Hey friends! Can you believe fall starts this week? For me, that means sweater weather, soup season, and football. :) Fall is one of my favorite times of year (close second to Spring). I love the crispness in the air; watching the colors change in nature, and turning on the fireplace for the first time.
There is an extra special feeling of connectedness to family and friends that seems so nostalgic and comforting. Maybe it’s the anticipation of all of the traditions and fun gatherings on the horizon, which brings me to the whole purpose of today’s post. As you start thinking about hosting overnight visitors at your home, we thought we would share five essential ingredients for making sure your guests feel welcome and comfy during their stay.
1. LUSH BEDDING & EXTRA LINENS
Bedding should be soft and inviting. In this space, we chose a white, linen duvet and added pops of color and pattern via pillows and blankets. The gray-washed, queen bed we sourced has drawers on each side, which is the perfect place for storing extra pillows and bedding essentials.
2. A PLACE FOR CLOTHES
Should your guests not want to live out of a suitcase during their visit, having a dresser or chest of drawers is a great solution. Not to mention, the surface area is ideal for resting jewelry and other small items. We went with a rich, emerald green dresser with golden brass hardware to create a statement moment against the neutral tones of the walls and other furniture.
3. ADDED SEATING
Including a chair in the corner provides a spot for your guests to sit other than the bed. It offers a place to put on shoes, enjoy a cup of coffee, or wait for a spouse to finish getting ready. We thoughtfully incorporated a curved accent chair with a brass base to tie in with the other brass elements in the space.
4. BEDSIDE TABLES & LAMPS
Both of these items are must-haves. Guests need a place to charge their phones and keep a glass of water. The lamps provide the perfect lighting for those that prefer to read before bed or may need to get up during the night.
We selected dreamy off-white nightstands, each featuring a single drawer and lower shelf, bringing both style and storage to the bedside. And arguably my favorite pieces in the entire space (close toss-up with the emerald dresser) are the two large-scale, alabaster table lamps detailed with aged brass accents and linen drum shades. They are my favorite lamps we’ve added to a client project so far - so statuesque and stylish.
5. ENGAGE YOUR GUESTS' SENSES
Making an effort to engage your guests’ senses will certainly enhance their stay. Think about things like having a soft area rug they can walk on with their bare feet; lighting a candle shortly before they arrive so the room smells amazing; cleaning and tidying up any clutter so the space is visually calming; if you have an audio source, turn on low-key music to create a welcoming vibe; and to really raise the bar, add a small basket or tray of their favorite goodies for them to enjoy before turning in for the night.
This project included a sophisticated, hand loomed rug featuring a linear design in ivory and soft gray. We kept with a minimal aesthetic to align the room with an approachable feeling and also styled sensory accessories like our beloved BJI Sand + Sea candle.
Hosting and entertaining is another love of mine, so thoughtfully designing guest retreats is particularly fun for our team. Although this list isn’t comprehensive, we hope it helps you create a space your friends and family will love and enjoy.
xo,
Bethany
Photographs by Elizabeth Lauren Jones Photography