How to Design a Great Guest Bedroom

When moving into a new home, most people are excited about exactly three things: the closets, the kitchen, and the primary bedroom. If you have a kid, maybe you’re thrilled to go HAM on the adorable Pottery Barn Kids collection or create a whimsical space.

My point is, though, that most people don’t really think about the guest room. It’s not often used and sometimes, it becomes a catch-all for the furniture that didn’t quite work in other spaces.

But in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina, y’all are going to need a nice guest bedroom. Charleston is consistently voted #1 place to live and visit by all the major publications, so the likelihood that friends and family are going to visit is HIGH.

So, with that in mind, let’s get to work on the guest room.

Imagine curling up with a great book here!

First, let’s create a space for relaxation.

Maybe your guests have been shuttling around Mt. Pleasant’s Shem Creek or dining at the Downtown hot spots, but they’ve undoubtedly been moving since they got there. The first step of designing a great guest bedroom is to make sure it is relaxing. Add a candle and fresh flowers to the nightstand. Spring for the big, plushy towels instead of the ones you rejected from your primary bathroom months ago. Maybe even toss a few linen robes in there if you’re feeling really fancy!

Leave strategic space.

The beautiful thing about a guest room design is that most everything can be one-function. In other words, you don’t need to hide a bunch of places for out-of-the-way storage (unless you need to sneak a few things in there to get it out of your hair). That said, guests usually bring with them a lot of luggage. Having a luggage rack and a little more space between furnishings to ensure ample space to move around bags is ideal.

Mind the lighting.

Don’t just offer your typical overhead lighting. Small sconces on the wall with dimmer switches or a standing floor lamp add to the “home away from home” vibes. And while I love a big, bright room, room darkening window treatments are just what the doctor ordered to ensure that sleeping in is easy.

Determine your point of interest.

I would be remisce if I didn’t tell you that, in any room, you need your main point of interest. I love an interesting rug, a beautiful wallpaper, or fun bedding. Pick something that you love and let’s run with it!

Get the bedding just right.

Nothing achieves better relaxation than a big, inviting bed. Since everyone has a different preference, I like to go thin on the comforter or quilt but leave extra pillows and blankets so that guests can layer to their liking.

Also, queen size beds are the minimum in a guest room so that couples can be comfortable. I love double-function beds for kids rooms or playrooms, but don’t make your guest assemble their sleeping situation: keep futons out of there.

Keep it stocked.

No one likes getting to their loved one’s house only to realize that they forgot Q-tips, their hairdryer, or conditioner. I love to keep guest bathrooms stocked with some of my favorite things: body wash, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, a hairdryer, and hairspray. If you have a lot of guests that fly, maybe throw in some toothpaste or anything else that would be over 2 oz. of liquid.

Add the finishing touches.

Nothing makes a guest feel more welcomed than if you take a moment to think about what they might need. Awhile back, my friend visited who had a baby and I setup our old crib with fresh sheets and a blanket and she was so moved. It only took about 15 minutes to make her feel extra loved and at home, and that’s what hosting guests in the Lowcountry is all about.

Need more help with your guest bedroom design (or any bedroom for that matter)? We’ve got you covered. Contact the Fig Leaf + Co. team to discover our interior design services in Mt. Pleasant case someone wants to sleep in..