How to Transform Your Guest Room into an Inviting and Intentional Space for Last-Minute Guests

When guests come to stay, it’s important that they feel comfortable, welcome, and at ease. But for many homeowners, the guest room is often an afterthought—used for storage, left-over furniture, or as a catch-all space. Whether it's a spare bedroom, your home office, or a bonus room that’s rarely used, transforming it into an inviting and intentional space for your guests doesn't have to be overwhelming. With a few simple steps, you can make this room a cozy haven your guests will love—without a huge time investment.

The Problem: A Guest Room That Feels Like a Storage Space

Let’s face it: guest rooms often don’t get the attention they deserve. It may be filled with mismatched furniture, boxes, or unused items, leaving it feeling less like a welcoming retreat and more like an afterthought. When you need to prepare for a last-minute guest, this room can quickly become a source of stress.

But don’t worry—there are simple and effective ways to transform your guest room into an inviting and functional space that shows your guests they are truly welcome.

Simple Guest Room Transformation with Wall paint, new linens, and accessories

Transform Your Guest Room with Purpose and Ease

You don’t have to spend weeks redesigning your guest room. With a few key adjustments, you can create a space that feels intentional, cozy, and welcoming. Let’s explore the essential steps that will help you turn your guest room into a restful sanctuary in no time.

1. Start with the Basics: A Comfortable Bed

The bed is the heart and focal point of the guest room, and a comfortable place to sleep is essential for a great stay. Even if your guest room feels more like a storage area, start by focusing on creating a bed that feels like an oasis.

Actionable Tips:

• Fresh linens: Use soft, high-quality sheets (think 300-thread count or more) and fresh pillowcases. Even if your guest room is rarely used, making the bed with freshly washed linens gives it an instant upgrade. To create a luxurious feel, I usually go with neutral-colored linens like white, ivory, or light grey.

• Fluff-up pillows: Make sure there are enough pillows on the bed—at least two for each guest, depending on the size of the bed. Consider adding a decorative throw pillow like a long bolster in front of two large square accent pillows (20” - 22” sq.) to add personality and comfort.

• Comfortable mattress and bedding: If your mattress feels uncomfortable or outdated, consider adding a mattress topper for extra comfort. Add a lightweight blanket or duvet that works for all seasons, so your guests are comfortable no matter the weather.

Former kid’s room quickly transformed into a guest room - Photographer: Thunder Bird Productions

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2. Clear the Clutter: Create a Calm, Organized Space

Clutter can make a space feel chaotic and uninviting. Since guest rooms are often storage areas for unused items, one of the first steps is to declutter the space and make room for your guest to feel comfortable and at ease.

creating a guest room with closet space and comfortable sitting area - Photographer: Thunder Bird Productions

Actionable Tips:

• Purge unnecessary items: Remove anything that doesn’t serve the room. Clear off the surfaces, including the dresser, nightstands, and any shelves. If you need to store things temporarily, try placing them in a closet or storage bin.

• Organize the closet: If you have a closet in the guest room, be sure to have some hanging space available and that it’s tidy. A few empty matching hangers and a small area for your guests to place their belongings will make the room feel more thoughtful.

• Add storage options: If space allows, place a small basket or tray on a nightstand or desk to hold essentials like guest toiletries, tissues, or spare chargers.

3. Focus on Lighting: Set the Mood

Lighting plays a huge role in the overall atmosphere of your guest room. It’s important to create soft, ambient lighting that allows your guests to relax and unwind.

table lamp on nightstand

Actionable Tips:

• Nightstand lamps: Add a pair of table lamps on the nightstands (if you have them) for soft, adjustable lighting. Choose lamps with dimmers or low-wattage bulbs for a calm, peaceful glow.

• Overhead light options: If the room only has one overhead light, consider adding dimmers so your guests can adjust the lighting as needed. If that’s not an option, use an additional floor lamp or pendant light to brighten up the room without harsh light.

• Add candles: A few lit candles can make the room feel extra cozy, especially in the evening. Be sure to place candles in safe areas, away from curtains or flammable items.

