3 Must-Have Essentials for a Welcoming Guest Room
Designing a guest room that is both stylish and comfortable is an art that combines thoughtful details with practicality. When you have visitors, you want them to feel like they’re stepping into their own private retreat, where every need has been anticipated.
At Intentional Design, we believe a well-appointed guest room isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s about ensuring comfort and convenience for your guests. Whether you have a spacious guest suite or a cozy corner in your home, these three essentials will elevate your guest room, creating a space that guests will love.
1. High Quality Bedding
There’s nothing like sinking into a bed with soft, luxurious linens after a long day. High-quality bedding is non-negotiable when it comes to creating a guest room that exudes comfort and care. Invest in sheets with a high thread count, ensuring they are breathable and soft to the touch. Organic cotton or linen blends are excellent choices for durability and comfort. Make sure the bed is dressed with layers that will easily transition from season to season —a lightweight blanket, a duvet or quilt for warmth, and extra throws for added coziness. Pillows should also offer variety: some firmer, some softer, so your guests can choose what works for them.
Neutral or earth-tone bedding creates a calming environment, while a pop of color in the form of accent pillows or a throw can add personality to the space. A well-made bed with quality linens not only offers comfort but shows your guests you’ve taken the time to consider their needs.
Bonus Tip: Consider leaving a set of fresh towels and a plush robe on the bed for an added touch of hospitality. Small additions on the bedside table like a water carafe and a small catch-up for their personal items are also touches that never go unnoticed.
2. Thoughtful Storage Solutions
Nothing makes a guest feel more comfortable than having space to unpack and settle in. Even in a smaller guest room, it’s important to provide storage options where visitors can stow their luggage, hang their clothes, and organize their belongings. A stylish dresser, a few empty drawers, or a spacious closet with hangers is a great start. If space is limited, consider a luggage rack or bench where they can get their suitcase off the floor for more accessibility. Also, a set of decorative hooks behind a door allows guests to hang up their coats, bags or damp towels.
Adding a small tray or basket on the dresser or nightstand gives your guests a convenient spot to place their keys, phones, and other small items. This tiny detail can make a big difference in helping your guests feel more organized and at ease during their stay. Additionally, providing storage solutions signals to your guests that they’re welcome to settle in and make the room their own, rather than feeling like they’re living out of their suitcase.
Bonus Tip: I love to use a small saucer or vintage ashtray as a small catch-all next to the bed.
3. Layered Lighting
Lighting is one of the most overlooked elements of a guest room, yet it plays a crucial role in the overall mood and functionality of the space. When designing a guest room, it’s important to layer the lighting. Start with overhead lighting, which provides general illumination, but don’t stop there. Bedside lamps or dimmable wall-mounted sconces add both functionality and ambiance, offering softer lighting for evening reading or relaxation.
Consider investing in adjustable lighting options, such as dimmer switches, which allow guests to customize the light level to their liking. Avoid harsh, fluorescent lighting, as it can feel sterile and uninviting. Instead, opt for warm, soft bulbs that create a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. If your guestroom does not have an ensuite bathroom, consider also including a small, lighted makeup mirror for the added convenience of getting ready in the room.
Going the Extra Mile…
While bedding, storage, and lighting are the essentials, there are several other small touches you can add to make your guests feel welcomed and cared for. Adding these thoughtful extras can elevate your guest room from basic to boutique.
Welcome Basket: A small basket filled with bottled water, snacks, and travel-sized toiletries is a simple but thoughtful way to make guests feel immediately at home and prevents the awkwardness of asking for forgotten items.
Charging Station: Make sure your guests can easily charge their devices by providing a power strip or a nightstand with built-in USB outlets.
Reading Material: Stock the room with a few magazines, a selection of books, or a guidebook about local attractions for guests to browse in their downtime. If you know their interests, try to tailor this to their tastes.
Personalized Note: A handwritten welcome note or a sign with Wi-Fi instructions can add a personal touch that will leave a lasting impression.
Greenery in the form of a small bouquet or succulents brings some life into the room and shows your guests you picked these just for them.
If you want to add an extra touch of comfort, consider providing a candle or a diffuser with a calming scent, like saffron or cedar, to enhance the sense of grounding in the space.
Conclusion
At Intentional Design, we believe that creating a guest room is about more than just providing a place to sleep. It’s about crafting an experience that makes your guests feel comfortable, cared for, and welcomed. By focusing on the three key elements of high-quality bedding, thoughtful storage, and ambient lighting, you’ll be well on your way to designing a space that your guests will love.
Whether you’re hosting friends for the weekend or accommodating family members during the holidays, these simple yet impactful changes will ensure your guest room is a highlight of their stay. For more tips on how to design spaces that reflect intentional living and thoughtful details, visit Intentional Design Co. or contact us to bring your vision to life!
Ready to make your space more welcoming?
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