With travel in abundance, you might have guests visiting your home in the near future.
In my experience, my guests are just happy knowing they have a place to rest their heads. But I like to go a little further to make them feel right at home.
If you have family coming in town for Labor Day or just an autum trip, I have some tips to give your guest room a makeover.
I created a video a little while ago about my own guest room. It was bare for so long… but I’m thrilled with the result!
The best part about these guest room upgrades is that they don’t require any painting or tools! Just super simple steps to spruce up your space in no time.
*post includes affiliate links
Don’t Be Afraid of Patterns
As you can see in the video above, I went all out with my quilt! And if you ask me, it works perfectly in my guest room.
Now a lot of people shy away from patterns for fear that they’re obnoxious or distracting. But when used properly, patterns can add a great design element to any room!
Here are a few tips I like to follow when incorporating any type of pattern:
- Pair your patterns with some solids. You don’t want too much going on at once!
- If mixing patterns, make sure to add different sizes of designs. If they’re too similar, they’ll clash.
- Try to stick with a specific style. If you’re going for geometric shapes, it’s smart to stick with those shapes throughout the room.
- Balance the patterns throughout the room. Don’t clump everything together!
- Designers recommend sticking to 3 or 4 patterns if you want a few. Experimentation is key!
Here are a few patterned guest room items I found that caught my eye.
I love how this round striped area rug features clean stripes that can make a bold statement.
Whether you use this Table Tray on an ottoman, a table or a dresser, it’s a great place for your guests to set their belongings.
I adore the texture in this beautiful throw pillow. And because the pattern is single-colored, it leaves room for you to add some more excitement in other parts of your room.
So, don’t hesitate the next time you find something decorated in a beautiful pattern! Following a few simple tips will help you make any pattern work — no matter your style.
It’s All About Balance!
I was so flustered trying to find a way to balance my guest room. After all, I only had one side table to work with!
Luckily, I found a budget-friendly table and did a little DIY decorating. After some spray paint, I had two side tables to balance out my room!
What I’m trying to say is that you don’t have to match everything perfectly to find balance in your home. Instead, make sure you play around with color, size and even texture.
Check out these ways that I balanced my household guest room.
This Ketchum Side Table isn’t the same as the one in my video, but it’s fairly close!
Opt for a lightweight furniture piece to even out your space. It’s not too heavy, and it provides a place to place your matching items—like frames or a set of lamps.
I also used a big decorative piece like this white medallion to balance out the heavier end table on one side of my bed.
Pay attention to drawing weight throughout your room!
I also balanced my space by using navy around the room. How? I chose a beautiful navy dresser, like the one above, to add to my guest room.
Pulling some of the blue color away from the bed really made a difference and made things look more even. (The blue isn’t currently in stock… but I love the white option as well.)
Shop Your House For Unused Items
Here’s a tip I only learned from personal experience. That dresser I mentioned above? It came from another room in my home!
I guess I never realized how many things in my house go unnoticed. At one point, they may have served a purpose, but a lot of times they can be better used elsewhere.
Take a look around your own home to see if your furniture works best where it is. You may even find decor items from your living room that can spruce up your guest room!
Don’t Forget The Artwork
Oh, how I love artwork. It truly adds some excitement to any space!
But when you’re in the midst of getting all of your guest room essentials in order—like a bed, a dresser and nightstands—you might forget about the decorative pieces altogether.
Here are a few items that will wow your guests!
If your guest room is in a mountain home, this nature-themed piece will be perfect.
Add this neutral triad of art above a bed! You can also spread them around the room or stack them for a whole new look.
This blooming canvas art is so inviting that your guests won’t want to leave. I’m sure of it!
Personal Touches Are A Must
If your guests wanted a bland experience, they would just stay at a hotel! That’s why I always like to add some personal touches to my guest room to make it feel like a home away from home.
One of my go-to DIY ideas is using a picture frame to write a personal message! Did you know that dry-erase marker wipes right off of glass? Now you do!
So I just print off a neutral photo, put it in the frame and write a little welcome note to whoever is staying with me at the time. It makes them feel extra special!
Ultimate Guest Room Welcome Pack
My personal touches are definitely inviting, but my welcome packs are what everyone gets excited about.
I like to throw together a little treat along with a few items for my guests. For example, if we’re having a girls’ trip, I include some bath and body products along with a sweet home-baked goodie.
When the holidays roll around, I always include a candle along with a scrumptious treat like my cookies and cream popcorn.
The video above will show you how to make it. Homemade food gifts are always a hit!
Here are a few other essentials I like to add to my guest room welcome bags.
Gift them a Mad Gab’s Lip Balm and Moose Smooch that they can take wherever they go. No more dry lips!
Add one of these small Philosophy bath items to their bundle of goodies. Just in case they forgot their own shower gel!
A sleep mask will be the cherry on top of getting to stay at your place. Because a good night’s rest will mean more energy for the day with you!
I don’t know about you, but I love having guests over at my home.
If you’re welcoming visitors to your place soon, I hope you’ll be able to use a few of these tips to spruce up your space.
From my home to yours,
Jill
