I’ll know I’ve reached functioning adult status when I have clean sheets ready, and the guest room in good working order before overnight guests arrive. No matter how many sets of sheets I own, washing them always falls to the bottom of my laundry list (my absolute least favorite household chore). It never fails that I am scrambling at 2 am, with the nicest set of sheets we own, freshly laundered, of course, assembling the room before guests arrive the next morning.

Never one to pass up a design opportunity, we’re using the holidays as an excuse to spruce up a guest room to inspire you to host friends and family this season. Because nothing says “thank you for being in my life” better than making your guest feel extra welcome and relaxed in your home.

Now, this doesn’t mean you need to stress about turning into Martha Stewart and have perfectly tucked hospital corners in your guest room. With just a few small tweaks, guest rooms can transform into an oasis so enjoyable you can use it as your own retreat away from real life in the comfort of your own home.

We teamed up with our long-time friends The Citizenry to pull together five ways a low-key host can make their guest feel extra loved when they stay overnight. Here are five low-stress, easy ideas from yours truly, on turning your guest room/storage room (I see you, fellow hoarders) into a space that will make guests feel loved and leave you feeling like a decent host.

Tip One: Less is more– seriously!

We mean it when it comes to the guest room. And we’re not talking about going minimal with your design, we’re talking about the actual STUFF in the room.  Before you buy ANYTHING for this makeover, take away everything in the space aside from the bed. Then think about the hotels and spaces you’ve loved staying in. One of the biggest reasons we love staying in hotels is the lack of clutter! Keep only what your guests need in this space: a bed, side tables, mirrors, and a possibly a bench/storage piece to place their suitcase. If your guest room is small, don’t worry about adding a dresser, tv, etc. They won’t need it! The goal is to make the space feel like a breath of fresh air. If there is one tip to take away from this post, this one is it. And guess what? It costs nothing!

Tip Two: Bedding is EVERYTHING in a guest room.

Guest rooms are great for making bold design choices, but before you decide what motif/color scheme/style you want to achieve in this space, consider going beyond big-box options and select bedding made with some TLC. We’re obsessed with The Citizenry’s new line of bedding and made their new Stonewashed bedding set  the backdrop for all our pillow and throw selections. Crafted in Portugal’s oldest, family-run linen mill, this bedding collection is made from luxe French flax that has been garnet washed for extra softness. The bedding is earthy and luxurious, all while feeling (and looking) relaxed and inviting– just what you want when someone stays at your home. After all, you’re not running a bed and breakfast so don’t hold yourself to that standard! Unless you get joy from that kind of obsession with details, like me. Then you do you!

Tip Three: Make a definitive design choice that ties together the whole room.

We wanted to keep the palette warm and inviting for a small space. We ended up selecting items from The Citizenry in tones that felt neutral and textured. By adding things like the Engobe Terracotta Clay Vase and the San Cristobal Brass Hanging, it gives interest to the space without overwhelming it. Pillows also helped to make a neutral bed pop. In a studio space, using the bed as a decorative piece adds warmth and brightness making a small room feel inviting.

Tip Four: Add simple touches that help guest relax.

My go-to items? Palo Santo, a little electric tea kettle and favorite fancy teas, and a stack of my favorite books.

Tip Five: Make decor choices that establish the bed the unequivocal focal point.

In this space, we selected a large painting instead of a statement headboard to draw the eye towards pillows made from mixed materials. The brass wall hanging highlights the little gifts for our guests arranged on the side table, plus the natural materials create a relaxing and soothing atmosphere. Anchor the bed with a textural rug and throw in a contrasting pattern or complementary color and you’re good to go.

That’s it! A couple simple ways for you to get ready for guests this holiday seasons. Any tips to add? We wanna hear them below!

–

Ed. note: This post was sponsored by The Citizenry. The compensation received in exchange for placement on Wit & Delight is used to purchase props, hire a photographer, write/edit the blog post and support the larger team behind Wit & Delight.

While compensation was received in exchange for coverage, all thoughts and opinions are always my own. Sponsored posts like these allow for the development of additional dynamic content to be produced, unsponsored.

Kate Arends

Kate is the founder of Wit & Delight. She is currently learning how to play tennis and is forever testing the boundaries of her creative muscle. Follow her on Instagram at @witanddelight_.