Tag Archives: Guest rooms
Bedroom Design: How to Turn Your Child’s Bedroom into a Temporary Guest Room in a Flash
Post by Tracy Kaler.
We’ve all been hit with a last-minute house guest at some point in our adult lives, but what happens when Aunt Marie decides on Thursday that she’s coming to town for a visit on Friday? First of all, don’t panic! You got this, I promise. Here are six practical tips to help you turn your kid’s room into a temporary guest room in no time.
Put away the toys.
If you have a small child, you’ll want to make an attempt to eliminate the youthfulness in the room. Put away stuffed animals, dolls, and toys. Store in a trunk or neatly on a shelf in the closet. You’ll be amazed at how much less cluttered the space will feel immediately.
Change the bedding.
If the bedding has a “Paw Patrol” or “Despicable Me” theme, it’s best to change it to a more neutral design, or a pattern with a grown-up motif. That could be a white duvet cover or a solid-colored coverlet and crisp white sheets, or something basic like a check or stripe. Even a whimsical floral might work.
Create hanging space in the closet.
Temporarily, move some of your child’s clothing into your room, but leave some hangers. If the closet is large, you can simply push the garments to one side, leaving enough room for Auntie’s clothes.
Clear a drawer.
Clean out one drawer for personal items. Your guest might not unpack if it’s a short visit, but it sure will be nice for him or her to have the option and feel at home during the stay.
Add some adult amenities.
After the toys are gone, you should have a little space to add a few adult amenities. Bring in several books and magazines, as well as a small houseplant or vase with flowers. Have a notepad and pen by the bed or on a desk if there’s one in the room. Add a luggage rack or small bench if you have one handy, so your guest can have a proper place for a suitcase.
Bedroom Design:5 Musts for Setting Up a Guest Bedroom
Post by Tracy Kaler.
Beach Style Bedroom by Providence Interior Designers & Decorators Kate Jackson Design
If a guest room is new territory for you, a few basic pointers might be in order. Beyond the obvious –– such as a bed, nightstand, and bedside lamp –– a few other items is all it takes to make the space one in which your family and friends will envy each time they visit.
Fresh, crisp linens
Sleeping is number one in any bedroom, and a guest room is no different. High quality linens, or the highest quality you can afford will bring restful sleep to your overnighters. Be sure to choose 100 percent cotton, and have both down and foam pillows available since some people have an allergy to feathers.
Rustic Bedroom by Newport Beach Architects & Building Designers Jodi Fleming / Fleming Distinctive Homes
Space for clothing
Whether your room has a closet or you choose a freestanding wardrobe, you’ll need storage for clothing and other belongings. If your space is closet-less, a few wall hooks and a dresser may do the trick.
Luggage rack
A luggage rack can look fashionable as well as be functional. Your visitors also won’t need to place their potentially dirty suitcases on nice, clean bedding when they unpack. Even a sturdy bench at the foot of the bed can work well to hold your guests’ bags.
Modern Bedroom by New York Architects & Building Designers David Howell Design
Beverages
A few bottles of mineral water, a tea setup or even a mini coffee maker will keep your guests from traipsing to your kitchen late at night or first thing in the morning. An ice bucket would be extra thoughtful for iced tea drinkers.
Transitional Bedroom by London Interior Designers & Decorators Sasha Meredith Designs
Bathrobe
A plush robe is the ultimate amenity, in my opinion. Warm when you’re getting out of the bath or shower, and cozy in the chilly evenings or on top of PJs, a washable terrycloth robe is a must for any guest quarters.
Bedroom Design: 4 Ideas for a Multipurpose Guest Room
Post by Tracy Kaler.
A multipurpose room might seem like a design decision from days of yore, but more and more people –– particularly in urban areas –– are living in less square footage. That comes as no surprise since doubling up on functionality is practical for both space and budget.
A space that can be easily re-adapted is the guest room, particularly one that is used only several times per year (such as when your old college roommate comes to visit).
Here are four ways to make alternate use of your guest room after your guests have checked out.
1. The Guest Room/Nursery
If needed, use your guest room as a nursery and when Aunt Brenda comes for a visit, move the baby into your room for the weekend. This inviting dual-purpose space is lovely enough for a newborn, or your most discriminating in-law.
2. The Guest Room/Office
One of the most practical solutions for a multipurpose room is a guest room and office in one. This modern take on a traditional layout –– with a temporary wall separating the spaces –– works beautifully and enables one person to catch some sleep while another is hard at work. The room also functions well as a home office. This design is perfect for a city apartment guest room.
3. The Craft Room/Guest Room
Clever built-ins and a sewing machine turn an extra sleep space into a project area. The uncluttered approach leaves guests plenty of room to sprawl. Pleasant and practical for work, play, or rest, this versatile guest room receives a good amount of natural light through the double window and skylight.
4. The Guest Room/Children’s Room
These clever built-in bunk beds are ideal for kids or teens. This cabin could very well be a second home, in which case you could move the children into your room (perhaps on folding cots) when you have overnight company. This space is also convenient for a family of four if you have a couple with children come for a stay.
