Be Your Own Guest!
In my husband’s upbringing, there was an unspoken rule that the downstairs guest room was off-limits and set apart as a special place, always prepared to receive guests. This priority of setting aside our best for guests has been carried into our household. At first, I didn’t take to it all that well. For as a young bride I wanted the pretty new bedroom furniture for myself! After a little coaxing and reevaluation, the front guest bedroom of our quaint 1920’s bungalow won out. Our finest furnishings and linens waited prim and poised, ready to receive guests at a moment’s notice.
As we’ve moved, our guest accommodations have remained a priority in each of our homes. Recently, due to some renovation projects, my husband and I got to be the guests and stay in our downstairs guest room. I’m not going to lie, it felt kind of special and almost an indulgence! What I noticed though, is that while the accommodations are quite nice, there’s a few ways I can make the space even more comfortable.
For instance, over time the closet became an extra storage space, leaving little room for guests to hang their clothes or tuck away a suitcase. The extra furnishings like the antique rocking chair and tall dresser look nice, but take up space that otherwise could accommodate a stand for a suitcase.
Then there’s the guest bath, incredibly charming with a claw-foot tub and pedestal sink. But I noticed it leaves a little to be desired when it comes to having enough space to put toiletries and getting ready in the morning. A small bathroom cabinet and maybe a dressing table with a mirror in the guest room would be a great improvement!
With the holidays upon us, you may find yourself welcoming overnight guests into your home. I would encourage you, take a trial run and be your own guest! Sleep in the bed, get ready in the guest bath. Notice what little improvements you can make that would cause your guest space to be all the more comfortable and accommodating.