The holidays are here, and with them comes the joy (and stress) of welcoming loved ones into our homes.
As an interior designer, I'm often asked how to create a guest room that makes visitors feel truly welcome. Recently, I shared some insights with Southern Living magazine about this very topic, and today, I’m adding some more of my thoughts on creating the perfect retreat for your holiday guests.
Interior Design & Styling: Rachel Cannon Limited Interiors | Photo: Jessie Preza
Think Like a Boutique Hotel
"While personal touches make the rest of your home charming, guest rooms should feel like a boutique hotel experience," as I mentioned in Southern Living. This means creating a space that feels both luxurious and calming—a true sanctuary for your visitors.
The key is understanding that your guest room shouldn't be an extension of your personal space, but rather a retreat designed specifically for others. When I walk into a well-designed hotel room, I'm immediately struck by how the space feels both welcoming and uncluttered, allowing me to mentally unwind and make the space my own.
Interior Design & Styling: Rachel Cannon Limited Interiors | Photo: Haylei Smith
Interior Design & Styling: Rachel Cannon Limited Interiors | Photo: Haylei Smith
Essential Elements of a Welcoming Guest Room
Here are a few things to focus on when creating that perfect guest retreat:
Quality Bedding: I recommend investing in high-quality sheets and multiple pillow options. You want your guests to sleep well.
Proper Lighting: Ensure your guests have good lighting for reading and getting ready. Include easily accessible bedside lamps and a soft ambient light source.
Clear Surfaces: Provide empty surfaces where guests can place their personal items. A clean nightstand with room for a cell phone, book, and water bottle is essential.
Thoughtful Amenities: Consider including a few bottles of water, extra blankets, and a couple of carefully chosen magazines or books.
Interior Design & Styling: Rachel Cannon Limited Interiors | Photo: Jessie Preza
In this guest bedroom, the custom headboard, thoughtful color palette, and intentional details combine to create a serene atmosphere that your guests are sure to appreciate.
What to Avoid in Your Guest Room
Just as important as what to include is what to keep out of your guest room:
Family Photos: As I shared with Southern Living, "Seeing your family's beach vacation snapshots or children's portraits can make guests feel like they're intruding in someone else's private space rather than settling into their own sanctuary."
Excess Furniture: Resist the urge to use the guest room as overflow storage. Your guests need space for their belongings and to move comfortably around the room.
Personal Items: Keep your off-season clothes, exercise equipment, and storage boxes in another space. The closet and drawers should be available for your guests' use.
Overpowering Scents: Skip the strongly scented air fresheners or overpowering candles, as these can be overwhelming or trigger allergies for some guests.
Interior Design & Styling: Rachel Cannon Limited Interiors | Photo: Jessie Preza
Creating a Welcoming Atmosphere
The goal is to strike a balance between providing thoughtful amenities and maintaining a serene, uncluttered space. Consider including:
Extra towels and blankets
A simple card with your WiFi password printed on it
Basic toiletries in case they forgot something
A few extra hangers in a mostly empty closet
An easily accessible power strip for charging devices
Remember, your guest room is more than just a space—it's an expression of hospitality. During the holiday season especially, this room becomes a haven where your loved ones can retreat from the festive chaos and truly recharge.
Ready to refresh your guest room or another space in your home? Schedule a complimentary discovery call to learn more about our process.
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