'Tis the season for holiday house guests... To help get you ready to host the friends, in-laws, and long lost cousins coming to town, we're teaming up with interiors guru Kate Arends from Wit & Delight. We'll let her take it from here:
Nothing says “thank you for being in my life” better than making your guest feel extra welcome and relaxed in your home.
Now, this doesn’t mean you need to stress about turning into Martha Stewart and have perfectly tucked hospital corners in your guest room. With just a few small tweaks, guest rooms can transform into an oasis so enjoyable you can use it as your own retreat away from real life in the comfort of your own home.
Here are five low-stress, easy ideas from yours truly, on turning your guest room/storage room (I see you, fellow hoarders) into a space that will make guests feel loved and leave you feeling like a decent host.
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TIP #1 // Less is more – seriously!
We mean it when it comes to the guest room. And we’re not talking about going minimal with your design, we're talking about the actual stuff in the room. Before you buy anything for this makeover, take away everything in the space aside from the bed. Then think about the hotels and spaces you’ve loved staying in. One of the biggest reasons we love staying in hotels is the lack of clutter!
Keep only what your guests need in this space: a bed, side table, mirror, and a bench / storage piece. If your guest room is small, don’t worry about adding a dresser, tv, etc. They won’t need it! The goal is to make the space feel like a breath of fresh air. If there is one tip to take away from this post, this one is it. And guess what? It costs nothing!
TIP #2 // Bedding is EVERYTHING in a guest room.
Guest rooms are great for making bold design choices, but before you decide what motif/color scheme/style you want to achieve in this space, consider going beyond big-box options and select bedding made with some TLC.
We’re obsessed with The Citizenry's new line of bedding and made their new Stonewashed bedding set the backdrop for all our pillow and throw selections. Crafted in Portugal's oldest, family-run linen mill, this bedding collection is made from luxe French flax that has been garment washed for extra softness. The bedding is earthy and luxurious, all while feeling (and looking) relaxed and inviting – just what you want when someone stays at your home.
TIP #3 // Make a definitive design choice to tie the whole room together.
We wanted to keep the palette warm and inviting for a small space. We ended up selecting items in tones that felt neutral and textured. By adding things like the Engobe Terracotta Clay Vase and the San Cristobal Brass Hanging, it gives interest to the space without overwhelming it. Pillows also helped to make a neutral bed pop. In a studio space, using the bed as a decorative piece adds warmth and brightness making a small room feel inviting.
TIP #4 // Add simple touches that help guest relax.
My go-to items? Palo Santo, a little electric tea kettle and favorite fancy teas, and a stack of my favorite books. These little extras go a long way in making the whole space feel more relaxed and inviting.
TIP #5 // Make decor choices that establish the bed the unequivocal focal point.
In this space, we selected a large painting instead of a statement headboard to draw the eye towards pillows made from mixed materials. The brass wall hanging highlights the little gifts for our guests arranged on the side table, plus the natural materials create a relaxing and soothing atmosphere. Anchor the bed with a textural rug and throw in a contrasting pattern or complementary color and you’re good to go.
That’s it! A couple simple ways for you to get ready for guests this holiday seasons. Any tips to add? We wanna hear them below!
For more interiors and hosting tips, be sure to follow along with Wit & Delight.