When Taylor and I bought our first home in February of 2019, one project we couldn’t wait to tackle was the Guest Room! We had lived in a 1-bedroom apartment for the year prior; and before that, had lived in college dorms. We were so excited for the opportunity to create a space for our loved ones when they come to visit. The entire house was a daunting project, if I’m being honest, but the Guest Room by itself turned out to be a quick and easy to-do.
If your spare bedroom is/was anything like ours, it needed a fresh coat of paint and new floors. We used Behr Marquee Cameo White for the walls, and easy-to-install laminate floors in the shade ‘Deerpath’ we purchased from a local wholesaler. Having the walls and flooring fresh and bright gave us a sweet, blank canvas for decor (which is the best part!)
Over our first year in this home, we’ve hosted just a small handful of overnight guests. Even with a set-up, designated room, the process of setting up for a guest can be stressful! I’ve simplified it for you here!
7 Steps to the Perfect Guest Room
- A comfortable bed, with an option to expand. Our guest room is small, and serves as a home-office while not in use for guests. We chose a twin, trundle daybed with underneath storage for several reasons. The twin size mattress easily sleeps one; but with a simple pull of the frame, out slides a second twin size mattress. Yes, that means you purchase two, 5 inch memory foam mattresses. Within seconds, we have a double bed to comfortably sleep two. This daybed also has 3 drawers for storage underneath, which brings me to my next point!
- Storage for your guests luggage. This can be tricky in a guest room that serves other purposes (like us for a home-office!). When I travel, I like to have a place to put my things, as opposed to an open suitcase on the floor. More than half of our closet in this room is empty with open hangers for guests. We also loved the three drawers in the bottom of our Ikea daybed to provide some more small-space storage.
- Warm lighting. Creating a cozy space for house guests involves a warmly lit welcome into the room. I know my eyes are tired after hours of airport fluorescent bulbs, or lengthy late night driving. We opted for a drop pendant floor lamp with a movable shade to create warmth near the head of the bed, and enough light for the entire room.
- A tree, or fresh greens. There is just something about greenery in a room that makes it feel so fresh and inviting! Whether it be an artificial tree, a potted plant, a vase of flowers, or sprigs of greenery on a nightstand, prepare your guest room with a natural touch that makes them feel at home. In our guest room, we opted for a 6.5 foot artificial fiddle fig tree. I also love to lay fresh eucalyptus or olive branches on a bedside tray next to a scented candle.
- White linens. This should not come to you with much surprise, knowing how much I love bright white. While this gives your guest room a resort-like feel, the reason I suggest white linens is beyond just aesthetic – save yourself the trouble of tackling potential stains! Buy white. everything. Sheets, duvet cover, pillow case, bath towels, hand towels. A little bit of bleach is your best friend.
- Bedside tray with the essentials. Preparing this tray was my favorite part in designing our guest room. I purchased a large wooden tray with handles from Home Goods. Think about your own personal essentials for an overnight (possibly, the common forgotten items). For me, I like to have a toothbrush, toothpaste, hand lotion, shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, and extra blankets on hand. These do not necessarily have to be on display in the tray for your guest, but in easy reach. The tray with handles also doubles as an opportunity for breakfast in bed!
- Comforts of home. When I think about home, I think of my mom. And for me and my mother, ‘mom’ means scented candles, a large mug for herbal tea, and a book to read. Provide your guest with some feel-good comforts of home. I suggest a scented candle that highlights a common fragrance where you live. Being in San Diego, I try to feature a beach scent. Sharing your favorite tea or coffee with your guest, next to a great book or magazine you’ve read recently, lets your guest learn more about you.
Writing this has got me looking forward to hosting our next visitors! Share your guest room designs in the comments below or on Instagram, using the hashtag #newcottonblend
I can’t wait to see your space!
