Turn Your Guest Room Into a Haven
If you have out-of town guests staying with you, it’s time to starting thinking about an inviting area for them to relax and call home for a few days. Whether your guest room is a chic extra bedroom or a daybed in the corner of a playroom, these simple ideas can help make guests feel welcome without breaking the bank.
A Comfortable Mattress
Is your guest bed mattress cast away from your old bedroom set? Nothing says “we don’t really want you here” more than an uncomfortable mattress. If you can’t buy a new mattress, consider a foam mattress topper. It’s a smaller investment and can really step up the comfort level.
Clear The Clutter
Less décor is calming. Have enough room to stash a suitcase away and hang a few clothes. Provide empty hangers in the closet or on the back of a door with an added hook.
Utilize Side Tables and Dressers
An inexpensive alarm clock that is simple to set, table lamps, and a box of tissues adds the comforts of home. For added charm, add a small empty tray for storing jewelry, reading glasses, etc.
Be Aware of Windows
How bright is the morning sun? Do your window treatments let them sleep in? This is a big benefit if you enjoy your own coffee and quiet time, sans guests, in the morning.
Keep In Mind The Room Temperature
Uncle Bill might want the temperature 72 at night, while your family drops the whole house down to 65 to save energy and sleep more comfortably. Add an energy efficient wall heater so Uncle Bill can set the temperature in his room to his own comfort level. They’re simple to use, and installs easily. This is a permanent installation, so you don’t have to worry about tripping over cords in the middle of the night.
If you’re not sure which type of thermostat would be best suited for your space, take a look at our blog post on the Difference Between a Mechanical and Electronic Thermostat.
Clean The Dust
If your guest room is like mine, I don’t go in there very often. In fact, there is a dead plant mocking me for my inattention. This doesn't mean that dust stays away, however. Shake out the curtains, dust the blinds, and wipe all surfaces.
Be sure to check out our blog post on How To Clean Your Electric Wall Heater and our other blog post on How To Clean Your Baseboard Heater.
Add a Special Touch
Check that outlets are open and available near the bed for charging cell phones. If not, provide a power strip with extra outlets and cord that will reach.
Place Magazines
...or that paperback book you really enjoyed set next to the bed or in a basket is a nice touch. It also may keep your guest out of the kitchen when you’re trying to focus on preparations.
Fill A Small Basket of Garage Sale Toys
If children are coming, this will keep them busy, and they’ll be delighted to find them on each visit.
Add A Basket of Sample Size Toiletries
Here’s where you can put all those tiny shampoos, lotions, and soaps you picked up on your last hotel visit. Toss in a toothbrush as well.
Freshen Up Your Space with Greens
If you have pretty fresh greens blooming in your yard, set them in a vase and add to a dresser or bathroom countertop. Check for allergies and avoid strong scents.
Check out our blog post on how Cadet is growing a thriving community garden.
Use Motion Sensor Night-lights
Very inexpensive and make the space safer for guests searching for the bathroom in the middle of the night. With these affordable tips, your guests may never want to leave.
If you’re wanting to do a more in depth remodel of your home or even just looking for some inspiration on how to spruce up your current space, check out our blog posts: Cheap Kitchen Remodel Tips, How to Gain Living Space with a Simple Upgrade and How To Take Your Remodel to the Next Level for more ideas.