Be my guest
Spring seems to turn to summer in a moment. The spirit of entertaining is reborn as we're inspired by the warm air, long days, and a host of other reasons to bring family and friends together.
Whatever the occasion, or season, we're all going to have the pleasure of houseguests. The not-so-often used bedroom now becomes the most important room in the house.
Anyone who has stayed at a luxurious hotel knows how addictive all the amenities are, and how difficult it can be to leave them behind. Hosting visitors in a comfy 5-Star luxurious guest space is a fun and exciting challenge. Guest bedrooms, decorated with carefully chosen furnishings, fabrics, and bedding are the rooms that can truly pamper your guests in an intimate, private retreat, and make them feel welcome.
When designing your guest bedroom, a good place to begin is with the bed. A high quality mattress with sink-in comfort, dressed to the nines in sumptuous linens, that take their cue from boutique hotels, is an important element that will ensure a relaxed night's rest.
A fluffy featherbed or mattress topper, such as memory foam or other natural alternatives make a bed luxurious. High thread count sheets, lots of soft sleeping pillows, and a cozy down or down-alternative comforter can make a bed feel like you're diving into a cloud. The options are endless.
I recently spoke with the assistant manager, Peggy Watson, at Between The Sheets in Flower Hill Promenade. She stated, "We are seeing some specific trends in duvets and sheets in our area. All the hues of Aqua and Ocean colors are trending, as well as Gray - from Pearl with silver thread enhancement to deep Charcoals. Patterns in Gold and Taupe remain very strong, and there are requests for Purples and Lavenders. We are also very excited about our Equestrian themed bedding from one of the fine Italian producers that we import."
Recently, I completed a guest bedroom in a gorgeous Rancho Santa Fe home. I used a beautiful silk fabric in a distinctive buffalo check in bold blends of plum and purple hues. My client was a little surprised at first at the lively colors in the fabric. You can get away with more daring combinations of colors and designs in a guest bedroom.
I combined the fabric to canopy antique iron twin beds, dressed in traditional mattelasses, then continued the fabric on the window treatments for the drapery and cornice. At the foot of the beds, I had upholstered benches repeating the fabric. The final look was daringly bold, yet sophisticated. My client was thrilled at how striking the guest bedroom had transformed. "I love the surprise factor," she happily said.
In creating a cozy sanctuary for weary travelers with all the comforts of home, close the door and let the pampering begin. A reading spot with a comfortable chair and pleasing lighting makes a guest feel relaxed to enjoy a little downtime alone. A bench at the foot of the bed for ease in unpacking a suitcase, and a table with a workspace for a computer would ensure your guest a blissful getaway intended for enjoying peaceful solitude. Add thoughtful touches such as a bouquet of fresh flowers, assorted bottled waters, homemade munchies, soft pillows and extra blankets and throws, a daily newspaper, current magazines, and scented candles.
Kudos should go to the hosts and hostesses who thoughtfully plan rooms with their guests needs in mind. With welcoming spaces that beckon the tired traveler in such an inviting ambiance, even homeowners may be tempted to check into their own grand guest getaway.
