Prep Your Space for Overnight Guests

When you are expecting overnight guests, getting ready can make even the most calm among us completely frazzled. But a bit of preparation will leave you feeling relaxed and ready, and make your visitors feel right at home.

The first thing to do is clear any clutter out of the guest zone. So often guest rooms become the clutter dumping zone of the house, but of course no one wants to stay overnight in a room with junk, so that clutter has got to go! Guest rooms can also become quite dusty when they haven’t been used in some time, so vacuuming (including under the bed), and dusting the surfaces is essential. Once the cleaning is done, make the bed with fresh sheets, and fold a few extra blankets at the foot of the bed.

Once the basics are in order, it’s time to focus on those little details that make staying over a pleasure. A small desk where your guests can plug in their laptop, a candle (with matches) and fresh flowers on the bedside table, and a basket of toiletries (it’s so easy to forget something when you’re traveling!) are welcome additions. Be sure to also include a stack of fluffy bath and hand towels, a bottle of water and glass, and a printed card with your house wifi password. Want to go the extra mile? A stack of current favorite books and magazines, a bar of chocolate and some roasted nuts, and a pristine white robe will win you major points!

If you’re decorating a guest room from scratch, look to the style of the rest of your home and carry it through into the guest space for consistency. For a welcoming rustic farmhouse look, try a natural fiber rug and oak secretary desk; for a modern glam guest room, go with a sleek white desk and plush rug. To keep costs down, consider using mattresses on a simple platform rather than a headboard, and accent the bed with a beautiful textile hanging on the wall above it.

Shopping Guide (clockwise from top left): Kayla Oak writing desk; Safavieh natural fiber rug; Surya Candice Olson Modern Classics rug; Brandon White Hide-Away desk.

Photo Credits (from top to bottom of post): Domino Magazine; Holly Marder for Decor8; Country Living; Holly Marder for Decor8; SF Girl By Bay; Domino Magazine.

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