Summer's coming, and so are friends and relatives. A
welcome visit is looked forward to with excited
anticipation. But where shall they sleep? Why, the guest
bedroom, of course. But when you go into this seldom
visited room you notice that the ironing board that
hasn't been used for its intended purpose is now a
collection surface for out-of-season clothes and that the
Christmas decoration boxes have not been put away.
You know that your guests are worthy of more than
jamming themselves into this cluttered space, but what to
do?
Imagine a guest bedroom that's also a place you can
find sanctuary and enjoy quiet reading time when it's not
being occupied by a friend or relative. Think about how
lovely this room could be if it weren't a catchall for
outdated furniture and no-longer-usable things.
Let's make this room a special place in the house,
both for your guests to stay in and for you to enjoy
after they leave. Additionally, when guests have a place
to relax when not sleeping, everyone has a better time
together. So let's make this guest bedroom a sanctuary,
and a luxurious one at that.
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A guest room can also serve as a sitting
room (not to mention storage space) by replacing
a bed with a sofa bed and having both the
nightstand and coffee table double as storage
units.
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A small table can become a desk for a
laptop computer or a dressing table.
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For the purpose of this project I'll assume that the
paint and floors, whether carpeted or hardwood, are in
good shape. But if they're not, you'll need to address
them first as you can't design an attractive space if its
bones aren't good.
Start with the bed, the most obvious piece of
furniture that defines this room as a place to sleep.
What rule says that the bed has to look like a bed? Think
about this piece of furniture as one that can serve
several functions. For example, a sofa that converts into
a bed transforms the room from an occasionally needed
bedroom into a sitting room. Sofa beds come in many
shapes and sizes, from twin to queen. The size of the
sofa dictates the size of the bed, so even a club chair
can become a bed, albeit a narrow one.
Create Storage Space
Now we have a sofa bed in the room. What else can make
this room a comfortable place to enjoy? How about a
coffee table so you can set down a cup of tea or glass of
wine? But to make this piece of furniture more practical,
it can also be the storage space for the bed's blankets
and pillows. Upholstered storage ottomans are the perfect
place to set a tray, and even put your feet up to read a
book or magazine.
Good lighting is important for any room, and a bedroom
is no exception. A small cabinet that's also a night
table provides additional storage. It's also the perfect
place to set an attractive table lamp for reading.
But basic furniture isn't enough to make the room
luxurious for both you and your guests. You need to add a
few creature comforts, plus a place for guests to put
their laptop, car keys, pocket change, etc. So you'll
want to add a small table and chair. Make sure it suits
the decor and supports the welcome feeling you're
creating.
Make room in the closet by taking some of your
out-of-season clothes and putting them elsewhere for the
time being, and supply hangers for your guests. If
there's a dresser, make a drawer available.
Now it's time to choose decorative elements that are
soothing and relaxing. Calming art for the walls, fresh
flowers and a small blanket for cool evenings. Ahhhh.
Lovely.
If you have a guest bathroom, it would be a nice touch
to provide the amenities that guests at luxury hotels
take for granted: a terry robe, which people don't have
room for in their suitcase; a hairdryer; a basket filled
with small bottles of shampoo and conditioner, disposable
razor, shower cap. The list could go on and on.
A Little Night Reading
Leave a book that you've enjoyed on the night table,
just in case they can't sleep and want something to read
in the middle of the night.
If you know your guests will have time to themselves
and aren't familiar with the area, put together a guide
of interesting places to go, restaurants that you like
and things to see during their vacation.
You've just created a room that guests will be
reluctant to leave. But after they do, it will be your
own quiet place to enjoy, and you'll feel like a welcomed
guest in your own home.
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