LIFESTYLE DOMICILE
BY MARK HAGEN
I
t seems a strange juxtaposition. People are traveling less these days, but guest rooms are more popular than ever. For some, visiting family seems a safer way to vacation during the pandemic. Others are temporarily moving in with friends to beat boredom, and a few are returning home to care for elderly parents. Whether you have a friend moving in for a few weeks, you’re hosting out-of-town visitors for the holidays or you’re simply looking to jazz up a spare room, creating the perfect guest room is a snap.
Create Cozy
Regardless of your design aesthetic, guest rooms should be tidy and cozy. Assuming you know how to dust, sweep and vacuum, let’s dive right into keeping it cozy.
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Shepherd Express
Because this is where your visitor will sleep, start with the bedding. Quality sheets are key to a good night’s sleep, so don’t cut corners in this area. Invest in sheets with a high-thread count, and if your guest is on an extended stay, pick up a second set. While many Milwaukeeans turn to flannel sheets during the winter, others find the flannel too warm. Stick with light, crisp, breathable sheets and you can’t go wrong. Add a heavy comforter or duvet as well as a thinner blanket. This will allow company to decide which works best (if not both). Complement the bed with throw pillows so guests can prop themselves up in bed for reading, texting, etc. If you have space, work in an inviting side chair. Create a small and appealing corner that’s perfect for reading a book, adding a decorative pillow and soft throw. Consider an end table if you have room.
Remember that you’re creating cozy, not clutter. Layering texture (pillows, throws, etc.) yields an inviting room, but don’t overdo it. A cluttered room turns everyone off and instantly makes guests uncomfortable. If your spare room currently houses last season’s clothes, craft supplies, workout equipment or a collection of any kind, clear it all out before guests arrive.
Add Home Comforts
The goal is to make guests feel as comfortable as possible, and bringing in a few comforts of home is the easiest way to do that. Start by double-checking the room’s lighting. Plug in a nightlight or two so guests don’t fumble about the room during late-night trips to the bathroom. Is there adequate light for nighttime reading? Add bedside lamps if need be or hang a space-saving pendant light.
Photo by KatarzynaBialasiewicz/Getty Images
