5 Comfy Features of the Guest Addition

How to keep your guests happy and comfortable

More hospitable than your “Welcome” mat is the living space you design for houseguests. It can be an overnight stay or a weeklong vacation that brings family and friends your way, but when you open the front door, it’s your opportunity to shine as a hostess. Below are room ideas and tips for the time together on your turf.

Watch how this guest room transforms from boring to beautifully decorated. Custom upholstered headboards, simple window treatments and a large mirror make the room feel spacious and invite friends to linger a bit longer. On each side of the bed, soft lighting can be turned up for late-night reading. Plus, the guest’s own TV gives them some entertainment on the side. And everyone will tell you the most important part of the bedroom is a good night’s sleep. A down duvet atop triple sheets (one over a comfy, feather-top mattress and the other two sandwiching a thin down blanket) add to your guest’s chances of forty winks and beyond.

#1 - Comfy Bedroom Features:

• Bedside alarm clock
• Magazines and books to browse
• Pillows for propping to read and watch TV

When you’re more likely to entertain singles, this symmetrically planned bedroom is perfect for friends who travel in pairs but like their own side of the room. No need to fight about it since each is identical, complete with large baskets to store blankets or double as luggage racks.

#2 - Thoughtful Ideas for Singles Room:

• Closet space for guest’s hanging clothes
• Amenities like fresh cut flowers and chocolates
• Blinds or curtains to block out morning sunlight

A separate guest bath isn’t always in the plan, but it’s a luxury when visitors have their own place to shower and clean up. This room is elegant with granite countertops, an under-mount sink and travertine tile floors. Plenty of counter and custom cabinet storage space gives your guest a place to unpack their toiletries.

#3 - Guest Bathroom Extras:

• Towels and washcloths laid out
• Soaps and lotions with exceptional scents
• Guest robe hanging on the bathroom door

If your home has extra space, like this San Francisco couple’s garage, then a structure originally built for two cars can transform into a 400-square-foot guest room and office. Detached from the house, this space is a perfect getaway for company who want to visit but also love a bit of privacy. And again, a separate bath is ideal for everyone.

#4 - Detached Guesthouse Features:

• Bench to sit and change shoes or lay clothes
• Desk space for guest to set up laptop near an outlet
• Separate sitting area and inviting chair for downtime

And finally, this dilapidated 280-square-foot shed (a tear-down for sure) out back behind a San Francisco Victorian home was transformed into a guest cottage after the couple borrowed space planning ideas from boat cabins. In this small area, they’ve got everything needed for a welcoming visit – a bed, desk, bathroom and kitchenette.

#5 - Guest Cottage Goodies:

• Wireless Internet access
• Bottled water and soft drinks in refrigerator
• Coffeemaker for the early bird houseguests

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