Guest Picks: Make Your Guest Room a Destination
My husband, Scott, and I have been checking things off on our eternal to-do list around the house, and we’re looking forward to the next action item — the guest room! With fall and the upcoming holidays around the corner, we’ll be seeing additional friends and family members coming through our doors. Our current spare room hasn’t been touched since we moved in over a year ago, and aside from a bed and clean sheets, we’ve sadly had very little to offer those we love. (Luckily, they’ve been understanding, as we were in the middle of an extensive renovation!) We’re ready to fix that now, and here are some ways we’d whip that room into a place they’ll enjoy staying in. The goal? An inviting and serene room, but with a touch of quirk. — Kim from Yellow Brick Home
1912 Big Ben Clock - $49.95Although it’s just as easy to set an alarm on your phone, I tend to keep my phone tucked away while on vacation. Not to mention there’s something so much sweeter and more charming about this traditional clock.
Cities Toile Wallpaper, Ebony - $135This shimmery gold and black wallpaper will really up the posh factor! The theme is reminiscent of travel, so it’s perfect for your guest room. If you’re worried that it could be too bold, start with a focal wall.
Mirror Tray - $89Gather items that you know you’d appreciate while staying in a hotel: think Wi-Fi password, a bottle of water and a few snacks. If you put everything in a tray, it will feel less cluttered and keep things tidy.
Room Service Print - $59.09I can’t help but chuckle when I see this print. It would be a fun way to inject a little humor into the room — Scott’s and my favorite kind of art.
Steven Alan Solid Wool Shag Rug, Oatmeal - $169This shaggy rug will be cozy on your guests’ toes, and its no-fuss color will allow you to bring in vibrant hues with pillows and comforters.
Seersucker Percale Duvet Cover - $89.90Scott and I have always loved the look of clean white pillowcases and duvet covers, as they always feel so fresh and luxurious. As a bonus, I’d layer in colorful sheets and top them off with fun pillows to shake things up and keep them feeling exciting.
Peacock Plumes Sheet Set - $168I’m a sucker for these navy peacock-plume sheets — and the subtle heart shapes take them over the top. Who wouldn’t want to nestle in and get comfy in these?
Gold Merino Wool Throw - $180Having extra blankets on hand, especially during the cold winters in Chicago, where I live, is a necessity. I’d roll a handful of soft throws up in a drawer or leave them out in a basket for easy grabbing.
Tahiti Tie-Dye Quilt, Royal Navy - $29.50You know that fuzzy feeling you get at a hotel when you’re wrapped in a superfluffy comforter? An extra coverlet at the foot of the bed will keep your guests cozy on the coldest nights, and it’ll add a punch of color to your white duvet too.
Equestrian Throw Pillow - $29Scott and I tend to have animal-themed decor in our home, so it’s no surprise that this equestrian pillow caught my eye. I’d layer it with another striped or solid pillow to keep things from feeling too young.
Schoolhouse Canvas Organizer - $84A sturdy canvas organizer is a unique take on a standard basket, and it’s the perfect landing place for extra blankets and towels for your guests. The black base would play off of that wallpaper quite nicely, don’t you think?
Isaac Sconce, Brass, Long Arm - $158Bedside sconces will further create the home-away-from-home feel, and these long-arm brass lights would look stunning against that toile wallpaper above.
Tork Brass Rectangular Dripping Mirror - $299Your friends and family will appreciate a mirror for morning prep. This full-length option is not only stunning, but a practical way for your company to get ready in the morning. The bonus? No fighting over the bathroom mirror!
Turkish Pestemal Towel, Green - $39Scott and I have yet to jump on the Turkish-towel bandwagon, but they’re said to be much more absorbent and softer than traditional bath towels, getting even softer with each wash. Adding one of these to a duo of fluffy white towels would be a special touch that wouldn’t go unnoticed.
Gaspar Luggage Rack - $99A luggage rack would be greeted with open arms. And when not in use, it shrinks to a slim, manageable size for storing.
Silver Lake 1598 PaintThe guest room should be a place where your friends and family can feel calm at the end of a long day of exploring your city, so choose a wall color that won’t easily offend. Silver Lake by Benjamin Moore is a true subtle gray with a hint of warmth.
Modern Chair, Yellow - $399If you have the space, a small area of the room with a chair and table would be a nice way to allow company to rev up or wind down. Whether guests want to catch up on their favorite books before the day starts or just need a place to tie their shoes, it’s always nice not to have to rely solely on the bed as a seat.
Oxford Classic Piped Throw Pillow - $68With pattern going on in the sheets, coverlet and wallpaper (if you’re feeling brave, that is), tossing this pillow in the mix will help keep the space feeling grounded.
Hexagon Side Table - $99Stack your favorite reads on an end table for your pals to peruse, or simply leave it bare so that they have a place to rest their phones and laptops. Any additional surface space is always a plus, especially if your houseguests tend to pack on the heavier side.
Superior Cedar Coat Hanger With Trouser Bar - $16.99While I tend to prefer slim velvet hangers for everyday use, it would be a sweet gesture to kick things up a notch and pick up a set of these sturdy cedar hangers for the guest room closet. Guests will appreciate being able to take their jackets, sweaters and dresses out of their suitcases and allowing those wrinkles to release.
Next: The Cure for Houzz Envy: Guest Room Touches Anyone Can Do