4. Personalize the Space: Small Touches That Go a Long Way

While your guest room should be functional, a few personal touches will make the space feel more welcoming and special. You want your guests to feel like they’re staying in a thoughtfully designed space, not just an extra room you threw together.

Actionable Tips:

• Fresh flowers or greenery: A small vase of fresh flowers or a potted plant can brighten the room and add a natural element. If flowers aren't an option, consider an attractive faux plant for the same effect.

• Decorative throw blanket or rug: Add a pop of color and warmth to the bed or floor with a soft throw blanket. A small rug by the bed can add comfort and style while defining the space.

• Guest amenities: Leave a few small items for your guests. A bottle of water, a few magazines, or books can make your guest feel cared for. If you have a bookshelf or magazine rack, consider placing a few items for them to browse during their stay.

• Include an accent chair: An accent chair can be a cozy addition to your guest room, creating a perfect reading nook or place to relax outside of the bed. Pair it with a small table to hold a book, cup of tea, or a lamp.

5. Consider the Details: Practical Guest-Friendly Items

Small details can make a big difference in how your guests feel. It’s all about anticipating their needs and making the space as comfortable as possible.

Actionable Tips:

• Extra toiletries: Place a few extra toiletries in the guest room or bathroom, such as shampoo, conditioner, soap, and lotion. These small touches make your guest feel at home and taken care of.

• Charging station: Make sure there are easily accessible charging ports for your guests' phones, tablets, and other devices. A charging station near the bed or a bedside table with USB ports is a great addition.

• Towel set: Have a set of clean towels available, including a bath towel, hand towel, and washcloth. If your guest room is attached to a bathroom, make sure it’s stocked with these essentials as well.

• Add a floor mirror: If you have the space, a full-length mirror can be a great addition. Many guests appreciate the opportunity to check their appearance before heading out, especially after getting dressed. A stylish, floor mirror not only serves as a functional purpose but can visually enlarge the room, adding light and elegance to the space.

The Transformation: A Cozy, Welcoming Guest Room

By following these simple steps, you can transform your guest room from a storage space into a cozy, intentional retreat for your guests. From clearing the clutter to adding personal touches, the goal is to create a room that feels welcoming, comfortable, and thoughtfully designed—without overwhelming yourself.

Make Your Guest Room a Space Your Guests Will Love

Ready to make your guest room the go-to spot for your friends and family? Start with a few simple updates: fresh bedding, clutter-free surfaces, cozy lighting, and personalized details. With these easy tips, you’ll have an inviting, functional guest room in no time, giving your guests the ultimate comfort during their stay.

No more awkward, leftover furniture or storage chaos—just a space designed with care and intention. Turn your guest room into a room your guests will love to stay in.

SAVE THE DATE!

If you’re looking to dive even deeper into creating a more organized, intentional home, don’t miss our upcoming Transformative Workshop on Decluttering Your Home and Mind. Hosted by myself and two other amazing experts, this in-person and virtual workshop will guide you through decluttering your space and clearing your mental clutter to create a calm, functional home. Mark your calendars for Saturday, January 11th from 3-5 pm in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania. Stay tuned for more details!

7 Tips to Create a Romantic Bedroom

The overall decor of your home is a reflection of you as the owner. This is especially true when it comes to your own bedroom. Outside of the bathroom, our bedroom is the most personal room in our home. For those that share this space with a significant other, it's even more personal. How do you create a bedroom that is relaxing enough to let your hair down yet intimate enough to set a romantic ambiance? 

