Home » 9 ways to touch up your guest room Add that personal touch with a "So glad you're here!" $3/pack of 25 notecards, $3/pack of 10 envelopes; Go big and your shed can pull double duty. This transformed shipping container houses both a potting shed and guesthouse. The structure also has a green roof and is eco-friendly, making it a triple threat. Related: 10 Cool Shipping Container Houses Seeing no need for the grain shed that lived on the property of their new house, this couple repurposed—and relocated—it. After moving it to secure more scenic views, they set to work tearing down interior walls, refinishing the hardwood floors, and furnishing it. Given this shed's location in a lush, green backyard, it’s no wonder the owners wanted to make it as open and airy as possible. The exterior is painted a subtle green that allows the retreat to blend in with its surroundings and provide some privacy despite its openness. This traditional shed’s exterior was given a facelift with a coat of bright paint.
The bare-bones interior is outfitted with a potting bench and supplies, but a bed and a lofted second level signal that this shed is ready for more than just gardening. You’d never be able to tell from looking at it, but this budget-friendly backyard retreat is made entirely from salvaged materials. The shed is even supplemented with a terrace where visitors can step outside and enjoy the garden. Although the homeowners initially thought the decaying shed in their new home’s backyard was destined for the dump, a closer look revealed it might have potential. In fact, the couple (one is an architect) transformed the 280-square-foot structure into a living space that encompasses a bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, and dining area. With the right pops of color and such accents as a sleeping net and driftwood awning, this shed was transformed into a beach paradise. To make the transformation complete, might we suggest adding an outdoor shower? If you don’t have a shed to rehab, fear not: There’s a prefab for that.
This model is customizable with a variety of green features, including photovoltaic solar panels, low-energy lighting, and recycled-newspaper-based insulation. You may not have heard of it until now, but you’ll be wanting one soon. Friggebod is Swedish for a small structure or shed. This modern prefab version is particularly tiny at just 100 square feet, which means its construction is possible in many areas without a permit. With such distinctive design, it's hard to imagine that this guesthouse had a former life sheltering tools and lawn equipment. The structure gets much of its wow factor from a striking exterior element, the redwood-clad wall that bisects the façade on a diagonal while also separating the interior rooms. Another prefab on our list, this shed breaks the manufactured mold to offer a rustic rather than a modern look. An abundance of windows makes it especially appropriate as a greenhouse or garden retreat. If used as a guesthouse, it's best reserved for those who like to wake up with the sun.
Related: Build Your Own Greenhouse – 11 Easy-to-Assemble Kits Orla Kiely Flower Show Shed This garden shed has been decked out to the nines. Designer Orla Kiely created the intimate home for a flower trade show, but we wouldn’t mind planning a weeklong getaway to the cozy structure this spring.Tea BedroomBedroom SpaceDreamy BedroomOrganize BedDesigned SpaceWell DesignedAmple DrawerQueen Murphy BedGuest Room Murphy BedForwardThis wall bed is a great way to organize and sort your space so everything is easily accessible. The ample drawer space allows a clean, well designed space where everything is tucked out of site.You’ll probably be entertaining some overnight guests this Christmas — and will want to make them feel as comfortable as possible when they visit your home. I worked in the hospitality industry for more than a decade before becoming an etiquette consultant. It was while working for the opulent Breakers Hotel in Palm Beach that I learned a thing or two about pampering and making guests feel welcome.
It's important to design your guest room with the same love and care as you would your own bedroom. Here's how to turn your guest room into a five-star getaway — for your loved ones or friends who are coming to visit. 1.) Provide a good night's sleep. A comfortable guest room starts with an exceptional bed. As you know, a bed can make the difference between a happy guest and a grumpy guest. Dress your bed with luxurious sheets. I prefer sateen sheets because they are 100-percent cotton with a high thread count and lustrous sheen. Like Egyptian cotton, they are breathable and suitable for any season. Always wash the sheets the day before your guests' arrival so they smell fresh and clean. Then add a spritz of lavender linen spray to the bedding for a special touch. A light blanket and comforter combination is also a great way to make your guests feel warm and cozy while they sleep. Pamper your guests with goose-down pillows — but also keep a couple of foam pillows on hand for those who may be allergic to feathers.
Related: Rise Above the Christmas Controversies 2.) Provide a writing desk. Part of the vacation experience is sitting down and putting pen to paper to share special memories with friends back home. A small desk can function as a vanity as well as a writing station. Provide some pens, local postcards, and a few decorative stamps. A freestanding mirror will allow your guests to touch up without having to do so in the bathroom. 3.) Add bedside lighting. Vacations are the perfect time to relax and read or catch up on email. Task lighting allows your guest to relax or work without disturbing the rest of the house. 4.) Supply some reading material. Place a small stack of books and magazines on the nightstand for a quick read. A nice assortment might include magazines on health, cooking, decorating — and even a weekly magazine of celebrity and human-interest stories. Put a daily devotional book in the room if you know your guests will enjoy it. If your guests have never been to the area before, provide a local map and brochures on things to see and do while they are visiting.
5.) Provide a sitting area.If space permits, provide a comfy chair in the corner of the guest room and drape it with a soft throw so your guest can curl up and read or just take a nap without messing up the bed. "I also place a few of my favorite dark chocolates in a crystal bowl by the bed," says one host. "After all, who can resist chocolate?" 6.) Add fresh flowers. A room comes alive when you add fresh flowers. Creating an arrangement doesn't have to be a chore. Ellie Lowry of Mount Dora, Florida, likes to collect a few cuttings from her garden and put them in a pretty vase and place them either in the guest bathroom or in the guest bedroom. "Flowers add a pop of color to a room and make guests smile," she says. 7.) Make it personal. Nancy Holder of Williamsburg, Virginia, always welcomes her guests with a handwritten note that reads, "Welcome to our home. I'm glad you're here!" "I also place a few of my favorite dark chocolates in a crystal bowl by the bed," she says.
8.) Keep luggage off the floor.A luggage rack provides a place for your guests to place their luggage when they arrive. Buy one that is relatively inexpensive and can be folded up and kept in the closet until it is needed. Speaking of closets — place a soft terry cloth robe or a waffle texture robe and some disposable slippers in the closet in case your guest wants to join you for breakfast without having to get fully dressed. You can usually pick up a complimentary pair of slippers in the guest room whenever you travel and stay in nice hotels. 9.) Light the way. Your home may be unfamiliar territory, plus you don't want your guests to trip and fall if they have to get up in the middle of the night. Put a small night-light in the bedroom and guest bathroom to light the way. 10.) Stock the necessities. Everyone forgets to pack at least one thing when they travel. Stock the bathroom with a few travel-size essentials, including shampoo and conditioner, shower cap, toothpaste and toothbrush.