Decorating a Home Office/Spare Bedroom

The term spare room is kind of a misnomer. For most homeowners, any extra space is a luxury that is quickly gobbled up and turned into something: a playroom for the kids; a guest room; a home office.  There are ways to combine a home office and a guest room into one stylish space.  Home office/bedroom doesn’t mean shoving a desk in the corner of the guest room or squeezing a queen size bed into the office.  Create a room that is a true multifunctional room that is the best of both.

Rather than having a big bed in a small room use a convertible day bed/sofa.  While this won’t accommodate two guests, it will work for a single guest.  During the day or when the room is not being used as a guest room, the sofa provides a comfortable place to lounge and relax.

Place a stylish desk in the room. Choose one that can be cleared of work papers and laptop for a guest’s visit. Having a few file cabinets or a bookshelf with doors to hide work and home finance paperwork would optimize the storage in this space. Consider a storage ottoman as a coffee table because they are portable and easily moved around the space.

Use neutral colors to make this space guest-friendly.  A patterned area rug could add interest and coziness.  A few pieces of art on the walls would help warm up the space and keep it from feeling too sterile. Even personal family photos would be nice hung as a gallery wall.

Tips for Hosting Guests Overnight Like a Luxury Hotel

Having guests over can always be a good time. Whether it is for the holidays, a social gathering, or friends visiting from out of town, you want your home to feel welcoming. The best way to accommodate your guests is to consider what they may need if they were to stay at a hotel. What do hotels provide for their guests? Since hotels have mastered the art of hospitality, using some of their commonly-practiced policies in your own home can make you a guru of hosting guests as well. Here are several tricks you can take from hotels to practice in your own home:

Bedroom Comfort

One of the primary focal points to tackle is the guest bedroom comfort. Many hotels master comfort by using a high-quality mattress, pillows, and even chairs. Make sure your guest room has plenty of pillows, blankets, and seating for your guest. Everyone has their own individual sleeping styles. Adding some extra pillows and blankets can ensure your guests have a comfortable stay.

Restroom Accommodations

When you go to a hotel, many of them will provide you with bathroom essentials. This typically consists of shampoo, soap, and conditioner and sometimes a lotion. These are excellent accommodations to have in your own guest bathroom. Make sure your guests are familiar without how to use your shower system or any questions they may have. It should go without saying but have spare toilet paper and towels readily available as well.

R&R

While you will probably be spending most of the time with your guests, you still want them to be able to get away from everything. Nothing makes people feel more comfortable and at home that some privacy, rest, and relaxation. Provide your guest with the Wi-Fi password as well as any passwords to television streaming services.

Continental Breakfast

You do not need to set up a continental breakfast, but you can borrow the concept. Check with your guest beforehand for food allergies or restrictions. Making breakfast in the morning can eliminate them having to order food. These simple tricks can take your hosting skills to the next level.

Hosting should not be intimidating. Make sure you prioritize your guest’s needs and comfort. You can make your house feel like home to them with some of these simple tricks. For more great tips and tricks, make sure to subscribe.

How to Create a Guest Bedroom

There are hundreds of reasons why we may have an extra room in our homes. Maybe the kids moved out, or you bought a home with extra rooms. Having an extra bedroom is an excellent opportunity for creating a guest room. Adding a guest room is great for hosting guests overnight. However, just furnishing a room with a bed does not necessarily make a guest bedroom. You may want to add some simple things to help make your guest stay as comfortable as possible during their stay. Consider hotels and all the accommodations they give to you. Creating a guest room is quite similar. Here is everything we recommend incorporating in your guest room:

Comfort 

First and foremost, you want to ensure your guest’s comfort. Do not give them one pillow and a throw blanket. The guest bed should be made with clean sheets and a variety of pillows. You should also include a clock and a waste bin in the bedroom as well near the bed.

Basic Toiletries 

Asking can be awkward, so try to explain everything to your guest when they arrive. Have basic toiletries and the bathroom ready for their use. Have towels folded on the bed and ready to go for them. You may want to explain any unique or complicated manners in the bathroom area, like starting the shower or the tub. 

Just Enough 

Remember, less is more. You want the room to be ready to go. Including simple décor, a mirror, and some seating in the guest bedroom is great; however, do not over-crowd the room. You want the room to be ready for them to unpack. Make sure closets and drawers are readily available for their convenience. You may also want to include a charging station for their phone, Wi-Fi passwords written down, and lamps beside the bed. 

Creating your guest room can be fun. Consider what amenities hotels provide and include them. You want your room to feel very functional. With these simple rules in mind, you will have a perfect guest room to host any guest. For more tips and tricks, make sure to subscribe!

Simple Guest Room Shows Comfy Charm

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Fulton Homes Starlight model

A lovely guest room is more about imagination and thought than a large budget. Take a look at this bedroom. It creates a welcoming and whimsical impression with a minimum of expense and effort. Let’s look at why this room feels so inviting.

Using a theme: Think beyond the standard approach to décor with your guest room. Since any visitors are temporary, the only person you have to satisfy is yourself. So if you have a yen for a gypsy caravan approach, full-on country style or an inviting western theme like this room, let your creativity run wild. In this case, a painted headboard and wall art create a cowboy mood with just a couple of design choices.

Don’t be afraid of color: Creamy yellow walls, a red bedspread and matching grey and red bedside tables create a vivid space that capitalizes on the theme. The colors are bolstered by bed linens and paint – two of the least expensive ways to brighten a space.

Find inspiration: Visit stores for guest-room inspiration. Imagine finding the boot painting at a store, then deciding to build a guest room around it. Look for unusual or lively items to help you develop a direction for the space.

Add a few homey touches: Guest rooms don’t need much in the way of storage space. Most people will live out of their suitcases when visiting. Instead include a few magazines and books, a basket of snacks, and a collection of small soaps and personal grooming articles in case guests forget anything.

Take the time to make your guest room special and your guests will feel special and welcomed when they visit.