5 of Our Favorite Picks for an Inviting Guest Bedroom
Growing up in a home where hospitality was not a priority, I couldn’t wait for the day when I could host overnight guests! Since we were married, Scott and I have always prioritized the guest bedroom in our home over almost every other space in the house!
They say if you want to really learn something, you should teach it! Somehow, with the responsibility of sharing knowledge with someone else, our minds are more receptive to the lessons and experiences we are given. My lessons were taught through the hospitality others so kindly shared with me in my early worldwide travels as a singer. I was amazed at the warmth and care people I had often never met before shared so generously with me! I took in every detail of the ways they made me feel so welcome, safe, and secure.
Now that one of the gig economy’s biggest creations, Airbnb and its ilk, offers the potential for anyone to become a “Superhost,” styling the perfect guest bedroom has taken on a whole new level of importance!
So you can guess this topic is near and dear to my heart!
Crafting a hospitable ambiance in your guest space is so crucial. It is the most gracious extension to others in your whole house. After all, it’s meant to serve as a little home away from home for your visitors, right?
It is crucial, but not difficult! In these next few paragraphs, I’ll discuss some of my favorite ways of laying out the welcome mat for our overnighters and share some great product picks to help you accomplish this in style!
Invite your guests to kick their shoes off with a warm, natural fiber rug.
Nobody is comfortable in a place so overly decorated you don’t feel you can put your feet up. And, unless it’s a hot, tropical situation, cold solid surfaces like stone or tile on bare feet do not equal cozy.
Hard floors are gorgeous, but in the guest room, spring for an area rug or runners on either side of the bed to soften and warm your guests' sleepy first steps. Natural fibers like jute are a no-brainer for a sleeping area. There is no danger of off-gassing typical of manufactured fibers, and their organic appeal is so lovely.
When I purchased our first jute rug for our beach rental, I imagined stepping on a brillo pad, but it was surprisingly soft and comforting!
Here is a great natural fiber area rug that will fit in almost any decor:
Guest Bedroom Pick #1: The Natural Braids Rug in Cream.
This rug is like a soft, cloud-like hug for your feet, instantly elevating the comfort level of any room. Its neutral cream hue seamlessly blends with various design styles, from cozy farmhouse to chic Scandinavian. For this blog post, I have it styled in a Coastal combination. It is the perfect foundation for any guest bedroom and easily sets the stage for endless moments of casual relaxation and connection. Grab yours here.
2. Make a good night’s sleep luxurious!
Face it. Sleeping is why they are here. So do your best to make it the soundest sleep ever! If you have the room for it, a King-size or (better yet, says the native California designer who can’t stay away from the beach!) a California King-size mattress is the ideal. But a queen will do in a pinch!
To ensure the mattress remains clean, envelope it in a mattress protector, which differs from a mattress pad. The protector is like a pillow case that zips up around the entire thing. Look for one that protects your mattress from spills and stains, shields against allergens and dust mites, and prevents bed bugs and pests (gross!)
Now that the mattress is in order, let’s place it on a dreamy frame!
Guest Bedroom Pick #2: Banana Leaf Queen Bed-Grey Wash
Ah, the Banana Leaf Queen Bed, what a stunner! I truly adore its tropical charm and how it effortlessly blends organic elements with contemporary design.
Crafted from mango wood and abaca, this bed exudes a relaxed but sophisticated vibe, perfect for creating a lovely oasis for your guests. Its grey wash finish adds a touch of rustic elegance, making it a versatile piece that pairs beautifully with coastal, bohemian, or even minimalist aesthetics. Plus, its queen size ensures ample space for them to stretch out and unwind in style. Find yours here.
3. Coordinate the main elements in the room, without being matchy-matchy
As I teach in my course, “The Envied Nest Academy,” matching furniture is no longer a thing. It hasn’t been for a long while (and I’m OLD, so I can tell you - it’s been a LONG time!) However, a well-designed space should still have a strong sense of cohesion. We can accomplish this with our own wits, instead of the furniture designer’s, by going for similar materials.
In this example, the rug is made of natural fibers. I then curated a bed made with banana leaf, another fibrous natural material. The chair is made with white-lacquered mahogany and ephemeral, natural caning. The bedside tables also have a light case with similar caning in the drawer fronts. The dresser is made of natural, rustic wood with caning in its drawer fronts. And so on. See the pattern?
Guest Bedroom Pick #3: White and Wicker Club Chair
Now, let’s talk about the White and Wicker Club Chair, aka the epitome of chic comfort! This modern take on a classic Bergères design is a true showstopper, blending transparency from caning with solidly carved and lacquered mahogany. Imagine your guests sinking into its plush linen cushion, enveloped in luxury and style. Whether placed in a cozy reading nook or as a stylish accent piece, this chair adds a touch of French-inspired elegance to any guest bedroom. Grab yours here!
4. Make room for their things with ample storage.
Travelers have things!
They may pack them all in a small bag to avoid checking luggage but, in the end, everybody wants a place to open up and put their things away. Give them as much room as possible to do that gracefully.
If you don’t have a full closet to offer them, clear a section of one and add some empty hangers so they feel empowered to utilize the space for hanging. Have empty drawers available in bed and bath so they don’t have to live, as it were, out of their suitcase. If you can, show them where they can store their empty luggage, too!
Bathrooms are notorious for not having enough hooks and bars to hang wet towels or laundry, and most guests appreciate being able to stow their toiletries where they will be handy but not visible.
Guest Bedroom Pick #4: Sydney 9 Drawer Dresser
This dresser is a true statement piece with its natural mango wood construction and woven cane detailing. With 9 generous drawers, this dresser offers plenty of storage space for your guests’ belongings and is a striking focal point in any room. Its textural look and eye-catching contrast make it a perfect match for eclectic, bohemian, or coastal design styles, and can add warmth and character to a cozy space. Here’s is where you can get your own!
5. Serve up plenty of surfaces for a cup of Sleep-inducing herbal tea and classic bedtime reads.
The gracious host is conscious of a visitor’s travel schedule and what it took for them to make it to this point in their journey. Of course, we want to be great entertainers, but we also want to be sensitive to people’s body clocks, especially if they have traveled from a different time zone or a great distance to reach your home or property. Help them unwind with some quiet time before bed.
A good nightstand will help get them set up for the night with a glass of water, alarm clock, reading lamp, and a place to lay said read down when they’re ready to turn out the lights.
Guest Bedroom Pick #5: Luella Nightstand
The Luella Nightstand is sleek, stylish, and airy, with woven cane panels and aged brass hardware. Perfectly sized for holding bedside essentials, it combines form and function effortlessly. Whether paired with modern, coastal, or transitional decor, this nightstand will add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your guest bedroom. Purchase yours here.
In Summary …
By incorporating these five hosting tips and gorgeous furnishings into your design, your guest bedroom will create a welcoming and comfortable space for your guests to relax and unwind. Whatever your decorating style, don’t be afraid to mix and match different textures and finishes to add depth and personality to the room. Don’t forget to add personal touches like fresh flowers, cozy throws, and thoughtful amenities to make your guests feel truly at home. With these picks, you’ll have all the basic ingredients for creating a dreamy retreat that your guests will never want to leave!
Feel free to browse the whole collection here.
Disclaimer: This blog post may include affiliate links that will earn me a small percentage on any purchases at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support!
Ready to design a guest bedroom that feels warm and welcoming for your friends and family? We can help. Reach out to us, and let’s chat.
Warmly,
