Hosting friends and family during the holidays is always fun and exciting, although preparing your home can often add some extra stress. After all, you want your guests to feel comfortable and cozy while staying in your home. If you have holiday guests coming this year, don’t worry. Follow this guide on preparing your home and guest spaces so you’re ready for holiday visitors in no time.
Design a Welcoming Space
To make your guests feel at home, it’s important to have a space that’s dedicated to them only – a guest space where they can keep their things and lay their head at night. If you already have a guest room in your home, a few updates may help make it more welcoming. If you don’t have a set space for guests, but have extra room, consider a custom renovation to create one. Updating your home to include a guest room will not only increase its value but will provide long-lasting benefits while you live there.
Your options here are to add an addition onto your home or renovate an existing room. If you want a custom renovation and have the physical and financial space for them, adding both a guest room and bath can be a beneficial upgrade. To help fund your project look into using a low interest home equity loan. With this, you’d have access to the funds in a lump sum so it can be applied towards supplies, materials, and paying a contractor. Once the layout is drawn up you can move on to the next step of picking out supplies and furnishings.
Pick the Colors
To help create a relaxing ambiance in your guest room, stick to neutral and light paint colors. Pick one color for the walls, and then add pops of color through accent pieces. Ideal choices are light grays and beiges for the walls. If you want to do wallpaper, consider adding a unique print on one wall versus the whole room. By keeping the space simple, you’ll accommodate all guests and create a relaxing retreat for when they stay at your home. You’ll have plenty of choices if you’re looking to renovate your floors, as well. With your floors, you want a material that lends itself to easy upkeep and cleaning. Hardwood or laminate flooring are both ideal options. Bamboo and cork are also emerging as a flooring trend. If your home is carpeted and you want to keep the guest room the same, choose a simple color that matches and is easy to clean.
Search for Furniture
With the layout and design of the room complete, you can start looking at options to furnish your guest room. Consider the size of the guest room and the furniture you’ll want to include. Items that’ll help enhance the space and make your guests feel at home include a bed, dresser, and an accent chair or bench. Having an extra space for guests to place their bags and personal items is key to making them feel comfortable.
If you’re buying new furniture for your guest space, try to pick out styles that compliment your paint colors and flooring. You can look for sets and search for items that are multi-functional, allowing for extra storage space.
Add the Extra Touches
The most important part in hosting is that your guests get a good night’s sleep at your home. Find a bedding set that’s comfortable and a soft, neutral color. Then, add pops of color to your guest room with decorative pillows, blankets, wall signs, and rugs. Adding a nightstand, phone charger, and TV are nice extras. The small details you add will make all the difference.
If you went the route of adding a guest bathroom, consider having it as close to the guest room as possible. Ideally, you’ll want it to be a full bath, with a shower. If you’re working with a small space, utilize shelving as storage for towels, toiletries, and other items. If you want your guests to feel extra special, provide a robe and slippers for them.
A remodel can seem intimidating, but with the right design and team, it’ll be seamless and enjoyable. Now is the perfect time to think about upgrading your guest space for the next holiday season.