How To Help Overnight Guests Feel at Home
The season of hospitality is upon us. With temperatures dropping and leaves changing, thoughts turn toward gathering. If you’re like us at Che Bella Interiors Design + Remodeling, we eagerly anticipate house guests over the next couple of months. With an eye toward smart design and warm hospitality, let’s talk about how to prepare our homes to welcome our guests.
Roll Out the Welcome Mat
Treat your guests to a warm welcome when they come to the door. Roll out a literal welcome mat both inside and outside. Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your choice. Choose a classic sisal rug or one more seasonal in nature – pumpkins anyone?
Ahead of your guest’s arrival, clear out the entryway. Put your shoes and boots away to make room and tuck coats and jackets in a closet. Consider adding decorative, yet functional hooks or a coat rack. There are so many clever choices available from modern to organic.
As the wet and slushy weather approaches, add a stylish boot tray. Trays are available in hammered copper, classic black, rubber and more. Boot trays keep the muck off your floors and shoes contained. Plus, they look smashing – win-win!
These simple tips make the most of a first impression.
A Space of Their Own
When on the road, it’s nice to have a place to catch your breath. If you’re blessed with a dedicated guest room, you’re one of the lucky ones. No formal guest room? No worries. Set aside a space for your guests and use these tips creatively to make them comfortable or consider converting an existing room into a multi-functional space. Ideas below!
Set-up
Provide your guests with a luggage rack and clear out a drawer or two and some space in a closet. Your guests will thank you! Place a small table with an accent lamp or wall sconce next to the sleeping area and don’t forget a mirror so your guests can peek at themselves before heading out the door. Finally, keep a small fan in the room to help with temperature control and create white noise when needed.
Sleep
Sleep is a premium when away from home. While you can’t control what time your guests go to bed, you can control how comfortable they are once they get to bed. In addition to layers of plush, textural bedding, have extra pillows and blankets on hand. Add a mattress topper to the bed for an additional layer of comfort.
==> See additional photos of this tranquil Burnsville, MN owner’s suite remodel
Privacy
Consider adding a room divider or screen for privacy if your guest’s sleeping area is in an open space such as a great room or in a lower level without a door. Panel structures or those made from fabric are fantastic options depending upon your set-up. Put either into play when it’s time to settle in for the evening.
One Step Further – A Multi-Functional Office/Guest Bedroom
If you frequently host guests but don’t have a room to dedicate solely to them, consider converting an existing room into a multi-functional space such as an office/guest bedroom. Working with a team like Che Bella Interiors can provide interior design and remodeling ideas that match your vision. A room can be re-oriented to play several roles. Think about adding a murphy bed to the space that can be tucked away when not in use. Well suited for this solution, murphy beds are workhorses that give you flexibility. Where style is concerned, they are chameleons, able to mesh with the desired aesthetic in the room. A desk and seating area can complete the setting.
==>>Learn more about this Burnsville, MN basement remodel that created a glamorous multi-functional entertainment room, office and bedroom utilizing built-in storage and a Murphy bed.
Hospitality 101
Even the most seasoned traveler appreciates being pampered. Make these extra touches available to your guests and don’t be surprised if your home is the stop of choice in the future.
- WiFi password – post it prominently.
- Charging station – make sure an outlet is accessible and provide charging cables, one for apple and one for android.
- List of area attractions and calendar of events – call out your favorites.
- Water and simple snacks in the guestroom – keep guests from wandering the house in search of food and drink.
- Fridge filled with guest favorites – address any dietary needs and let your guests know what you have on hand.
- Books, magazines, and games laid out in the guest room and gathering spaces – a little thoughtfulness goes a long way!
A Home Away From Home
If hosting is on your horizon, take stock of your guest spaces. Tidy up and beautify what you can, and if an impending visit gets you thinking about how a space could operate differently, contact Che Bella Interiors Design + Remodeling. We share your joy in opening our homes to friends and family. Let our team of experienced Minneapolis interior designers and remodeling experts help you make your home beautifully yours!
