Essential Design Tips to Prepare your Home for Guests

Make your home ready for guests with the right design flourishes. If you host frequent houseguests or are thinking about listing your property on Airbnb, it’s the little things that add up to a flawless stay. Here are a few tips to take your hospitality to the next level.

1. Keep guest room decorations minimal.

Make your guest room a home away from home by keeping decorations to a minimum. A clean, bright space invites guests to make it their own. Remove excess clutter from the room and fill it with bright blooms of flowers, tastefully arranged books, and a desk with stationery.

2. Provide space to unpack.

Even if your guests are only staying for one night, they may wish to unpack their belongings. Keep this in mind when selecting bedroom furnishings. If you have the space, an empty closet and dresser invite guests to put away their clothes. With limited space on hand, you can offer a workbench or stool to hold suitcases.

3. Stock up on toiletries.

Toiletries not only serve as a convenience for houseguests, but they also look good in the bathroom when displayed in a pretty glass container or soap dispensers. Most of us have samples of shampoo, conditioner, and lotion lying about, so save these for your guests. Extra toilet paper should also be visible so that your guests don’t have to ask.

4. Offer an inviting, practical nightstand.

Include a night stand and working lamp next to the bed. You can also take your hospitality to the next level with a chilled bottle of spring water on the night stand and chocolates on the pillow.

5. Make your entryway inviting.

Make a great first impression on guests with a clean entryway. This can also be useful if you want your guests to take their shoes off when they enter the home. Leave a shoe caddy by the door along with a basket of clean house slippers for guests to take at their leisure. If you have other house rules, use humour to get this across. You could welcome guests with a speech while wearing an innkeeper costume to keep it light-hearted. Another option is to post up a humorous sign with the house rules in the entryway.

6. Stock up on linens and towels

It should go without saying to offer your guests clean towels and linens, preferably matching. Don’t forget a few extra blankets and pillows in case the weather changes.

7. Create usable seating areas.

If there’s space in the guest room, create a corner seating area. A plush chair or loveseat should be placed near a window or desk. Display current magazines and newspapers, along with the Wi-Fi password for guests to make themselves at home. You can go the extra mile with a guidebook to local attractions, along with some personalised suggestions for restaurants and sights.

Finally, remember to relax. Guests don’t expect the amenities of a five-star hotel, and they will appreciate the time you’ve put into providing basic luxuries!