As the holiday season descends upon us, it's likely that many of our friends and relatives will do the same. The challenge, then is to make sure they have a comfortable place to stay.

Creating a peaceful retreat for your guests will help everyone relax and enjoy the season. Even if it serves a dual purpose during other times of the year, a few simple yet functional considerations will help you create an ideal guest room that both you and your guests can appreciate.

The first decision is where to put your guest quarters. Both builders and remodelers say an increasing number of clients are putting their guest rooms in the lower levels of their homes, where there is traditionally more privacy and more space.

"People often want to give their guests their own space, not just a room, and the lower level of a house can accomplish that" says Steve Simiele Jr., an interior designer at Neal's Remodeling in Western Hills. "That way guests have their own space to retire at the end of the evening on their own and unwind."

Simiele says lower levels also allow for space for guest bathrooms, either in the guest room or near it, as well as a wet bar, refrigerator or microwave. "It all helps them feel more at home," he says.

No matter where the room is located, a comfortable bed serves as the centerpiece of any good guest room. But adequate storage space is almost as important. "Most of the guestrooms we build include a good-sized double-wide closet that serves two purposes: storage for the guests as well as overflow seasonal storage for the homeowners," says Simiele.

When dedicating closet space to guests, keep in mind what their needs will be, says Pete Hagenbuch, owner of Closet & Storage Concepts. "They'll have luggage and toiletries to put it away, so you need a good mix of storage," he says. You probably won't need a lot of hanging space, he says, but make sure there's enough variety for different items, like long hanging space for dresses or formalwear, or some double-hang space for shirts and sweaters. You'll also want to include shelving for folded items, and hooks or valet rods to store the luggage itself.

Once the belongings are stored, several other features can help guests feel more at home during their stay. Dea Raizk, owner of Norwalk The Furniture Idea in Rookwood Commons, says a small sitting area adds a nice touch to any guest room. "It's great for reading or conversation," she says, adding that if the room's not large enough for a separate area, a comfortable easy chair can create the same effect.

A window seat or bench is another relaxing option, says Gordon Loomis, president of Loomis Interior Carpentry in Independence Ky. "You can get pretty creative with them. We build them every way you can imagine," he says. Because they can be built with doors, drawers or open compartments, the seats can serve as extra storage as well as a nice place to read or relax.

An armoire is another functional piece that's ideal for guest rooms, according to Simiele. "They have drawers for storing smaller items, and they're also a good place to put a small television, if you want to offer one," he says.

Similarly, a library system can add a nice touch, says Raizk. "You can display books, pictures and accessories on them, adding to that home-away-from-home feeling," she says.

When it comes to décor, a few accessories around the room can be welcoming, but keep them to a minimum to save space for your guests. According to Mark Schnicke, vice president of the Schnicke Company in Loveland, the most appreciated part of a guest room's décor actually comes from the outside.

"A good window and lots of natural light are important to any guest room," he says. His clients are incorporating large windows, even in lower levels. "If the basement doesn't have a walkout, we'll put a dry stack wall outside a window and make a big well so there's plenty of natural light and they can get out the window if need be," he says. To dress those windows, blinds or shades are gender-neutral and will allow privacy while making any guest comfortable.

While you want your guest room to look nice, the ideal room is functional as well. Another reason Raizk recommends a library unit is that some have a pull-down desk feature for a computer, which guests might need during their stay.

Indeed, space to work is another guest room plus. Even during the holidays, guests may need to get a little work done or check their e-mail. So in addition to a clean workspace, make sure the room is wired with outlets and phone lines to accommodate computer or other technology needs.

Some homeowners may want to expand on that work space so they can use the room themselves once guests have packed up and left. "Including a full desk with a computer component allows guests to mix business and pleasure, and then the room can become a home office for the homeowner once guests have gone," says Raizk.

In fact, when you incorporate multifunctional furniture, the guest room can become anything you want when guests are not there. Simiele's clients have used guest rooms for purposes ranging from a home office to a laundry room.

Worried that your guests will wake up in pain after spending the night on a rickety old sleeper sofa? Fear not. Raizk says that advances in pull-out sofas have made it possible to provide guests with many restful nights.

"Our sleeper sofas are just as comfortable as a regular bed," she says. "With that kind of comfort, you really can make the room multifunctional and not worry that your guests will suffer because of it."


back to articles >>