Creating a Memorable Guest Room

With the holidays approaching and finding myself actually hosting not one but two sets of guests, I have been prepping my guest spaces to be as comfortable and hotel-like as possible and thought I would share what I like to add to these spaces that make staying with us memorable (other than being woken up by Henry and Emma!)

This is my current guest room, which used to be our primary bedroom (there are more detail about this space in my new book, also great in a guest room – hint, hint). I love this room, and sleep in here often when Andrew snores like a wild boar. So I know how I want it to feel, which includes small touches I appreciate when visiting someone’s home myself.

Here’s a roundup of some favorites with notes below! Click images for links.

BEDROOM:

• The obvious-fresh sheets and a variety of blankets. People like to sleep at different temps so I like to make sure there are options. Also two different firmness of pillows is a nice touch.
• These non-iron sheets are pretty great and look tidy at all times (and are on sale right now!)
• By the bed, a nice carafe for water, a sound machine (I have a clock/ sounds machine combo in mine), a sleep mask and ear plugs as well as a charging cord with lots of different options on it.
• I also like to have a favorite scented candle (bonus points for cute matches) and some linen spray- this is my current favorite.
• I have a mini Keurig brewer on a tray with coffee pods, tea, shelf stable cream packets and sugar and nice mugs so someone can have a cup of coffee before coming down in the morning or some tea alone before bed.
• If your room is small without any place to put luggage, a folding luggage rack is a nice addition.
• I once stayed at a friends house who had pre-packaged snacks in the guest room like a little minibar and it was delightful!
• If you don’t have window treatments, you can custom size these linen roller blackout shades online for very little- then layer drapes over them when you have some time or budget allows.

BATHROOM:

• I forgot to add this, but a couple fluffy robes is a special touch.
• Fresh towels- may I suggest my collection? :)
• I found these adorable tortoise toothbrushes in bulk on Amazon and I am obsessed. Paired with a mini Marvis toothpaste for a little luxury.
• In little canisters or within a drawer I like to have elastics, razors, cotton pads and qtips, individually wrapped makeup remover towelettes, ibuprofen, bandaids, mini hair styling products and a fresh brush.
• I have full size shampoo and conditioner in the shower and a blow dryer and curling iron also available.

Here’s another favorite guest suite from the book – these clients went bold and fun in their guest space and I LOVE it. Guest rooms are a fantastic place to play it less safe with your design and explore a bolder or different look.

Photography: Kirsten Francis