The Ultimate Guest Suite

Aug 3
3 min read

One of my greatest joys is having family and friends come stay with us. I want my home to be a revolving door with each guest bringing their individual outlooks, inspiring stories, and wonderful laughter to fill our hearts. I find making them feel comfortable and appreciated is the best way to show them they are welcome and free to be themselves! For this purpose, read on for my design tips to ensure your guests feel right at home in the ultimate guest suite.

Cozy bedroom with a gray bed, wooden trunk, and armchair. Soft light enters through curtains. Beige carpet and art on the wall. Relaxed mood. — Woven Jute Rug | Stone Linen Bedding | Throw | Lumbar | Chair | Tray | Light Fixture | Lamp

GUEST SUITE LIGHTING

Nothing sets an inviting atmosphere quite like lighting. Mixing natural light with gorgeous fixtures lifts the mood and makes a space feel larger. Strategically place different light sources throughout the room. Locate them in spots that make it easy for your guests to turn down for the night or rise and shine in the morning. Start with an overhead fixturethat illuminates the whole space, and then integrate lamps for task lighting.

Bed with gray and patterned pillows, white vase with roses on a side table, books, and lamp. Bright, serene bedroom with soft light. — Lamp | Bedding | Lumbar | Side Table

LAYERS

Layers are key! Give your guests lots of bedding options. Whether they cozy up under a fluffy duvet or need a pile of pillows to be comfortable, incorporate various throws and pillows. This allows your guests to relax however they see fit. A wide range of materials and textures, from crisp cotton sheets to a chunky jute rug, will subconsciously enhance their tactile experience of a room. (*Don’t forget to provide a landing zone for all of those comfy options! A bench or a trunk at the foot of the bed will serve as a place for extras to stay off the floor. Furthermore, storage like this clears the walkway when it’s time to get tucked in.)

Cozy bedroom with a gray bed, decorative pillows, wooden chest, and tray. Bright windows, white walls, and pendant light enhance elegance. — Rug | Duvet | Lumbar | Light Fixture | Chair

SPECIAL DETAILS

I love to create little moments of joy for my visitors. As an illustration, using trays is a simple way to add meaningful touches. Whether you use them to corral candles, refreshments, or a good book, these thoughtful gestures show your desire to go above and beyond in anticipating your guests’ needs.

A cozy bedroom with a tray holding a wine bottle, glass, popcorn bowl, books, and a candle on a bed with patterned and gray cushions. — Tray | Candle | Lumbar

GUEST SUITE AMENITIES

The conveniences of home can be discovered within any guest suite, regardless of shape and size. If you have the available square footage, housing a washer/dryer unit or a coffee bar within built-in cabinets are luxurious ways to ensure guests have everything they need at their fingertips. If you’re more limited on space or budget, then clearing a spot in a spare closet and providing cushioned hangers and a luggage stand can go a long way in helping guests settle in.

Wooden pantry with shelves holding jars, cups, and a silver coffee machine. Cabinets below store drinks; neutral tones create a cozy feel.

White stacked washer and dryer in a closet with shirts hanging on the right. Beige baskets on top; dryer balls in a glass jar. Clean, tidy look.

GUEST SUITE SEATING

All things considered, grant your guests space to relax and unwind. I’ve found this especially useful when families with children are staying with me. Kids’ schedules can vary, so providing a peaceful place to have a snack or read a book is a win-win for everyone. A built-in breakfast nook supplies a dedicated area for morning coffee or a moment of calm.

Dining area with wooden table, wicker chairs, potted plant, candles, and a plate of apples. Light wood floor, rustic beam, cozy. — Chairs | Table | Napkins

Cozy dining nook with woven chairs, wooden table, potted plant, apples, and candles. Cushioned bench with pillows under skylight. Warm tones. — Chairs | Table | Napkins

GUEST SUITE SURPRISE

Have some fun in your guest suite! Utilizing unique materials, like “picket” tiles in the shower or painted tiles on the floor, adds whimsy and playfulness to basic areas. Since most guest quarters will only be occupied for a few days at a time, they offer an opportunity to take a risk. Try something that you may otherwise shy away from in frequently used, everyday rooms.

Shower with beige hexagonal tiles, brown floor tiles, wicker basket with folded white towels, and sponge. Soft natural light filters in.

Wooden vanity with drawers, brown vase with green leaves, round mirror, and jar of soap. Neutral tones in a bathroom setting.

A fluted vanity is always a classic choice and feels especially refined in a secondary space, such as a guest bathroom. Its drawers afford plenty of concealed storage for toiletries, a hairdryer, towels, and other necessities. Finally, remember that fresh greenery and floral arrangements inject a room with life and vibrancy. I’ve yet to meet anyone who doesn’t feel special and appreciated when presented with such a treat.

What are your favorite ways to prep for visitors? Drop us a note below!