Getting the Guest Room Ready for Guests

by Sherry Holetzky | More from this Blogger

17 Sep 2007 10:06 AM

You'll often hear that each room should have a separate function, and that makes sense if you have plenty of space. However, if your guest room does double duty, say as a home office, you can still make it into a comfortable space for company. By making the guest area the focus of the room, your guests won't feel like they're sleeping in your office.

Stand in the doorway of the guest room and see what you notice first (a tried and true trick for discovering focal points). If it doesn't look like a guest room from the entrance, a redesign can help. If there is no real focal point, and it just looks like a room filled with furniture, you can make the guest area the focus in just a few steps.

First, arrange the furniture so that the bed is the first thing you notice from the doorway. You can do this by placing the bed parallel to the doorway or angling it catty-corner. Creating a focal wall as a backdrop for the bed is another good idea, and you may not have to move as much furniture this way. Paint the wall a color that stands out or apply fabric or artwork. Place an accent rug so it leads the way to the bed..

If possible, place home office furniture in an area that is not seen from the entrance or where it isn't as noticeable. Move other home business items into that area as well and try to keep all items separate. Clean out at least part of the closet so guests can store their gear. If the only chair in the room is your desk chair, consider picking up an extra chair for the guest area. You can separate the home office area by adding a freestanding screen if desired, but distinct separation isn't as necessary if the guest area is the focus of the room.

Making Guests Comfortable in Your Home

Update Your Guest Room

Learn more about Sherry Holetzky

Sherry Holetzky is a work at home mom and freelance writer. Married to her best friend, Sherry and her husband are raising their family in a quiet rural setting in the beautiful Ozark Mountains.

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