I have long thought about guest bedroom like an invitation to your home — somewhere where you can greet guests with warmth and kindness. And when I searched for guest bedroom ideas to style a space, I wanted the end result to support that ethos. That line of thought brings me back to Maya Angelou’s famous quote: “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. how do you feel”. I want to live by the writer’s words – and that includes the way I conceive of my home.
Actions that touch the heart will last forever. From a smile on the subway to remembering a birthday — there are many ways to make an impact in the lives of others. And when it comes to our home, just opening them is the best start. From there, we were able to create a place for someone to feel cozy and loved — and these guest bedroom ideas do just that.
Featured image of Sanetra Nere Longno’s bedroom via Michelle Nash.
Before you start, be aware of the obstacle. Guest bedroom, if we are lucky enough to have one, tends to be on the smaller side. (Same goes for a guest couch or nook.) But where lack of space, creative interior design reigns. I tapped into the insight of three interior designers, Jennifer Walter, Owner and Principal Designer of Co design folding chair. Amy Youngblood’s Amy Youngblood Interiors; and Susan Spath, Principal Designer of Interior Design Susan Spath and president of Kern & Company, for their insight. With each of their guest bedroom ideas, these designers have proven just how fun it can be to design this room — and the lasting impression it can make on a home’s senses. of your guests.
7 guest bedroom ideas to create a warm and welcoming space
Photo of Kate Zimmerman Turpin hers Minimalist Sunday house
1: Treat the guest bedroom as if it were your own
Just because it’s a “spare” room doesn’t mean it’s treated idle. Think of your room, then think of your favorite hotel and combine the two. Relax on plush pillows and extra blankets. And luxury bedding is always key, Jennifer Walter believes. “We always order with a relaxed mentality,” she said.
#2: Prioritize Beds
“I feel that the guest room really should be a comfortable sleeping space for your guests,” says Amy Youngblood, who focuses on the bed. If a king is suitable, use it. They will always remember the sleep they had in your place. Susan Spath loves having a built-in headboard that extends behind the small end tables, “which can make a room inviting and add a cozy feel.”
Photo of Melissa Gidney for Jenni Kayne in Folded Hills Farm & Winery
#3: Provide the essentials
How many times have you forgotten your toothpaste pack? Keep a bag of common toiletries on the nightstand, from cotton balls to mouthwash, to hold anything your guests might be missing. This says, I have you and that leaves them with awkward moments when they have to ask for another tube of toothpaste, again.
#4: Provide creature comforts
In addition to neglected toiletries, Walter likes to include an extra basket of wipes and slippers. “This is how the first guests can bring them in and use them for the duration of their stay,” she says. “Most people forget to pack their slippers, but tile and wood floors can get cold. Even when hanging in other rooms, it’s nice when you slide on something else while touring.” Spath says take it a step further by providing guests with plush bathrobes and a favorite book on the nightstand.
Photo of Chanel Tarlo’s guest house via Molly Culver
#5: Keep it light
“I usually go for a more neutral, softer palette,” says Youngblood. Think cooler pale blues, creamy whites, and warm beiges. In general, lighter tones attract more people, she says, “and it also gives a sense of more space” if the room is smaller.
#6: Be mindful of the space
If you spend most of the room on the bed, be careful with the size of the other pieces of furniture. Walter says go smaller on the nightstand. “As a guest, you don’t usually store too much in the side tables,” she said. “We usually make a side table on one side and a small round stool on the other. That way, the stool serves as both a drop-off point and a seat if space is tight.” Spath agrees, adding that hanging lamps over nightstands is a great way to avoid taking up all the space for a single lamp. And Youngblood says to consider a taller nightstand because it takes up less space.
Photo of Camille Styles’ master bedroom via Michelle Nash
#7: Make it light
There’s something about a magical scent that will stay with you, even long after your visit. Walter and Spath say that candles should be incorporated into the guest bedroom, ideally something soothing and a soothing body lotion. What’s better than candles? A bouquet of fresh flowers.
