Sunday, December 21, 2008
We asked design pros to share their thoughts on what elevates a truly welcoming guest room from just a space to crash.
“Think about technology. If there is a TV in the guest room, make sure the remote has fresh batteries. If there is a computer in there, leave instructions for log-in and codes. For guests with laptops, give them the log-in code for your Internet service.” — Amy Elliott, author of “A Warm Welcome: How to Be a Gracious Host to Friends and Family” (Ryland Peters & Small, April 2009)
“Put dimmers on all the guest bathroom switches. After a late party, your guests just want to brush their teeth, and you don’t need lights glaring at you.” — Skip Sroka, Washington designer
“Give your guest room a fresh tree or plant to make sure it has a little bit of life in it. Often these rooms are closed up for so long. More than an arrangement of fresh flowers, a tree or plant makes me feel like the room is not forlorn.” — Celerie Kemble, New York designer
“Your guests need an empty surface more than they need a dresser. They need a place for their stuff. And they need something more than that wobbly little rack for the suitcase. Better a bench.” — Barbara Barry, Los Angeles designer
“Always consider what your guests may forget. Have the closet stocked with bathrobes, toothbrush, toothpaste, brushes, hair dryer and towels.” — Charlotte Moss, New York designer
“Make sure the air conditioning vents aren’t blowing on the bed. My guests froze until someone finally told me. Now I’ve installed a clear plastic diverter on the vent, so everything is comfortable in there again.” — Taylor Wells, Washington area designer
“Find photos of your guest that show how they have been incorporated into your life. Find a moment of shared history for them to share while they are staying with you, whether old high school photos or wedding pictures. It shows an extraordinary level of thoughtfulness.” — Celerie Kemble
“Look into the linen closet at your guest sheets. Have you been using the same ones for years? Do you see Marimekko prints from the 1970s? It’s time to upgrade. Donate your old sheets to animal shelters.” — Amy Elliott
Source: Washington Post