Think back to the last time you stayed as a guest at a family member or friend’s house. We’re you shown the broken down futon in the basement? Or perhaps you were asked to carve out a tiny space for yourself in what is normally an office? Hopefully, it was better than a sleeping bag on the floor! Offering a comfortable, relaxing space to your guests is not only good manners but is the only way you can ensure that your guests will return again (if, in fact, that is the goal). This holiday season turn your attention to that neglected extra room in your house and make it a place where your family and friends will immediately feel at home.
Pinterest; Raindrops on Roses
Nobody wants to break the bank decorating a guest bedroom and there is no reason why you should have to. Guest rooms need only a minimal amount of furniture and a few well chosen accessories to be successful. This mood board in an array of grays and dusty mauves is at once chic and relaxing. Throws, window treatments and a rug in neutral and complementing colours adds texture and brings the look together.
Carpet - Stark Carpet - Argento - Light Taupe
Paint - Benjamin Moore - Wrought Iron (2124-10), Super Nova (CC-990), Purple Lace (2068-60)
Blankets - DwellStudio - Pyramids Matelasse Coverlets - Dove, Ash, Pearl
Side Table - Restoration Hardware - Maison Closed Nightstand
Fabric (top right corner) P533 Sanfor Airo - Steel-9389, Glynn Linen - 109 Metal, 90531 - 90484/06 (Pearl) All Designer Fabrics.
Fabric (bottom right corner) Telon 115 - 1335-115 Tinto, 5896 Sanfor Airo - Plum Frost, S-92324 - Ivory. All Designer Fabrics.
Obviously most of your attention should focus on the bed. Whether you choose an upholstered headboard, or a DIY project that involves framed photographs or reclaimed antique doors, this will be the focal point in the room, so you should spend some time thinking about it. Side tables or a chest of drawers are easily found at vintage stores or online on sites like Craigslist or eBay. A little elbow grease can easily transform the worst of them. Don’t worry about the pieces matching. As long as there is one detail that ties the pieces together (wood grain, paint colour) the mix and match look will work. It’s also worth spending some money on window treatments. There’s nothing worse than being woken up at the crack of dawn on your holiday.
Once you have these basics in place you can focus on the small details that really make all the difference. Bed linens should be clean and crisp and freshly laundered. Simple solid-coloured sheets can be dressed up with a crocheted or lace throw at the foot of the bed. If you have the space, an easy chair for reading and a good task light will allow your guests to retreat to their rooms and relax in comfort. Including items like an alarm clock, drinking carafe, a few books or recent magazines, fresh flowers or scented candles will show your guests your attention to detail.
Is your guest room ready for the holiday season? What small touches do you add to the room to make it welcoming for your guests?
Emma Reddington is the lifestyle maven behind the acclaimed blog, TheMarionHouseBook.com, where she experiments with interior design, cooking, baking and do-it-yourself projects.
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