Tips to create a romantic bedroom

Clean Up. This may seem obvious, but often times our bedrooms become the victims of neglected laundry. Whether you decide to hire a cleaning person or do it yourself, straightening up and organizing is the first step to creating a romantic bedroom. It's amazing how a little cleaning can open up and transform a space. 

master bedroom

Soft Flooring. When you are trying to create a romantic setting, soft textures are important. If you have hardwood floors add a large area rug either at the foot of the bed (large enough so your feet touch the rug when you get out of bed) or wall to wall carpet. This will bring a warmth and sense of comfort to your room setting.

custom window treatment

Install Window Treatments. Add another layer of texture to your room with window treatments. Depending on the style of your room, you can keep your treatments simple and modern or traditional and ornate. In addition to the aesthetics of window treatments, they also can be extremely functional. For example, if you the both of you love to wake up to the morning sunlight it might be a good idea to have sheer panels to allow the natural light to filter through. However, if the both of you prefer to wake up to darkness, then blackout shades or panels would be a better solution. Determine what is the best option functionally, then choose the material and finish to compliment the style of the room.

Lighting Is Key. As a designer, I believe the right lighting is one of the most important aspects to a room. In order to create a romantic bedroom, the lighting has to be warm. If you have a ceiling light fixture like a chandelier or pendant I recommend having it controlled on a dimmer. A dimmer in the bedroom will give you the ability to control the setting of the ambiance. In addition to any ceiling light you may have I recommend adding table lamps and/or wall sconces. This will add a form of task and accent lighting to your space. 

A Pillow or Two. Pillows are a great accent and can easily dress up a bed. However, too many pillows can be overwhelming to creating a romantic setting. I recommend keeping 2-3 shams (the larger pillows) with 2 soft accent pillows on your bed. The accent pillows should have a soft texture blend but should not be the same. Allow the pillows to be unique and different for visual interest. 

Flowers. Flowers bring freshness and beauty to the decor of a space. If you are allergic to fresh flowers consider a small silk arrangement to place on your nightstand or dresser. This will bring an organic feel to your room. One small - medium arrangement is usually enough. 

candles

Candles. As a candle lover, I believe in candles everywhere but especially in your bedroom. Add candle votives as part of your room accessories. Mercury glass candle votives, for example, are beautiful finishing touches to your nightstand and dresser decor and also offer a stunning glow when lit. Candles are a great way to create a romantic setting in your room. 

It's the small accents that can elevate a space. For more ideas of how to elevate your bedroom decor contact me at sabine@georgettemarise.com. 

À la prochaine,

3 Pieces of Furniture that Should be in Every Bedroom

The bedroom is one of the most important rooms in a home. Though it’s not a public room in the home where everyone is invited, it is a private room for resting, relaxing, and “me” time. Whether you are decorating a master bedroom, a guest bedroom, or a kid’s bedroom these are 3 pieces of furniture you definitely need to have.

Bed Frame. The bed is the most important piece to a bedroom, it is also the largest piece. After all, if there’s no bed then it’s not a bedroom, right. It is usually placed on the longest or largest wall. It is considered the showcase piece that defines the rest of the room. The wall that the bed is placed is the focal point wall that you see when you walk into the room. There are several styles to choose from, sleigh bed, 4 poster bed, panel bed, bunk bed, upholstered bed, and the list goes on. Choose the style of your bed carefully because it has to be both functional and stylish.

painting the bed frame wall an accent color created the focal point to this master bedroom.

Chest of Drawers. Storage, Storage, Storage. Every room needs it. A chest is a great piece to add in any bedroom because of it functionality. It also is a great way to add height to your room. Don’t forget to accessorize it by putting artwork or wall decor above it .

Depending on the size of your bedroom, you maybe able to fit both a tall chest of drawers and a wide dresser. Be sure to talk to an interior designer to assist you in deciding which, if not both, will be appropriate for your bedroom.

In this master bedroom, I used the chest of drawers/dresser and an accent chair to create a functional sitting area.

Accent Chair. This is often the forgotten piece of furniture in a room because most people go straight to the bed for seating in a bedroom. The bed is for resting, and the accent chair serves as a great place to cozy up and read a book before going to bed, reading the paper with a cup of coffee in the morning before starting the day, or maybe feeding your newborn in the nursery . 

Creating a sitting corner is an important element to a bedroom because not only does it allow you to add another texture or color to the room, but it serves as another area in the room to relax, take your shoes off, and to unwind. Contact me at sabine@georgettemarise.com today to create your bedroom retreat.

Here's to gorgeous bedrooms!