pillows
Be Mindful of Lighting
Another key to do before guests arrive is to think about lighting within your space. “The window treatments should offer privacy and lighting control,” McGinness says. “I like to layer shades under drapes and possibly a layer of sheers behind the drapes. One of these layers should be blackout, either the shade or the drapes.”
Pictured here: Alice Curtains
Then, she says, ensure that you incorporate a mix of electrical lighting options throughout the space. “An overall light operated by a switch as they walk in the room is convenient and generally covers all tasks,” she explains. “Then I would add table lamps or sconces at the bedside location, perfect for bedside reading or just lowering the light level.” Seagrove Design’s Rachel Pintarelli is also a proponent of sconces in the guest room. “I recommend putting each sconce on its own switch that can be easily accessed from the bed,” she says. “If you’re worried about the long term commitment or cost of hardwired fixtures, opt for a plug-in style with coordinating cord covers and an easily accessible switch.” Finally, you can also place a table lamp on the dresser or add a floor lamp in a reading nook if you desire.
Pictured here: Hockney Sky Curtains and an Eden Blue PIllow
Be A Little Bold
A guest room is different from a primary bedroom in many ways, one of which being that you won’t set foot in the space every evening while attempting to unwind from the day. While many people crave simple, soothing primary bedrooms that promote rest and relaxation, the guest room can therefore be a bit more fun. “I like for my guest spaces to be a little over the top, whether it be a dark and moody paneled room or a brightly colored wallpaper with an oversized throw,” shares Susan Klimala of TKS Design Group. “Since they are spending a limited amount of time in the room, why not have a little fun and create a fantastical vacation escape for guests that will make them smile?” Pintarelli agrees that having fun with prints is a must. “Using a mix of textiles—curtains or shades, rugs, bedding, throw pillows, furniture upholstery—is one of the easiest ways to incorporate unique patterns and texture into your space,” she says. “A textured or patterned wallpaper will also add interest and depth.”
Pictured here: Ginger Navy Wallpaper and Fern Velvet Fabric. Design by Kim Armstrong Interior Design
Hannah Skaar of August Jane Interiors notes, “Sometimes my clients want to go bolder these accents to give their guests the feeling of being in a boutique hotel, but with the comforts of staying with friends or family.” She suggests installing Denton Orange or Frida Pink wallpapers. “They are just the unique accent needed to elevate any guest room design,” she states.
Pictured here: Denton Orange wallpaper
Style An End of A Bed Bench
If you have space at the end of the bed, add a bench! “Having a bench at the foot of the bed provides a place to sit, an extra surface for belongings, and storage underneath for shoes and bags,” Pintarelli explains. A folding suitcase rack is a great alternative for those short on space, she adds.
Set Aside Some Welcome Goodies
Pictured here: Hockney Sky pillow, Ginger Sky pillow and Sky Velvet pillow
Treat your friends and family as though they’re guests at a 5-star hotel when they come to visit. “I like to leave out a pitcher of water with glasses and some chocolates,” shares Alida Coury of Alida Coury Interiors. “I find it nice to also offer them a robe and slippers for trips outside the bedroom in their pjs or after a shower,” she adds. “It's those little touches that are meant to be a big hug for guests when they are away from home.”