1.  A CLEAN SPACE

Image:  Unsplash

When prepping your guest room for visitors, a thorough clean is the best place to start. Guest rooms often become holding cells for items that don’t have another home or just haven’t been restored to their proper place. Clear out the clutter, then inspect (and clean) floors, surfaces, light fixtures, corners and windows that might be hiding dust and cobwebs. It goes without saying that you’ll want your guests to sleep on freshly laundered sheets and bedding.

2.  A SOOTHING PALETTE

Image:  Sherwin Williams

While you’re in cleaning mode, take a good look at your walls. Are they scarred and discolored, or wearing an outdated color? A fresh coat of paint can work wonders. Consider welcoming your guests with a soft, welcoming color scheme that calms and relaxes…maybe something like Rainwashed, the color pictured above, to bring “a serene and natural feel to your interior spaces.” You can probably knock that out over a weekend or let us take that off your plate and do it for you. Bedding and accessories in complementary tones will help your guests relax.

3.  A COMFY BED

Image:  Behr

It’s hard enough to sleep in a place that’s not home without having to toss and turn on an uncomfortable bed. If a high-end mattress doesn’t strain your budget, by all means, go for it. But it that’s not an option, adding a foam mattress topper to an existing bed or couch will help smooth out the lumps.  Even many air mattresses are quite comfortable these days and come with integrated motors to make airing them up a breeze.

4.  A PLACE FOR STUFF

Image:  Bed Bath & Beyond

Even if they’re not staying long, guests generally come with luggage. A place to set a suitcase other than the bed or floor, space in the closet, and—if possible—an empty drawer or two goes a long way to making your company feel they’re not imposing. Folding luggage racks like the one pictured don’t have to be expensive and can be tucked in a closet or under the bed between visits.  

5.  A FEW CREATURE COMFORTS

Image:  Laura Edge for houselogic

If you’ve never forgotten anything when packing for a trip, pat yourself on the back. The rest of us know what it’s like to arrive at a destination missing a toothbrush, shampoo, or other basic necessities. A small basket of the usual suspects, like toothpaste, facial soap, etc. is a thoughtful gesture. It’s also a great way to use samples and little bottles picked up on hotel stays. Don’t forget an extra phone charger and a note with your wi-fi name/password! Kick it up a notch by adding a couple of bottles of water and a packaged snack or two for midnight munchies. A stack of extra towels and blankets, or info on where to find them, is also helpful.

6.  AN EXTRA LIGHT

Image:  hausphotomedia.com

If you’ve ever stumbled around in the dark trying to navigate an unfamiliar space, you’ll “see” why lighting is important. A bedside lamp for nighttime reading—and to light the way from the wall switch to the bed—is a safety feature as well as a nice-to-have. A nightlight for any nocturnal visits to the bathroom can be helpful as well.

7.  A PLACE TO SIT (BESIDES THE BED)

Image:  Kenny Eliason

Some folks just aren’t comfortable sitting on a bed. Depending on your visitor’s age and mobility, it might even be difficult for them to use the bed as a spot to sit and put on their shoes, etc., especially if your guest bed is higher or lower than the norm. A desk/chair combo or a cozy reading spot would be ideal, but a bench at the end of the bed is good, too. Bonus: the bench can double as a place to set a suitcase (#4 above).

Once you decide that your room is ready to receive guests, take it for a test drive. Pack an overnight bag and pretend to be a guest in your own home. Are you comfortable? Do you have everything you need? (No cheating and going back “home” to get what you forgot!) It may seem silly, but it will give you a good idea how guests experience your home and if your accommodations are missing anything.

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