How To Create An Inviting Guest Room

Guests are always fun at first thought. We often can’t wait for them to arrive. Then the days of schedule disruption, picky eaters, and entertaining to no avail – I’m just being real here – can get old fast. But, the preparation is only fun. I am in the midst of designing a guest room in my house that feels like a high end hotel. Mostly because when my husband snores (which is almost every night) I have an escape. It’s truly selfish but the intention is good — guests should feel welcome and at home. Mi casa es su casa! Here are some tips for creating an inviting guest room.

Pillows, pillows, pillows: One of the things I love about traveling is interesting bedding. I love to feel and experience new fabrics and patterns. I also love when I see fabrics that I’ve used in my own designs. That is a super design validation for me. I was recently at the Orlando Four Seasons and they used the Fortuny fabrics I used in this home. I was so excited and felt right at home. So load up on cool throw pillows… layer, layer, layer!

Baby Light My Fire: I think a fireplace adds a certain type of warmth and sex appeal to any room, especially a bedroom. Most people don’t have a fireplace in a bedroom at home, so doing a fireplace like this EcoSmart bioethanol (no vent needed) fireplace is a very cool idea.

Wallpaper is Where It’s At: Below I used a textured shagreen wallpaper that is easy on the eyes yet subtly dimensional.

Fun Objects: Use accessories and artwork that you may not otherwise use in other rooms. Be a little more daring. Remember this is a retreat and people should feel like they are in a cool, interesting “home away from home”.

Overall a guest room should be eclectic – a departure from everyday life. Think about what you want when you’re traveling. I like to see things I don’t normally see. I like to be inspired. I definitely like to be comfortable. But I want to walk into a room and say ‘wow’ out loud.